Whether a multicooker vs oven is the better choice depends primarily on what you cook every day – and how much space your kitchen allows. If you want to bake, grill and gratinate, a mini oven is the better option; if you mainly prepare soups, stews and rice dishes, a multicooker will serve you better.
Both appliances are compact, energy-efficient and ideal for small kitchens, studio flats or as a supplement to a main kitchen. The decision becomes easier, however, once you understand the concrete differences between the two.
What can a mini oven do – and what can't it?
A mini oven works like a conventional oven, only on a smaller scale. It bakes, grills, toasts and keeps food warm – depending on the model, also with convection heat or a rotisserie spit. Models from 35 litres are suitable for one to three people, while a 60-litre mini oven with rotisserie spit is even adequate for larger dishes.
The strengths of the mini oven clearly lie in dry-heat cooking: pizza, casseroles, chicken, quiche, bread and pastries turn out excellently. What it cannot do: cook in the traditional sense. Soups, pasta or stews in a pot cannot be prepared in an oven.
High-quality models such as those from bakeVIA mini ovens are fully enamelled – making cleaning after baking considerably easier. Double-glazed doors with a Low-E coating also reduce heat radiation to the outside and cut energy consumption.
What does a multicooker offer by comparison?
A multicooker – often referred to as an electric pressure cooker or all-in-one cooker – covers cooking techniques such as steaming, braising, pressure cooking, rice cooking and, in some cases, yoghurt making. It works with a closed lid and moist heat, making it ideal for grains, pulses, soups and stews.
Baking or grilling in a multicooker, however, is not possible – at least not with satisfying results. Those who want to cook in a varied way and also prepare a loaf of bread or a pizza will quickly hit the limits of a multicooker.
Which appliance suits which lifestyle?
The answer comes down to a few everyday questions: What do you cook most often? How large is your kitchen? And do you want to bake, or would you rather braise and stew?
- Mini oven: Ideal for anyone who wants to bake, grill, toast and gratinate. Also useful as a second appliance alongside a hob.
- Multicooker: Ideal for anyone who prepares rice, soups, pulses and braised dishes every day – with minimal supervision.
- Combination: Those who truly want flexibility combine a mini oven with a compact hob – this covers virtually all cooking techniques.
Multicooker vs oven: direct comparison
| Criterion | Mini oven | Multicooker |
|---|---|---|
| Baking & grilling | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Soups & stews | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Rice cooking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Pizza & casseroles | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Steaming | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Yoghurt making | ⚠️ Depending on model | ✅ Yes |
| Cleaning | Easy (enamelled) | Easy (removable) |
| Footprint (width) | from approx. 40 cm | from approx. 30 cm |
| Power consumption | 900–2000 W | 600–1200 W |
| Combinable with hob | ✅ Highly recommended | ⚠️ Less necessary |
Can a mini oven replace a multicooker?
No – and that is not a weakness, but a clear specialisation. A mini oven does not replace a multicooker, because it works in a fundamentally different way: dry radiant heat rather than moist pressure cooking. The reverse is equally true: a multicooker cannot bake a pizza or grill a chicken until crispy.
Those who want to build a complete kitchen in a small space are therefore best advised to combine a mini oven with a hob. This makes it possible to prepare virtually every dish – from a breakfast egg to a baked tart.
What capacity do I need for a mini oven?
The litre figure determines what fits inside the appliance. As a rule of thumb: 25 litres for one person and toast/snacks, 35 to 45 litres for one to two people and complete meals, 60 litres for larger dishes or occasional use as a second oven.
- 25 L: Toasting, reheating, small snacks – bakeVIA mini oven 25 L
- 35 L: Everyday cooking for 1–2 people – bakeVIA mini oven 35 L
- 45 L: Larger portions, casseroles, breads – bakeVIA mini oven 45 L
- 60 L with rotisserie spit: Whole chicken, large baking tins, family-sized dishes
What else should I look out for when buying?
In addition to capacity, safety and cleaning play an important role. A double-glazed door with a Low-E coating keeps the outer surface cooler – particularly relevant in small spaces or when children are nearby. A fully enamelled interior can be wiped down effortlessly after baking.
Also pay attention to CE certification and warranty terms. bakeVIA offers a two-year warranty on its mini ovens, which is by no means standard for compact kitchen appliances.
Verdict: multicooker vs oven?
Those who bake, grill and gratinate choose the mini oven. Those who cook, steam and braise choose the multicooker. Those who want both combine a mini oven with a hob – in most small kitchens, this is the most flexible and space-saving solution.
bakeVIA offers a range of mini ovens from 25 to 60 litres, which you can compare directly in the bakeVIA mini oven range. The models are sold directly by bakeVIA – a brief overview of the differences can be found in the table above.