People without a usable hob
If you need a saucepan or frying pan to prepare meals but don’t have a hob available, a portable hob can fill that specific gap. If you choose induction, check that your cookware is compatible too.
Who are these options for?
People who cook meals in a pot
For soups, starchy foods and slow-cooked dishes, a multi-cooker can bring several cooking modes together in one pot. Functions vary by model and don’t automatically replicate those of an oven.
People who want a golden, crisp finish
If you can already boil or reheat food but would like to make gratins, roast vegetables or crispy portions, compare the size and format of a mini oven with an air fryer.
Which criteria should you consider first?
Think about the meals you usually prepare, then check that your chosen appliance suits the space and setup you have available.
| Need | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Add a cooking zone | Hob type, dimensions and available socket; cookware compatibility if you choose induction. | If you don’t have a usable hob, being able to cook pasta or fry food is the function to restore. Around 29% of consumers would put adding a cooking zone at the top of their needs. |
| Cook meals in a pot | The model’s modes, a capacity suited to your portions and the space needed when the lid is open. | For soups or slow-cooked dishes, I’d choose a pot rather than an oven cavity. This would be the main need for around 24% of consumers. |
| Cook in an oven | The mini oven’s internal dimensions, the size of your dishes and the clearances specified in its instructions. | If your existing appliances make it difficult to prepare gratins or small batches of baking, an oven may take priority over other functions. Around 18% of consumers would prioritise this type of cooking. |
| Roast food in a basket | The basket’s usable surface, your usual portion sizes and the space the appliance takes up. | If I already have a way to boil or slow-cook food, I might mainly want to roast small portions in a basket. This would be a priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Combine microwave and oven functions | The functions you need, the dimensions of the housing and the installation requirements for the combination appliance. | In a kitchen already designed for a built-in appliance, combining reheating and oven cooking may matter more than adding a freestanding appliance. Around 11% of consumers would prioritise this combination. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Assuming one versatile appliance can replace your entire kitchen
A combination microwave oven brings different cooking modes together, but it doesn’t provide a hob for a saucepan. An air fryer uses a basket, not a hob.
Make a note of the meals you prepare most often and identify the function you’re actually missing before choosing an appliance.
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Measuring only the width
The depth, the space needed to open a door or lid, and the clearances specified in the instructions can all make a spot unsuitable.
Measure the available space in all three dimensions, then check how much room the appliance needs when in use.
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Overlooking the power supply
Power requirements vary between appliances and models. In a small kitchen, several appliances may also be used near the same power supply.
Check the stated power requirements for each model and consider which appliances you’ll use at the same time. If you’re unsure about your setup, ask a qualified professional for advice rather than modifying the circuit yourself.
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Comparing capacities in litres as if they measure the same usable space
The volume of a cooking pot, basket and oven cavity doesn’t tell you the same thing about the usable space for your dishes.
Check the internal dimensions, the size of compatible dishes and the accessories included before comparing stated capacities.
Brands to know for different needs
Moulinex
The Cookeo range is designed for cooking meals in a pot, including pressure cooking, steaming and slow cooking, depending on the model.
- Moulinex lists six modes for its Cookeo Simplicity, including browning and reheating.
- Check the modes and capacity of your chosen Cookeo. These functions don’t mean it can replace an oven for your recipes.
Tefal
Tefal offers Easy Fry air fryers and portable Everyday induction hobs, designed for different cooking needs.
- Tefal lists a power range of 300 to 2,100 W for the Everyday Slim hob.
- For an induction hob, check that your saucepans are compatible; for an air fryer, look closely at the basket on the specific model.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers compact ovens that combine microwave, grill and oven functions for built-in installation.
- Electrolux lists a 43 L capacity and a 450 × 560 × 550 mm housing for the KVLBE08X.
- These dimensions apply to this model. Check your cabinetry and the installation instructions before choosing a built-in combination appliance.
Bosch
The Bosch MAF462B1 air fryer is one example of a single-basket appliance.
- Bosch lists a 6.1 L basket, a temperature range of 40 to 200 °C and a connected load of 2,050 W for this model.
- The stated capacity alone won’t tell you how large a dish you can lay flat in the basket.
HIGH ONE
The freestanding HIGH ONE MO 21L KE22AA-ED mini oven is an example of a conventional oven that doesn’t need to be built in.
- Electro Dépôt lists a 21 L capacity and external dimensions of 45.2 × 36.5 × 29.3 cm for this model.
- It needs to be cleaned by hand. Also check the space required around the appliance in its instructions.
Appliances for cooking in a small space
These Joybuy appliances are suited to three different needs: adding a portable cooking zone, cooking portions in an air fryer or preparing meals in a pot. Start by choosing the function you need, then compare the requirements of each model.
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IAGREEA DF200-14V10, 2,000 W induction hob
Worth considering if you need a portable cooking zone for using a saucepan or frying pan. The product title lists eight power levels, a temperature range of 60 to 270 °C, seven preset functions and a 3 h timer. You’ll need flat-bottomed magnetic cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Also check the available space and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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ochama, 2,000 W portable induction hob
This hob is designed for anyone who needs a cooking zone they can move or put away after use. The product title lists ten heat settings and six functions. It requires cookware with a ferromagnetic base; check its dimensions, the available socket and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Midea, 2 L 1,150 W air fryer
If you’re looking for hot-air cooking in a small space, compare the 2 L basket with your usual portion sizes. The product title lists a 60-minute timer and a removable, non-stick basket that’s dishwasher-safe. Measure the space you have in mind and check the ventilation clearances required.
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NINJA FN101EUGY Crispi air fryer
Worth a look if you want hot-air cooking with containers suited to different portion sizes. Check which container works for the dishes you prepare, then make sure you have a stable surface and the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions.
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Instant Pot Classic 5.7L Daydream Blue
This multi-cooker is designed for meals prepared in a pot rather than dishes that need an oven cavity. Compare its stated capacity of 5.7 L with your portion sizes and available storage space. Check its external dimensions and power requirements for the spot you have in mind.
Frequently asked questions
What should you check before equipping a furnished rental?
Start by checking which appliances are already there and in working order. In France, Decree No. 2015-981, published on Légifrance, includes cooking hobs and an oven or microwave oven among the minimum furnishings required in a furnished rental. You can then choose an appliance to fill the gap in your own setup without duplicating what’s already there.
Can an air fryer replace a hob?
Not for meals that need a cooking zone and a saucepan or frying pan. An air fryer cooks food in a basket or a suitable container. If your main need is to boil, fry or slow-cook food on a hob, consider a portable hob instead.
How can you check the electrical setup before buying?
Check the power requirements of the appliance you’re considering and take other appliances in use at the same time into account. Using a multi-plug adapter doesn’t remove the need to check the electrical setup. If you’re concerned about its condition or capacity, ask a qualified professional to inspect it.
What should you check when it comes to cleaning?
Check the model’s instructions to see which parts are removable and which need to be cleaned by hand. Moulinex lists dishwasher-safe parts for the Cookeo+ mentioned in its documentation, while Electro Dépôt specifies manual cleaning for the HIGH ONE MO 21L KE22AA-ED mini oven. Don’t assume the same applies to another model.