Choose the Best Oven Microwave Combo for Your Kitchen Needs
An oven microwave combo is a versatile appliance that offers the functionality of both a traditional oven and a microwave in one convenient unit. As more models enter the market, choosing the right one for your needs can get overwhelming.
Deciphering Available Size Dimensions
One of the first factors to weigh is what size oven microwave combo makes sense for your kitchen layout and cooking demands. Standard capacity options range from 1.5 cubic feet up to more than 2 cubic feet. Consider how often you plan to use each function when determining the right balance of oven and microwave capacity.
Measuring Your Installation Space
Be sure to precisely measure the height, width, and depth of your cabinet cutout or countertop area set aside for your combo unit. This ensures you select an appropriately sized model. Allow for some extra ventilation room above the unit too. If your available space is limited, more compact countertop oven microwave combos may suit your needs better than larger built-in versions.
Suiting Your Cookware Size Needs
The interior cavity dimensions impact what bakeware and dishes you can fit inside. If preparing whole chickens or roasting large casserole dishes is a priority, focus your search on more spacious oven microwave combos that offer ample capacity.
Exploring the Range of Cooking Functions
Today's oven microwave combos come equipped with far more than just basic baking and reheating modes. From air frying crisp wings and tenders to steaming fish and vegetables, the cooking functionality continues to expand.
Oven-Based Cooking Methods
Expect options like traditional baking, broiling, and convection settings. Convection utilizes a fan to circulate hot air and achieve crispier and browner results. Many models also include built-in probes for accurately gauging doneness of roasts and meat.
Specialized Microwave Functions
In addition to reheating leftovers or defrosting items quickly, microwave functions also enable settings for popcorn, beverages, and convenience foods. Look for pre-programmed modes suited for what you cook most.
Advanced Cooking Technologies
Higher-end oven microwave combos boast extra cooking technologies like added steam for bread baking. Special crisper trays or racks are common for achieving crunchy textures when air frying. Having these extras expands what you can accomplish.
Connectivity and Monitoring Abilities
Modern conveniences now also apply to oven microwave combos, with options to operate your appliance remotely. WiFi-enabled models allow monitoring and adjusting cook times from compatible apps and voice-activated systems.
Mobile Alerts and Control
Instead of hovering near the oven wondering if that casserole needs a few more minutes, built-in meat probes and interior cameras with companion apps empower you to check doneness and progress without stopping the cycle prematurely.
Voice Commands Streamline Use
Hands-busy moments are no match for voice control integration with oven microwave combos. Use vocal commands with smart home devices to start, stop, and add cook time just by speaking out loud.
Notable Brands to Evaluate
Reliable brands to research when oven microwave combo shopping include Bosch, GE, KitchenAid, LG, Monogram, and Whirlpool. Compare warranty coverage, reliability ratings, cooking features, and technologies across each brand's portfolio to make the best selection.
Bosch
Praised for precise European engineering, Bosch wall oven microwave combos include built-in models with heavy-duty capacities of up to 40 pounds.
GE and KitchenAid
These two iconic American home appliance brands offer over-the-range microwave oven combinations. Flexible cooking racks and integrated meat probes deliver versatility.
LG and Whirlpool
Find modern conveniences like WiFi monitoring capabilities on combo appliance offerings from these brands. Review smart features that simplify managing meals from a distance.
Appliance Benefits Beyond Convenience
While time and space savings attract many homeowners initially, oven microwave combos offer additional benefits that improve the cooking process.
Optimizing Nutrition
Microwaves excel at sealing in moisture, vitamins, and minerals. Combining this with dry oven heat enhances nutrition compared to other appliances. Preserve more nutrients while still achieving crisp textures via combination modes.
Increased Energy Efficiencies
Rather than heat up two separate appliances, an oven microwave combo concentrates energy use. Well-insulated models with shared housing require less power overall across cooking tasks.
Drawbacks to Weigh with Oven Microwave Combos
Despite impressive innovations that amplifier performance, a few downsides to evaluate still exist when incorporating both units into one appliance.
Higher Upfront Costs
With double the components packed into a single oven microwave combo unit, expect to pay more upfront than buying a standalone microwave or oven. Energy efficiencies that lower operating expenses help offset this over time.
Professional Installation Obligations
Due to electrical requirements and cabinet cutout specifications, most homeowners opt to hire professional appliance installers to handle the process seamlessly.
Smaller Oven Capacities
Fitting an oven and microwave together into one unit does require some interior oven cavity compromise. Review size dimensions to ensure your needs align.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Heading into the buying process informed prepares you to select the ideal oven microwave combo for your cooking routine. Evaluate the following factors as you compare options.
Dimension Details
Triple check the cutout measurements match your existing kitchen layout prior to purchasing. Read technical manuals to understand clearance requirements.
Installation Specifications
Determine if you need to upgrade outlets or electrical panels. Factor in costs of hiring professional installers to modify cabinetry during the process too.
Budget Breakdown
Create a budget that includes the appliance itself along with ancillary installation, materials, and ventilation expenses. Weigh costs against must-have cooking features.
Maintaining Your Investment
An oven microwave combo functions at peak performance levels when properly cared for. Build good use and care habits with your appliance.
Regular Cleanings
From spilled splatters to greasy buildup, frequent interior wipe downs keep your oven microwave combo sparkling. Run occasional steam or self-clean cycles too.
Ventilation Vigilance
Never block the ventilation ports or air openings. Maintain ample clearance to allow heat and steam to dissipate as designed.
Cooking comfortably requires an oven microwave combo aligned with your meal preparation habits and kitchen layout constraints. Carefully weigh size, settings, smart features, and brand options to invest in convenience that satisfies for years.