People who cook with the oven regularly
You make gratins, roasts, bakes or several dishes at once. In that case, oven capacity and cooking modes matter more than having lots of functions packed into a compact appliance.
Who is each option for?
Households looking for a versatile built-in appliance
You want to combine oven cooking, reheating and defrosting in a compatible housing unit. Check that the dimensions and interior capacity also suit the meals you usually prepare.
Small kitchens with room on the worktop
You want one countertop appliance for reheating and some convection or grilling. The space it needs around it and the size of your dishes are still key considerations.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
Built-in traditional oven
Consider it if: large dishes and regular oven cooking are your priorities.
Bear in mind: you’ll need another appliance for microwave reheating and defrosting.
Built-in combi oven
Consider it if: you want to combine microwave and oven cooking in a compatible housing unit.
Bear in mind: a compact cavity may limit the dishes and tins you can use, so check its internal dimensions.
Countertop combination microwave
Consider it if: you’d rather combine several functions on your worktop than in a housing unit.
Bear in mind: it takes up worktop space, and its internal dimensions need to suit the dishes you prepare.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking capacity | Compare the internal dimensions with your dishes, then check which shelf positions you can use. | When I need to cook several portions or dishes in the oven, I want to avoid cooking in multiple batches. Around 37% of consumers would make capacity their top priority. |
| Combined functions | Check the model’s microwave, convection and grill modes, as well as any accessories you’ll need. | If I regularly reheat, defrost and cook, I’d rather do it all with one appliance. Versatility would be the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and installation | Measure the housing unit or countertop space, and follow the clearances specified in the instructions. | In a kitchen where every bit of space counts, I need to find an appliance that fits without getting in the way of other uses. Around 18% of consumers would put this constraint first. |
| Comparable energy use | When comparing two energy-use figures, check that they relate to comparable appliances and cooking cycles. | I want to take the energy used for cooking into account without comparing figures that don’t describe the same use. This would be the top criterion for around 18% of consumers. |
What should you look out for?
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Choosing a combi model based on the number of functions alone
Having several modes in one appliance doesn’t guarantee the same results for every dish. Research by ADEME and the National Consumer Institute found that results vary depending on the dish, model and brand.
Make a note of how you’ll actually use the appliance, then check which modes the model offers and whether your dishes will fit inside.
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Relying on the capacity in litres alone
The stated capacity doesn’t tell you by itself whether a tin, a wide dish or several items will fit inside the cavity.
Compare the internal dimensions, turntable (if there is one) and shelf positions with the dishes you use.
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Comparing energy-use figures without checking what they’re based on
A figure recorded for an oven cooking cycle won’t necessarily reflect how an appliance that combines oven and microwave functions is used.
Before comparing two models based on their stated energy use, check which cooking mode and conditions each figure relates to.
Brands worth comparing
Bosch
The range includes traditional built-in ovens and compact built-in ovens with a microwave function.
- Bosch says the HBA534BS3 can cook on three levels. The CMG7241B1 combi model has a stated capacity of 45 L and a maximum microwave power of 900 W.
- These specifications relate to two different models. Check the required housing dimensions and capacity before choosing between them.
Panasonic
The brand offers countertop combination microwaves that bring several cooking modes together.
- Panasonic lists capacities of 34 L for the NN-CD88 and 27 L for the NN-CT55RW.
- Check the dimensions of your dishes and the turntable, as well as the cooking modes available on the specific model.
Electrolux
The EOC8P29X built-in oven offers another approach: adding cooking modes to a traditional oven rather than building in a microwave.
- Electrolux lists a 72 L cavity, a steam function and multi-level cooking for this model.
- Check whether you’ll use the extra modes and whether the appliance will fit your space.
Appliances for these needs
These appliances suit two ways of preparing meals: a traditional built-in oven for oven cooking, and countertop combination microwaves that bring reheating and cooking together. Your choice will depend in part on the space available and the size of your dishes.
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Bosch HBA514BB3, 71 L built-in oven
Worth considering if you regularly cook dishes in the oven and have a suitable housing unit.
The title gives a capacity of 71 L and lists 3D Hotair. It also describes the appliance as a double oven, while the description refers to a single compartment. Confirm its configuration before ordering.
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SHARP YC-MC422AE-SB, 42 L combination microwave
Consider it if you want one countertop appliance for reheating and cooking.
The stated capacity is 42 L. Compare the internal dimensions with your dishes and make sure you have enough space for it on your worktop.
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LG MJ3965ACS, 39 L combination microwave
Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop appliance for reheating and a range of cooking tasks.
Its stated capacity is 39 L. Check the usable dimensions of the cavity and the space available before choosing this model for the dishes you usually prepare.
Frequently asked questions
Does a combi oven always give better results than a traditional oven?
No. Research by ADEME and the National Consumer Institute found that results vary depending on the dish, model and brand, with no consistent advantage for combi ovens over convection ovens. Choose based on the dishes you often prepare and the functions you genuinely need.
What should you measure before ordering a built-in oven?
Measure the housing unit and compare it with the installation dimensions for the specific model, then check that your dishes will fit inside the cavity. To compare different formats, Bosch lists appliance dimensions of 455 × 594 × 548 mm for its CMG7241B1 compact combi oven. These dimensions don’t replace those of the housing unit required.
Can you compare two appliances using only their stated energy consumption?
No, not if the figures relate to different cycles and cooking modes. Check what each figure measures before drawing conclusions about the meals you prepare.