The Combination Microwave Cook: Recipes for Combination Microwaves and Microwaves with Built-in Grills (Right way)

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The better question is what can’t you cook in them! As we mentioned, combination microwaves offer great flexibility thanks to their array of settings – use the convection function to cook with circulated hot air (like an oven), turn to the grill if you need a top-down approach and the standard microwave setting if speed is of the essence. Some models can even steam food; the possibilities really are endless. Looks wise, the exterior is sober, but has a modern feel. The control panel is illustrated with options for the grilling, microwaving and convection settings. There are separate microwave-and-grill, and microwave-and-convection settings too, which presumably reduce cooking times from the standard ones. Unfortunately, the instruction manual is vague and doesn’t explain how best to use these features. I think you’ll need to endure a bit of trial and error. What features will you use? Combi microwaves tend to come with a range of auto-cook settings, including multi-stage cooking – so you can defrost, microwave and then grill a lasagne for example. Some even come with settings for making yoghurt, air frying or steam cooking. But it's not worth paying for fancy features unless you're actually going to use them. Consider our list of the best features below before you buy.

This makes them very easy to use, but you won’t usually get much in the way of auto cook or defrost programs (see features to look out for, below). How much space do you have? Combi microwaves are usually larger and more bulky than solo microwaves, though you can fit more inside them. A built-in model will free up valuable counter space but you'll pay a premium for the privilege. The best way to begin our discussion of how to use a combination microwave oven is with a discussion of how to use a conventional microwave oven. Touch-panel controls These take far less effort to press than push-button controls. If you do go for button controls, they should be large, easy to press and not too close together. We'd even go so far as to declare them a viable alternative to trendy air fryers, because they can do everything air fryers do but can also have extra capabilities such as defrosting and steaming.

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These models are proven to be energy efficient and come from brands that stay fault-free for longer, so shouldn't need replacing very often.

These automatically cook food for the correct time and with correct combination of microwave, convection and grill. Just enter the weight and type of food and it will do the rest. Most combis have at least a couple of auto programs, but we've seen some with more than 30 programs to cook anything from a croque monsieur to meringues. Auto sensor Auto defrost Most microwaves offer an auto-defrost setting that uses bursts of low heat to defrost based on the weight of the food. Some come with settings for specific foods. The Samsung has ‘Smart Moisture Sensors’ that measure the humidity levels inside and prevent food from being under- or over-cooked, which I think is a reassuring feature. There’s also a healthy cooking mode that works well for brown rice, green beans or fish and poultry. I tried this with a couple of salmon fillets and although after 12 minutes the texture of the salmon was a little tougher than I would have liked, it was evenly cooked through and tasted good. Combination microwaves tend to have bigger footprints than their solo counterparts, so measure your space before you buy. Some models at this price will come with other extras such as delayed start and multi-stage cooking (to automatically switch between heating modes such as defrosting and heating).With the star button, you can also use the memory feature to save the setting for a dish and call it up instantly next time. If you know the exact weight of your food, you can also use the automatic programmes to cook specific foods such as rice, potatoes and vegetables.

Now that you know what a combination microwave and its features, applications, and perks are, you’ll surely want to get one! Before using, always ensure that you read all the information provided and follow what the instruction manual dictates. It’s also worth mentioning that familiarizing yourself with using a combination microwave reduces the risks of kitchen hazards such as fire. They also try out the defrost setting on minced meat and use the grill setting to cook toast, macaroni cheese and sausages. For every test, they assess the results, looking for even temperatures throughout each dish and a good colouring. Multi-step programming This allows you to program different cooking modes in sequence, to automatically switch between defrosting and cooking your dinner, for example. Look for a microwave with a selection of auto programs (to automatically set the weight and time for specific foods), digital displays and easy-to-use push-button or touch panel controls. However, if you’re just looking for something to zap ready meals and leftovers, or have limited space and already have a traditional oven, you’re probably better off with a basic solo microwave. How much do I need to spend to get a good combination microwave?Auto cook programs Enter the type and weight of food, and the microwave will automatically set the time and power needed to cook it. Premium models can offer up to 30 programs, including specialised ones for popcorn or roasts. All the microwaves we've tested have been given a heating category of E by the manufacturer, which means they're supposed to cook at between 741 and 800W, but this isn’t always the case. The large (27-litre) capacity is one of this unit’s big selling points. It’s a flatbed, so you can use the full width of the floor and when using the sliding tray you can cook two layers of food at once.