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Combination Microwaves: What Are They?

A combination microwave is exactly as it sounds. It combines the advantages of a microwave with those of a traditional oven, enabling you to grill, cook, and sometimes steam your food. As a result, this device performs almost all of the tasks you'd expect of an oven.  

When you plan to add a combination microwave to your kitchen, you have many things to consider. We have created this article in order to help you understand how a combination microwave works so you know if it suits your needs. 

COMBINATION MICROWAVE VS TRADITIONAL MICROWAVE?

When considering which microwave you should select for your kitchen, it is essential to understand how they differ. In this article, we'll outline some differences between a combination microwave and traditional microwave that you should be aware of.

KitchenAid Combination Microwave KitchenAid Combination Microwave

In addition to offering traditional microwave features, combination microwaves offer features that can replace a regular oven. Among these may be: grilling, baking, roasting, broiling, steaming, and more. They might also have convection cooking options.

KitchenAid Traditional Microwave KitchenAid Traditional Microwave

Usually, traditional microwaves do not have as many settings, and they are designed to reheat leftovers or heat frozen food instead of cooking a meal from scratch.

The Way They Work:
Microwaves work by quickly heating up water molecules so that food can be heated. A combination microwave has this functionality and more,  allowing it to operate as a small oven.

Microwave convection ovens come with an additional heating element and a fan that circulates air in the cavity to ensure your meals are perfectly cooked and baked.

 

KitchenAid Microwave Interior KitchenAid Microwave Interior
PRO TIP
KitchenAid offers a range of products including a built-in combination microwave that offers a sleek design while providing similar cooking features to an oven.

Which Microwave is Best for You:

In order to make an informed decision, here is a list of questions to ask yourself:

How will I use it?
In the event you wish to simply reheat leftovers or heat frozen dinners, you can use a regular microwave.  

Is it necessary to have a second oven?  
Microwave combination ovens combine the features of an oven and can therefore double as a second oven, enabling you to cook multiple things at once.

How much space do I have?  
Usually, combination microwaves require more room than traditional microwaves, so make sure that your kitchen is big enough to accommodate them. For small spaces, you could consider using a combination microwave in place of your oven as it takes up much less room than a traditional oven. Be sure to consider the capacity of the appliance if you plan on using it to prepare meals.

What is my budget? 
Generally speaking, traditional microwaves are less expensive than combination microwaves because they have fewer features and functions. Brands and models, however, vary in terms of pricing.

What style would I prefer? 
Traditional microwaves and combination microwaves come in a range of different sizes, colours, aesthetics, and installation options (countertop, built-in, over the range, for ventilation, undercounter) so you can find whichever model is best for your needs.

Cooking with KitchenAid products Cooking with KitchenAid products

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