Start by thinking about the meals you make most often. A solo microwave is mainly for reheating and defrosting, while a portable hob, mini oven, air fryer or multicooker is suited to different types of cooking. If you regularly need to both reheat and cook, pairing a microwave with a second appliance may make more sense than expecting one appliance to do everything. In either case, check the space available, the clearances specified in the instructions, the power rating and the cookware you’ll need.
If you have limited worktop space and are only staying for a short time, choose based on the meals you can realistically prepare there. The 2023 survey by the Crous Network covers, among others, students living in rooms with their own facilities or in studio flats/one-bedroom flats (T1); it does not, by itself, describe their cooking equipment.
If there appears to be no oven, or it can’t be used, check the inventory and the condition of the appliances before buying one. In France, for the furnished properties covered by Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015, the minimum furnishings include a hob and an oven or microwave.
If you can only keep one appliance on the worktop, start with the meals you usually make: stir-fries, dishes to reheat, food to brown under the grill and meals with sauce may not all call for the same equipment.
A hob is for cooking in a saucepan or frying pan; a mini oven is designed for oven-style dishes, while an air fryer is suitable for browning some smaller portions. A solo microwave is mainly for reheating or defrosting, and a multicooker is for meals prepared in a cooking pot.
| Need | Points to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking in a saucepan or frying pan | Check the number of cooking zones, whether your cookware is compatible with an induction hob, and the power rating in relation to the available socket. | If I regularly make pasta, eggs or stir-fries, I’d prioritise a cooking zone that works with my pans, even if I have to cook dishes one after another. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this type of cooking. |
| Browned or oven-cooked dishes | Compare the external dimensions, the size of dishes the appliance can accommodate and the required clearances, rather than looking only at its capacity in litres. | If gratins, pizzas or cakes are regulars on my menu, I’d look for an appliance suited to these dishes rather than just reheating. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Check the dimensions, whether there’s room for your dishes and the ventilation requirements in the microwave’s instructions. | In temporary accommodation, I mainly reheat leftovers and defrost ingredients; cooking in a frying pan isn’t a priority. Around 20% of consumers prioritise reheating and defrosting. |
| Meals cooked in one pot | Check the cooking pot’s capacity, the space needed to open the lid and which functions are actually included. | For soups, meals with sauce or steamed dishes, I’d rather prepare everything in one pot, while accepting that it won’t replace an oven. This is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
In France, Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015 includes a hob and an oven or microwave among the minimum furnishings required in the furnished properties it covers. If an appliance is missing or broken, check the situation with your landlord before buying a replacement.
Check the inventory and check-in report again, take photos of the appliances and ask in writing what has been provided.
If you buy an appliance too soon, you may also have to transport or store it when your tenancy ends.
According to Severin, the TO 2067 mini oven measures 44.5 × 38.5 × 29.5 cm, despite its stated capacity of 20 L. A freestanding microwave also needs adequate ventilation in line with its instructions.
Measure the space in width, depth and height, then allow for the clearances required for the model you choose.
A solo microwave designed for reheating and defrosting won’t meet the need to cook a pizza, gratin or cake in the same way as an oven.
Make a note of the meals you cook most often. If baked or browned dishes feature heavily, compare the functions of a mini oven or combination microwave too.
An appliance may be small but still have a high stated power rating: Tefal lists up to 2,100 W for its Everyday Slim hob, while Severin gives the TO 2067 a rating of around 1,500 W.
Check the model number, power rating, socket and operating instructions. When buying an electrical appliance in France, the DGCCRF recommends checking, among other things, that it carries the CE marking.
An option for reheating and defrosting with a freestanding solo microwave.
An option for baking and browning without a built-in oven, provided you have space for a mini oven.
An option for saucepan and frying-pan meals with a portable induction hob.
An option for preparing steamed or slow-cooked meals in one pot.
An option for browning some smaller portions with an Actifry Mini air fryer.
First, check what appliances are provided and report the fault to your landlord before buying anything. In France, for the furnished properties covered by Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015, a hob and an oven or microwave are included among the minimum furnishings; that doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance will suit all your recipes.
No. The space must meet the requirements in the model’s instructions, particularly its installation and ventilation guidance. For the installation it describes, Whirlpool recommends a flat surface, a room temperature of between 5 and 35 °C, and unobstructed ventilation openings.
Don’t assume so: check that your cookware is compatible with the model you’re considering. Tefal says its Everyday Slim hob detects cookware automatically; check the instructions before relying on the pans you already own.
Yes. Check the model’s power rating and connection requirements rather than choosing on size alone. Tefal lists up to 2,100 W for the Everyday Slim hob, while Severin gives the TO 2067 mini oven a rating of around 1,500 W. Also consider what other appliances will be running at the same time. If you’re unsure about the electrical installation, ask your landlord or a qualified professional for advice.
The DGCCRF notes that the legal guarantees of conformity and against hidden defects are separate from any commercial warranty offered on electrical appliances sold in France. Keep your proof of purchase and the model number, and check the terms of any commercial warranty separately.