Joybuy Insights

Oven and Grill: A Buying Guide for Versatile Cooking, Baking and Cleaning

The right appliance for oven and grill use should suit the space available, the size of your household and how you plan to use it. Many poor purchases are not caused by missing features, but by unclear product specifications: a large control panel cannot make up for insufficient interior capacity, a grill function says little about the actual grilling area, and a cleaning programme does not always eliminate the need for manual cleaning.

Before buying an oven or purchasing a grill, you should therefore check three common pitfalls:

  • Too many functions without a suitable purpose: Fan cooking, grilling, pizza and steam programmes are only useful when the controls, accessories and interior space suit your everyday needs.
  • Underestimating installation dimensions: A 60 cm built-in oven also needs sufficient space for ventilation, connection and door clearance. Compare the appliance dimensions with the available housing unit.
  • Cleaning is considered too late: Burnt-on grease and food residues are harder to remove if the interior or grill rack is not cleaned regularly over an extended period.

The most important criteria when comparing

1. Interior capacity, dimensions and connection

For a typical household, a 60 cm width and an interior capacity of around 60 to 70 litres are often practical if you want to use several levels or larger oven dishes. A smaller appliance may be sufficient for a single-person kitchen or as an additional appliance. Microwaves with a grill often have capacities of 20 to 25 litres.

Look out for:

  • external dimensions and the required housing unit
  • usable interior height for tall dishes or a pizza stone
  • turntable diameter in a microwave
  • rated power and a suitable, earthed socket
  • sufficient ventilation clearances in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications

An electric oven with a power consumption of, for example, 3 kW requires an electrical installation designed accordingly. In a microwave with grill and fan cooking, the power ratings of the individual operating modes may differ significantly.

2. Heating methods and controls

An oven with a grill function should offer more than just a grill setting. It should also provide clear temperature and time controls. Fan cooking distributes heat using a fan and can make baking on several levels easier. A pizza function is particularly useful when the temperature range, rack position and available accessories are all suitable.

Depending on the model, a combination microwave combines microwave cooking, grilling and fan cooking. This saves space, but does not automatically replace a large built-in oven. You should therefore check:

  • microwave and grill power
  • number of power levels
  • automatic programmes and timer
  • accessories included, such as a grill rack, baking tray or pizza plate
  • child lock and ECO mode

According to the product specifications, the Bauknecht MWK 253 B offers 25 litres of capacity, 900 W microwave power and seven power levels, as well as grill and combination cooking. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Sharp YC-PC254AE-S also offers a fan cooking function with 2,050 W, a grill power of 1,200 W, 14 automatic programmes and a 288 mm diameter turntable.

3. Energy consumption, materials and cleaning

The energy efficiency class is a useful comparison value, but it should be considered alongside how the appliance will actually be used. An energy-efficient oven with ECO mode can help reduce consumption when used regularly. Other important factors include short preheating times, an appropriate cooking compartment size and the ability to prepare several portions at once.

When choosing a grill, consider the material thickness, grill rack material, air supply and stability. A kamado grill uses adjustable air vents and retains heat thanks to its construction. For beginners, it is important that the thermometer and air controls are clearly and intuitively positioned. When buying a BBQ grill, you should also consider the work surface, wheels, grill size and safe distance from flammable materials.

For maintenance, allow the oven to cool before cleaning, disconnect electrical appliances from the mains and follow the instructions for use. An oven cleaner or grill cleaner should only be used on surfaces approved for this purpose. Aggressive cleaning products or scouring pads can damage delicate coatings.

Product selection by type of use

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
SHARP Microwave with Grill Function YC-MG01E-B

SHARP Microwave with Grill Function YC-MG01E-B

Why this product suits this profile: This compact appliance is ideal for smaller kitchens and households that mainly want to heat, defrost and occasionally brown food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The five power levels and manual rotary controls keep operation straightforward. The 20-litre capacity makes the appliance’s size clear.

Main benefit & strengths

800 W microwave power, 1,000 W grill power and a 25.5 cm diameter turntable.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
Comfee Electric Built-in Oven, 60 cm, 70 L

Comfee Electric Built-in Oven, 60 cm, 70 L

Why this product suits this profile: This built-in oven is designed for households that need a larger cooking compartment and several operating modes for regular baking and cooking.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated 60 cm width, 70-litre capacity and ten functions make it easier to check the appliance before installation. AquaClean supports ongoing care using steam.

Main benefit & strengths

Fan cooking, grill and pizza functions, an LED display with timer, plus ECO mode and energy class A according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
SUNJOY Kamado Style BBQ Grill with Smoker Function

SUNJOY Kamado Style BBQ Grill with Smoker Function

Why this product suits this profile: This grill is designed for users who want to combine BBQ cooking, slow cooking and outdoor pizza-making in one appliance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The integrated thermometer and adjustable upper and lower air vents make temperature control and airflow easy to understand.

Main benefit & strengths

Two 304 stainless steel grill racks, a 33 cm cordierite pizza stone and four lockable wheels according to the product description.

Suitable for: Households with regular cleaning needs
Bref Power Oven & Grill Cleaner 500 ml

Bref Power Oven & Grill Cleaner 500 ml

Why this product suits this profile: This spray is intended for people who want to regularly remove grease and burnt-on residues from oven, grill and BBQ surfaces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It is intended for use on a cool surface. Wear gloves, observe the contact time, wipe thoroughly and rinse afterwards.

Main benefit & strengths

500 ml spray bottle, suitable for ovens, grills and BBQ surfaces according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Caring for your oven and grill properly

Remove food residues as soon as possible once the appliance has cooled down. With a steam-cleaning oven, water can be added to the base of the cooking compartment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The loosened residues can then be wiped away with a soft cloth.

Cleaning sponges such as the abrazo Pot & Pan Cleaning Pads may be suitable for grill racks and cookware. According to the product description, they are made from vegan-certified cleaning material with plant-oil soap and are intended for pots, pans and certain kitchen utensils. Check surface compatibility before use and wear protective gloves if you have sensitive skin.

When cleaning a microwave with grill, do not use abrasive cleaners, pressure washers or aggressive tools. The interior, door seal, ventilation openings and turntable must be maintained in accordance with the operating instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a built-in oven and a combination microwave?

A built-in oven usually offers a larger cooking compartment and is suitable for baking trays, several levels and regular family-sized portions. A combination microwave takes up less space and, depending on the model, combines microwave cooking, grilling and fan cooking. It is therefore a space-saving addition, but does not replace a large cooking compartment in every household.

How much electricity does an electric oven use?

Consumption depends on the power, temperature, preheating time, cooking compartment size and duration of use. An energy efficiency class such as A makes comparison easier, but does not provide an individual annual consumption figure. ECO mode, filling the oven fully and avoiding unnecessary preheating can all affect running costs.

How often should you clean an oven?

This depends on how often it is used and the amount of food residue. Visible grease should be removed once the oven has cooled. A more thorough clean is advisable if residues produce smoke or odours, or build up on the walls and around the heating areas. Cleaning products and grill accessories should always be suitable for the specific material.