Microwave with grill vs. convection: which one is best for you?

When buying a microwave, the most important choice is not "how many watts," but the type of extra heating : grill or convection .

1) Single-use (simple) microwave: the everyday essential.

✅ Best for:

• heating meals

• defrost

• porridge, soups, drinks

It's the simplest and usually the cheapest.

2) Microwave with grill: for browning and gratinating

The grill adds heat through resistance (like a "grill" on top) and is mainly used for:

• gratinate cheese (lasagna, pasta)

• brown the top (pizza, potatoes)

• to give it a crispy finish that the microwave alone cannot.

✅ Choose a grill if:

• You make a lot of oven-baked dishes and want a quick finish.

• You want a good middle ground between price and versatility.

3) Convection microwave (combination): closest to an oven.

Convection uses the circulation of hot air (like in an oven) and allows:

• Bake (chicken, vegetables, simple cakes)

• to brown more evenly

• In some models, use combined modes (microwave + convection) to speed up the time.

✅ Choose convection if:

• You have little desire to turn on the large oven.

• Do you want to cook "for real" with the microwave?

• Do you prefer a more complete device?

4) Quick decision (without complication)

• Heat/Defrost Only → Microwave Only

• I want to gratin/make pizza → microwave with grill

• I want to bake and make oven-type recipes → convection (combination)

FAQ

Does a grill replace an oven?
Not entirely: grilling gives a finished top; convection is closer to an oven-like result.

Is convection worthwhile?
Yes, if you're going to use it for baking/vegetables/chicken/cakes and want to reduce the use of a large oven.