You mainly reheat meals
If you mostly reheat or defrost portions, a microwave may be all you need, without extra cooking settings you won’t use. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the functions of a solo model and those of a combination model.
What should you use your appliance for?
You cook in a saucepan or frying pan
A portable hob may be suitable if your accommodation doesn’t provide a usable one and its rules allow this type of appliance. For an induction hob, Tefal says your cookware needs to be compatible.
You make oven-cooked dishes
If you regularly bake or brown dishes, compare the settings and dimensions of a mini oven or combination appliance. Ouest-France Shopping presents the types of dishes you prepare as a factor when choosing between a mini oven and a microwave.
What to check before you buy
Start by checking what’s already provided and the rules for your accommodation. Then choose an appliance based on the type of cooking you need most.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances already provided | Check the inventory, test the appliances provided and read the rules for your accommodation. | If I’ve just moved in, I first check what’s already usable to avoid buying a duplicate; around 28% of consumers prioritise the appliances provided and the accommodation rules. |
| Reheating | Compare the settings you’ll actually use, the external dimensions and the space needed for your containers. | If I mainly reheat portions or defrost food, I’d rather avoid features I won’t use; around 22% of consumers prioritise reheating. |
| Frying-pan cooking | Check that no usable hob is provided, that the appliance is allowed and that your cookware is suitable for induction, if applicable. | If I cook in a saucepan or frying pan, I also check that my cookware is compatible and that it’s allowed in my accommodation; around 22% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Oven cooking | Check the settings, the size of your dishes and the installation instructions for the model you’re considering. | If I bake or brown dishes, I compare oven functions rather than relying on the appliance name alone; around 17% of consumers prioritise this use. |
| Several cooking methods | List the dishes you usually make, then compare the settings, usable capacity and parts that need cleaning. | If I want to keep the number of appliances down, I check that the settings really cover the dishes I make; around 11% of consumers prioritise versatility. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying a portable hob without checking the rules
Rules can vary depending on your accommodation. The Crous de Paris rules reviewed for 2026 allow microwaves but prohibit hobs and cooking appliances in the accommodation and areas covered by those rules.
Check the rules for your own accommodation before buying, and don’t assume the Crous de Paris rules apply to all student accommodation.
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Confusing cooking power with power consumption
These figures don’t necessarily refer to the same specification. The Samsung MS23K3513AK/EF product page lists a power consumption of 1 150 W in microwave mode.
Check the power consumption and the connection instructions in the manual for the exact model before deciding where to put it.
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Assuming all multi-function appliances cook in the same way
A multi-cooker with an inner pot and a hot-air cooking appliance aren’t designed for the same types of dishes.
Start with the dishes you usually make and check that the model’s settings cover the uses you have in mind. Otherwise, you may need a second appliance.
Brands and models to know
These examples cover different types of appliance; the specifications mentioned apply only to the models listed.
Samsung
The MS23K3513AK/EF is a solo microwave to consider if reheating is your main use.
- Samsung lists a capacity of 23 L, a power consumption of 1 150 W in microwave mode and external dimensions of 489 × 275 × 374 mm.
- These specifications apply to this model and aren’t enough to confirm whether it will suit a particular space or connection.
Moulinex
The brand offers two distinct options here: the Optimo OX444810 mini oven and the Cookeo Touch Mini WiFi multi-cooker.
- Moulinex lists a capacity of 19 L and six settings for the Optimo, as well as a 3 L bowl and settings such as steaming and slow cooking for the Cookeo Touch Mini.
- A mini oven and a multi-cooker with an inner pot are designed for different types of cooking. The brand’s specifications don’t provide an independent comparison of their performance.
Tefal
The Everyday Slim IH210801 is a portable induction hob to consider for saucepan cooking, provided portable hobs are allowed.
- Tefal lists a power rating of 2 100 W and a height of 45 mm for this model.
- Induction requires compatible cookware; this model’s specifications don’t apply to every hob in the range.
Philips
The 2000 Series NA229/00 offers hot-air cooking in a basket, a different approach from a multi-cooker with an inner pot.
- Philips lists a capacity of 4,2 L and settings including baking, grilling, roasting and reheating.
- The brand’s energy-saving claims don’t prove that it uses less energy than the other appliances featured here.
Whirlpool
The MWP 303 SB is a microwave with a grill, which is different from an appliance with a true convection setting.
- Whirlpool’s product page explicitly lists microwave and grill functions.
- Before comparing usable capacity or dish sizes, check the capacity listed for the exact model.
Appliances available on Joybuy
This selection includes appliances for reheating, cooking on a portable hob, preparing food in an inner pot or using a hot-air basket. Check that your chosen appliance complements what’s already provided and complies with the rules for your accommodation.
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Candy Essenza CMCA29EDLB/ST combination microwave
Worth considering if you want an appliance with several cooking modes rather than a solo microwave.
Listed capacity: 29 L; grill: 1000 W; steam function mentioned in the product name.
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IAGREEA Electric Multi-Pot MS-GFM001, 1,2 L
Worth considering for cooking in an inner pot rather than directly on a hob.
Listed capacity: 1,2 L; power shown in the product name: 1000 W.
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IAGREEA DF200-14V10, 2000 W induction hob
Worth considering if you need a portable hob for cooking with saucepans.
The product name lists eight power levels and cookware sizes from 12 to 26 cm. Compatible, flat-bottomed magnetic cookware is required.
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Midea air fryer, 2 L, 1150 W
Worth considering for preparing or reheating food in a basket rather than cooking directly in a frying pan.
Capacity shown in the product name: 2 L; listed power: 1150 W.
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COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK), digital microwave, 700 W, 20 L
Worth considering if your main need is to reheat or defrost food without adding a hob or mini oven.
Listed capacity: 20 L; listed power: 700 W.
Frequently asked questions
Should a furnished studio flat already have cooking appliances?
For a furnished rental covered by French Decree No. 2015-981, the minimum list includes a hob and an oven or microwave; it doesn’t specifically require a microwave if an oven is provided. Crous de Paris states that its accommodation isn’t covered by the standard regulations for furnished rentals. Check which rules apply and what’s listed in the inventory for your accommodation.
Can I use a portable hob in student accommodation?
It depends on the accommodation rules. The Crous de Paris rules reviewed for 2026 prohibit hobs and cooking appliances in the accommodation and areas covered by those rules, with the exception of microwaves. Check the rules for your own accommodation before buying.
How can I check whether an appliance will fit and can be connected safely?
Measure the available space, check the power consumption and read the manual for the exact model. Samsung lists a power consumption of 1 150 W in microwave mode for the MS23K3513AK/EF, while Tefal lists 2 100 W for the IH210801 hob. These figures don’t replace the connection and clearance instructions for each appliance.
What should I check for cleaning and after-sales service?
Check which parts need cleaning, what accessories are available and who the seller is. For a purchase from a business in France, Service-Public states that the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies, subject to its conditions, if a fault appears within two years of the goods being delivered. This is separate from an optional commercial guarantee.