[DerbyBoy]

Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting to
fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the button
now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any real
use after the initial "let's try it" phase


Regards

John

[John Williamson]

DerbyBoy wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting
to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any
real use after the initial "let's try it" phase

It depends if you've got an easily reached grill on your cooker, IMO.

Using the microwave grill for meat can spatter fat all over the inside,
and onto the element so it'll then need cleaning the way a normal oven
does, though the grease won't be set so hard. I use mine mostly for
cheese on toast, as I can't easily reach the cooker grill.

I've seen some recipes that use the grill to colour the food, and the
microwave bit to cook it, though it's too much of a faff for me.
--
Tciao for Now!

John.

[Tabby]

On Jun 1, 5:29*pm, John Williamson
wrote:
DerbyBoy wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting
to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any
real use after the initial "let's try it" phase

It depends if you've got an easily reached grill on your cooker, IMO.

Using the microwave grill for meat can spatter fat all over the inside,
and onto the element so it'll then need cleaning the way a normal oven
does, though the grease won't be set so hard. I use mine mostly for
cheese on toast, as I can't easily reach the cooker grill.

I've seen some recipes that use the grill to colour the food, and the
microwave bit to cook it, though it's too much of a faff for me.

The OP is effectively asking us whether he will use the grill or not.
How could we know? The only tip I can give is don't assume the grill
will give a decent even spread of heat, and it does make cleaning
worse.


NT

[Gordon Henderson]

In article ,
DerbyBoy No-one wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting to
fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the button
now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any real
use after the initial "let's try it" phase

I've been thinking about this too - to grill or not to grill.

However, one thing I've noticed with my last 2 Microwaves (over the
course of about 15 years) is that both were had enamelled interiors and
both started to rust on the base where the 3-wheeled turnable support
thingy goes round, so you get a ring of rust that eventually perforates. I
suspect it's been to do with poor ventilation where we have our microwave,
so lots of condensation inside which runs down to the lowers point... So
the next one will have a stainelss steel interior... But that + the
grill really pushes the price up from 50 ish to 250 ish... Will it last
5 times longer and will we make a lot use of the grill....

Or shall we just spend 50 quid on another that'll last 5 years...

Gordon

[Roger Mills[_2_]]

On 01/06/2011 17:08, DerbyBoy wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting
to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any
real use after the initial "let's try it" phase


Regards

John

We had an all-singing-all-dancing combi microwave as part of our new
kitchen a couple of years ago.

For 99% of the time, we just use it as a pure microwave. The grill
element is occasionally useful when we want to brown the surface of
something while cooking it by microwave.

We did once (and only once!) try to use it as a normal oven to cook a
chicken. Disaster! Grease splacked everywhere. Took ages to clean up.
Never again!
--
Cheers,
Roger
____________
Please reply to Newsgroup. Whilst email address is valid, it is seldom
checked.

[News]

In message
,
andrew writes

I don't think a grill is particularly useful, but, depending on what
else you have in your kitchen, a proper combi that can also work as an
oven can be worth having.

We have a combi and yes, it is great as a small oven, and works
perfectly. Much quicker to heat up than our main 'proper' oven, and
ideal if Child just wants, say, fish fingers and chips. The big problem
is that it will not function as a microwave oven immediately after use
as an oven. It needs to cool down first, which can be a real pain.
--
Graeme

[DerbyBoy]

"John Williamson" wrote in message ...

DerbyBoy wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting
to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any
real use after the initial "let's try it" phase

It depends if you've got an easily reached grill on your cooker, IMO.

Using the microwave grill for meat can spatter fat all over the inside,
and onto the element so it'll then need cleaning the way a normal oven
does, though the grease won't be set so hard. I use mine mostly for
cheese on toast, as I can't easily reach the cooker grill.

I've seen some recipes that use the grill to colour the food, and the
microwave bit to cook it, though it's too much of a faff for me.
--
Tciao for Now!

John.


For years I have microwaved the cheese on the toast. Perhaps not as good -
but it suits me - also Cheese on Ryvita - 30 secs.

[DerbyBoy]

"Roger Mills" wrote in message ...

On 01/06/2011 17:08, DerbyBoy wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting
to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any
real use after the initial "let's try it" phase


Regards

John

We had an all-singing-all-dancing combi microwave as part of our new
kitchen a couple of years ago.

For 99% of the time, we just use it as a pure microwave. The grill
element is occasionally useful when we want to brown the surface of
something while cooking it by microwave.

We did once (and only once!) try to use it as a normal oven to cook a
chicken. Disaster! Grease splacked everywhere. Took ages to clean up.
Never again!
--
Cheers,
Roger
____________
Please reply to Newsgroup. Whilst email address is valid, it is seldom
checked.




OP - Thanks to you all for confirming what I was hoping. I will aim for a
conventional at less than £80.

[Alan[_10_]]

In message , DerbyBoy
wrote

Using the microwave grill for meat can spatter fat all over the inside

That's why you should find one with a stainless steel inner shell with
the least number of (ventilation) holes. I found some of the no-name
cheaper brands had better designed interiors than some found on the more
expensive well known brands. It's also important to find one with a
pressed single piece type interior as liquids can run down into the
seams (cleaning chemicals/condensed steam etc.)

Grease/fat getting on to the element isn't too important as it burns
off. Cleaning the grease from an interior with LOTS of ventilation holes
is a PITA.

I have a microwave/grill/conventional oven combination and it works
well, much better than a microwave alone for a lot of food.

One thing to watch is that they tend not to be well insulated and the
out casing can become hot.
--
Alan
news2009 {at} admac {dot} myzen {dot} co {dot} uk

[robgraham]

On Jun 1, 5:08*pm, "DerbyBoy" No-one wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting to
fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the button
now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any real
use after the initial "let's try it" phase

Regards

John

We've got a Panasonic grill/microwave combi - had it for a good ten
years or more. Certainly we would go for this again though might be
tempted to look at the oven combi. I use it fairly regularly for pies
of one sort or another from the freezer -quick blast of microwave to
thaw and then combination to heat and crispen up the pastry. We also
do baked potatoes quite often and the grill is part of that.

Rob

[Chris Bartram[_2_]]

On 01/06/11 21:40, robgraham wrote:
On Jun 1, 5:08 pm, "DerbyBoy"No-one wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting to
fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the button
now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any real
use after the initial "let's try it" phase

Regards

John

We've got a Panasonic grill/microwave combi - had it for a good ten
years or more. Certainly we would go for this again though might be
tempted to look at the oven combi. I use it fairly regularly for pies
of one sort or another from the freezer -quick blast of microwave to
thaw and then combination to heat and crispen up the pastry. We also
do baked potatoes quite often and the grill is part of that.

Rob
We have a Panasonic Microwave/Grill/Oven of a similar age: it's
brilliant. We use it as an oven regularly (for less splattery things) as
it warms up very fast. Combo function good for some things- reheating
naan bread especially as the grill function stops them from being soggy.
As robgraham says the baked potato function is great- quick with good
results. The keypad is a bit the worse for wear now but otherwise it's fine.

[Frank Erskine]

On Wed, 1 Jun 2011 20:39:16 +0100, "DerbyBoy" No-one
wrote:



"John Williamson" wrote in message ...

DerbyBoy wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting
to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any
real use after the initial "let's try it" phase

It depends if you've got an easily reached grill on your cooker, IMO.

Using the microwave grill for meat can spatter fat all over the inside,
and onto the element so it'll then need cleaning the way a normal oven
does, though the grease won't be set so hard. I use mine mostly for
cheese on toast, as I can't easily reach the cooker grill.

I've seen some recipes that use the grill to colour the food, and the
microwave bit to cook it, though it's too much of a faff for me.

How quickly do these "microwave oven" grills take to heat up? I have a
Bosch (electric) double oven - the upper (smaller) oven can act as a
grill but it takes quite a few minutes to heat up properly, whereas
ISTR from my mum's gas cooker the grill would be virtually instant,
for such snacks as cheese on toast :-)

I'm considering replacing my white Panasonic "normal" microwave oven,
mainly to get a SS-cased one to match most of the other kitchen
gadgets.

I can then mount the old one on a rotator atop of a pole with the door
interlocks shorted out and use it as part of a 2·45 Gc/s radio link
(with a carbon microphone in the mains supply) ... ;-)

--
Frank Erskine

[Frank Erskine]

On Wed, 1 Jun 2011 13:40:24 -0700 (PDT), robgraham
wrote:

On Jun 1, 5:08*pm, "DerbyBoy" No-one wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting to
fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the button
now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any real
use after the initial "let's try it" phase

Regards

John

We've got a Panasonic grill/microwave combi - had it for a good ten
years or more. Certainly we would go for this again though might be
tempted to look at the oven combi. I use it fairly regularly for pies
of one sort or another from the freezer -quick blast of microwave to
thaw and then combination to heat and crispen up the pastry. We also
do baked potatoes quite often and the grill is part of that.

Baked potatoes are best done in a slow conventional or fan oven -
about an hour and a half; brushed with oil and smothered in Maldon
salt flakes. Yummy!

--
Frank Erskine

[Tabby]

On Jun 1, 8:07*pm, News wrote:
In message
,
andrew writes

I don't think a grill is particularly useful, but, depending on what
else you have in your kitchen, a proper combi that can also work as an
oven can be worth having.

We have a combi and yes, it is great as a small oven, and works
perfectly. *Much quicker to heat up than our main 'proper' oven, and
ideal if Child just wants, say, fish fingers and chips. *The big problem
is that it will not function as a microwave oven immediately after use
as an oven. *It needs to cool down first, which can be a real pain.

Yes, much more useful than a microwave alone. I wouldnt bother with a
grill personally.


NT

[John Williamson]

Frank Erskine wrote:
How quickly do these "microwave oven" grills take to heat up? I have a
Bosch (electric) double oven - the upper (smaller) oven can act as a
grill but it takes quite a few minutes to heat up properly, whereas
ISTR from my mum's gas cooker the grill would be virtually instant,
for such snacks as cheese on toast :-)

Mine, which was a cheapie from Comet, will do the first side of two
rounds of toast in about five minutes from cold, then another four or so
to melt and toast the cheese on the other side. About two minutes
quicker than the grill on the electric cooker, except that the coker
will do three slices at a time.

Instant heat is why I want a gas cooker next time.


--
Tciao for Now!

John.

[Tim Downie[_3_]]

John Williamson wrote:

Instant heat is why I want a gas cooker next time.

?

I find my fan oven & electric grill faster than the gas equivalents it
replaced.

Tim

[matthelliwell]

On Jun 1, 5:08*pm, "DerbyBoy" No-one wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting to
fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the button
now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any real
use after the initial "let's try it" phase

Never use the grill on mine, make of that what you will. However I do
wish I'd forked out for a more powerful microwave. I mainly use it for
(re)heating stuff so I should've bought an 1100W model like we have at
work rather than the tiddly 750W model I actually bought.

Matt

[Invisible Man[_2_]]

On 02/06/2011 13:07, Tim Streater wrote:
In article
,
matthelliwell wrote:

On Jun 1, 5:08 pm, "DerbyBoy" No-one wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts
starting to
fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button
now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have
any real
use after the initial "let's try it" phase

Never use the grill on mine, make of that what you will. However I do
wish I'd forked out for a more powerful microwave. I mainly use it for
(re)heating stuff so I should've bought an 1100W model like we have at
work rather than the tiddly 750W model I actually bought.

1) I wish we'd got or been able to get one with a handle rather than a
large button for opening the door.

2) Important - if you see a model you like in say Comet, then ask to see
it plugged in and on (not microwaving, just on). The reason is that ours
looks OK, but the display panel is poorly designed and is not really
legible unless you bend your head down to the same level as the
microwave. Didn't see that until we got it home (should have returned it
really).

I find the grill handy to use with the microwave for baking potatoes and
for anything that is supposed to have a dry or browned top. Just gives a
bit of texture. Rarely used cos my other half is a really good cook and
most is done from fresh.

[Steve Firth]

"DerbyBoy" No-one wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting
to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any
real use after the initial "let's try it" phase

We have two combination microwave grill ovens. One is a Sharp professional
model, built out of girders, stainless steel girders. The other a Belling
domestic model. The grill element gets used in both, a lot. The Sharp has a
programme to cook up to four full English brekkies at a time that makes
good use if the grill, also roast potatoes and roast chicken.

If all you do with a microwave is heat TV dinners then no use at all. If
you like your meat browner and potatoes with crispy bits then essential.

[Tim Downie[_3_]]

DerbyBoy wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts
starting to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too
frequently - the button now shoots across the room when the door is
closed).
What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have
any real use after the initial "let's try it" phase

A bit OT but I wonder how long before we can replace our old Toshiba ER 672
microwave (circa 1981). It resolutely refuses to die or need any repairs.
It's been stolen once and recovered from a building site (back in the days
when a microwave was worth stealing) but still soldiers on.

It has, IMO, the best timer control that combines pushing in & turning for
fine and coarse time setting. At only 650W it's a bit puny by today's
standard but on the plus side, it makes a proper "ding" sound, none of this
'orrible electonic beeping. ;-)

Tim

[Rick Hughes[_3_]]

"DerbyBoy" No-one wrote in message
...
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting
to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any
real use after the initial "let's try it" phase


Regards

John

I have had 2 microwaves .. first lasted 15 years ... 2nd still going well
.... both Panasonics .... they do well in reviews.

[Rick Hughes[_3_]]

"Rick Hughes" wrote in message
...

"DerbyBoy" No-one wrote in message
...
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts starting
to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too frequently - the
button now shoots across the room when the door is closed).

What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have any
real use after the initial "let's try it" phase


Regards

John

I have had 2 microwaves .. first lasted 15 years ... 2nd still going well
... both Panasonics .... they do well in reviews.
oops forgot to add , never used grill element, have a full grill on cooker
so never had any need.

[Jim K[_3_]]

On Jun 2, 2:29 pm, "Tim Downie" wrote:
DerbyBoy wrote:
Old Comet Matsui oven is dying due to some of the plastic parts
starting to fail (due to wife opening and closing to door too
frequently - the button now shoots across the room when the door is
closed).
What are the views - is a grill element worth having? Does it have
any real use after the initial "let's try it" phase

A bit OT but I wonder how long before we can replace our old Toshiba ER 672
microwave (circa 1981). It resolutely refuses to die or need any repairs.
It's been stolen once and recovered from a building site (back in the days
when a microwave was worth stealing) but still soldiers on.

It has, IMO, the best timer control that combines pushing in & turning for
fine and coarse time setting. At only 650W it's a bit puny by today's
standard but on the plus side, it makes a proper "ding" sound, none of this
'orrible electonic beeping. ;-)

Tim

sounds a "not dead yet" ringer for my ma's - still going strong since
i were a lad ;))

Jim K