Modern homes, especially in big cities, are increasingly smaller. Rising rental costs and the growing demand for smaller living spaces have transformed apartments into environments where every centimeter counts. In this context, optimizing space becomes a real necessity, especially in the kitchen, where appliances are among the objects that take up the most space.
Bulky appliances: the problem of modern kitchens
In many homes, the oven, refrigerator, microwave and air fryer represent clutter that is difficult to manage. Each device requires a dedicated area, and when space is limited, kitchen efficiency is compromised. This makes daily kitchen management more complicated, especially for those who live in small studios or apartments.
An air fryer takes up at least 40 centimeters of work surface, a microwave as much, or even more. An electric oven? We’re talking about half a meter. Add it all up and you’ll have exhausted the available space in many urban kitchens before you even find room for the toaster. It is no coincidence that Facebook groups dedicated to home organization are full of desperate photos: stacked appliances, improvised shelves, creative solutions that border on tetris.
The market has sensed the opportunity, in recent years hybrid devices of all kinds have appeared, often sold through teleshopping or discount stores, with mixed results. Some work decently, others betray their compromise nature upon first serious use.
The appliance that combines air fryer, microwave and oven
To respond to this need, the household appliances market has begun to evolve towards more compact and multifunctional solutions. IKEA, for example, recently launched the GÄTEBO, an appliance that combines three functions in a single device: microwave, oven and air fryer. This new product is designed to simplify life in the kitchen, combining speed, practicality and versatility without taking up too much space.
The GÄTEBO is a product that fits perfectly into living contexts with little space. With a capacity of 26 liters and a 29cm turntable, it allows you to prepare enough portions for a family, saving space compared to separate appliances. Its three main functions — microwave, oven and air fryer — address different cooking needs, making it possible to prepare a variety of dishes without having to manage multiple appliances. Furthermore, its compactness makes it easily transportable and also perfect for those who move frequently or live in temporary spaces, such as students.
The convenience of plug-and-play design
Another advantage of the GÄTEBO is its ease of use. Thanks to the plug-and-play setup, simply plug it into a 220V wall socket to start using it. No complex installation is required, and its minimalist design easily adapts to any decor. The ability to choose between different cooking modes, such as the “Quick Start” function or preset programs, makes it useful for those who have little time or want to simplify meal preparation.
Energy consumption
From a consumption point of view, GÄTEBO declares a maximum power for the microwave of 900W, with 10 adjustment levels that allow you to modulate the energy based on the type of preparation. This power is in line with mid-range microwaves on the market, although it remains to be seen how the overall consumption behaves when the different functions are used in succession. The possibility of regulating the intensity on 10 different levels should however allow a more conscious use of energy, without always having to resort to maximum power. As with all multifunction devices, it would be interesting to understand whether energy efficiency remains constant when switching from one mode to another or whether there are losses linked to the sharing of internal components.
The questions that matter
But does it really work? The question is not trivial. A specialized appliance only does one thing, but it does it (usually) well. A multifunction device must balance technical compromises: power must be distributed, internal space is shared, components must coexist.
Let’s take the air fryer: the dedicated mid-range models have large baskets and optimized air circulation. In a mixed appliance, how much space is actually usable? And is cooking really uniform when the same compartment must also serve as a microwave chamber?
The grill function raises similar questions. Grilling requires high temperatures concentrated at the top. Traditional ovens have dedicated heating elements and structures designed for this. How does a device that also has to protect microwave components behave?
Practical questions remain.
How do you clean such an appliance after frying fish and before heating milk? Do the internal materials withstand intensive use of all three functions? Is the power consumption comparable to using three devices separately or are there inefficiencies?
And then there is the cultural question: are we willing to accept “good enough” results in exchange for practicality? Cooking enthusiasts will probably always prefer dedicated appliances. But for those who cook out of necessity rather than passion, the compromise could be acceptable.
And the durability?
Here the sore point of multifunction devices emerges: complexity increases, possible breaking points multiply. If the microwave function fails, you also lose the fryer and grill. One specialized device that breaks leaves two others functioning.
The five-year guarantee is a positive sign, but it does not answer the fundamental question: after five years, what happens? Experience with IKEA appliances is varied. Some products surprise with their longevity, others show early critical issues. For a device that combines delicate electronic components (magnetrons, resistors, fans, sensors), there are many unknowns.
