To cook without a fitted oven, start with the meals you want to prepare. A portable hob lets you cook in a saucepan or frying pan, while a mini oven gives you a cavity for dishes that need baking or browning. A combination microwave only adds these options if it has the functions you need; a multicooker is better suited to meals prepared in its cooking pot. Before pairing two appliances, check that you have room for them, follow their ventilation instructions and make sure your electrical supply can handle them running at the same time.
After moving in or while building work is under way, you may need to run several appliances from the available sockets. Before choosing a combination, check which appliances will be used at the same time and what the electrical supply can support.
Reheating alone may not be enough if your usual meals also include pan-fried dishes, casseroles or food that needs browning. Your choice should depend on the cooking methods you actually need, rather than simply the number of programmes advertised.
An appliance’s footprint isn’t the only thing to consider. You’ll also need a stable surface to place it on, clear ventilation openings and enough room to cook.
First, decide which cooking methods are essential for your meals. Then check whether the corresponding appliances will fit and can be powered in your temporary kitchen. Two complementary appliances are only useful if you can use them as directed in their instruction manuals.
Choose this if: you mostly cook in a saucepan or frying pan.
Bear in mind: it doesn’t provide an oven cavity for baking or browning dishes. If you choose induction, check that your cookware is compatible.
Choose this if: you need to cook dishes in an oven cavity, particularly if you want to brown them.
Bear in mind: measure the space and check the clearance, ventilation and connection requirements for your chosen model.
Choose this if: you want to reheat food and have additional cooking functions that are actually included on the appliance.
Bear in mind: not all microwaves have a grill, fan-assisted cooking or other cooking functions.
Choose this if: you mostly prepare rice, soups, casseroles or steamed meals.
Bear in mind: cooking in a pot won’t automatically replace a hob or oven. Also check how much space you’ll need to let steam escape.
| What to consider | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical supply | Compare the power ratings of appliances running together with the ratings shown on the socket and any extension lead. Promotelec points out that an extension lead doesn’t provide extra power. | When sockets are in short supply, I want to be able to prepare a meal without overloading the connection. Around 33% of shoppers put this electrical constraint first. |
| Cooking methods | Identify the functions you need for your dishes: a hob for pans, an oven cavity for baked dishes, or a grill or fan-assisted cooking if you’re relying on those modes in a combination microwave. | If I cook more than just meals that need reheating, I need to keep the cooking methods that suit what I usually eat. This variety is a priority for around 27% of shoppers. |
| Space and ventilation | Measure the available surface and the appliance’s external dimensions, then check the clearance required in the instruction manual. Whirlpool recommends a flat surface and clear vents for a freestanding microwave. | With limited worktop space, I still need room to position the appliance and ventilate it properly. Available space comes before other considerations for around 27% of shoppers. |
| Everyday use | Check which parts are removable, the cleaning instructions and any accessories you’ll need for the functions you plan to use. | While building work is under way, I’d prefer an appliance that’s easy to use and maintain from one meal to the next. Around 13% of shoppers prioritise this practical aspect. |
Being able to reheat or defrost food doesn’t mean you can bake and brown dishes that are usually cooked in an oven. Extra cooking options depend on the model’s functions.
Make a note of the meals you want to keep preparing, then look specifically for the corresponding modes, such as a grill or fan-assisted cooking if you need them.
According to Promotelec, an extension lead distributes the available power but doesn’t increase it. Overloading one or plugging several together in a chain can be dangerous.
Check the power ratings of appliances that might run at the same time, check the rating on the extension lead and don’t connect extension leads in a chain. If you’re unsure about your electrical setup, ask a qualified professional for advice.
An appliance with an oven cavity can take up a lot of depth, even if its internal capacity seems suitable. Its ventilation openings also need to remain clear.
Measure the entire space and check the instruction manual for the required clearance before choosing a mini oven or freestanding microwave.
The figures published by ADEME are based on specified appliances and patterns of use. They don’t directly reflect a few weeks of cooking with small appliances.
To choose between two options, compare their functions and how you’ll use them, then look at their energy-use information under comparable conditions.
These product ranges illustrate different types of appliance. The features mentioned apply to the specified models, not to every product from each brand.
Examples of a portable induction hob and a multicooker for cooking in a pan or cooking pot.
An option to explore if you’re looking for a freestanding mini oven for dishes that need an oven cavity.
Freestanding microwaves to compare based on their cooking functions, as well as their reheating capability.
These appliances offer several ways to cook without a fitted oven: frying or cooking in a saucepan, baking in an oven cavity, preparing meals in a cooking pot and reheating with a grill. Choose according to the functions your dishes need, then check the space and connection requirements for the model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you mostly cook in a saucepan or frying pan and don’t need an oven cavity.
The product title lists eight power settings, seven preset functions, a temperature range of 60 to 270 °C and compatibility with cookware measuring 12 to 26 cm. Check that your pans are compatible, follow the placement instructions and make sure the available power supply is sufficient before use.
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An option if your dishes need to be cooked in an oven cavity rather than in a pan.
It has a stated capacity of 23 L. Before placing it in a temporary kitchen, check its dimensions, required clearance and connection instructions in the model’s manual.
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Worth considering for meals prepared in a cooking pot, but bear in mind that a multicooker won’t necessarily do everything an oven can.
The title mentions pressure cooking, app control and sous vide. Check which functions suit your meals, how much space you need for steam to escape, and the locking and pressure-release instructions before use.
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Worth a look if you want to combine cooking in a pot with air frying in a worktop appliance, provided its modes suit the dishes you make.
The title lists an air fryer function and two lids. Check how much space you’ll need for the appliance and its lids, as well as which modes and accessories you’ll need for the dishes you’re planning to make.
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Worth considering if reheating is one of your needs. Check that it has the cooking functions you need before relying on it as an oven replacement.
The title specifies a stainless steel finish. Measure the space available and check the instruction manual for ventilation clearance and placement instructions.
Not for every dish: it depends on the model’s functions. Whirlpool distinguishes between reheating in a standard microwave and the extra options offered by a combination model. Check that it has a grill, fan-assisted cooking or any other modes you need for your dishes.
Only run them at the same time after checking their combined power, the extension lead’s rating and the capacity of your electrical supply. Promotelec points out that an extension lead doesn’t increase the power available and advises against connecting extension leads in a chain.
Place it on a flat surface and keep its vents clear. These are Whirlpool’s general instructions for a freestanding microwave. Check the manual for your chosen model to find out how much clearance it needs in the specific space where you plan to put it.
You shouldn’t assume that this is necessary in every home. It depends on the condition of the electrical installation and which appliances you’ll use at the same time. If a socket is damaged or you’re unsure whether it can power your appliances, have the installation checked by a qualified professional rather than modifying the circuit yourself.
No. Energy use also depends on how long and how often you use each appliance. The annual figures published by ADEME are based on specified patterns of use. For a temporary kitchen, it’s better to compare appliances that can prepare the same meals and take into account how long you’ll be using them.