Convection microwave ovens
If kitchen space is a squeeze, a combination microwave could replace your regular oven.
Combination microwaves (also known as combi ovens or convection ovens) can be used as an oven to bake, roast and grill.
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Find a convection microwave ovenIs a combi oven for you?
A combination microwave combines two appliances in one. They can be used as a microwave, an oven, and in combination mode (combining microwave, bake and grill functions). They are more versatile than a benchtop oven – a benchtop oven can bake, roast and grill, but can’t microwave.
Combis don’t perform as well as a built-in or freestanding oven . There’s no bottom element so there’s limited browning and crisping of foods that require base cooking, such as pizza, pies and pastry.
A combi may suit you if you have a studio apartment, caravan or holiday home with limited space for a microwave and an oven. It can also be useful in a full kitchen if you often use more than one oven at a time.
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Learn more Join Consumer Log inBuilt-in or benchtop?
Combination microwaves can be benchtop or built-in. Some can be installed either way.
Built-in ovens are great for smaller kitchens as they save on bench space. They can be integrated within a kitchen to fit in with other appliances and usually sit flush with cupboard units. These models need a “trim kit” but this may need to be bought separately. Built-in microwaves should be installed by an electrician.
Benchtop models must be freestanding – they can’t be placed in a cabinet. They also shouldn’t be put where heat and steam are produced (for example, next to a conventional oven).
In convection and combination modes, combination microwaves get hotter than standard microwaves, so make sure all minimum recommended clearances are followed. You’ll find these measurements in the installation instructions.
What to look for
Door
It should be easy to open and stay in position without swinging open or slamming shut, especially as it can get very hot.
Usable space
Check the usable space – actual capacity can be less than what manufacturers claim. Make sure it will fit your dishes.
Turntable
Will your dishes have enough room to rotate? On both the microwave and combination settings the dish will need to do this.
Cleaning
- Unlike a standard oven, a combo microwave should be cleaned each time you use the convection or combination setting. If you don’t, any grease or food residue will be baked on next time you use it and be difficult to remove.
- Easily removable racks and turntables make cleaning less hassle.
- Sealed controls are easier to wipe clean.
- A stainless-steel exterior looks stylish, but needs more elbow grease to keep clean compared with a plastic exterior.
Controls
Should be easy to use and read.
Viewing window
If you like to see what’s cooking, or to catch unintended spills, make sure the window is large and gives a clear view.
Oven light
Check it gives good illumination of the turntable.
Child lock
Lets you deactivate the microwave so children can’t use it.
Standalone timer
Lets you time other tasks – such as boiling an egg – without operating the microwave.
Inverter
Inverter models deliver continuous heating at reduced power. For example, if you select 50%power the microwave delivers a true 50%power, not a “pulsed” delivery of full power half the time (like most microwaves do). Manufacturers claim inverter models cook more evenly, but we found this claim doesn’t stack up in our testing. If you have a Bluetooth connection there’s also a risk your inverter microwave will interfere with it.
Functions
Most people don’t get the most out of their microwave and only use a few functions. Reading your manual, and some trial and error, will give you a new perspective on what it can do.
Automatic programmes
These make defrosting, cooking and heating more convenient. Automatic defrost usually prompts you to enter the weight and type of food, and calculates the defrosting time. Common automatic programmes are for potatoes, fresh vegetables, rice, drinks, meat, soups and frozen dinners.
Sensor programmes
These measure vapours emitted during cooking to control cooking time. You don’t have to estimate cooking times and food quantities.
Quick/boost start
This starts the microwave, usually by pressing one button. With most models, the cooking times increases in 30-second or one-minute increments. It’s handy for reheating.
Multi-stage cooking
The microwave performs a sequence of functions, such as defrost then cook.
Adjust time during cooking
Lets you increase or decrease cooking time without stopping the microwave.
What cookware?
For the microwave setting use glassware, such as Pyrex, and heat-resistant plastic containers that are microwave-safe. China, pottery, earthenware and ceramic containers are also suitable if they are non-porous and don’t have a metal trim.
For the convection or grill setting, the cookware you’d use in a regular oven is fine.
It’s the combination setting where things get tricky. You can’t use metal, non-heat-resistant plastic, or anything that’s not microwave-safe. Stick to Pyrex-style glassware, and microwave- and oven-safe china, pottery earthenware or ceramic cookware.
Safety advice
Water can heat past its boiling point without bubbles forming. This is called “superheating”. When you move the cup or add coffee, the water can explode into steam and cause scalding.
To reduce the risk of superheating:
- Use a wide-mouthed container. Avoid using a straight-sided
container with narrow neck. - Let the container stand for 20 seconds after heating.
- Add sugar or instant coffee before heating.
Eggs can also superheat and explode in their shells or during poaching. It’s best to not cook eggs in the shell, or prick yolks before cooking.
