Joybuy Insights

Buying a grill oven: how to choose a model that suits your kitchen

A grill oven can do far more than just make toasted sandwiches or bake casseroles. Depending on the model, you can bake, grill, roast, make pizza or even cook a whole chicken on a rotisserie. Yet the range often appears more straightforward than it really is. An electric grill oven, mini oven with grill, combination microwave with grill and contact grill do not work in the same way.

The right choice mainly depends on the space you have available, how much you cook and which functions you want. The points below will help you avoid paying for features you are unlikely to use.

Common pitfalls when choosing a grill oven

1. Looking only at the number of functions

An appliance with ten or more programmes may sound versatile, but check what those functions actually mean in practice. A combination oven with grill, for example, may combine microwave, grill and fan-assisted cooking, while a basic mini oven only uses top and bottom heat. More programmes do not automatically mean a larger cooking area or more even cooking.

2. Confusing the external dimensions with the interior space

A compact casing may contain a small oven cavity. So check the capacity in litres, the dimensions of the oven cavity and the maximum baking tray size. For a one- or two-person household, 20 to 30 litres may be sufficient. Families or keen home cooks who prepare several portions at once are more likely to need 42 to 71 litres.

3. Underestimating cleaning and ventilation

Grease splashes around the grill element can be difficult to remove if the interior can only be cleaned by hand. Also look for removable plates, a drip tray and the option to clean accessories in the dishwasher. A freestanding oven or air fryer oven needs sufficient space around it to allow heat to escape. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Which specifications should you check?

Power and temperature control

The power rating indicates how much electrical energy the appliance uses at maximum, but it does not solely determine how quickly it heats up. The construction, insulation and controls also play a part. A model rated at 1,500 to 1,800 watts is common for a compact electric grill oven. Larger built-in ovens may use around 3,000 watts or more.

Also check the temperature range. For baking and roasting, a range up to around 230 °C is often practical. Some models reach 250 °C. An adjustable thermostat is more useful than a limited number of fixed settings, particularly when you prepare a variety of dishes.

Heating functions and air circulation

An oven with a fan-assisted function uses a fan to circulate warm air around the oven cavity. This can be useful for even baking on several levels. However, a fan oven is not the same as a contact grill: cooking times, capacity and browning methods differ.

Check which settings are actually available:

  • top heat for gratinating and browning;
  • bottom heat for pizza and dough;
  • combined top and bottom heat;
  • grill for direct heat from above;
  • fan-assisted cooking for circulating heat;
  • rotisserie for dishes such as chicken, if this is explicitly stated.

Capacity, accessories and positioning

A mini oven with grill saves space, but check whether your favourite baking dish will fit inside. A 42-litre oven, such as the Rommelsbacher BG 1805/E, offers more room for larger dishes than a 20-litre combination microwave with grill.

A contact grill or tabletop grill usually has a smaller cooking surface, but heats up quickly and is practical for panini, burgers and vegetables. Models that open to 180° can be used as tabletop grills. Also check whether the plates are removable and whether a drip tray is included.

Our recommendations for different uses

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Sharp YC-PC254AE-S 25L Combination Microwave Oven with Grill and Convection

Sharp YC-PC254AE-S 25L Combination Microwave Oven with Grill and Convection

Why it suits this profile: This model combines microwave, grill and convection cooking in one freestanding appliance. It is practical for students, smaller households and kitchens without room for several appliances.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the microwave, grill and convection power separately. This allows you to compare the functions rather than simply relying on the number of programmes.

Key benefit & highlights

25-litre capacity, 900-watt microwave power, 1,200-watt grill power and a temperature setting from 110 to 210 °C.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Bosch HBG578EB7 built-in electric oven

Bosch HBG578EB7 Built-In Electric Oven

Why it suits this profile: For a fixed kitchen installation and regular cooking, this built-in oven offers a spacious oven cavity and several control functions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list both the niche dimensions and the appliance dimensions. Check these measurements before installation to avoid fitting problems.

Key benefit & highlights

71-litre capacity, grill and fan-assisted functions, a temperature range of 30 to 275 °C and pyrolytic cleaning, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Rommelsbacher Oven & Rotisserie Grill BG 1805/E

Rommelsbacher Oven & Rotisserie Grill BG 1805/E

Why it suits this profile: This freestanding oven is suitable for anyone who regularly bakes, grills and roasts but does not want to install a built-in oven.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The capacity, temperature control and heating settings are clearly specified. The rotisserie is also listed as an included accessory.

Key benefit & highlights

42-litre capacity, 1,800-watt power, temperature setting from 80 to 230 °C, 60-minute timer and rotisserie function.

A contact grill or tabletop grill is a more logical alternative if you mainly prepare panini, meat, fish and vegetables. The Rommelsbacher Multi Grill KG 1800 has two removable plates, an adjustable thermostat and a fat-draining system. If you want several plate types and cooking options, the Fritel WaffleTastic CW 3627 could be worth considering; this model has interchangeable plates and opens to 180°.

If you want to cook outdoors, you need a different type of appliance. A barbecue smoker using charcoal, such as the Lugia Charcoal BBQ with Barbecue Smoker, is intended for the garden or patio and not for indoor use. When using it outdoors, always check the local safety regulations and place the appliance on a stable surface, away from flammable materials.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about grill ovens

Can a grill oven replace a conventional oven?

It depends on the capacity and functions. A model of 42 litres or more may be suitable for baking, grilling and roasting for many households. A contact grill or 20-litre combination microwave is mainly intended for smaller portions and takes up less space.

Does an electric grill oven use a lot of electricity?

Consumption depends on the power rating and how long the appliance is used. An appliance rated at 1,800 watts uses a maximum of 1.8 kWh per hour when running continuously at full power. In practice, the thermostat switches off regularly. So do not compare wattage alone; also consider the required preheating time, cooking time and capacity.

Where should I place a grill oven?

Place the appliance on a flat, heat-resistant surface with sufficient clearance around the ventilation openings. Do not place a freestanding oven directly beneath a cupboard or next to water. Keep children away and never leave a grill oven unattended while it is in use.