Quick Answer
For most people, getting a microwave with a grill can be a worthwhile purchase. The main benefits are:
- More functionality – A grill feature allows you to brown and crisp foods, giving you more cooking options beyond just reheating.
- Saves space – Having a grill and microwave in one frees up counter space.
- Convenience – It’s quicker and easier to use one appliance rather than two separate ones.
However, there are some downsides to consider:
- Higher price – Microwaves with grills are more expensive than regular microwaves.
- Smaller capacity – The grill takes up space, so the oven cavity is smaller.
- Grill racks need cleaning – Food and grease can build up on wire grill racks.
For those short on space or who want added functionality, a combination microwave can be a smart choice. But it’s not for everyone. Consider your cooking needs and budget to decide if it’s worthwhile.
What is a Microwave with a Grill?
A microwave with a grill refers to a type of microwave oven that incorporates both microwave cooking technology and a heating element for grilling or browning food.
Here are the key features that define this type of appliance:
- Microwave cooking – Uses microwave energy to quickly heat and cook food.
- Grill element – Contains an electric heating element at the top of the oven cavity.
- Grill rack – Has a wired metal rack that sits near the grill element.
- Combination cooking – Allows use of microwave, grilling, or both functions in one cycle.
These ovens aim to provide the speed of microwave cooking along with the browning, crisping and texture change that grilling provides. This gives more versatility than a microwave-only or oven-only appliance.
Models may have the grill element hidden or exposed. Grill wattages on combination ovens often range from 1000-1500W. The oven cavity is smaller than a traditional microwave since it has to accommodate the grill rack. Grill microwave combos come in countertop, over-the-range and built-in versions.
Pros of Microwaves with Grills
Here are some of the benefits that a microwave grill combo can provide over a microwave-only model:
More cooking functionality
The main advantage of a microwave-grill oven is the ability to brown and crisp food. Using just the microwave will heat up food but leaves it looking soggy and unappetizing. The high heat from the grill element gives surfaces a crispy texture. This lets you experience more flavors and textures.
You can cook items like chicken pieces, steaks, veggies, pizza and sandwiches with browning that a microwave can’t produce. The grill also mimics oven-baked or broiled results. Having both technologies means wider cooking versatility beyond just reheating.
Space-saving design
A combination grill-microwave oven consolidates two appliances into one unit. This can help save precious space in kitchens with limited counter space or in small apartments.
Rather than needing a whole microwave plus a separate toaster oven or broiler, this hybrid option combines cooking methods while having a compact footprint. For consumers who want multifunctionality but don’t have room for multiple individual appliances, the consolidation can be beneficial.
Added convenience
Using just one appliance to grill, microwave, bake, brown or crisp up dishes can add convenience to cooking. You don’t have to monitor or operate two separate machines.
The combo units have pre-programmed cycle options to automatically switch between microwave and grill heating as needed during one cooking process. Being able to throw ingredients into one appliance and get browned, crispy results can save time and effort compared to using multiple devices.
Faster cooking times
Cooking food in the microwave is significantly faster than conventional ovens or grills. Combination models retain this speed advantage for quickly cooking or reheating meals.
The microwave aspect can rapidly get food hot throughout. Then a short time under the broiler gives the finishing touches of color and texture. This tandem approach typically cooks food faster than one cooking method alone. For busy households, the reduced cook times of these multipurpose units can be helpful.
| Cooking Task | Microwave with Grill Time | Oven or Grill Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 8-12 minutes | 20-25 minutes |
| Bacon | 2-3 minutes | 8-10 minutes |
| Fish fillet | 6-8 minutes | 12-15 minutes |
| Pizza reheat | 3-5 minutes | 12-15 minutes |
Cons of Microwaves with Grills
Despite their advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider with these combination microwave-grill ovens:
Higher price
The added grill feature comes at a price. Grill microwaves are more expensive than regular microwave-only models. You’ll have to weigh the extra cost versus how much you’ll use the grill function.
For basic reheating tasks, a budget solo microwave may still suffice. But if you’ll heavily utilize the grilling, then the upgrade may justify the cost premium. On average, expect to spend $50-150 more for a grill microwave versus a similar solo microwave.
Smaller oven capacity
Fitting the grill heating elements and rack takes up interior oven space. So combination models typically have smaller turntables and interior cavities compared to microwave-only ovens.
Standard microwaves often range from 1.0-1.6 cubic feet while a grill microwave is commonly 0.9-1.5 cubic feet. The compact footprint can limit the size of cookware or plates of food that fit inside. Check dimensions to ensure your dishes and existing cookware will fit.
Extra cleaning required
The wire grill rack will need periodic cleaning as food debris and grease splatter on it. Unlike a smooth glass turntable, particles can cling to the metal grill surface.
Frequently removing and washing the grill rack is advised. Some models have grills that detach for cleaning. Avoid excessive build-up for hygienic reasons and to prevent odors or smoke from grease dripping on the heating element.
Potential overcooking
Combining rapid microwave heating and intense grilling can lead to some foods getting overcooked quickly. It may take trial and error to get the balance right, especially when using pre-set auto cook programs. Check food frequently and adjust cycle times to avoid drying out your meals.
Not designed for large roast meats or birds
Grill microwaves work best for small portions of food rather than large roasts or whole poultry. The compact oven cavity and lower wattage grill element aren’t really suitable for cooking big meat joints evenly compared to a full oven. Stick to individual chops, steaks or kebabs rather than attempting large roasts.
Types of Microwaves with Grills
There are three main configurations for combination grill microwave ovens:
Countertop
The most common style sits on a kitchen counter or cart. Typical exterior housing dimensions range from 17-22 inches wide, 13-16 inches deep and 12-15 inches tall for 0.9 to 1.5 cubic feet models. These have front-facing door openings and control panels. Countertop versions offer portability to move or store as needed.
Over-the-range
OTR microwaves are designed to mount above ranges. They have ventilation systems to capture cooking fumes and steam. A grill adds even more cooking flexibility. The oven hangs from a cabinet and plugs into an outlet. OTR grill microwaves give a built-in look while maximizing countertop area. Measure carefully as unit heights vary.
Built-in
Built-in models are made to integrate into kitchen cabinetry or wall niches for a seamless installed look. They have unfinished cabinet sides and top panels that you build cabinet facades around for a custom appearance. The combined oven can be installed into a wall or above a range.
Key Features to Look for
Here are some useful features and specs to consider when selecting a grill microwave:
- Wattage – Higher wattage means faster microwave cooking. Look for a minimum of 900 watts for sufficient power.
- Grill wattage – Models with 1000+ grill watts brown better than lower-watt grills.
- Grill coverage – U-shaped or circular grills brown more evenly than partial width elements.
- Rack material – Chrome-plated racks withstand heat better than plain steel.
- Programmable cooking – Presets for common foods like pizza, baked potatoes and popcorn simplify cooking.
- Multi-stage cooking – Automatically switches from microwave to grilling during one cycle.
- Sensor cooking – Automatically adjusts heating time by detecting moisture released from food.
- Turntable size – Match to your typical plate/dish sizes. Minimum 12-inch diameter recommended.
- Interior capacity – 1.2+ cubic feet fits most meal portions.
- Nose vents – Lets steam escape to avoid condensation buildup inside.
- Style – Countertop, over-the-range or built-in.
Prioritize the performance features that align with your cooking preferences. Those who frequently grill or bake meals may want higher wattage and larger capacity than someone who mainly reheats food.
Top Microwave Brands with Grills
Several major brands produce combination microwave-grill ovens. Here are some of the top options to consider across different price ranges:
| Brand | Good | Better | Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | ME16K3000AS | ME18H704SFS | ME21M706BAG |
| GE | JES1097SMSS | JES2251SJ | JVM7195SKSS |
| LG | LMV1831ST | LMHM2237ST | LMV2031ST |
| Whirlpool | WMH31017HS | WMH31017HZ | WMC30516HZ |
| Panasonic | NN-GD57KS | NN-CD87KS | NN-CS89LB |
| Sharp | R-1874T | SMC1452CH | R-930AK |
Samsung, LG, and GE lead the pack in terms of popularity and performance. But models from Whirlpool, Panasonic and Sharp also provide quality grill-microwave options at various price points. Check reviews on these models to compare specs and buyers’ experiences.
FAQs
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about microwaves with grills:
How is the grill feature powered?
Most combination grill microwaves use an electric heating element to generate the grill’s heat. A heating coil or quartz tube sits under the wire rack. When activated, it glows red to rapidly heat and brown food on the rack.
Do I need special cookware?
You can use most normal oven-safe cookware in a grill microwave. Metal pans or baking sheets are fine for the grill function. Just don’t use anything with metal in the microwave-only mode. Glass or ceramic pans work for both.
What kinds of food work best?
Thinner foods like steaks, chops, kebabs, wings and fillets grill up well. Burgers and hot dogs also cook evenly. Veggies, pizza and sandwiches benefit too. Larger roasts may heat unevenly. Very thick foods like whole chickens won’t brown well.
Can it replace both my microwave and toaster oven?
For many users, yes. The grill feature provides similar crisping and browning as a toaster oven. Having both functions means you can likely donate or replace a separate microwave or toaster oven.
Does the microwave run when grilling?
Some combination ovens allow simultaneous grill and microwave heating to cook extra fast. Others run each function consecutively for optimal results. There is typically a microwave-only mode too. Check settings to enable different heating arrangements.
Conclusion
Microwaves with integrated grills provide added versatility over solo microwaves. For many households, the dual cooking functions in one compact unit can be beneficial. The grill makes more browning and crisping possible for better texture and flavor.
However, the upgrade costs more and has smaller capacity. Consider your cooking habits and space constraints. If you’ll regularly grill small meals, heat up leftovers, or cook frozen convenience foods, the combo appliance can add value. Prioritize a higher wattage grill and useful cook modes for the best experience. But if you just reheat beverages or popcorn, grab a budget solo microwave.