What is Grilling in a Microwave Oven?

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:12 PM

Many people want to perform additional functions using their microwave, including grilling, but what is grilling in a microwave oven? However, the answer may not be as simple as you may think. To grill in the best microwaves, you need a grill function since regular microwaves produce heat differently. Some devices with the grill feature also have convection, which is what you would see in the product name. If you currently have a solo microwave oven, you may want to find out how to make pizza in a mug.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • To grill in the microwave, you need a product that includes grilling as one of its features, which may be marketed as a grill microwave oven or a convection microwave oven.
  • Using the metal rack when grilling in the microwave, you ensure that your food heats evenly while also browning the outside.
  • When you want to grill, select the grill or grill and cook function before placing your grill rack in the microwave and setting the timer.

What is a Grill Microwave?

Microwaves come in a few different categories, including solo microwave ovens, microwave grill ovens, and convection microwave ovens. To understand the differences, you should understand the capabilities and cost of each. For example, the microwave grill provides the same functions as a solo model but offers the ability to “grill” food. You grill food by placing it on either a raised metal grill insert or the glass turntable. However, when you cook food on the turntable, the heat spreads unevenly around the food. Consider this option if you do not have the money for a convection oven or just want to grill in your microwave.

Insider Tip

Consider using the provided metal rack to elevate your food for more even heat.

Differences from a Solo Microwave

With a solo microwave product, you defrost, cook, or reheat your food. These basic functions serve you by shortening the cooking time for recipes and reheating while also providing a quicker way to thaw frozen food. You may find these models ideal if you have a low budget, want only these functions, or have other appliances to grill and bake food. However, you can still do a lot with these models. For instance, you may use a solo microwave or upgraded models for COVID-19 relief using an N95 mask. To find out more, check out how to sanitize a face mask in a microwave.

Differences from a Convection Microwave

You may find that a convection microwave offers many of the same functions as the grill model, and you would be right. The convection microwave oven is a high cooking power version of grill products that also offers the ability to cook food as you would in a convection oven. Although some versions may not include the grill feature, most convection microwaves do, and they even come with a grill rack as well. Additionally, these models provide even heating of food using a fan and heating element, explaining the increased price.

Using the Grill Feature

Just as when you use the defrost or reheat functions on a standard microwave, you select your feature and time while grilling. By doing so, you speed up your cook time and ensure that you safely use the metal rack. Some microwave grills provide options for the standard microwave function, grilling, or a combination of the two. If you select the combination, you may find that the food cooks quicker, and you should still be able to safely use the metal rack since the manufacturer provides this option.

Warning

You should not use metal in your microwave during a standard mode, so make sure you are using the grill function when doing so.

F.A.Q.S

Can I grill on the glass turntable of a grill or convection microwave oven?

You can grill on the glass turntable, but the metal rack puts the food closer to the heating element, heating evenly around the food.


What is the difference between a convection microwave oven and a grill microwave oven?

The convection microwave oven has a fan in addition to the heating element. Additionally, a convection oven has more power and more functions.


What is a solo microwave?

A solo microwave oven is a conventional microwave that can handle reheating, cooking, and defrosting. These microwaves are cheap and easy to use, and you probably have one in your house if you don’t have a combination microwave oven.



STAT: In grill mode, it is perfectly safe to use metal utensils. (source)

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