Small-kitchen vegetable steamer
You mainly cook small portions, such as peas in a covered bowl. The appliance needs to fit with its required ventilation space, while the bowl must fit inside and rotate freely if the model has a turntable.
Who this choice suits
One-appliance everyday cook
You want microwave cooking for vegetables but also intend to use a grill or convection setting for other meals. Check which of those modes the exact model includes rather than relying on the word “combination”.
Frequent steam-cooking household
You steam vegetables and other foods regularly, so a dedicated steam mode may be useful beyond what you need for an occasional microwave-safe, vented bowl.
What matters when choosing
Check worktop and bowl fit before comparing cooking modes. Then decide whether your other meals call for a grill, convection cooking or a dedicated steam function.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Worktop and bowl fit | Compare the appliance’s width, height and depth with the available space and its manual’s ventilation clearances. Check the bowl against the turntable or usable flatbed area. | With little worktop space, I need the appliance to fit safely without choosing one that is too small for my bowl. Around 36% of consumers would put physical fit first. |
| Cooking modes | Confirm whether the model has microwave and grill settings only or also includes convection; check the stated temperature range if you need oven-style cooking. | If this appliance will cook more than vegetables, I want modes I will use for those other meals. Roughly 29% of consumers would make cooking versatility their primary concern. |
| Dedicated steaming | Look for a stated steam mode, how it takes in water, which accessories are included and what cleaning the manual requires. | When I steam food regularly, I want to know whether the appliance has a dedicated method rather than relying on a covered bowl. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise that steam function. |
| Safe bowl use | Use a bowl and cover marked microwave-safe, and leave the cover loose or vented during microwave cooking. | For a quick portion of peas, I want a straightforward way to cook without sealing in steam. About 14% of consumers would place simple, safe bowl use above extra functions. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming every combination microwave has convection
A microwave-and-grill combination is not necessarily equipped for oven-style baking or roasting. Hotpoint’s combination range, for example, includes fanned hot air and a grill on some models, so the modes need checking model by model.
Look for an explicitly stated convection mode and temperature range if those cooking tasks matter to you.
-
Choosing by cavity capacity alone
Capacity in litres does not tell you whether an appliance fits the worktop with ventilation space or whether your bowl fits on its turntable.
Measure the installation space, follow the exact manual’s clearance instructions and compare your bowl’s diameter with the usable cooking area.
-
Sealing the bowl while microwaving peas
Pressure can build in a completely sealed container and cause it to burst. Electrical Safety First advises microwaving only items clearly marked microwave-safe.
Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover, and leave a vent or keep the cover loose so steam can escape.
-
Choosing a dedicated steam system for occasional peas
A microwave-safe, vented bowl can serve the occasional covered-bowl task; a dedicated steam appliance introduces a different cooking method that you may not use often.
Consider a stated steam mode when regular steam cooking is one of your main uses, and check its water-supply and cleaning instructions.
Brands to consider for these cooking routes
Panasonic
Panasonic offers both convection combination microwaves and a separate dedicated-steam route.
- Panasonic lists the NN-CT54JWBPQ with a 27L cavity and a 520 × 310 × 395mm body. Its NN-CS89LBBPQ has a stated 1300W steam function supplied by an integrated 800ml water tank.
- These specifications describe different models. Measure the installation space and check the cooking modes of the exact one you are considering.
Samsung
Samsung’s all-in-one combination range is relevant if you expect to use several cooking modes, not just microwave a bowl of vegetables.
- Samsung UK describes a 32L all-in-one model with microwave, grill, steam, air-fry, oven and fermentation functions.
- A multi-function appliance still needs to fit its installation space. Samsung states that its connected features require Wi-Fi, so check the exact model’s connectivity conditions if those features matter to you.
Sharp
Sharp has a compact microwave-and-grill option for kitchens where a convection setting is not a priority.
- Sharp lists the YC-MG01U-S as a 20L, 800W microwave with a 1000W grill and external dimensions of 440 × 258 × 344mm.
- Check the bowl and installation clearances as well as the outer dimensions; microwave-and-grill settings do not establish convection capability.
Hotpoint
Hotpoint’s combination range provides a point of reference for comparing microwave, fanned-hot-air and grill functions.
- Hotpoint describes fanned hot air in its combination range, with a grill on some models.
- Features vary by model. Hotpoint says its MWH 2734 B is no longer in its catalogue, so treat that particular model as a feature reference rather than a current purchase option.
Combination microwaves on Joybuy
These models offer different routes beyond covered-bowl microwave cooking, including countertop combinations with additional modes and a built-in microwave with grill. For a small kitchen, compare each model’s installation requirements and usable bowl space before choosing.
Image unavailable
Russell Hobbs RHMAF2508B 25L digital combination microwave
Consider this model if you want a combination microwave for bowl cooking and will use its additional modes. Check your bowl against the usable cooking area and allow the clearance required by the model’s installation instructions.
Image unavailable
Toshiba MW3-SAC23SF(MB) 23L air-fry combination microwave
This model is worth considering if you also want to use grill or convection cooking. Its product name lists 900W microwave power, a 1000W grill, app control and 10 cooking presets; measure the appliance space and check that your bowl fits before choosing it for peas.
Image unavailable
Samsung MC28A5125AK/EU 28L combination microwave
Consider its convection setting if you need oven-style cooking as well as microwave use. The product name lists 900W power and a smart moisture sensor; check external dimensions, installation clearance and usable bowl space for your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Candy CA38FL7NWXUK built-in microwave with grill
This is a built-in route for a kitchen with a suitable cabinet, not a freestanding worktop choice. Check the cabinet and ventilation requirements with the installation instructions, and make sure your bowl fits the usable cooking area.
Image unavailable
Daewoo SDA2618GE 26L 5-in-1 combination microwave
Consider this countertop model if its microwave mode and additional air-fry and bake functions match the cooking you plan to do. Its product name also lists grill, reheat and defrost functions; check the appliance dimensions, required clearance and bowl fit before placing it in a small kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Can I steam peas in a tightly sealed bowl in a combination microwave?
No. In microwave mode, use a microwave-safe bowl and a loose or vented microwave-safe cover. Pressure in a completely sealed container can cause it to burst.
Do I need a dedicated steam microwave just to cook peas?
Not for an occasional portion cooked in microwave mode with a microwave-safe, vented cover. A dedicated steam function becomes more relevant if you regularly steam other foods and want to use that mode; check how the exact model takes in water and what cleaning it requires.
How do I check whether a combination microwave fits my small kitchen?
Compare the exact model’s width, height and depth with your installation space, then allow the ventilation clearances in its manual. Check your bowl against the turntable or usable flatbed area too: cavity capacity alone cannot confirm either fit.
Can a retailer take back my old microwave when I buy a replacement?
Ask the retailer how its electrical take-back service works for your purchase. GOV.UK states that retailers subject to the relevant take-back requirements must offer to accept waste electrical equipment of the same type as the item bought.