Combination microwaves have become more common place in recent times. A number of different brands offer combination microwaves at various prices points. If you’ve never come across them know you may be wondering; what are combination microwaves? You may also be thinking – are combination microwaves any good?
Below we’ll try to answer these questions by looking at:
- What are combination microwaves?
- Are combination microwaves any good?
- Pros
- Cons
- Best Combination Microwaves
What Are Combination Microwaves?
Contents
Combination microwaves are those that combine a mixture of different functions into one machine which can include a microwave, grill and oven. There are a range of different types of combination microwaves most commonly:
- Microwave and Grill
- Microwave and Oven
- Microvave, Grill and Oven
Are Combination Microwaves Any Good?
Now we know what combination microwaves are, we need to address another important question – are combination microwaves any good?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of combination microwaves to help us address that question.
Pros
Multiple Functions In One Machine
Clearly the best part of the combination microwaves is that they provide multiple appliances all in one machine. Rather than having to buy a separate microwave, grill and oven you can get them all in the one package.
This could save you potentially if you opt to rely on the combination microwave for all 3 appliances.
Even if you still have a separate oven, a combination microwave can be a great option if you only want to reheat thinsg quickly but also get them brown without having to switch your main oven on.
Could Save You Space and Energy In Your Kitchen
As combination microwaves can have up to 3 appliances in 1, you potentially save space in your kitchen.
With just one unit which can serve 3 different purposes you have the potential to save on the footprint taken up in your kitchen.
In addition, you could also end up saving on energy consumption by using the one appliance for multiple tasks rather than also relying on a conventional grill/oven especially for quick small jobs e.g. grilled cheese sandwiches.
Flexibility In Your Cooking
Another great benefit of combination microwaves is that they give you more flexibility when you are cooking and reheating your food.
This could come in especially handy when you need to cook a meal that has multiple phases e.g. boil potatoes and then roast them before crisping them in a grill. You could potentially do all 3 in one appliance rather than having to switch between the cooker, oven and potentially grill.
This flexibility makes combination microwaves a popular choice for kitchens and homes with limited space and those people who are short on time but want more than just a heated microwave meal.
Cons
Can Be More Expensive
As combination microwaves have more functions, they typically tend to be more expensive than their solo counterparts.
Though this is to be expected it’s still worth considering.
Not As Much Choice
Another minus point on the sheet for combination microwaves is the fact that it can be hard to find ones that are as highly rated by users as their solo counterparts. It doesn’t mean there aren’t some highly rated models out there (see list below) but it simply means, at least from what we can see, there are fewer options than there are for solo microwaves.
This is particularly the case when it comes to flatbed options.
So, are combination microwaves any good? Overall though there are both pros and cons of combination microwaves, there’s nothing to suggest that they can’t be very good. It really comes down to the model you go for and what you actually want and need from a microwave.
What’s The Best Combination Microwave?
Let’s take a look at what’s the best combination microwave and see which ones come into contention.
1 – Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) Microwave and Grill
| Type | Microwave + Grill Combination |
| Power | Microwave – 850 – 900W; Grill – 1050W |
| Capacity | 23 Litre |
First on the list is the Toshiba Microwave Oven MW2-AG23PF(BK) microwave and grill which provides great value for money as well as being highlighted rated by users.
It comes as a combination of microwave and grill allowing you to cook and heat your food then finish it off in the 1050W grill for a crispy look. The microwave itself is rated at 850 – 900W of power which should allow you to get through most dishes efficiently.
At 23 litres you’ll have some good capacity to take care of your cooking needs though be sure to check the overall dimensions carefully prior to purhcase to make sure it will suit your needs. Some users have noted it was smaller than they thought so it is something to bear in mind.
The Toshiba MW2-AG23PF(BK) microwave and grill also comes with a unique turntable memory-position which returns your turntable to the position it was in when you started the cycle. This is aimed at helping with taking things out of the microwave safely.
2 – Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave
| Type | Microwave + Grill Combination |
| Power | Microwave – 1000W; Grill – 1300W; Oven – 100 – 220°C |
| Capacity | 27 Litre |
There are few names that are deemed as reliable as Panasonic when it comes to microwaves. The Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline Combination Microwave helps to live up to that billing offering a unit that comes very highly rated by users with lots of useful features.
The Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ combination microwave comes with a triple header of inverter microwave, convection oven and a quartz grill.
The Panasonic inverter technology is designed so that rather than the microwave power intermittingly going on and off as most microwaves do, it remains consistent throughout a cycle resulting in more evenly cooked food. This also comes in handy when it comes to defrosting food in an even and consistent manner.
The unit is equipped with a 1000 watts microwave backed up by a 1300W Quartz grill and a fan assisted convection oven ranging from 100 – 220°C. The microwave benefits from 6 different power levels giving you a good range of options whilst the grill has 3 different power settings.
In all there are a whopping 29 different auto programs to help you get the best of your food.
At 27litres you’ll have plenty of space to cook your meals. The turntable diameter is also an ample 34cm which should help with getting larger dishes in.
In addition, the clever design of the Panasonic NN-CT57JMBPQ Slimline combination microwave means you’ll have more counterspace than you would typically get with other microwaves of a similar capacity. This is because unlike most fan assisted microwave ovens which have the fan at the back, the Slimline has the fan at the top saving counterspace and also opening up space internally for you to fit in otheriwse awkward dishes.
Conclusion: What Are Combination Microwaves?
So, what are combination microwaves? We’ve now hopefully helped to clarify what combination microwaves are, whether they are any good and some of the best options you have.
What Are Combination Microwaves: Tell Us What You Think.