We have a wood-fired range oven as our main cooking appliance. On the days when we don’t think it’s necessary to get it cranked up – such as when we’re reheating leftovers – we tend to just use our microwave. However, this cooking method, though quick, can have its limitations – that’s why we’ve been looking at microwaves with grills.
After much research, the 3 microwaves we’ve chosen all have inverter technology – pioneered by Panasonic. It’s thanks to this know-how that the microwaves can ‘grill’ foods such as pizza, bacon and cheese on toast.
Panasonic explains how it works:
Unlike conventional microwaves that repeatedly turn on and off the maximum power, it maintains the optimal power level for even the most challenging dishes. Even quick defrosting of a steak is no problem. Your food is cooked not only more gently, but also faster.
Thanks to precise power control, foods are not overcooked, and nutrients are preserved. Intelligent technology for great, healthy cooking results. Panasonic
The inverter technology also makes it possible to soften butter and melt chocolate without having to do it in multiple 10-second bursts to get it done just right.
Regular microwaves are powered by a heavy transformer (which gives a single power level). In comparison, inverters weigh much less, therefore these microwaves are a lot lighter and have more internal oven space.
Unlike conventional cooking ovens where heating levels are in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, microwave ‘temperatures’ are measured in terms of their wattage. Microwave wattages can vary in power from 600 watts all the way up to 1200 watts. In simple terms, the higher the wattage, the quicker and more evenly your food will be cooked.
- Panasonic NN-GD37HSBPQ microwave oven with grill and turntable, 23 litres, silver: £149.00, Amazon
Wattage: 1000 watts
Capacity: 23 litres
Dimensions: H27.9 x W48.8 x D39.5cm - Panasonic NN-CD58JSBPQ 27L slimline combination microwave oven, stainless steel: £249.00, John Lewis
Wattage: 1000 watts
Capacity: 27 litres
Dimensions: H31 x W52 x D39.5cm - Sage Quick Touch Crisp: £349.99, Lakeland
Wattage: oven: 900 watts, grill: 1000 watts
Capacity: 25 litres
Dimensions: 31 x 52 x 44cm
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