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Microwave Grill Functions Explained

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Microwave Grill Functions Explained

A microwave grill gives you more flexibility than a standard microwave by combining quick heating with surface browning. If you have ever wondered what each setting actually does, this guide breaks down the most common microwave grill functions, what they are best for, and how to get better everyday results.

This article complements our related guide, How Does a Microwave Grill Work?. That post explains the technology behind the appliance, while this one focuses on the settings you are most likely to use in real cooking.

Important note: The exact names of functions can vary by model, but the core cooking modes are usually very similar across most microwave grills.

What does a microwave grill actually do?

A standard microwave is excellent for reheating and defrosting, but it does not usually brown food well. A microwave with grill function adds a heating element that helps crisp and colour the outside while the microwave energy cooks the inside more quickly.

Microwave heat Fast internal heating for reheating, defrosting and quick cooking.
Grill heat Direct top heat for browning, crisping and finishing dishes.
Combined cooking Uses both together for speed and better texture.

Microwave grill functions explained

Function What it does Best for
Microwave only Uses microwave energy to heat food quickly. Leftovers, drinks, sauces, defrosting frozen food.
Grill only Uses the grill element to brown and crisp the top of food. Cheese toppings, toast, finishing pasta bakes, browning cooked foods.
Microwave + grill Combines microwave speed with grill browning. Pizza, ready meals, jacket potatoes, lasagne, reheated dishes that need a better finish.
Combi programmes Balances cooking power automatically for different food types. Meals that need thorough heating without becoming too soft on top.
Defrost Gently thaws food before cooking or reheating. Meat, bread, prepared ingredients and frozen leftovers.

When should you use each setting?

Use microwave only for speed

This is the setting most people use every day. It is the right choice when your main priority is heating food quickly rather than improving texture.

Use grill only for browning

If the food is already mostly cooked and just needs a golden finish, the grill-only mode is usually the better option. It can help melted cheese, breadcrumbs and similar toppings look more appetising.

Use microwave and grill together for better texture

This is often the most useful function. It helps you avoid the soft, slightly damp finish that standard microwaves can leave behind on foods like pizza, pasta bakes and other plated meals.

Tip: If your food is heating through but still looks pale, switch to grill-only mode for the last few minutes to improve colour and texture.

What foods work well in a microwave grill?

  • Pizza slices and garlic bread
  • Pasta bakes and lasagne
  • Jacket potatoes
  • Cheese-topped dishes
  • Ready meals that benefit from a crisp finish
  • Reheated leftovers that would otherwise go soggy

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using the wrong cookware for grill modes
  • Expecting grill results from microwave-only settings
  • Overcooking food by using full power for too long
  • Not checking food part-way through combined cooking
  • Choosing microwave-only mode when texture matters
Reminder: Always check your appliance handbook before using racks, trays or specific cookware in grill or combination modes.

Are microwave grill functions worth it?

For many households, yes. A microwave with grill is a practical choice if you want faster cooking than a conventional oven can offer, while still getting a more appealing finish than a basic microwave provides.

It can be especially useful in smaller kitchens, for quick lunches, or for busy households that want more versatility from a single built-in appliance.

Featured built-in microwave grills

If you are looking for a model that can handle everyday reheating as well as browning and finishing, these two built-in microwaves are strong options from the CATA range.

CATA 100 60cm 20L Integrated Microwave and Grill Black

CATA 100 – 60cm 20L Integrated Microwave + Grill Black

  • 20-litre capacity for everyday use
  • 700W microwave power
  • 5 power levels for flexible cooking
  • 245mm turntable diameter
  • Compact 300mm installation depth
View product
CATA 300 60cm 25L Integrated Microwave and Grill Stainless Steel

CATA 300 – 60cm 25L Integrated Microwave + Grill Stainless Steel

  • 25-litre capacity with larger internal space
  • 900W microwave power
  • 8 cooking programmes
  • Child lock for added peace of mind
  • 315mm turntable diameter
View product
Tip: If you regularly reheat meals and want a better finish than standard microwaving, a built-in microwave grill can be a very worthwhile upgrade.
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Microwave Grill Functions – FAQs

The microwave function heats food quickly from the inside, while the grill function browns and crisps the outside using direct heat.
Combi mode uses both microwave and grill functions together, allowing food to cook quickly while also achieving a crispy finish.
Yes, microwave grills can brown and crisp food effectively, though they may not achieve quite the same intensity as a full oven grill.
Yes, you should use grill-safe or microwave-safe cookware and avoid materials that are not suitable for high heat or grill elements.
Microwave grill mode is more versatile because it allows you to cook food quickly while also improving texture and browning.
Use grill-only mode when you want to brown or crisp food, such as melting cheese or finishing a dish with a golden top.
Yes, especially in combi mode, which allows raw food like chicken or ready meals to cook thoroughly while also browning.
Yes, they typically use less energy than a conventional oven, making them ideal for smaller meals and quicker cooking.