Microwave combination ovens are convenient and practical additions to any kitchen.
Pre-set or auto programmes take all the guesswork out of operating your microwave combination oven.
This is according to Mercia de Jager from Miele, who says combination ovens fuse the speed of a microwave with the browning, crisping and baking abilities of a convection oven.
She says we all know how convenient a microwave oven is, it’s ideal for reheating leftovers, cooking convenience foods, steaming vegetables, melting butter or chocolate and popping popcorn. However, nothing can beat a convection oven when it comes to browning, baking and grilling.
The microwave combination oven on the other hand, offers its users the best of both worlds - the speed and convenience of a microwave, as well as the best qualities of the convection oven, all blended into one neat package.
She says combination ovens are the ideal solution for smaller homes or apartments. Apart from their compact size, other advantages include the fact that they use less power than a regular sized electric oven and they cook faster than a regular oven because of the microwave function.
The combination oven allows homeowners to defrost, bake, roast, grill, reheat, brown and make popcorn among other things.
De Jager says if you’re in the market for a microwave combination oven these are the 7 features to look out for.
1. Programmes
Pre-set or auto programmes take all the guesswork out of operating your microwave combination oven.
They usually have between 60 to 100 automatic programmes, which allow you to achieve perfect results every time. At this rate, homeowners can defrost, bake, roast, grill, reheat and brown their food among other things.
2. Controls
Modern microwave combination ovens come with smooth touch controls or a simple dial for easy programme selection and cleaning.
Homeowners can opt for easy control or direct control, both of which offer rotary selectors. Alternatively, you can opt for a high-end interface, which allows you to easily control the settings by swiping or scrolling on the glass display with your fingers.
Apart from their compact size, other advantages include the fact that they use less power than a regular sized electric oven and they cook faster than a regular oven because of the microwave function.
3. Size
Combination ovens range in size from small to medium and large. If you’re investing in a microwave combination oven to replace your conventional electric oven, then it is advisable to choose the biggest oven you can afford.
De Jager says if it’s going to be used to complement an existing oven, then a smaller model should do the trick.
4. Going green
Because combination ovens are able to radically reduce cooking times, they will also reduce your energy consumption.
5. Simple cleaning
It is important to consider features that will make cleaning easy. De Jager says most microwave combination ovens offer simple cleaning as the linen-weave stainless steel surface features a perfect clean finish, which offers non-stick properties.
Combination ovens offer the speed and convenience of a microwave, as well as the best qualities of the convection oven, all blended into one neat package.
6. Safety features
As with all ovens, the exterior of the oven will get hot, which can be hazardous, especially if there are small kids in the home.
De Jager says for optimum safety, microwave combination ovens should have a child safety lock, as well as a ‘cool to the touch’ door. She says the exterior should remain cool, even when the oven is cooking at incredibly high temperatures - so if you bump, touch or lean on the oven when in use, it won’t burn you.
7. Colour and finish
Homeowners looking for microwave combination ovens can get ovens in a number of front colours and materials. These include a stainless steel finish and a white, black and brown colour scheme.
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