A grill microwave is one of the most versatile appliances to have. You can use it for cooking quick meals, defrosting things, reheating leftovers, and switching to the grill function whenever you need.
The main problem is that not all grill microwaves come with accessories. Finding a compatible metal rack can be a hassle; that’s why you may wonder what the best microwave with a metal rack is.
Luckily for you, we already did the hard work. Check out our selection below to find the best microwave oven for you.
What Is The Metal Rack In The Microwave For?
A microwave with a metal rack inside is nothing but a grill microwave. This appliance is different from convection microwave ovens, in that it only features an additional heating element you can use to braise, grill, or toast foods.
This heating element outputs radiant heat – much like your infrared space heater. By comparison, convection heat works by blowing hot air onto the food.
However, grill microwaves also use microwave radiation as you’re grilling. These technologies combined increase heat.
Microwave radiation is needed to cook your food. The radiant heat from the heating element increases the surface temperature of your food, providing a crispy crust.
The only thing to have in mind is that it only grills on one side – if you want a crispy crust on both sides or want to use your grill microwave to make toast, don’t forget to turn the pieces mid-way through the cooking program.
Can You Use Metal Trays In A Convection Microwave?
For ages, we’ve known that you can’t use metal in the microwave. While this is true, modern microwaves are compatible with certain metal cookware.
As far as convection microwaves are concerned, you can use any type of metal tray and pans when switching to the convection function.
As explained above, grill microwaves don’t use convection heat. They use the microwave and radiant heat.
This is why the only type of metal cookware you should use in these microwaves is the one that comes with the unit.
Most grill microwaves come with their own rack and pan. Those that don’t are compatible with accessories from the same brand.
However, if the microwave you want doesn’t come with a microwave rack, you’ll have to spend extra cash to get one.
One thing to keep in mind is that you should never use other metal cookware, a metal object, or aluminum foil in the oven, unless its instructions specifically state that it’s okay.
How to Use the Metal Rack in a Microwave?
Using a countertop microwave with a metal rack is the same as using any other kind of microwave oven.
All you have to do is to set the power level and cooking time. Close the door and hit the start button, then wait for it to finish the cycle.
Always read the user manual before cooking in the microwave, and avoid using metal cookware or accessories that don’t come with your unit.
With this in mind, let’s find out which is the best microwave with a metal shelf.
Microwave with Metal Rack
1. Panasonic NN-CD87KS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
When it comes to choosing the microwave with a metal rack, you can’t go wrong with a Panasonic NN. This one is called the HomeChef – an apt name considering how much you can do with it.
Designed to replace your standard microwave, this compact unit can grill, bake, air fry, and do everything else a traditional microwave does. It also features microwave convection.
It has a capacity of 1.2 cubic feet, 1,000 watts of cooking power, and ten power levels. Four cooking modes and lots of accessories make it a perfect choice for most homes.
Why we love it
The main thing to like about this microwave oven is its versatility. The unit is powerful and features four convenient cooking modes.
Included accessories are a convenient wire cooling rack for grilling, but also an air fryer basket, and an enamel tray.
Switching between modes is a cinch, while the 20 pre-programmed cooking functions bring convenience to the next level. The microwave is compatible with a trim kit for built-in installation, or you could place it on a microwave stand.
This oven also features inverter technology, producing excellent cooking results.
What could be better
There is little to change about this unit. Perhaps the only thing that could be improved is the control panel. Although intuitive, it has frustratingly small buttons.
The smudge-proof stainless steel exterior isn’t really smudge-proof, and the interior light could be brighter.
2. Samsung Electronics MG11H2020CT Countertop Grill Microwave
If you don’t like Panasonic or want a cheaper microwave oven, this one from Samsung Electronics could fit the bill.
It is only slightly smaller – 1.1 cubic feet – but has the same 1,000 watts of power and ten power levels.
Sure, this oven comes with fewer accessories. Nevertheless, it includes more cooking programs and is overall an excellent choice. Switching from grill to microwave cooking and vice versa is also a cinch.
Why we love it
This countertop microwave oven with grill function comes with 37 preprogrammed cooking functions. You can use it to prepare a variety of meals.
The ceramic interior increases durability and lifespan. Moreover, the included pan is made of ceramic rather than metal – just know that the non-stick coat is easier to damage.
What could be better
This oven is great overall, but like everything electronic, it could run into trouble. The only problem is that customer support is a nightmare. However, even if making warranty claims can be frustrating, this is still one of the best grill microwaves on the market.
Microwave With Metal Rack Comparison Table
| Panasonic NN-CD87KS | Samsung Electronics MG11H2020CT | |
| Capacity | 1.2 cu. ft. | 1.1 cu. ft. |
| Max power | 1,000 watts | 1,000 watts |
| Power levels | 10 | 10 |
| Cooking programs | 20 | 37 |
| Cooking modes | 4 | 2 |
| Accessories | Wire rack; enamel tray; air fryer basket | Wire rack; ceramic tray |
| Price | $$$ | $$ |
Summary
Microwaves with a metal rack are an excellent choice if you want to do more than reheat food or prepare microwaved meals. Not all units are alike, so make sure the one you want comes with all the necessary accessories.
Keep in mind that using metal cookware that doesn’t come with the microwave in a microwave oven could lead to arcing and create a fire hazard.
We hope this article can help you find the best grill microwave with a metal rack for you.
