Choose the appliance that takes the most effort out of your weeknight meals: a multi-cooker to bring several cooking steps together in one pot, an air fryer for roasted or crispy batches, or a compact oven if you need a separate cooking space. If your existing oven already fits your dishes and portions, first check whether a compatible accessory will do the job. Every extra appliance takes up space and needs cleaning.
If your meals often involve browning, slow cooking or steaming, a multi-cooker can bring several cooking modes together in one pot. Moulinex, for example, describes the Cookeo+ CE851A10 as offering automatic cooking control. Check that the modes on the model you’re considering suit the dishes you make.
An air fryer is worth comparing if you often cook grilled or crispy portions and have space for it on your worktop. UFC-Que Choisir recommends looking at capacity, ease of use and cleaning, rather than focusing on the cooking function alone.
If your existing oven already fits your dishes, making better use of it could save you from buying another appliance. If you need a separate countertop cooking space, compare the dimensions and cooking modes of compact ovens. The Moulinex Optimo 19 L and Tefal Optimo 39 L offer different capacities, so they won’t suit the same dishes.
Start with the meals you actually make, then check how much space you have, the size of your dishes and which parts need cleaning. A stated capacity in litres doesn’t tell you on its own what size of dish an appliance can hold.
| Priority | What to check | Who it might suit |
|---|---|---|
| Bring several cooking steps together for one meal | Check which modes are available, the pot’s capacity and, for pressure cooking, the instructions for the model. | If you often make slow-cooked or steamed dishes after work, you may want to cut down on changing containers and keeping an eye on the cooking. Around 36% of consumers would put this kind of help with cooking at the top of their needs. |
| Cook roasted or crispy batches | Compare the usable size of the basket or each drawer, the parts that can be washed and the space the appliance needs around it. | For roasted portions served on weeknights, you may prefer a size that suits your food rather than a large pot. This type of cooking would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Keep the versatility of an oven | Check the dimensions of the dishes it can fit, the heating modes and the clearance needed to open the door. | If your meals call for a baking tray, a gratin or several dishes, you mainly need a cavity that can fit them. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this option. |
| Avoid adding another appliance | Take stock of the functions offered by your existing oven or hob, and check that any accessories you’re considering are compatible. | If your current equipment already handles the dishes you usually make, keeping your space clear may matter more than adding appliances. This would be the main need for around 14% of consumers. |
UFC-Que Choisir points out that an air fryer can cook, roast and grill, so some of its uses may overlap with those of an oven you already have.
Make a note of three meals you cook often, then compare portion sizes, space requirements and cleaning for each before adding another appliance.
An extra appliance also takes up permanent space if it stays on your worktop.
A pot, drawer and oven cavity are all different shapes. Their capacities in litres aren’t enough to tell you whether your dishes or ingredients will fit.
Compare the usable dimensions of the container with your usual dishes and portions, especially if you want to cook several items together.
In tests published in October 2024, UFC-Que Choisir found that energy use varied depending on the recipes and appliances. A result for a small dish won’t necessarily apply to every meal.
When comparing two types of appliance, consider the amount of food cooked, preheating and the cooking time for the way you plan to use it.
The DGCCRF states that a container not designed for oven use must not be put in one. It also stresses the importance of following the instructions for items that come into contact with food.
Check the accessory itself or its instructions to make sure it’s suitable for oven use and can withstand the stated temperatures.
Two Moulinex models let you compare a multi-cooker with a compact oven, without confusing what each is designed to do.
The Tefal models featured here illustrate the choice between an air fryer with two drawers and a countertop oven.
Ninja is among the manufacturers featured in UFC-Que Choisir’s French tests of air fryers.
These products cover three appliance options for weeknight meals: multi-cookers, air fryers and a compact oven. Compare them with your existing oven or hob before making room for another appliance on your worktop.
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Worth considering if your meals call for several cooking modes in one appliance.
The product description lists a 7,1 L capacity and a stainless steel inner pot. For pressure cooking, follow the model’s instructions. Also check the plug type and electrical compatibility before buying.
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Worth comparing if you want to cook two foods separately for the same meal.
The product description lists six functions and a total capacity of 7,6 L. Check the usable size of each drawer against your portion sizes. Also check the available space, plug type and electrical compatibility.
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Worth considering for meals where boiling, slow cooking and steaming matter more than oven cooking. Don’t assume it will manage each cooking step automatically.
The product description lists two power settings. Check its dimensions and cleaning instructions; the instructions warn that the surface can become very hot.
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Worth comparing if you want to keep an eye on your food through a viewing window as it cooks.
The product description lists a digital display and a 7 L capacity, but this doesn’t guarantee that every food will fit. Check the external dimensions and electrical compatibility before setting it up.
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Worth considering if you need a separate cooking space for oven dishes.
The stated capacity is 23 L. Compare the internal dimensions with your dishes, then allow enough room to open the door. The door and interior can become very hot during use.
A multi-cooker is a better fit if you want to bring cooking methods such as slow cooking or steaming together in one pot. An air fryer is more suited to roasted, grilled or crispy batches. Then compare the model’s usable capacity and cleaning requirements with the meals you usually make.
No. The result depends on factors including the recipe and the appliances being compared. For a small quiche Lorraine, the air fryers tested by UFC-Que Choisir in October 2024 used an average of 36% less electricity than the mini oven in the test. This result doesn’t automatically apply to other dishes or models.
Follow your model’s instructions, particularly for filling it, adding liquid and using the steam-release parts. SEB’s pressure cooker safety instructions say not to use the appliance without liquid and to check that the steam outlet isn’t blocked. Always follow the instructions for your own appliance.
No. The dish or accessory must be designed for oven use and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The DGCCRF states that a container not designed for oven use must not be put in one. Also check that it fits in the cavity without getting in the way of using the oven.