All You Need to Know About Combination Microwave Ovens

The world of kitchen appliances is a constantly evolving one. Manufacturers are always trying to innovate and dream up the next big thing – a new kind of appliance that will make life easier, cook food more efficiently or deliver tastier results.

Since it first went on sale in the 1940s, the microwave oven has been at the centre of this drive for innovation. The very first units were positively gigantic, weighing in at some 300kg. They were impractical, often requiring a water cooling system to prevent them from overheating. They were extremely expensive, too: the very first units would have set you back roughly £50,000 in today’s money.

Take one look at any modern microwave and it’s easy to see how things have changed since those early days. Compact, convenient and affordable, these handy devices are now considered a kitchen must-have – but, like any appliance, there’s always room for improvement.

Here’s where combination microwave ovens – or combi microwaves – come in. Combining multiple cooking functions into one space-efficient device, these ingenious appliances have quickly grown in popularity. But are they worth buying – and are they likely to replace regular microwave ovens altogether in future? Read on to find out.

What is a combination microwave oven?

Combi microwaves take everything you know and love about traditional microwave ovens and build upon it. As well as offering the standard cooking and reheating modes you’re familiar with, they also come with convection oven and grilling modes, essentially blending three distinct appliances into one.

Despite their added features, combi microwaves are no wider or taller than their standard counterparts, meaning they can be easily built into kitchen units without taking up any more cupboard space than a regular microwave would.

Is it worth getting a combi microwave?

So, is a combination microwave oven and grill worth buying? Well, the answer to that depends on your circumstances and preferences. If convenience is key in your day-to-day life, you’ll doubtless appreciate the flexibility and ease of use that a combi microwave offers. Instead of having to fire up the oven each day, you’ll be able to cook and reheat your meals using just one appliance, saving you hassle and making mealtimes simpler.

Combi models are great for busy families, too. If you’re preparing dinner for your whole family, the added functionality of a combi microwave can make juggling your workload much easier. With the ability to cook, defrost, grill and reheat in just one appliance, cooking multiple dishes simultaneously becomes a whole lot simpler.

The benefits don’t end there. If you have a particularly compact kitchen with no room for a traditional cooker or oven, combi microwaves make even more sense. Instead of having to settle for ready meals day in, day out, you’ll be able to prepare your favourite dishes using the grill and convection oven modes.

To help you determine whether or not a combi microwave oven suits you and meets your needs, we’ve outlined some of the key pros and cons below.

The pros

• Versatility: With a range of cooking, defrosting and reheating modes available, there’s not much that combi microwaves can’t do!
• Space-saving: Because combi microwaves essentially combine three appliances into one, they’re ideal for compact kitchens that can’t accommodate a traditional oven or grill.
• Flexibility: If you’re cooking more complex meals or are cooking for family and friends, you’ll appreciate the added cooking space that a combi microwave can offer.

The cons

• Size and weight: Although combi microwaves are a similar width and height to their standard counterparts, they’re typically deeper and heavier. In the case of built-in models, this means they might not always fit inside your existing microwave alcove – and when it comes to freestanding models, a combi model won’t be as easily portable as a regular microwave.
• Price: As you’d expect, a combi microwave is always going to be more expensive than a regular model. It has more features, after all. If you’re on a tight budget, this is important to bear in mind.

Explore our range of combi microwaves today

Although there will always be a place for standard microwaves, it’s no surprise that – given the advantages they offer – combi microwaves are growing in popularity with each passing year. We offer a wide range of different models here at Cookology, including classic freestanding microwaves and integrated versions.

Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly appliance or a top of the line combi microwave with the latest and greatest features built in, we’ve got you covered. All of our appliances come with a 12-month parts and labour warranty as standard, and all of them are available with free nominated delivery. Add our products’ outstanding durability and quality into the mix, and it’s no wonder why Cookology is one of the UK’s favourite kitchen appliance brands.

Explore our complete range of microwave ovens online and place your order today.