A microwave grill combines the speed of microwave cooking with the browning and crisping capabilities of a grill element. Unlike a standard microwave that mainly heats food from the inside, a microwave grill lets you prepare meals with crispy textures, golden finishes, and better flavor without needing a traditional oven.

Whether you’re reheating pizza, grilling chicken, toasting sandwiches, or preparing vegetables, a microwave grill offers versatility while saving time and energy.

If you’re planning to buy one in Kenya, this guide explains everything you need to know—from how it works to choosing the best model for your home.

What Is a Microwave Grill?

A microwave grill is a microwave oven equipped with an additional heating element located near the top of the appliance.

This allows it to perform two cooking methods:

Microwave cooking for fast heating
Grill cooking for browning and crisping

Many modern microwave grills also include combination cooking, where both functions work together to cook food evenly while creating a crispy exterior.

Why Choose a Microwave Grill?

Compared to a regular microwave, a microwave grill offers:

Better food texture
Crispy toppings
Even browning
Faster cooking than conventional ovens
Greater versatility

It’s ideal for households that want more cooking options without investing in a large built-in oven.

How Does a Microwave Grill Work?

A microwave grill uses two different heating technologies.

Microwave Heating

Microwave energy excites water molecules inside food.

This produces heat from within, allowing food to cook rapidly.

This method is excellent for:

Reheating leftovers
Cooking vegetables
Preparing soups
Defrosting frozen food

Grill Heating

The grill element generates direct radiant heat.

This heat:

Browns cheese
Crisps bread
Grills meat
Creates roasted finishes

Unlike microwaves, grilling cooks from the outside.

Combination Cooking

Combination mode uses both microwave energy and grill heat simultaneously.

Benefits include:

Faster cooking
Better browning
Moist interiors
Crispy exteriors

This is the most popular setting for preparing:

Chicken
Lasagna
Pizza
Baked potatoes
Fish
Burgers

Auto Cooking Programs

Many premium microwave grills include automatic cooking menus.

Simply choose the food type, enter the weight, and the oven automatically adjusts:

Cooking time
Microwave power
Grill duration

This makes cooking much easier for beginners.

Benefits of Using a Microwave Grill

Faster Meal Preparation

Meals cook significantly faster compared to traditional ovens.

Busy families appreciate the convenience.

Crispy Results

One of the biggest complaints about ordinary microwaves is soggy food.

A microwave grill solves this by adding browning and crispness.

Perfect for:

Toast
Pizza
Fries
Chicken wings
Cheese dishes

Saves Kitchen Space

Instead of buying:

Microwave
Grill
Small oven

You only need one appliance.

This is especially valuable in apartments and small kitchens.

Energy Efficient

Microwave grills consume less electricity than large electric ovens for small and medium meals.

This helps reduce household energy bills.

Easy to Use

Most modern microwave grills feature:

Digital controls
LED displays
Automatic menus
Child safety locks
Timer functions

Even beginners can prepare meals confidently.

Microwave Grill vs Regular Microwave

Feature	Regular Microwave	Microwave Grill
Reheating	Excellent	Excellent
Defrosting	Excellent	Excellent
Grilling	No	Yes
Browning	No	Yes
Crisping	No	Yes
Toasting	No	Yes
Cooking Variety	Moderate	High

If you only reheat food, a standard microwave may be enough.

If you enjoy cooking, a microwave grill provides much greater flexibility.

Microwave Grill vs Convection Microwave

Many shoppers confuse these appliances.

Microwave Grill

Best for:

Toasting
Grilling
Browning
Reheating
Everyday meals

Convection Microwave

Adds a fan that circulates hot air.

Suitable for:

Baking cakes
Cookies
Bread
Roasting large meals

Convection microwaves are generally more expensive but offer even greater versatility.

Choosing the Best Microwave Grill

Several factors should influence your purchase.

Capacity

Choose according to family size.

20 Litres

Ideal for:

Singles
Students
Small apartments

25 Litres

Suitable for:

Couples
Small families

30 Litres and Above

Recommended for:

Large families
Frequent cooking
Entertaining guests

Power Rating

Higher wattage generally means faster cooking.

Recommended ranges:

700–900W for microwave power
900–1200W for grill function

Cooking Programs

Look for models with:

Auto menus
Defrost mode
Combination cooking
Quick start
Multi-stage cooking

These features improve convenience.

Build Quality

A durable microwave grill should include:

Stainless steel cavity
Glass turntable
Easy-clean interior
Heat-resistant door

Quality construction increases lifespan.

Safety Features

Important safety options include:

Child lock
Overheat protection
Automatic shut-off
Door safety sensors

Microwave Grill Pricing in Kenya

Prices vary depending on brand, capacity, and features.

Approximate price ranges:

Capacity	Estimated Price
20L	KSh 10,000–18,000
25L	KSh 18,000–28,000
30L+	KSh 28,000–50,000+

Premium models with convection cooking cost more but provide greater cooking flexibility.

Best Microwave Grill Features to Look For

The best microwave grill should include:

Combination cooking mode
Auto menus
Digital display
Child safety lock
Multiple power levels
Grill rack
Timer
Quick defrost
Interior lighting
Easy cleaning

These features make everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Common Microwave Grill Mistakes to Avoid

Using Metal Containers

Only use metal accessories that are specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

Regular metal utensils may damage the appliance.

Overcooking Food

Microwave grills cook quickly.

Always monitor cooking times to avoid drying food.

Blocking Air Vents

Proper ventilation prevents overheating.

Leave enough space around the appliance.

Ignoring Cleaning

Grease buildup reduces grill performance.

Clean the interior regularly after use.

Choosing the Wrong Capacity

Buying a microwave that’s too small often leads to frustration later.

Consider your future cooking needs before purchasing.

Who Should Buy a Microwave Grill?

A microwave grill is ideal for:

Busy professionals
Families
Students
Apartment owners
Small offices
Anyone wanting faster cooking with better food texture

Maintenance Tips

To extend your microwave grill’s lifespan:

Wipe spills immediately
Clean the grill regularly
Avoid abrasive cleaners
Use microwave-safe cookware
Replace damaged turntables promptly
Inspect the door seal regularly

Routine maintenance keeps cooking performance at its best.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guide on microwave ovens, microwave ovens use non-ionizing radiation to heat water molecules in food and are safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For safe microwave cooking, always stir food, allow standing time after heating, and check that meat reaches a safe internal temperature. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s microwave cooking safety guide provides detailed recommendations for preventing cold spots and ensuring food is cooked thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microwave Grills

1. What is a microwave grill used for?

A microwave grill is used for reheating, grilling, browning, and crisping food. Unlike a standard microwave, it has a built-in grill element that allows you to prepare foods like grilled chicken, toasted sandwiches, pizza, vegetables, and baked potatoes with a crispy finish.

2. Is a microwave grill better than a regular microwave?

If you only need to reheat or defrost food, a regular microwave is sufficient. However, a microwave grill offers greater versatility by combining microwave cooking with grilling, allowing you to brown and crisp food without using a conventional oven.

3. Can I bake cakes in a microwave grill?

A basic microwave grill is not designed for baking cakes. While some recipes may work, a convection microwave is the better choice for baking because it circulates hot air for even cooking and browning.

4. How much does a microwave grill cost in Kenya?

The price of a microwave grill in Kenya depends on the brand, capacity, and features. Entry-level models typically start from around KSh 10,000, while larger or premium models with advanced cooking functions can cost KSh 50,000 or more.

5. What should I consider before buying the best microwave grill?

When choosing the best microwave grill, consider the appliance’s capacity, microwave and grill power, cooking programs, energy efficiency, ease of cleaning, safety features, warranty, and after-sales support. Selecting the right size for your household and cooking habits will help you get the best value from your purchase.

Final Thoughts

A microwave grill is an excellent investment for anyone looking to prepare meals quickly while enjoying the crispy texture that standard microwaves cannot provide. From grilling chicken and vegetables to reheating pizza without making it soggy, these appliances combine speed, convenience, and versatility in one compact unit.

When choosing the best microwave grill, consider capacity, power, cooking modes, safety features, and your household’s cooking habits. A quality model can simplify everyday meal preparation while saving valuable kitchen space.

Browse Almansoor’s range of microwave grills and kitchen appliances to compare models and find the perfect option for your home.