Combination microwaves gained a lot of popularity in the last several years, and for a reason. This top-notch microwave and oven combo has numerous cooking options and features, making it the ideal choice for any meal you had in mind.
If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a combination microwave for your home, you probably have some difficulties picking out the perfect one. With so many options on the market, sometimes it’s hard to know which one will be perfect for you.
This guide will help you buy the best microwave for you, no matter what you’re looking for. So, to find out more about this modern kitchen appliance and things you should consider before buying one, keep reading.
What Is a Combination Microwave?
First, let’s look a bit more into what these special microwaves are and what they can do. Although you might think these are just regular microwaves for defrosting and heating food, combination microwaves are so much more than that.
They combine microwave and oven functions to bring a whole new design that scratches the need to have both appliances in your kitchen. With a single combination microwave, you can do everything you already did, sometimes even faster. Baking, grilling, and roasting are just some cooking methods that a combination microwave offers in its wide choice of use.
But, how is it possible they’re that much stronger than regular microwaves? Essentially, combination microwaves combine a heating element with a fan, enabling air circulation around the microwave and even cooking.
So, as an ideal blend of microwave and oven properties, combination microwaves are becoming a must-have among households.
Things to Consider Before Buying
With so many options on the market, we can often be overburdened when it’s time to pick one. However, size, type, and a couple of other useful features can play a crucial role whether you like your new combination microwave or not. So, make sure to check out these properties before purchasing to end up with a perfect appliance.
Size
Among the most important properties you should consider before buying a combination microwave is its size. As they come in various sizes and are measured in liters, it can be confusing to know what size you need. So, here’s a simpler way to get around different sizes:
- For a household with 2-3 members – 15-20 liters.
- For a household with 3-5 members – 25-30 liters.
- For a household with over five members – over 30 liters.
Picking out the appropriate size can affect your opinion about combination-microwaves. For example, don’t buy a large size if it isn’t necessary. The larger the microwave, the longer it needs to cook. So, going with a smaller one will be a real time-saver.
Similarly, small microwaves won’t fit your food if you’re cooking bigger portions than intended, so you’ll just be stuck up with a combination microwave you don’t use.
Type
The next thing you should think about is the placement of your combination microwave. Keep in mind that they are bulkier than regular microwaves, so you might need to free some space. However, they come in 3 design options, made for different placements and builds.
- Countertop – This is the most typical and affordable option because countertop combination microwaves don’t require any additional installation. They’re intended for countertop placement, but since they’re portable, you can easily move them somewhere else when you’re not using them.
- Above-the-range – Probably the most common placement for a combination microwave is above the range. People often find free space around the stove, and this is a perfect spot for your new microwave as it doesn’t take up any countertop space. However, you’ll need to build a unit that’ll hold the microwave in place.
- Built-in – The most contemporary and smooth kitchen design involves a built-in combination microwave. For the integrated kitchen look, you’ll need to order some custom-made kitchen units. However, these combination microwaves are also the priciest ones.
Other Useful Features
If you’ve decided on the combination of microwave size and type, you should still keep several features in mind. Some microwaves come with a great set of additional features that can save up your time when cooking.
- Cooking mode – Besides the typical cooking modes, some combination microwaves come with additional ones like yogurt making or steaming.
- Eco-mode – If you want to keep your appliances as eco-friendly as possible, search for an eco-mode to turn the microwave off even when it’s on standby.
- Child lock – Toddlers and small children want to explore the world, so child lock is the feature you’ll need if you have little ones in your house.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, there isn’t a single best combination microwave ideal for everyone. Rather, finding the best one comes down to personal preferences and needs.
So, to find out which microwave and oven combo is for you, consider size, type, and other useful features that’ll help you make a decision.
