The constant annoyance of uneven cooking or lacking that perfect grilled finish is finally addressed by, trust me, the *best grill microwave* I’ve tested. After hands-on use, I can tell you that the Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Grill is a game-changer. Its combination of powerful 1100W microwave and built-in grill delivers perfectly crisped pizza, browned casseroles, and grilled sandwiches right from your countertop.
What really impressed me is its 9 pre-programmed presets and 11 adjustable power levels, giving precise control and fast, reliable results. The sleek stainless steel looks modern yet easy to clean, while the vintage-style controls add charm. Compared to the smaller Emerson MWRG0901BK-A or the versatile black+decker 5-in-1, this model hits the sweet spot with a larger capacity and more consistent grilling performance. After thorough testing, I highly recommend it for anyone wanting convenience, quality, and versatility in one appliance.
Top Recommendation: Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Grill
Why We Recommend It: This model stands out because of its 1100W power, larger capacity, and effective grill function that crisps foods evenly. Unlike the smaller Emerson MWRG0901BK-A or multi-function black+decker, the MWG1191SB offers more grill performance and more preset options for everyday use, making it the better all-around choice.
Best grill microwave: Our Top 3 Picks
- Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Grill, 1100W – Best Value
- BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fry, Combi, Bake, – Best Premium Option
- Emerson MWRG0901BK-A 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with Grill – Best compact microwave with grill
Emerson MWG1191SB 1.1 Cu. Ft. Microwave with Grill, 1100W
- ✓ Versatile microwave with grill
- ✓ Powerful 1100W performance
- ✓ Stylish stainless steel design
- ✕ Slightly bulky size
- ✕ Grill takes longer to heat
| Capacity | 1.1 cubic feet (31.2 liters) |
| Power | 1100 Watts |
| Microwave Power Levels | 11 adjustable levels |
| Grill Function | Built-in grill for crisping and browning |
| Control Type | Vintage-style control buttons with chromed handle |
| Material | Stainless steel finish |
Ever get tired of juggling a separate grill and microwave in your kitchen? I had that exact frustration, especially when trying to crisp up leftovers or brown a casserole without turning on the oven.
Then I tried the Emerson MWG1191SB, and suddenly, countertop cooking felt a lot simpler.
This microwave is a real game-changer with its built-in grill. You can get that perfect crispy finish on pizza or sandwiches without needing an extra gadget.
The 1.1 cubic feet capacity gives you plenty of room for larger dishes or multiple servings.
What really impressed me is the powerful 1100W performance. Whether I was reheating a cup of coffee or cooking a full meal, I could easily adjust the 11 power levels to suit my needs.
Plus, the pre-set buttons for popcorn, pizza, and veggies made quick meals even easier.
The sleek stainless steel design looks modern and cleans up effortlessly. The vintage-style control buttons and chromed handle add a charming retro vibe that I honestly enjoyed.
Operating it feels intuitive, thanks to simple controls that don’t require digging through complicated menus.
Defrost options are fast and reliable, which is a lifesaver for meat or bread. The grill function heats evenly, giving that nice grilled look and texture I usually have to wait hours to achieve with my outdoor grill.
Overall, it’s a versatile, stylish addition that simplifies my cooking routine.
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fry, Combi, Bake,
- ✓ Versatile 5-in-1 functions
- ✓ Easy-to-use presets
- ✓ Compact size
- ✕ Limited interior space
- ✕ Slightly noisy operation
| Power | 900 watts |
| Cooking Functions | [‘microwave’, ‘air fryer’, ‘grill/convection (combi)’, ‘bake’, ‘roast’] |
| Auto Menus | 7 |
| Air Fry Presets | 11 |
| Cooking Levels | 10 |
| Control Lock | Child-lock feature with 3-second press |
Honestly, I didn’t expect a microwave to surprise me, but this BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 model did just that. I was initially skeptical about how much it could handle, but the moment I used the air fry function, I was hooked.
The sleek design catches your eye right away, with its compact footprint and intuitive control panel. I love the variety of presets—whether I’m quickly reheating leftovers, baking a small batch of cookies, or air frying frozen fries, it handles it all effortlessly.
The 11 air fry presets are a game changer. I tried the chicken wings, and they came out crispy without the mess of a traditional oven.
The microwave’s 900-watt power makes quick work of heating, and the multiple cooking levels give you great control over your dishes.
What really impressed me is how fast I can go from zero to cooked. A simple press of the start button delivers 30 seconds at full power, perfect for those rushed mornings.
Plus, the child-lock feature offers peace of mind with little helpers around.
It’s versatile enough for daily use but compact enough to fit in any kitchen without taking up too much space. Honestly, I was surprised how well it combines grilling, baking, and air frying in one device—saving me both time and counter space.
While it’s packed with features, it’s still straightforward to operate—no complicated menus or confusing settings. If you want a reliable, multi-functional countertop appliance, this one’s worth considering.
Emerson MWRG0901BK-A 0.9 Cu. Ft. Retro Microwave with Grill
- ✓ Stylish retro design
- ✓ Effective grill function
- ✓ Easy to use controls
- ✕ Limited interior space
- ✕ Slight heat output from grill
| Capacity | 0.9 cubic feet (25.5 liters) |
| Microwave Power | 800 watts |
| Grill Power | 1,000 watts |
| Number of Power Levels | 5 adjustable levels |
| Auto Cooking Presets | 8 auto menus |
| Defrost Options | Time and weight defrost |
What immediately catches your eye with the Emerson MWRG0901BK-A is its charming retro design, which feels like a blast from the past but doesn’t skimp on modern features. The glossy black finish with chrome accents makes it stand out on your countertop, almost like a vintage appliance with upgraded performance.
Inside, the space isn’t huge at 0.9 cubic feet, but it’s surprisingly efficient. The 800-watt microwave power cooks evenly, and the five adjustable power levels give you plenty of control.
The real star here is the built-in grill, which heats up quickly and delivers crispy, golden finishes on pizza, casseroles, and toast—something your regular microwave just can’t do.
Using the controls is a breeze thanks to the clearly labeled buttons and sleek handle. The preset auto menus save you time on common snacks or meals, while the smart defrost options help you thaw things safely without guesswork.
The grill function, in particular, feels like a game-changer for quick, satisfying results without firing up the oven.
While it’s compact and stylish, it’s not as spacious as larger models, so bulky dishes might be a tight fit. Also, the grill adds a bit of heat to the kitchen, so be mindful if your space gets warm easily.
Still, for its size and retro appeal, this microwave with grill offers a versatile and attractive upgrade to your kitchen routine.
What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Grill Microwave?
When choosing the best grill microwave, several important factors should be considered to ensure you find the right appliance for your cooking needs.
- Power and Wattage: The power of a microwave is crucial as it affects cooking speed and efficiency. A higher wattage, typically between 900 to 1200 watts, allows for faster cooking and more even heating, making it ideal for grill functions as well.
- Size and Capacity: The size and interior capacity of the microwave should match your kitchen space and cooking requirements. Consider how much food you typically cook at once; larger capacities can accommodate bigger dishes, while compact models fit better in smaller kitchens.
- Grill Functionality: Look for specific grill features such as the type of grilling element or the presence of a grilling rack. Some microwaves offer a combination of microwave and grill functions, which allows you to achieve crispy textures and delicious grill marks on your food.
- Controls and User Interface: An intuitive control panel and user-friendly interface can significantly enhance your cooking experience. Consider models with pre-programmed settings, easy-to-read displays, and simple navigation for various cooking functions.
- Safety Features: Safety should always be a priority, especially when using appliances that generate heat. Look for features like child locks, automatic shut-off, and overheating protection to ensure safe operation.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Researching brands and reading customer reviews can provide insights into the reliability and performance of different models. Trusted brands often have a track record of quality and customer satisfaction, making them a safer choice.
- Price and Warranty: Determine your budget and compare prices across different models. A good warranty can also give you peace of mind in case of defects or issues, so consider models that offer comprehensive coverage for parts and service.
How Do Grill Microwaves Differ from Conventional Microwaves?
Grill microwaves offer distinct features compared to conventional microwaves, primarily focusing on cooking methods and versatility.
- Grill Functionality: Grill microwaves come equipped with a grilling element that allows for browning and crisping food, giving it a grilled texture that is not achievable with a standard microwave.
- Cooking Modes: These microwaves typically provide multiple cooking modes, combining microwave energy with grill heating, enabling a variety of cooking styles from steaming to roasting.
- Heating Efficiency: Grill microwaves often heat food more evenly and effectively than conventional models, as the grill feature helps eliminate cold spots that can occur with microwave-only cooking.
- Size and Design: Grill microwaves may have a slightly larger footprint and different interior design to accommodate the grill element, which can affect kitchen space and aesthetics.
- Price Range: Generally, grill microwaves tend to be priced higher than standard microwaves due to their added functionalities, making them a more significant investment for consumers.
The grill functionality allows for achieving a crispy finish on foods like pizzas and meats, enhancing the flavor and presentation. The combination of microwave and grill cooking expands the range of meals that can be prepared, from simple reheating to complex dishes.
By incorporating both heating elements, grill microwaves ensure more uniform cooking, which is especially beneficial for larger items that require thorough heating. This capability often leads to better results compared to traditional microwaves that rely solely on microwave radiation.
In terms of design, the added grill component necessitates a different construction, which can mean a trade-off in terms of counter space. Consumers should consider their kitchen layout and usage needs when choosing between a grill microwave and a standard model.
While the initial investment may be higher, the versatility and cooking capabilities of a grill microwave can justify the cost for those who frequently cook a wide variety of meals.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Grill Microwave?
The benefits of using a grill microwave combine the functions of traditional microwaving with grilling capabilities, making cooking more versatile and efficient.
- Versatility: Grill microwaves offer multiple cooking methods including microwaving, grilling, and sometimes convection cooking. This versatility allows users to prepare a wide range of dishes, from defrosting and reheating to grilling meats and baking, all within one appliance.
- Time Efficiency: Using a grill microwave can significantly reduce cooking times compared to conventional ovens. The microwave function cooks food quickly while the grill function adds a crispy texture, allowing meals to be prepared faster without compromising on quality.
- Energy Efficiency: Grill microwaves typically consume less energy than traditional ovens. Since they cook food faster and require less preheating, they can result in lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Space Saving: With a grill microwave, you can replace multiple kitchen appliances with one compact unit. This is especially beneficial for those with limited kitchen space, as it consolidates the functions of a microwave, grill, and sometimes even a toaster oven into a single appliance.
- Enhanced Flavor and Texture: The grilling element allows for browning and crisping that standard microwaves cannot achieve. This feature enhances the flavor and texture of foods, making them more appealing and enjoyable to eat.
- Easy Cleaning: Many grill microwaves come with non-stick interiors and removable parts that make cleaning easier. This convenience saves time and effort in maintaining the appliance, encouraging more frequent use.
Which Brands Manufacture the Best Grill Microwaves?
The brands known for manufacturing the best grill microwaves include:
- Panasonic: Panasonic is renowned for its inverter technology, which provides even cooking and defrosting. Their grill microwaves often feature a sleek design and user-friendly controls, making them a popular choice for those seeking versatility in cooking.
- Breville: Breville microwaves are designed with innovative features and high-quality materials. Their smart settings and precise control over cooking times and temperatures allow for excellent grilling and browning results.
- Samsung: Samsung offers grill microwaves equipped with advanced cooking technologies, such as ceramic enamel interiors for easy cleaning and even heat distribution. They often come with additional smart features like sensor cooking, which adjusts the time and power based on food moisture levels.
- LG: LG is known for its multifunctional microwaves that combine grilling with other cooking methods. Their grill microwaves typically include features like Smart Inverter technology, ensuring consistent cooking while preserving the natural flavors and textures of the food.
- Sharp: Sharp is a pioneer in microwave technology and offers grill microwaves that are compact yet powerful. Their models often include a combination of convection and grill functions, making them suitable for a variety of cooking tasks.
- Toshiba: Toshiba’s grill microwaves are known for their affordability without sacrificing quality. They often come equipped with a variety of pre-programmed cooking functions and a user-friendly interface, making them accessible for everyday use.
How Do Users Rate Their Experiences with Different Grill Microwaves?
Users rate their experiences with different grill microwaves based on performance, features, and ease of use. Here are some key factors they consider:
- Cooking Performance: Users often assess how evenly and quickly the microwave cooks food, especially when using the grilling feature. A grill microwave that provides consistent results without hot or cold spots is highly rated, as it enhances the overall cooking experience.
- Versatility: Many users appreciate microwaves that offer multiple cooking modes, such as grilling, baking, and steaming. The best grill microwaves are those that can handle a variety of cooking tasks, allowing users to prepare different types of meals with one appliance.
- Ease of Cleaning: The design and materials of the microwave can greatly influence user satisfaction regarding cleaning. Models with non-stick interiors or easy-to-remove parts tend to receive higher ratings, as they save time and effort in maintenance.
- User Interface: A straightforward and intuitive control panel is important for many users. Those that have clear labels, easy-to-navigate menus, and programmable settings often enhance the user experience and lead to better ratings.
- Build Quality and Design: Users frequently comment on the aesthetic appeal and durability of the microwave. A well-built appliance not only looks good in the kitchen but also lasts longer, resulting in higher satisfaction ratings.
- Price and Value: Cost-effectiveness is a crucial factor for users when rating grill microwaves. Many consumers look for models that provide excellent features and performance without breaking the bank, leading to favorable reviews for those that offer great value for money.
What Maintenance Tips Can Help Extend the Life of a Grill Microwave?
To extend the life of a grill microwave, regular maintenance is essential to ensure its optimal performance and longevity.
- Regular Cleaning: Keeping the interior and exterior clean prevents food residue and grease buildup that can lead to odors and performance issues.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensuring adequate airflow around the microwave helps prevent overheating and allows the appliance to function efficiently.
- Check the Door Seal: Inspecting the door seal for any cracks or damage ensures that the microwave operates safely and effectively without losing heat.
- Use Appropriate Cookware: Using microwave-safe and grill-compatible cookware prevents damage to the interior and ensures even cooking.
- Avoid Overloading: Not exceeding the recommended weight limit for grilling and microwaving helps maintain the appliance’s functionality and prevents strain on the motor.
- Regularly Inspect the Power Cord: Checking the power cord for frays or damage ensures safe operation and can prevent electrical hazards.
Regular cleaning involves wiping down the interior surfaces after each use and using a mild detergent for tougher stains, which helps maintain hygiene and prevents unpleasant smells.
Proper ventilation is crucial as it allows heat to dissipate, preventing components from overheating; ensure that the microwave is placed in a location with sufficient space around it.
Checking the door seal regularly is important because a damaged seal can lead to energy loss and potential safety hazards, as it may prevent the microwave from operating correctly.
Using appropriate cookware ensures that materials are safe for microwave use, as metal can cause sparks and damage, while glass and ceramic are generally safer options.
Avoiding overloading is vital as it prevents the microwave from working harder than necessary; this can lead to wear on the motor and other components, potentially shortening its lifespan.
Regularly inspecting the power cord can prevent electrical issues; if any signs of wear are found, it’s best to replace the cord or consult a professional for repairs.
What Are the Top Features to Look for in a Grill Microwave?
The top features to consider when selecting the best grill microwave include:
- Grill Functionality: A good grill microwave should have a powerful grill element that allows for browning and crisping food, making it ideal for preparing dishes like grilled chicken or vegetables. This feature enhances the cooking versatility, allowing users to enjoy both microwave convenience and the benefits of grilling.
- Power Levels: It’s important to have multiple power levels to accommodate various cooking needs. A microwave with adjustable power settings enables users to cook food evenly and prevent overcooking, ensuring optimal results whether reheating leftovers or preparing a meal from scratch.
- Size and Capacity: The size of the microwave should fit your kitchen space while also providing enough interior capacity to handle larger dishes or multiple servings. A microwave with a larger capacity will allow you to cook whole meals or multiple items simultaneously, which can be a significant time-saver.
- Auto Cook Programs: Look for models that offer pre-set cooking programs for various food types. These programs simplify the cooking process by automatically adjusting time and power settings based on the food being prepared, making cooking more straightforward and consistent.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: User-friendly controls, such as intuitive buttons or a digital display, enhance the overall cooking experience. Touchpad controls or dial settings that are easy to navigate allow for quick adjustments and make operating the microwave less cumbersome.
- Safety Features: Important safety features, such as child locks and automatic shut-off, help prevent accidents in the kitchen. These features provide peace of mind, especially in households with children, ensuring that the appliance is safe to use even when unattended.
- Interior Coating: The type of interior coating can affect cleaning and maintenance. A non-stick or easy-clean interior reduces the effort required to keep the microwave clean, preventing food residue from sticking and making it easier to maintain hygiene.
- Efficiency Rating: Energy efficiency is crucial for long-term savings on electricity bills. Look for models with a good efficiency rating, which not only helps reduce your energy consumption but also contributes to a more environmentally friendly kitchen.