How Does a Microwave Grill Work & How Do I Use It?
One of the best things about the ever-evolving landscape of kitchen technology is that it has made it easier than ever before to prepare high-quality and varied meals at home. Whether you’re a professional chef looking to create fancy dishes or a complete beginner simply hoping to put together some tasty snacks, there’s a modern appliance for every requirement.
Even the appliances we’ve enjoyed for years and are familiar with are very different these days. A great example of this is the humble analogue microwave that has given way to the likes of high-powered, large-capacity microwave grills with seemingly unlimited useful features. However, many people have yet to make the switch because they simply don’t know enough about the benefits of doing so.
In this guide, you’ll learn about what microwave grills are, how they work, how they differ from standard microwaves, the benefits of using them, and how to best use them.
What Is a Microwave Grill?
A microwave grill is a kitchen appliance that combines elements of a traditional microwave and a grill. What this means is that users can enjoy the rapid cooking power of a microwave alongside the browning and crisping processes of a grill within a single appliance.
How Does a Microwave Grill Work?
A microwave grill combines microwave radiation, which cooks food from the inside, with a grill, which uses a heating element that grills food from the outside. What this means is that users can cook food quickly while also enjoying a grilled texture and appearance. However, it’s important to note that these cooking functions can also be used independently.
What Are the Differences Between a Standard Microwave and Microwave Grill?
The main difference between a standard microwave and a microwave grill is that the former provides fewer features. A standard microwave can be used to cook, reheat, and defrost food quickly, while a microwave grill, such as the Panasonic Inverter Microwave Oven with Grill, can do all of that, as well as provide grilling functions, which makes it a more versatile appliance.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Microwave Grill?
If you’re considering investing in a microwave grill, you can expect to enjoy the following benefits:
Time and Energy Efficiency
One of the best things about microwave grills is that they cook food faster than conventional ovens, which means you’ll save time and energy when using one. This makes it perfect for people who don’t like to cook for long periods or lead busy lives.
Versatility
As microwave grills can microwave, grill, and even bake, they make light work of lots of different cooking tasks. Having one appliance that can be used for so many different things is incredibly convenient.
Cost-Effectiveness
As microwave grills combine both a microwave and a grill, it means users don’t need to run individual appliances to enjoy those features. As such, this leads to lower energy bills and is environmentally friendlier.
Space-Saving
Combining multiple cooking features into one appliance means microwave grills are ideal for those who wish to save valuable countertop space in the kitchen. To make things even easier, there are also different appliance sizes available to suit a variety of requirements. For example, the Panasonic Compact Microwave Oven with Grill model is perfect for those with smaller kitchens.
Greater Cooking Control
Microwave grills come with lots of different features, power levels, and temperature settings, which makes it easy to remain in total control of the cooking process. This is a bonus over standalone appliances, whether you’re a perfectionist or an inexperienced cook who wants to make the process as easy as possible.
How to Use a Microwave Grill
How you use a microwave grill will depend on what you are cooking and the features of your appliance. As such, you should always consult the instruction manual for specific guidelines. However, the following is a general guide to using a microwave grill:
Food Preparation: Before cooking, you should prepare your ingredients according to the requirements of the recipe. This can include washing, chopping, seasoning, marinating, and so on.
Mode Selection: Choose which mode you’d like to use on your microwave grill. This could be a combination of microwave and grilling features, as well as individual if preferred.
Time Settings: Consult your recipe and set the cooking time accordingly before starting to cook.
Mid-Cooking Requirements: Some recipes call for food to be flipped or stirred halfway through the cooking time.
Monitoring: Keep an eye on the food and adjust settings as and when required.
Final Touches: Allow the food rest for a few minutes before serving. Add any required toppings or condiments at this stage.
Cleaning: Wipe down the inside of your microwave grill after use to maintain cleanliness and ensure long-term functionality.
