Start by thinking about the meals you prepare most often and the appliances you already have. A microwave, an oven-style appliance, a hob and a multicooker don’t all serve the same purpose. Then check the space available and the instructions for the model. In Crous student residences, published rules updated on 2 September 2026 prohibit personal hobs and cooking appliances, except for microwaves and equipment provided by Crous.
If you mainly reheat or defrost portions, a basic microwave may suit your routine without adding oven functions you’re unlikely to use. Que Choisir Ensemble explains the differences between solo and combination microwaves, while Cuisine Etudiant also shares recipes designed for microwave cooking.
If you regularly cook meals in a saucepan or frying pan, a portable hob may be worth considering—but only if your accommodation allows it and you can install it in line with the model’s instructions. Crous also asks residents to limit the number of electrical appliances plugged in at the same time.
If you prefer slow-cooked or steamed dishes made in a pot, a multicooker serves a different purpose from an oven. The cooking modes listed by Moulinex for the Cookeo Mini CE880410 are an example of this approach.
The differences between reheating, grilling, oven cooking and cooking in a pot are outlined by Que Choisir Ensemble and appliance manufacturers. In a studio flat or small kitchen, you should also consider the space available and any rules that apply to your accommodation.
Worth considering: if you often reheat food and also want to cook in an oven. Fan-assisted cooking is what distinguishes a true combination model from one with a grill only.
Bear in mind: a combination model may cost more than a basic microwave, and it won’t replace a hob or a multicooker.
Worth considering: if the recipes you usually make need oven cooking and you can set aside a suitable space for it.
Bear in mind: a defrost function isn’t the same as a microwave function, so a mini oven may not meet your need for quick reheating.
Worth considering: if reheating and defrosting are your main uses. You can also cook some suitable foods in it.
Bear in mind: a basic model doesn’t have a grill or fan-assisted cooking. Recipes and containers must be suitable for microwave use.
Worth considering: if you mainly cook in a saucepan or frying pan and your accommodation allows this appliance.
Bear in mind: a low-profile hob doesn’t tell you anything about its power or whether it’s allowed in your residence.
Worth considering: if you prefer cooking in a pot with guided programmes, such as slow cooking or steaming.
Bear in mind: its programmes don’t mean it has a microwave function or a fan-assisted oven. It’s also important to follow the filling limits in the instructions.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who prioritises it |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing the meals you make most often | List the dishes you usually prepare and check which modes they need. A grill and fan-assisted cooking aren’t interchangeable. | If you want to prepare everyday meals with fewer appliances, around 28% of consumers prioritise covering these needs. |
| Keeping worktop space free | Compare the external dimensions, door opening, permanent position and clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | When every bit of preparation space counts, around 22% of consumers prioritise the space available. |
| Being able to use the appliance at home | Check the power rating, plug and installation instructions. If you live in a residence, check the applicable rules before buying. | If your choice depends on whether the appliance is allowed in your accommodation and on its conditions of use, around 22% of consumers prioritise permission and safety. |
| Getting the cooking results you want | Look for the exact modes your recipes need rather than relying on terms such as ‘multi-function’ or ‘defrost’ alone. | For recipes that need oven cooking or browning, around 17% of consumers put these results first. |
| Planning for maintenance and servicing | Check which parts can be removed, how to clean them and what conditions apply to after-sales service. | If you want to keep cleaning demands and service costs down, around 11% of consumers prioritise maintenance and long-term costs. |
Crous rules restrict which personal appliances residents may use. An appliance being portable doesn’t make it an exception.
Check your residence’s rules before buying, especially if you’re considering a hob, multicooker or appliance with several cooking modes.
If you buy an appliance you can’t use in your accommodation, you may need to rethink your setup.
A grill adds a browning function; it doesn’t mean the appliance has the functions of a fan-assisted oven.
Check the product information and instructions for the modes your recipes need instead of relying on the term ‘multi-function’ alone.
If the appliance can’t handle the recipes you make, you may need an additional one.
For the Tefal Everyday Slim IH210801 hob, the manufacturer lists a height of 45 mm and a maximum power of 2 100 W. Height alone doesn’t tell you the full footprint or the power supply requirements.
Check the dimensions, power rating and installation instructions for the exact model separately.
Moulinex offers a 15-year repairability commitment at a fair price for the OX444810 and CE880410 models. This doesn’t mean repairs are free for 15 years; the statutory guarantee has separate terms.
Compare the guarantee and repair terms without confusing the two, and ask for a quote before agreeing to a chargeable repair.
Repairs carried out outside the applicable guarantees may have to be paid for by you.
The Everyday Slim range showcases portable induction hobs, including model IH210801.
The Optimo and Cookeo Mini models offer two distinct approaches: oven cooking and cooking in a pot.
The NN-CT57RM is an example of a combination microwave with an Air Fry function.
The MS23K3515AW/EF is an example of a solo microwave listed in Samsung’s French support resources.
These products cover reheating with a grill and various types of cooking in a pot. They don’t, on their own, replace a mini oven or hob.
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Worth considering if you regularly reheat or defrost food and would also like to use a grill.
The product description lists a 25 L capacity, 900 W microwave power, 8 programmes and defrosting by weight or time.
Allow for the clearances listed in the product description: at least 10 cm on each side and 20 cm above. Use microwave-safe containers and never run the appliance empty. If you live in a Crous residence, check whether a model with a grill is allowed.
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Worth considering if you mainly cook rice or porridge and would like a keep-warm function.
The title lists a 2.8 L capacity and a 6-in-1 configuration. The product description mentions cooking rice and porridge, a timer and a keep-warm function.
Don’t immerse the appliance body in water, keep the steam vent clear and unplug the appliance before cleaning.
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Worth considering if you’d like to prepare dishes in a pot, including steamed or slow-cooked meals, for a small household.
The product description lists up to four portions and includes pressure cooking, slow cooking, searing and steaming functions.
Follow the fill limits and don’t open the lid while the float valve is raised: steam can cause burns. If you live in a Crous residence, check the rules for personal cooking appliances.
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Worth considering if you’d like to steam, boil or slow-cook dishes in an appliance with a cooking pot.
The title lists a 5 L capacity and 1 200 W power rating. The product description mentions two heat settings and a removable steam basket.
The appliance and steam get very hot. Unplug it and let it cool before cleaning. If you live in a Crous residence, check the rules for personal cooking appliances.
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Worth considering if you want to make simple one-pot meals such as soup, noodles or a slow-cooked dish.
The title lists a 2.0 L capacity and 1 000 W power rating. The product description mentions two heat settings and a detachable cord.
Don’t fill it beyond two-thirds capacity or immerse it for cleaning. If you live in a Crous residence, check the rules for personal cooking appliances.
The rules published by the Crous network prohibit personal hobs and cooking appliances, except for microwaves, unless the appliance has been provided by Crous. This rule applies to residences covered by this framework, not to all private studio flats. If an appliance combines several cooking modes, check with your residence.
No. The rules published by the Crous network ask residents not to use extension leads and to limit the number of electrical appliances plugged in at the same time. This guidance applies to these residences; it isn’t a universal electrical limit for all homes.
No. Que Choisir Ensemble warns against using metal containers in microwave mode and points out that not all plastics are suitable. For a combination appliance, follow the instructions for the mode you’re using and consult the manual.
Tefal advises you not to use the appliance and to have the cord replaced by an authorised repair centre.
No. The statutory guarantee of conformity doesn’t cover every type of damage or fault. Service-Public states that the lack of conformity must become apparent within two years of the goods being delivered. This guarantee is separate from a commercial guarantee.