Joybuy Insights

Buying kitchen and grill appliances: a guide to choosing a microwave, oven and BBQ

Whether it’s a family kitchen, a compact flat or a garden barbecue area: kitchen and grill appliances need to suit the space you’ve got, how you’ll use them and how much cleaning you’re prepared to do. Many poor purchases don’t come from missing features, but from unclear product specs and misjudging your day-to-day needs.

Typical buying pitfalls for kitchen and grill appliances

1. Feature overload without a clear use case

A combination microwave can bring together a microwave, grill and convection oven. That’s handy, but it doesn’t automatically replace a full built-in oven. If you regularly make large bakes or cook on multiple shelves at once, check the internal space, shelf heights and included accessories carefully.

For a microwave with grill, it’s also important to know whether a true combination mode is available. A standalone grill function will brown food but won’t necessarily cook it faster through the middle.

2. Wattage is viewed in isolation

A high power rating sounds convincing at first. In practice, capacity, power levels, temperature control and heat distribution also matter. A unit with a turntable can suit small portions, while families often benefit from an interior of 25 litres or more.

With grills, the result is also influenced by the material, wall construction, airflow and the size of the cooking area. A Kamado grill with adjustable vents works differently to a compact electric grill.

3. Cleaning is underestimated

Burnt-on grease and food residues add time to your cleaning routine and can cause smells or smoke the next time you heat up. A steam-clean function such as AquaClean can loosen residues, but it doesn’t replace wiping down afterwards. For heavy soiling, a suitable oven cleaner or grill cleaner can be helpful.

Cleaning agents should always be appropriate for the surface. Coatings, enamel, stainless steel and cast iron each require different care.

Key selection criteria at a glance

Internal capacity, footprint and built-in dimensions

Measure the available space, including ventilation clearances, before you buy. For a freestanding appliance, door swing, cable length and whether the surface can support the weight are also relevant.

  • 20 litres often suits smaller households and simple reheating.
  • 25 litres provides more space for larger plates, casseroles and grill accessories.
  • A 60 cm built-in oven needs a matching niche and a professional connection.
  • For outdoor appliances, also consider transport, stability and clearance from combustible materials.

Heating modes and controls

Check which heating modes you actually need:

  • Microwave: fast heating and defrosting
  • Grill: browning and gratinating
  • Convection (fan oven): baking and even cooking
  • Combination: combines multiple heating modes
  • Pizza function: depending on the model, specific temperatures or heat distribution

Auto programmes make operation easier, but shouldn’t be your only selection criterion. Manual control of power and time is useful day to day, for example when gently heating delicate foods.

Materials and cleaning

A cast iron griddle plate retains a lot of heat, but it’s heavy and shouldn’t be quenched with cold water. According to the product information, the Le Creuset Signature Grill Plate weighs around 3.1 kg, is intended for various hob types as well as the oven, and must not be used in a microwave.

For kitchen cleaning, use soft cloths and non-scouring products. For heavily soiled pots, pans, ovens or grill grates, cleaning pads with a suitable surface can help. Wear gloves, rinse thoroughly and follow the packaging instructions for safe use.

Our picks by usage profile

Best for: budget-conscious first-time buyers
SHARP Microwave with Grill Function - 800W with 1000W Grill Function, 20L, 25.5cm Turntable Diameter, 5 Level Settings,YC-MG01E-B

SHARP Microwave with grill function YC-MG01E-B

Why this product suits the profile: This compact appliance is aimed at households that mainly reheat, defrost and occasionally gratinate.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The five power levels and separately stated grill output make the core functions clear.

Main benefit & strengths

20-litre capacity, 800 W microwave output, 1000 W grill output and manual dials.

Best for: buyers with high standards
Le Creuset Signature Grill Plate 30 cm - Oven Red

Le Creuset Signature Grill Plate 30 cm

Why this product suits the profile: The enamelled cast iron plate is for users who want a durable, heavy cooking surface for the hob, oven and BBQ.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Compatibility with gas, induction, ceramic, halogen, oven and BBQ is clearly specified; use in a microwave is explicitly excluded.

Main benefit & strengths

30 cm cooking surface, enamelled cast iron and integrated double handles; hand washing is recommended.

Best for: specific applications & frequent users
Sharp YC-PC254AE-S 25L Combination Microwave Oven with Grill and Convection

Sharp YC-PC254AE-S combination microwave

Why this product suits the profile: If you need multiple cooking methods in one freestanding unit, this 25-litre appliance combines microwave, grill and convection.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The three heating modes, 14 auto programmes and three combination functions are listed separately in the product details.

Main benefit & strengths

900 W microwave, 1200 W grill and 2050 W convection output, plus baking tray, grill rack and turntable.

Best for: grill and BBQ enthusiasts
SUNJOY Kamado Style BBQ Grill with smoker function and cordierite pizza stone

SUNJOY Kamado Style BBQ Grill with smoker function

Why this product suits the profile: Designed for users who want to combine grilling, low-and-slow cooking and pizza baking outdoors.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Adjustable upper and lower vents and an integrated thermometer allow controlled airflow and temperature monitoring.

Main benefit & strengths

Two stainless steel cooking grates, 33 cm cordierite pizza stone, two temperature zones and four castors with brakes.

Complementary products for kitchen cleaning

Different tools can be helpful for regular kitchen cleaning. According to the product description, abrazo Pot & Pan cleaning pads are made in Germany, contain plant-based soap and are intended for pots, pans, grill and baking surfaces. For delicate coatings, first test in an inconspicuous area to check whether the surface is suitable.

The Bref Power Oven & Grill Cleaner is a 500 ml spray for cold oven, grill and BBQ surfaces. When using, wear gloves, ventilate well and rinse thoroughly. Do not use cleaning products on hot surfaces or mix them with other chemicals.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a comprehensive, continuously updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with EU safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about kitchen and grill appliances

Which microwave is suitable for a family household?

A model with around 25 litres of capacity provides more room for larger plates and casseroles. Also check the internal dimensions, turntable diameter and whether a grill or convection function is included. According to the product information, the Bauknecht MWK 253 B offers 25 litres, 900 W and seven power levels.

What should I consider when buying a built-in oven?

Before buying, the niche width, height and depth must match the manufacturer’s specifications. Also relevant are connection rating, heating modes, controls, accessories and cleaning function. According to the product description, a Comfee built-in oven with 70 litres includes, among other things, a grill, pizza function, fan-assisted heat, AquaClean and ten functions.

How long do kitchen and grill appliances last?

Service life depends on use, care, load and proper installation. Remove grease and food residues regularly, allow appliances to cool sufficiently and follow the user manual. For electrical appliances, check cables, door seals and the housing regularly for visible damage. A grill should be stored dry and protected, especially after cleaning.