Decent microwave/oven
5/5
Bought to replace a much smaller (19l) microwave, decided to pay the extra for a combined microwave and oven instead, especially with Christmas on the way.
The microwave is well made and compact, especially when considering how vast it seems inside. It neatly takes up the same place as our previous microwave, just 5cm more depth which was fine, as well as some additional height. The instructions are detailed and provide guidance on how to do just about everything with it.
I have utilised the microwave, oven, and grill function. All perform as expected, with good cooking whichever setting. What makes this microwave stand out is it’s combined cooking function. You tell it what you are cooking and it can use the microwave combined with the oven to cook up to 2/3’s faster. I have used this function a few times and can say the results are fantastic. More to the point most manufacturer claims are ‘best case scenario’, but this microwave has performed to the manufacturers claims almost exactly, finding on average a 2/3 reduction in cooking time and at worst, 1/2. In addition, its ability to cook meat such as beef and lamb to rare, medium or well done works perfectly with great results.
I’m not replacing my oven with this unit, but am using it to compliment it. The smart cooking makes this an option I’m happy to make use of, so it’s not just a gimmick you will never use. In our household of 2 adults, 2 children it’s helpful for cooking kids portions while our meal is in the oven, or for cooking multiple items that all have different temperature requirements, and I have no doubt this will be massively useful come Christmas.
I should note this unit does have a fan. Whilst the microwave can make more noise than our older one, the difference is minimal. It’s a typical fan noise, so quiet but noticeable. In the kitchen this is of no concern to me, everything in the kitchen makes noise to some extent, and this isn’t the noisiest appliance, so I am happy with the unit and it’s performance.
