Have you been shopping for a microwave, then stop and stare at a unit called a microwave grill oven because you have no idea what it means or how it functions? Well, you are not the only one asking “what is microwave grill oven?”
In brief, a grill oven is a single convection microwave oven that has a grill function in addition to reheating and cooking options. The heating coils in grill microwave ovens are made to grill, roast, and toast, making this type of microwave perfect for making toast, tikka, and kebabs.
Moreover, the grilling function can be combined with several microwave oven cooking options.
In the following lines, you are going to find everything you need to know about these microwave types.
What Is Microwave Grill Oven?
Microwave with grill feature cooks in the same way as a regular microwave, you can use it for the pre-heating and heating process as well as defrost foods function.
However, there are several limits you will have when using standard microwaves or solo convection microwave ovens, which stops you from achieving the wished efficient cooking results that other kitchen appliances provide.
For example, a standard kitchen countertop microwave oven or built-in microwaves do not allow you to grill, brown, or sear your food item.
And this is the part that makes microwave grill ovens stand out, the grill plate. The grill plate addition gives you the chance to do everything a solo microwave does, in addition to brown and grill function.
This means you have a wide range of heavy food items that you can cook in your microwave. For example, you will be able to prepare and grill a burger and other meats and the result will be that they look and taste as if they have been made by the actual grill.
You can also cook delicious, delicate food items like pizza without them being soggy and tasting wet.
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The Grill Plate
As mentioned above a grill plate or grill rack is what differentiates microwave grill ovens from standard microwaves.
A grill oven can delicately prepare dishes for better texture and flavor. And can also make the meals look more aesthetically appealing from an aesthetic aspect. A grilled cheese sandwich, for example, will look, feel, and taste better when cooked using a microwave grill than when cooked in a standard microwave.
One more thing that makes microwave grills better than normal microwaves is that they also allow for more even cooking, allowing you to prepare things that aren’t typically grilled, which takes your meals to the next level!
The addition of a grill plate might seem insignificant, but the fact is it can make a significant difference. Most microwave grills are only meant to function with specific types of grill plates, so it is not recommended to mix and match them with different appliances.
So now the question is, how do grill plates work? They work by absorbing microwave energy and heating the grill to a temperature suitable for cooking food. As a result, they allow you to sear, brown, and grill various dishes, offering you more versatility than standard microwave ovens.
This means that you can prepare burgers, pizza, and spaghetti, and they will all taste and look better when cooked in a microwave oven with a grill element.
Some people will even be surprised to know that some microwave grills even have a baking function that does not require the use of the microwave! which provides you with even more cooking options, including cooking frozen food in one batch without having to thaw it first.
How Does a Grill Microwave Oven Work?
First of all, a grill unit uses the same microwave technology as standard microwaves, and the standard microwave’s primary component is the magnetron.
The magnetron charges electrodes that have passed between a cathode and an anode, and beneath the magnetron, a strong magnet is found. This magnet disrupts the passage of electrons, causing them to move around in a circular direction.
They move around something known as cavities (that is the reason why this form of the magnetron is known as a cavity magnetron) and meantime the electrons start to vibrate as they move.
When they are moving, they start to generate microwaves. These microwaves are then directed into the oven’s cooking section by a device known as a waveguide.
These microwaves bounce around the microwave oven’s interior, once they enter the heating chamber. And when you place your food inside the microwave to cook, it absorbs these microwaves.
Microwaves activate the water molecules found inside the food or liquid, causing them to vibrate super quick, which produces direct heat. Food is typically cooked from the outside in, with its outer edges getting most of the heating element first.
What Are the Advantages Of Using a Grill Microwave?
Cooking Style
This is the most and best evident benefit of a grill oven, it means that you are adding the grilling function when cooking with a microwave.
You can brown and crisp meals that a standard microwave would not be able to do, which means that you can finally say goodbye to soggy pizza that embarrasses you in front of your family!
Saves On Washing Up
Combining a microwave and a grill can significantly reduce clean-up time and effort because you are only utilizing one appliance rather than two.
So, you don’t have to clean the grill after each usage, instead, you can simply wipe out your microwave when necessary.
Moreover, you will also be using one set of cookware rather than two, halving your washing up when you are finished. Amazing, isn’t it?
Faster Cooking Time
The grill feature in your microwave works perfectly in quickly enhancing the cooking duration, which has two benefits, getting delicious recipes by grilling, and speeding up the cooking process.
However, you can speed up the process of utilizing a solo grill by partially heating the dish in the microwave unit before grilling.
More Versatility
Microwave grills also allow you to properly prepare more foods as well such as vegetables. You don’t have to stick to simple easy foods or processed microwave meals with a microwave grill you have a lot more options when it comes to preparing meals.
Microwave grills also give you the chance to properly prepare more food items than those prepared in convection oven types microwaves, such as veggies. You don’t have to limit yourself to simpler cooking, quick dishes, or processed microwave meals when it comes to meal preparation with a microwave unit grill. All you need is a microwave safe cooking dish and you are ready to impress your family!
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Grill Microwave?
Cost
You should expect to pay a little more for a grill oven, and if you plan to use it on a frequent basis, this shouldn’t be a concern, because you will get a powerful microwave with additional features for that money.
Weight
The addition of the microwave’s grill special feature will add some weight to your appliance, which isn’t actually a big deal if it is a countertop grill microwave, as you won’t feel that when you need to move the microwave for cleaning.
Some Cooking Limitations
Despite being more versatile than traditional ovens, the grill unit has restrictions, for example, it is not the right oven for baking or roasting food, which is something you won’t also get in a regular microwave oven, and will only find in a high-end model of a microwave convection oven.
Can You Bake in a Grill Microwave Oven?
No, efficient baking in a grill oven is not a wise idea, the reason is that the dough will be uncooked or half-cooked.
The top of the grill unit features a radiant heating element, which is only suitable for grilling or roasting, and if you tried to use it as an oven for baking, your baked dish will end up raw or burnt, and maybe both!
All in all, if you are looking for ovens for baking, these types of microwave ovens aren’t what you need. However, If you’re a foodie who craves crispy types of food, it is the best choice to make.
How Do I Choose a Grill Microwave Oven?
Oven Capacity
It depends on the size you want. The oven capacity can range in size from 21 to 30 liters, making it ideal for cooking for 2 to 4 people. For groups of more than four people, 32 liters or higher is preferable.
Size
You should choose the size of the grill oven carefully because it is determined by the cooking space available in your kitchen and the number of people in your family. so, if your kitchen is small then a slim size microwave will be perfect.
Adequate Grilling
The finest grill microwave function must be capable of grilling thick dishes like pork, chops, etc.
The ft capacity to cook thicker food items comes with pre-heating options since a microwave with a pre-heating option is able to quickly heat the grill before you place the food in it.
Turntable
When the grill unit is turned on, a turntable or plate installed inside the grill microwave starts to rotate continuously.
The food put on this turntable rotates continuously, which ensures even cooking from all sides. That’s why you should look for a unit with a turntable.
Adjustable Racks
Make sure you get a unit with a grilling rack that can be adjusted, to allow you to grill food of different sizes.
Power Consumption
The size of the oven is a function of both your needs and the amount of power it consumes.
Slimmer microwaves typically use 800W to 1000W of power, while bigger grill microwave ovens often use 1000W to 1600W.
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FAQ About “What is Microwave Grill Oven?”
Is microwave grill same as oven?
While a grill oven does just as its name implies, convectional ovens use convection heat to offer even warming with the movement of air, while a grill unit uses direct heat and a power grill feature, unlike convectional microwave ovens.
Why is microwave radiation harmful?
Microwave radiation is able to heat body tissue, exactly as how it heats food, making the exposure to high levels of microwaves cause a painful burn.
The most vulnerable two body parts to these radiations are the eyes and the testes, the reason is there is a kind of little blood flow in them to get rid of the excess heat.
Do microwaves have vent hood?
Using ducting in the wall, a microwave with a ventilation hood and exhaust fans can vent kitchen air outside.
Others like to filter it first before pushing it back into the kitchen. Many models will have both capabilities, so before installing, you must decide which one and set it up.
What is membrane control in microwave?
High-quality materials that can withstand both high and low temperatures are used to make a membrane control panel. suitable for the majority of microwaves. It is used to regulate the switch of the electric unit with a knob.
Final Thoughts
Now, you must be fully aware of what is microwave grill oven, don’t you? Simply, it is a microwave that combines ordinary microwave operations with the ability to grill delicious meals.
Moreover, it speeds up cooking time and allows you to brown and crisp food in a less period of time.
