Household with space for one appliance
You want to combine oven cooking and reheating in a suitable housing. Check the modes offered by the model: the term ‘combination’ alone doesn’t guarantee that it will meet all your needs.
Who is this option for?
Household that cooks and reheats at the same time
You’ll need to decide whether the space saved by having a single cavity is worth not being able to use an oven and microwave separately.
Household replacing a built-in oven
You’re working with an existing cabinet, so you’ll need to check the housing dimensions, installation instructions and cooking functions of the model you choose.
What should you compare?
Combination convection and microwave oven
Consider this if: you have space for one appliance and want to combine cooking and reheating in a single cavity.
Bear in mind: you can’t use the same cavity to cook and reheat separately at the same time. The INC–ADEME study found that energy results vary depending on the dishes prepared and the appliances tested.
Convection oven and separate microwave
Consider this if: you have space for both appliances, want to use them at the same time, or prefer to choose their capacities and functions independently.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room to install two appliances. The INC–ADEME study covers cooking tests, not the total cost of an oven and microwave combination.
Built-in compact oven
Consider this if: the available height points you towards a compact model and you don’t need the microwave to be built in.
Check: ‘compact’ doesn’t mean the appliance has a microwave function or that its dimensions will fit your housing.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who should prioritise it |
|---|---|---|
| Versatility in a single housing | Check that both convection and microwave modes are available; don’t assume that a grill is the same as convection. | If I only have space for one appliance and want to bake as well as reheat, I’ll check that it has all the modes I need. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this versatility in a single cavity. |
| Using appliances at the same time | Think about whether you need to reheat something while another dish is cooking, and whether there’s room for a second appliance. | If I need to cook and reheat at the same time, two separate appliances may suit my needs better. Around 24% of consumers prioritise being able to use their appliances simultaneously. |
| Fit with existing cabinetry | Measure the housing’s height, width and depth, then check the manual for the model you’re considering, especially its installation and connection instructions. | If I’m keeping my existing cabinet, I want to avoid choosing a model that won’t fit or meet its installation requirements. Around 18% of consumers put compatibility first. |
| Cooking capacity | Compare the stated usable capacity with the size of the dishes you use; the capacity doesn’t tell you the dimensions of the housing. | To prepare the dishes I usually cook, I look at the cavity capacity first. Electrolux lists 44 L for the KVLBE08X and Bosch 45 L for the CMG9241B1; around 18% of consumers prioritise capacity. |
| Cost and energy use | Compare the appliances you’re considering and think about the modes you’ll actually use; test results don’t apply to every model. | When comparing purchase costs and everyday use, I don’t assume that a combination oven will cost less to run. Around 11% of consumers prioritise the overall cost. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Assuming ‘compact’ or ‘with grill’ means ‘oven and microwave’
Functions vary between models: some combine convection and microwave modes, while other compact ovens are listed without a microwave function.
Check the modes listed for the exact model rather than relying on its product category alone.
If it’s missing a function you need, you may have to keep or buy a second appliance.
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Checking only the width or height of the front
The stated format doesn’t confirm that the appliance will fit your cabinet or meet its installation requirements.
Measure the housing’s height, width and depth, then compare them with the model’s dimensions and installation instructions before placing your order.
You may need to adapt the cabinet or choose a different model.
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Assuming it will automatically use less electricity
The study by the National Consumer Institute and ADEME reports varied results, with no clear advantage that applies to all the convection ovens tested.
Choose first according to the modes you’ll use, the capacity and the space available. Interpret energy-use comparisons in the context of the test conditions.
Brands to consider
Electrolux
The KVLBE08X is an example of a compact oven that combines convection and microwave modes.
- Electrolux lists a 44 L cavity and housing dimensions of 450 × 560 × 550 mm for this model.
- These dimensions and features apply to the KVLBE08X. Check the housing and manual for any model you’re considering.
Bosch
The CMG9241B1 is an example of a built-in compact oven with a microwave function.
- Bosch lists a 45 L capacity and appliance dimensions of 455 × 594 × 548 mm for this model.
- The appliance dimensions alone don’t tell you the housing dimensions required. Check the manual for installation instructions.
Siemens
The CB774G1B1 and CM776G1B1 show that a compact design doesn’t necessarily mean a microwave function is included.
- The CM776G1B1 product information lists a microwave function.
- The CB774G1B1 product information describes it as a compact oven, without identifying it as a microwave combination oven.
Samsung
The NQ5B6753CAK is an example of a built-in combination oven mentioned in the INC–ADEME study and listed by the manufacturer.
- It’s another model to look at when considering a combination oven.
- Its inclusion in the study sample is neither a ranking nor a recommendation of the model.
Whirlpool
The WCT11A9FHTSSMAF is an example of a built-in compact combination oven.
- Whirlpool lists a 52 L cavity and a microwave function for this model.
- These features apply to the model mentioned and don’t describe the brand’s entire range.
Joybuy products related to these options
This selection includes a combination microwave and built-in convection ovens. Consider them according to the space available and whether you can install a separate microwave.
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LG MJ3965ACS, combination microwave, 39 L
Worth considering if you want to combine several modes in one appliance.
Stated capacity: 39 L. Listed modes include microwave, convection, grill and steam.
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Candy CA6 NP5B3HTX, built-in oven, 78 L
Worth considering as the oven in a setup with a separate microwave, if you have space for both appliances.
Stated capacity: 78 L. Listed functions include convection, grill and pizza mode.
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Electrolux EOM3H00X, built-in oven, 72 L
Worth considering as the oven in a two-appliance setup, if you can also install a separate microwave.
Stated capacity: 72 L. Convection and grill are among the listed functions; the stated energy rating is A.
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Hotpoint FI4485PIX, built-in oven, 71 L
Worth considering as the oven in a setup with a separate microwave, if you have space for both appliances.
Stated capacity: 71 L. The product information lists 16 cooking modes and fan-assisted cooking.
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Samsung NV7B41403BS/U5, built-in oven, 76 L
Worth considering as the oven in a setup with a separate microwave, provided you have space for both appliances.
Stated capacity: 76 L. Convection and 20 cooking programmes are listed.
Frequently asked questions
Does a stated front height of 45 cm guarantee that the oven will fit my cabinet?
No. Measure the housing’s height, width and depth, then check the model’s installation instructions, particularly those covering ventilation and connection. Electrolux lists housing dimensions of 450 × 560 × 550 mm for the KVLBE08X. The Bosch manual states that the CMG9241.1 is designed for built-in installation and that connection without a plug must be carried out by qualified, authorised personnel. This information doesn’t confirm that a particular installation will be compatible.
How do I look after a combination oven without mixing up its modes?
Follow the sections on microwave modes and cleaning in your model’s manual, and check that the accessories are suitable for the mode you’re using. The Bosch instructions mentioned apply to the CMG9241.1 range; check the manual for your specific model.
What protection applies after buying from a professional seller in France?
The legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. The French Ministry of the Economy states that you can claim against the seller if the goods don’t conform to the contract. Check separately the terms of any commercial guarantee or installation service.
What should I do with my old oven when replacing it?
The FAQ from the ministry responsible for the ecological transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back when you buy an electrical appliance of the same type. Ask the seller how the take-back works and, if needed, how it can be arranged alongside delivery.