Combination Microwave Ovens for Australian Homes
A combination microwave oven does significantly more than a standard microwave. By adding grill and convection (fan-forced) cooking modes alongside microwave function, a combination microwave lets you bake, roast, grill, and microwave in a single appliance. For smaller kitchens, apartments, and anyone who wants more cooking capacity without a second full-size oven, a combination microwave is a genuinely useful appliance. Browse our range at Everyday Home Living with fast delivery across Australia.
What a Combination Microwave Can Do
In microwave mode, a combination unit works exactly like a standard microwave for reheating, defrosting, and quick cooking. In convection mode, it circulates hot air through the cavity like a compact fan-forced oven, allowing you to roast, bake, and cook foods that require dry heat. In grill mode, a radiant element browns and crisps the surface of food the way a conventional grill does. Combination modes run microwave and convection or grill simultaneously, significantly speeding up cooking times compared to convection alone while still achieving crisp, browned surfaces that pure microwave cooking cannot produce.
Best Uses for a Combination Microwave
Combination microwaves are ideal for roasting a whole chicken or joint of meat faster than a conventional oven, baking cakes and slices without a full-size oven, grilling and browning cheese on toast or gratins, reheating pizza with a crisp base rather than a soggy one, and cooking small batches of baked goods when heating a large oven would be wasteful. They are a particularly practical choice for Australian apartments, granny flats, and holiday homes where kitchen space and oven capacity are limited.
Key Features to Look For
Capacity
Combination microwaves are generally larger than standard microwaves to accommodate the convection cooking requirement, typically 25 to 45 litres. The turntable diameter is an important consideration for roasting dishes and baking trays: check the internal dimensions against the cookware you plan to use.
Wattage and Convection Temperature Range
Look for a model with at least 1,000W of microwave power and a convection temperature range of 100 to 230 degrees Celsius, which covers the full range of baking and roasting temperatures. A model with a higher maximum convection temperature of 230 degrees Celsius is more versatile for high-heat roasting and pizza.
Ease of Use
Combination microwaves have more operating modes than standard models. Look for a model with a clear, logical control interface and an easy-to-read display. Auto cook menus that handle the mode switching automatically for common tasks like reheating leftovers, roasting chicken, and baking cakes reduce the learning curve considerably.
Related Collections
Browse our full microwaves range and built-in microwaves. For a full oven installation, explore our built-in ovens and freestanding ovens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a combination microwave replace a full-size oven?
For a single to two-person household or an apartment kitchen, yes. A combination microwave handles most everyday cooking tasks including roasting, baking, grilling, and reheating in a single compact appliance. The main limitations are cavity size (smaller than a full oven) and the inability to cook large items like a full turkey or multiple trays simultaneously. For larger households or those who cook frequently for guests, a combination microwave works best as a supplement to a full-size built-in or freestanding oven rather than a complete replacement.
What cookware can I use in a combination microwave oven?
In convection and grill modes, standard oven-safe bakeware including ceramic, glass, silicone, and metal baking dishes can be used. In microwave mode, metal cookware must not be used. In combination modes (microwave and convection simultaneously), use only microwave-safe and oven-safe materials. Most manufacturers recommend specific cookware types for each mode in the manual. When in doubt, use glass or ceramic dishes as they are safe for all modes.
