First, check which appliances are already provided and what your accommodation allows. According to the Crous guide dated 2 September 2026, microwaves are the exception to the ban on personal cooking appliances in its residences. If a portable hob is allowed, it’s suitable for meals cooked in a saucepan or frying pan; a microwave is mainly for reheating and defrosting, a mini oven for oven-baked dishes, and a multi-cooker for meals prepared in a single pot. Choose based on the meals you usually make and the space available, rather than buying several appliances with similar uses.
If you live in a Crous residence, check the rules before comparing features. The Crous guide dated 2 September 2026 makes an exception for microwaves, but not for other personal cooking appliances. Ask the manager what applies to your accommodation.
If you regularly make pasta, vegetables or pan-fried dishes, a hob may suit the way you cook, provided it’s allowed. If you’re considering induction, check your saucepans too: Tefal points out that not all cookware is compatible.
If your meals mainly involve reheating and defrosting, start by checking the dimensions and installation requirements of a microwave. If you’re more likely to cook meals in a single pot, this type of appliance is worth considering, provided it’s allowed and suitable for the portions you prepare.
Start with the meals you actually prepare: a hob is for cooking in a saucepan or frying pan, while a microwave is mainly for reheating. Choose a mini oven if you regularly cook things in the oven, and a pot-style appliance for dishes you want to prepare in it. Your accommodation’s rules must come first.
| Criteria | What to check | Relevant consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation rules | Read the rules and check which appliances are provided. If in doubt, ask the manager to confirm in writing whether you can use the appliance you’re considering. | If the rules limit the personal appliances I can use, I need to know what’s allowed before planning my meals; around 27% of consumers would put this permission at the top of their list of needs. |
| Cooking in a saucepan | If an induction hob is allowed, check that your cookware is compatible and the right size, and make sure you have enough room to cook. | If I often make pasta, sauces or stir-fries, my first priority is being able to boil or pan-fry food. Everyday cooking would be the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Quick reheating | Measure the space for the microwave, allowing for the clearances specified in its manual, then choose the functions to suit the dishes you plan to make. | When most of my meals need reheating or defrosting, I want to prepare them without setting up several appliances; around 20% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| One-pot meals | Check that the appliance is allowed, then compare its capacity, useful functions, storage requirements and cleaning instructions. | If I regularly make soups or one-pot meals, I’d rather spend less time keeping an eye on the food and washing up; this would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
The Crous guide dated 2 September 2026 excludes personal cooking appliances other than microwaves from its residences. You may therefore be unable to use a hob or multi-cooker there.
Check the rules for your accommodation and ask the manager for written confirmation if the appliance isn’t clearly mentioned.
An appliance you’re not allowed to use would take up storage space without helping you prepare meals.
Tefal explains that induction requires compatible cookware. If a saucepan isn’t compatible, you won’t be able to use it for the meals you have planned.
Test the base with a magnet and check that it’s flat and the right size for the cooking zone.
You may need to replace an existing saucepan or frying pan.
The internal capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit on your worktop. The Whirlpool MWF421SL has a capacity of 25 L and measures 49 × 32 × 42,6 cm. Whirlpool says not to block the ventilation grilles.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose.
A space that’s too small may prevent you from installing the appliance as specified by the manufacturer.
In a studio flat, every extra appliance takes up space and needs storing and cleaning. ADEME also advises against buying more household equipment than you need.
Make a note of the meals you usually prepare and choose the appliance that suits your main needs. Only add another if it has a different purpose. A kettle or blender is only worth having if you use it regularly.
The specifications below apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance made by each brand. Compare them with your accommodation’s rules and the space you have available.
Its Everyday Slim portable induction hob is a useful example for a kitchenette where portable hobs are allowed.
Its freestanding microwaves are an option for reheating and defrosting without built-in installation.
The Cookeo Touch Mini is an example of a multi-cooker for people who often prepare meals in a single pot.
Its TO 2052 mini oven is a useful example if you regularly cook food that needs to be oven-baked.
These products offer two ways to prepare meals in a studio flat: use a portable induction hob or cook in an electric pot or rice cooker. Before choosing one, check that your accommodation allows the appliance and that its dimensions, cookware and functions suit the meals you make.
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For cooking in a saucepan or frying pan where your accommodation allows a portable hob.
The title lists eight power levels, seven preset functions, a 3 h timer and cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Before buying, check that your cookware is compatible, measure the appliance and review the electrical and installation instructions.
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For cooking meals on a portable hob in accommodation where it’s allowed.
The title lists ten power settings, six functions and a control lock. Check that your saucepans are compatible, make sure you have enough space and review the electrical and installation instructions.
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For making simple meals in one pot, if your accommodation allows personal cooking appliances.
The title lists a stainless steel inner pot and two power settings, 300 W and 600 W. Check whether the 1 L capacity suits your portions, as well as the dimensions and cleaning instructions.
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For cooking one-pot meals where your accommodation’s rules allow this appliance.
The title mentions a non-stick coating and two power settings. Compare the 2 L capacity with your usual portions, and check the dimensions and cleaning instructions.
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Worth considering if you mainly cook rice and your accommodation allows a personal rice cooker.
The title lists a 12 h delay timer and says it’s suitable for one to three people. Before choosing this model, check its other functions, dimensions, cleaning requirements and electrical instructions.
The Crous guide dated 2 September 2026 says residents must not use personal cooking appliances, except for microwaves. So don’t plan to use your own hob, mini oven or multi-cooker without confirmation from the manager. Local rules may add to the residence regulations, so check the rules for your accommodation before buying.
No. The Crous guide applies to its residences and isn’t the rulebook for your private rental. Check your accommodation documents, the appliances already provided and the instructions for the appliance you want to install.
No. The furniture and location must suit the dimensions and installation instructions for the model you choose. Whirlpool specifically says not to block the ventilation grilles, so measure the appliance and allow for the clearances listed in its manual.
Only if your saucepans aren’t compatible with induction. Tefal recommends checking, in particular, that a magnet sticks to the base, and that it’s flat and the right size for the cooking zone. Test your cookware before choosing a hob.
Your appliance’s energy use will depend on what you cook, the portion sizes and how often you use it. ADEME’s published annual figures for different appliance categories aren’t enough on their own to compare the small models you might consider for your studio flat. First, choose an appliance that suits your meals and avoid buying equipment with overlapping uses.