What exactly is a combination microwave? Put simply, a combi
microwave offers more than one way to cook your food.
While a standard microwave oven only uses the heat generated
by a type of electromagnetic energy known as (yes, you guessed it) microwaves,
a combi oven will also have some other function, whether a grill element or
convection heating or both, to give you different cooking options.
Some combi microwave ovens these days even come with more
specialised options like steam cooking or air frying.
The big benefit of combi ovens is flexibility and choice -
plus they expand the cooking capacity of your conventional grill or oven. Or,
if you are short on space in your kitchen, a combi might mean you don’t need a
traditional cooker.
But what are the best models to buy? Here is our take on the
best combination microwaves available on the market in 2020.
Best All-Rounder: Panasonic NN-CD58JSBPQ
Panasonic is a specialist in high-performance combi
microwaves with names no one is ever likely to remember, and for the balance of
cost, features, and size, we reckon the NN-CD58JSBPQ is just about the best. With an
RRP of £249.99, it is at the upper end of the mid-range category price-wise.
Its 27L capacity and 34cm turntable are plenty big enough for the typical
family household and it delivers three-in-one cooking functionality with a
1300W grill and 220oC convection oven as well as a microwave.
Speaking of which, like all Panasonic microwaves these days,
the NN-CD58JSBPQ also benefits from the company’s patented Inverter technology,
an innovation which sends out microwaves in pulses rather than a constant
energy beam, which apparently leads to more consistent and gentle cooking.
Best on a Budget: Morphy Richards D90D
For under £100, you can’t go wrong with this
clever little cracker. Not only do you get the standard three-in-one combi cooking
options of the microwave, grill, and convection oven (max temperature 190oC),
you also get a crisper plate to make sure your pizzas don’t go soggy underneath
and the option to program in three-step cooking to change temperature and/or
cooking method automatically. Clever, huh?
The only drawback is that it is a pretty compact unit - the turntable is just 27cm / 10.5 inches, so you’re not going to be able to crisp
up a full-size 12-inch pizza in it.
Best for Cooking Features: Hotpoint MWH 338 SX
Ever wished you could just throw a roast in your microwave
and get perfectly sizzled results in half the time it would take in your oven?
Well that’s what makes the MWH 338 SX such a show-stopper in the world of
combi microwaves.
Hotpoint has really pulled out all the stops in terms of
cooking innovation with this gem. Rather than just fitting grill and oven
elements like most combis, the MWH 338 SX uses patented Forced Air technology
to air fry food, with a range of settings to imitate roasting, baking or
grilling. It is quick, clean and effective.
If that wasn’t enough, the MWH 338 SX also has a steamer
setting so you can do your veggies in there too. And a bit like Panasonic’s
Inverter technology, Hotpoint’s Multiwave makes the microwave settings much
more efficient, ensuring food is always heated evenly right the way
through.
If that has whetted your appetite to upgrade your microwave
to a high-performance combi, don’t forget to protect your investment with
Row.co.uk’s great value microwave insurance. Get an instant quote on policies starting at
£1.49 a month.
*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.