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Counter top ovens or Convector dual use microwaves

(35 Posts)
Franbern Sun 20-Oct-19 16:16:05

Just wondered if anyone used the counter top ovens with grills? Thought those that have holiday homes or caravans may have done so and I would love to have some feedback on them.
When I move into my new flat I am considering getting rid of a large oven. Just myself = hardly ever use it now. I use a halogen oven and my microwave .
These counter top ovens do seem widely varying in price but have been looking at the top end at the Lakeland one for just under £250.
Alternatively, I know my little microwave is rather elderly and may not survive the move, and was wondering about those all singing and dancing microwaves on the market that also grill. How good are these?
Anyone with any information or advice, I would love to hear your comments

Franbern Tue 11-Feb-20 12:44:55

Used my little counter top 'Foreman' electric grill for pork chops, and they were delicious and it was extremely quick. I have now purchased a couple of 6-hole bun tins to use so I can easily make jam tarts, etc and also little buns in the microwave. I have found that when I the oven part of the microwave for these, I need to turn off the turntable and this means that the front buns cook quicker than the the ones at the rear. what I really need is a 6-hole bun tin which is circular - still searching for that.
Apart from those things I have found my combi microwave a really excellent alternative to a full-size large oven. Have found that it also has an 'eco' button which means I can turn off the bright clock light when not in use - do not need to turn this back on, as soon as I open the door this starts up again.

Riversidegirl Tue 11-Feb-20 12:09:10

Not done much grilling. I think the only thing I would grill is bacon. I also have an electric frying pan, and a slow cooker. I've done all sorts in the electric frying pan, including roasting joints and baking bread. Had to download some recipes though.

Franbern Tue 04-Feb-20 14:48:04

Riversidegirl - I use my oven as a microwave immediately after having used it as a convector oven. Never been a problem. The only part of this machine that is not very efficient for me is the grill, and I have purchased a small little counter top grill for the occasions when I need to grill something like pork chops, etc.

Riversidegirl Tue 04-Feb-20 14:38:20

I am veering towards a portable induction single hob (or two even) from Ikea, and just using my combi oven. The only thing is: if I want to microwave rice or veg after the oven bit has ended, is it ok to put say, a Tilda rice packet straight in the hot oven to microwave?

vidoy Sun 15-Dec-19 18:05:35

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Gonegirl Tue 10-Dec-19 22:36:16

I think I want to buy another one, but I've already got three microwaves. sad

Gonegirl Tue 10-Dec-19 22:34:18

Franbern there was this bit of card covering a small window inside. I couldn't see what it was for.

I took it out.

hmm

annep1 Tue 10-Dec-19 20:54:28

the!

annep1 Tue 10-Dec-19 20:53:06

Ours takes a while for tge fan to stop too.

Luckygirl Tue 10-Dec-19 15:24:40

I have had a microwave/convection oven combi for years - indeed one wore out and I replaced it. Never use the big oven.

ayse Tue 10-Dec-19 14:47:35

I rarely use the big oven anymore. Franburn, so glad you are enjoying your new toy ?

garnet25 Tue 10-Dec-19 14:42:29

I have a Neff Micowave/Ove/ Grill combi.

It works OK but two things about it annoy me.
1) the grill only works with the door shut so I use the grill in the large oven

2) When the oven has been used in Conventional or combi mode it takes forever for the loud cooling fan to stop.

annep1 Tue 10-Dec-19 14:26:37

We have a panasonic combi. love it. We bought few years ago as it was Which recommended. It's so good and useful and easy to use that we bought one for the caravan as well. It's a microwave, oven, and grill.
Only thing I haven't used it for is baking buns, cakes etc. I might try that.

Franbern Tue 10-Dec-19 10:29:24

Gonegirl - could be that you had something non-microwaveable in there and had put it on a microwave setting. These ovens do take metal shelves and dishes when on other settings - but, obviously, if being used as a microwave or combination microwave with oven or grill, etc. then can only use microwaveable dishes.
When using it totally as a grill or a normal oven, then use any dishes you prefer.
My one - on oven settings - has all the normal heat range I would find in any large oven.
Highest microwave setting is 900w, with several lower settings.

henetha Tue 10-Dec-19 09:53:52

I too have been thinking about a little table top oven/grill
as it seems uneconomic to use the big oven for one person.
I have a halogen cooker which is very helpful, and a microwave. I imagine the table top cookers are cheaper to run than big ovens? And easier to clean.

Franbern Tue 10-Dec-19 09:34:59

Victoria Sponge turned out fine, but had to cook each dish separately. However, they both cooked very quickly, and I used my rather old V. Sponge dishes, which are metal.
I am so delighted with this machine - have purchased a microwave 'toastie' for toasted sandwiches, and was able to make four of these for lunch very quicklylast Sunday,when being visited by family.
This oven is so much easier to keep clean than my old dual oven. Have done roast potatoes in it as well as shepherds pie, pastry based pies, etc. etc.

Franbern Sat 30-Nov-19 17:48:00

Have now actually put away my Halogen Oven. Find that my Samsung Combi microwave/grill/oven can do everything that did. I absolutely love it. Easy and quick to use, so easy to clean, have not yet found anything I am unable to cook. Soon to try making a Victoria Sponge in there -my final test for it.
would recommend it instead of a large oven to anyone living by themselves or even for two people

Gonegirl Sun 17-Nov-19 19:10:28

I wonder why mine blew up. Went off with such a bang.

Franbern Sun 17-Nov-19 17:56:48

Very pleased with my convector/microwave/grill. Have got myself a cookery book for it from Amazon, and so far, have found it great. No place for a full size oven in kitchen. I do also have a halogen oven, and use that for such things as Chicken pieces and Salmon. Slowly, learning to use this new machine. sorted it out as a microwave for my porridge and poached eggs, etc. Did cheese on toast under the grill. This week will be trying Shepherds Pie in the convector part of this machine.

Floradora9 Sun 17-Nov-19 15:35:33

You can use a metal tray with the grill when it is not on microwave setting . I have a dual microwave which is used as an extra oven more than a microwave but it is handy to have both, one thibg I do not like about it is the heat settings go up in 20s so not possible to cook at 170 degrees must be 160 or 180 it is a Sharp . I also have a small microwave but do not use it as much as I did when they were new and something different.

MiniMoon Sun 17-Nov-19 11:10:51

I've got a microwave with a grill. I'm afraid to say that I've only used it once. I microwave regularly, but since getting my Ninja Foodie, I use that for grilling, and browning.

Hetty58 Sun 17-Nov-19 11:03:46

I used a little oven in the extension when we rebuilt the kitchen. Now it 'lives' in the garage, where it's brilliant in hot weather when we don't want extra heat in the house. I found it quite adequate for everyday meals, at a convenient height and easier to clean than a big oven.

I also have a convection/grill/microwave that I find handy as an extra oven for big family meals. It is quite annoyingly noisy though, whatever it's doing. I prefer the grill on the little oven as it's adjustable in heat settings.

Tommy16 Sun 17-Nov-19 10:56:37

I've got a panasonic microwave oven grill combination, they're expensive but worth it ,I use mine every day.

jeanie99 Sun 27-Oct-19 19:57:08

I have a built in combi microwave but I haven't used the oven as I have a built in double oven so no need.
But if I need it I have extra capacity for cooking.
However when I was having our new kitchen installed my old combi microwave came in amazingly useful to do the roasting when I hadn't an oven.
I would have no hesitation in buying a combi instead of the old fashion small oven and grill because you have the addition of a microwave as well.

Alexa Thu 24-Oct-19 13:43:42

Franbern, I had exactly the same thought as you about counter top ovens. I have used same for nearly twenty years having no full size oven at all, and find the table top ones successful for much more baking and grilling than I'd originally planned. I've had three during that time. You have to be able to tolerate burn marks on the paint around the oven door or you will be buying frequent replacements.