A combination oven can combine a microwave, grill and fan oven in one appliance. This is useful in a small kitchen, student accommodation or household where you want to reheat food quickly as well as cook more elaborate meals. However, appliances vary considerably. For example, a model with only a microwave and grill is not the same as a combination oven with a fan function.
The product name does not always tell you everything either. So, check the functions, internal dimensions and installation options before ordering.
A combination microwave with grill can heat food and brown the top. That does not automatically mean the appliance also works as a fully fledged oven. Check whether it has a separate fan or convection function, including an adjustable temperature.
A microwave with grill and oven generally offers more options for pizzas, bakes and cakes than a model with only a microwave and grill.
Capacity is not everything. A 25-litre oven may be less practical for a rectangular baking dish because of its turntable. So, check:
An oven with a turntable distributes heat during microwave use, but may limit the placement of large dishes.
A freestanding combination oven needs a stable, heat-resistant surface and sufficient clearance around the ventilation openings. A model suitable for under-counter or built-in installation must be installed according to the manual; an ordinary freestanding microwave must not simply be enclosed in a kitchen cupboard.
With a built-in combination oven, the niche height, niche width, niche depth and electrical connection point are important. Measure the cabinet and compare these dimensions with the official product specifications.
Microwave power is measured in watts. Models offering around 800 to 1,000 watts are suitable for everyday reheating, cooking and defrosting. More power does not automatically mean better results: the correct setting and cooking time remain important.
Grill power mainly determines how quickly the top of a dish browns. Also check whether the rack is suitable for the selected combination or grill setting. Metal may only be used when the manual permits it for that function.
An oven with a fan function uses a fan to circulate warm air around the oven cavity. This is practical for baking and roasting. Check whether the temperature is adjustable and note the stated lower and upper limits.
Some combination ovens reach approximately 210 to 230 °C. A traditional multifunction oven may offer a wider range and more separate heating settings. If you regularly bake bread, cakes or large oven dishes, a spacious oven will generally be more useful than a compact combination microwave.
For one or two people, 20 to 25 litres may be sufficient. For a family or large dish, models of 27 to 45 litres are more practical. Automatic programmes can make the appliance easier to use, but compare the manual settings too. An appliance with six programmes may be more flexible in practice than a model with many programmes that you rarely use.
Look out for included accessories such as:
Also check whether the components are removable and how the interior should be cleaned. A smooth interior wall or cleaning programme can save time, but it does not replace regular maintenance.
Why it suits this profile: The combination of 800-watt microwave power, a grill and 12 automatic programmes is well suited to everyday reheating, defrosting and straightforward grilling.
The product description lists the microwave and grill power separately and explicitly mentions combination programmes. Its 23-litre capacity is easy to manage in smaller households.
23-litre capacity, 800-watt microwave, 1,000-watt grill, five microwave settings and a 60-minute timer.
Why it suits this profile: This is a 45-litre built-in combination oven for anyone looking for a fitted kitchen arrangement, touchscreen controls and multiple cooking methods.
The specifications state the required niche dimensions. This means you can check the available kitchen space in advance rather than relying solely on the capacity.
45-litre capacity, 900-watt microwave power, convection, grill and a stated maximum temperature of 230 °C.
Why it suits this profile: If baking, roasting and grilling are your main priorities, this freestanding oven gives you 42 litres of cooking space and a rotisserie spit.
This is clearly described as an oven and grill, not a microwave. That makes it an obvious choice for anyone who does not need a microwave function.
42-litre capacity, 1,800-watt power, temperature setting from 80 to 230 °C and top and bottom heat with rotisserie.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Always use an earthed socket when the manual specifies one. Keep ventilation openings clear and do not place the appliance directly next to flammable materials. Do not use metal objects during microwave operation unless the manual expressly permits them for a specific grill or combination setting.
Allow the oven cavity to cool before cleaning any components. Stop using the appliance if you notice smoke, sparks, a damaged door seal or a damaged cable. The statutory guarantee in the EU is at least two years, but also check the terms and conditions of the retailer and manufacturer.
Not always. A combination microwave can combine microwave cooking with a grill, often. A combination oven with a fan function adds an oven function to this. So, always check that convection or a fan function is explicitly listed in the specifications.
For one or two people, around 20 to 25 litres is often practical. For families, large oven dishes or several portions, 30 litres or more is more convenient. In addition to capacity, look at the actual internal dimensions and the type of turntable.
Consumption depends on the power, cooking time, programme and preheating. Compare the stated power and use a suitable programme. For small portions, a microwave function may be quicker than using a large oven; for several portions, a spacious oven may be more efficient than reheating repeatedly.