Buyer's Guide: Microwave with Grill and Convection

A modern kitchen demands appliances that combine functionality and efficiency, especially when space is limited. A microwave with grill and convection, often called a 3-in-1 microwave or combi microwave, promises exactly that: the speed of a microwave, the browning power of a grill, and the baking capabilities of an oven in a single unit. However, the purchasing process is fraught with pitfalls that often only become apparent after the purchase, leading to disappointment.

Before you buy a microwave with a grill function, it's crucial to question common marketing promises and focus on the technical details that truly matter.

Common Pitfalls When Buying Combi Microwaves

Many appliances look promising on paper but reveal their weaknesses only in daily use. Watch out for these three common problems to avoid a poor investment:

1. The Turntable as a Space Waster: The classic turntable design drastically limits the usable area. Large, rectangular casserole dishes or pizza plates often don't fit, even if the appliance's external dimensions seem generous. The advertised litre capacity of the interior is therefore misleading.
2. Ineffective Convection and Grill Functions: A high wattage alone does not guarantee good results. In many budget models, heat distribution is uneven. The result: the casserole is burnt on the edges but still cold in the middle, or the pizza doesn't get crispy. A microwave with a true baking function requires well-engineered air circulation.
3. Laborious Cleaning: Fixed heating elements on the ceiling of the cavity and hard-to-reach corners make cleaning after grilling or baking a tedious task. Burnt-on grease quickly becomes a permanent nuisance and can compromise hygiene.

Key Parameters for Your Selection

To avoid the problems mentioned above, you should check three core technical features before making a purchase decision. These define the actual performance and user-friendliness of the appliance.

1. Cavity Technology: Flatbed Instead of a Turntable

One of the most important innovations is the microwave without a turntable. These appliances use flatbed technology with a fixed cavity floor, often made of ceramic or glass. An antenna hidden beneath the floor distributes the microwaves evenly.

• Advantages:
  • Maximum Usable Space: You can use the entire cavity floor for large, rectangular, or oval dishes. The usable area is often significantly larger than in appliances with a turntable of the same interior volume.
  • Easy Cleaning: A smooth, continuous surface can be cleaned with a single wipe. There are no moving parts to remove.
  • Two-Level Cooking: Many flatbed models allow for cooking or heating two dishes simultaneously by using a wire rack.

2. Power Distribution and Combination Programs

Pay attention to how the individual functions—microwave, grill, and convection—can be controlled. High-quality appliances not only allow for separate operation but also offer intelligent combination programs. For example, the microwave can speed up the cooking process while the convection function ensures a crispy crust. The maximum temperature of the convection function is also crucial; values up to 230 °C are necessary for baking cakes or achieving a perfect gratin.

3. Interior Material and Workmanship

The interior is constantly exposed to heat, moisture, and food residue. A stainless steel interior is the most robust and hygienic choice. It is durable, rust-proof, and, unlike lacquered interiors, resistant to scratches where dirt could accumulate. Also, check the design of the grill element. Is it exposed or protected by a cover, making it easier to clean?

Our Appliance Selection for Different User Profiles

Based on the criteria above, we have identified products suitable for various user profiles.

MATCH FOR: The Efficiency-Optimiser in a Small Household

Severin 3-in-1 Microwave with Glass Base, Grill, and Hot Air Function, MW 7777

Why This Fits Their Persona: Ideal for users who need to save kitchen space but don't want to compromise on functionality. This appliance replaces an oven, grill, and microwave, maximising utility in a small footprint.

How It Avoids the Trap

The innovative flat glass-base technology without a turntable increases the usable area by up to 80% compared to conventional models, allowing for the use of rectangular casserole dishes.

Key Advantage & Pros

Ultra-hot air function up to 230 °C for genuine baking results. The stainless steel interior and flat base make cleaning effortless.

MATCH FOR: Ambitious Home Cooks

Severin 3-in-1 Microwave with Glass Base, Grill, and Hot Air Function, MW 7777

Why This Fits Their Persona: Perfect for creative cooks who want to do more than just reheat. The ability to cook on two levels and the powerful convection function open up a wide range of preparation options, from gratins to small cakes.

How It Avoids the Trap

The convection function with up to 230 °C ensures even heat distribution and crispy results, which many appliances with weaker performance fail to achieve.

Key Advantage & Pros

Thanks to the included wire rack, you can cook on two levels simultaneously. 8 automatic programs and 10 power levels offer flexibility for various recipes.

MATCH FOR: Pragmatic Users Focused on Convenience

Severin Microwave with Grill Function and Ceramic Base, MW 7762

Why This Fits Their Persona: For users who appreciate straightforward operation and quick cleaning but don't want to miss out on a powerful grill function. This model focuses on the essentials: microwave and grill.

How It Avoids the Trap

Operation via two simple rotary knobs avoids complex menus. The flat ceramic base and stainless steel interior solve the problem of laborious cleaning.

Key Advantage & Pros

Powerful 1000-watt grill for quick browning and crisping. The flat base offers 33% more usable space than comparable models with a turntable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the specific advantage of a microwave without a turntable?

The main advantage is optimal space utilisation. Since no plate needs to rotate, you can use the entire, often rectangular, cavity floor. This is ideal for large casserole dishes, baking sheets, or several small containers side by side. Furthermore, cleaning is significantly easier as the smooth surface has no moving parts.

2. How many watts should a good microwave with grill and convection have?

Wattage alone is not the only decisive factor, but it provides a guideline. Look for appliances with around 800-1000 watts of microwave power, 1000-1200 watts of grill power, and at least 2000 watts of convection power. More importantly, however, the functions should be intelligently combinable, and good design must ensure even heat distribution within the cavity.

3. Can a combi microwave replace a full-sized oven?

For many everyday tasks like baking pizza, reheating bread rolls, preparing gratins, or smaller cakes, a high-quality combi microwave can completely replace a conventional oven. It typically preheats faster and consumes less energy. However, for very large roasts, multiple trays of baked goods at once, or special baking requirements, a conventional, larger oven may still have advantages. For single to three-person households, a 3-in-1 appliance is often a completely sufficient and space-saving solution.