Start by choosing according to the meals you actually prepare: a microwave is mainly suitable for reheating and defrosting, while a mini oven or combination appliance is better suited to gratins, pizzas and oven cooking. A compact multi-cooker is more suitable for stews or steaming meals for one or two people; a portable hob requires compatible cookware and a suitable space, while renting is worth comparing over the actual length of your stay.
You have limited worktop space and mainly eat leftovers, ready meals or food that needs defrosting: choose a straightforward microwave with a capacity and footprint that suit your dishes. UFC-Que Choisir presents the microwave as suitable for reheating and defrosting.
You are staying for a few weeks or months, or moving in gradually: compare a fixed-term rental with buying a portable appliance, taking collection and storage at the end of your stay into account. Orent offers microwave rentals from one to 36 months.
You prepare home-cooked meals for one or two people and reheating alone is not enough: choose between oven cooking, multifunction bowl cooking and hob cooking, depending on your recipes and cookware.
Start with the meals you usually prepare, then check the available space, your cookware and the constraints of your stay before comparing appliances.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Functions you will genuinely use | List the meals you prepare each week; distinguish between reheating, defrosting, grilling, oven cooking and bowl cooking; compare the modes actually available. | I want to avoid having several appliances if one can cover the meals I really prepare. |
| Cooking method | For pizzas, gratins or baking, check that suitable oven cooking is available; for soups, steaming or stews, look at the bowl’s modes; check the useful internal dimensions. | My meals are not limited to reheating: I am looking for a solution that suits the recipes I prepare most often. |
| Installation and compatibility | Measure the worktop and door clearance; check the clearances specified in the manual; verify the power rating, socket and cookware required. | I need to be able to install the appliance without overcrowding the space or replacing essential equipment. |
| Length of occupancy | Calculate the total cost over the planned period; compare delivery, collection, storage and resale; read the return conditions for a rental carefully. | For a short stay, I prefer a solution that is easy to transport or return rather than an appliance that will be difficult to store afterwards. |
An appliance may have a modest capacity while exceeding the available width, depth or height. For example, Severin lists a capacity of 20 L and external dimensions of 29.5 × 44.5 × 38.5 cm for its TO 2067.
Before ordering, measure the worktop, door clearance, cable route and the clearances specified in the model’s manual.
Induction requires compatible metal cookware: a portable hob will not solve your cooking needs if your saucepans and frying pans do not work on it.
Check that every piece of cookware you plan to use is induction-compatible before choosing this solution.
Replacing incompatible saucepans and frying pans may affect how practical this option is.
A solo microwave is mainly for reheating and defrosting; it does not provide the same dry heat cooking as a mini oven or an appliance with convection.
Make a list of your meals for a week: if gratins, pizzas or baked goods feature regularly, look for a mini oven or a convection function.
Renting meets a temporary need, but its value depends on the length and terms of the contract. Orent offers microwave rentals from one to 36 months.
Calculate the total for the planned period of use, then compare it with buying new, buying second-hand and the potential resale value.
Also take account of the terms relating to duration, delivery and collection, as well as any included or excluded services.
Worth considering for a combination microwave when you want to bring reheating, grilling, convection and, depending on the model, air frying or steaming together in one appliance.
Worth considering for a standalone mini oven if you want oven-style cooking without adding a microwave.
Worth considering for guided cooking in a multifunction bowl, particularly for small portions and moist or slow-cooked meals.
Worth considering for a portable induction hob if you regularly cook with a frying pan or saucepan and own compatible cookware.
These Joybuy options cover multifunction bowl cooking, reheating with a grill and cooking on a portable hob, helping you equip a studio or temporary accommodation.
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For small portions and varied meals prepared in a compact bowl.
Rice, porridge, soup, steaming and cake programmes; stated dimensions: 220 × 245 × 215 mm.
According to the specification, allow at least 40 cm above and 10 cm at the sides. Bowl cooking cannot replace a mini oven for pizzas or large gratins.
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For reheating, defrosting and browning everyday portions in a single appliance.
20 L, 700 W, 245 mm turntable, nine power levels and mechanical controls; stated dimensions: 45.2 × 35.3 × 26.2 cm.
According to the specification, leave at least 10 cm clear at the sides and rear. No convection function is listed, and metal or aluminium containers are unsuitable for microwave mode.
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For cooking with a saucepan or frying pan on a hob in a small home.
Stated thickness: 44.5 mm; settings from 100 to 2,000 W and from 60 to 270 °C, three-hour timer and cookware from 12 to 26 cm.
Use only flat-bottomed magnetic cookware that is induction-compatible. Check the manual, the available socket and whether other appliances will be used at the same time; the external width and depth are not specified.
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For reheating, defrosting and browning in an appliance placed on the worktop.
23 L, 900 W, 27 cm turntable, nine programmes, 30-minute timer and three combined microwave/grill programmes.
Check the manual for ventilation clearances before installation. No convection is listed; use containers suitable for microwave and grill cooking.
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For reheating leftovers, defrosting and achieving a golden finish in a kitchenette.
25 L, 1,000 W, quartz grill, rapid defrosting, keep-warm function and automatic weight-controlled programmes; stated dimensions: 47.6 × 27.2 × 38.8 cm.
Consult the manual for ventilation clearances. The specification lists a grill but does not confirm a convection function; follow the precautions relating to hot dishes and surfaces.
Yes, if you mainly reheat, defrost and prepare simple portions. If your meals regularly require gratins, pizzas, roasts or baking, a mini oven or a combination appliance with convection is more suitable; UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes microwave reheating from the additional functions offered by combination appliances.
No. Induction requires suitable metal cookware: check each saucepan or frying pan before choosing this solution. Tefal states that compatible cookware is required; allow for the possible replacement of incompatible equipment when comparing your options.
Do not assume compatibility simply because a socket is available. Check the model’s power rating, consult its manual and avoid modifying the installation; the French regulations applicable to electrical installations in buildings do not replace the manufacturer’s instructions for a worktop appliance.
Clearance requirements vary by model. Check the distances specified in the exact manual before installation, and do not place the appliance in a cupboard or enclosed recess unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
It may be more convenient if you want to avoid transport, storage and resale, but it is not automatically cheaper. Orent offers microwave rentals from one to 36 months: compare the total over your actual period of use, along with delivery, collection and any additional services, with the cost of buying and reselling.