How to Use a Grill Microwave

Co-authored by Amber Crain Reviewed by Sarena Nelson

Last Updated: July 29, 2024 Fact Checked

Grill microwaves are fairly new appliances, so it's no wonder you're looking for help to use yours. Some details, like specific settings and capabilities, will vary by brand, but the general process for cooking your favorite foods is essentially the same no matter what. We've gathered plenty of information on using grill microwaves so we could answer your most pressing questions about the process!

Using a Grill Microwave to Cook

Set the microwave grill rack in the center of the microwave, and place your food on the rack, uncovered. Then, select the "Grill" setting on your microwave, set a timer, and press the "Start" button. Monitor the microwave as it cooks to avoid a mess.

Question 1 of 6:

What's a grill microwave?

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Grill microwaves can do everything normal microwaves can do like heat up food and liquid, defrost meat, and make popcorn. On top of the normal functions, these microwaves can grill foods like meat, veggies, and sandwiches when you use the correct settings and included accessories, like the grill rack.

Question 2 of 6:

How does a grill microwave work?

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It works by creating an environment similar to an outdoor grill. When you put food on your grill, the exterior of the food gets nice and brown while the inside cooks slowly and evenly. A grill microwave has a heating element inside that radiates heat to simulate the same cooking environment as an outdoor grill.
- Grill racks allow you to move food closer to the heating element and creates those tasty char marks.

Question 3 of 6:

How do I cook meat in my grill microwave?

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You can grill steaks, meat slices, hamburgers, hot dogs, pork chops, and fish fillets in your grill microwave! Just prep the meat as you normally would, including marinating or brining (if your recipe calls for that).^{[1]
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For smaller pieces of meat, put them in a cooking dish first and put the dish on the rack. Place the rack in the microwave so it's right under the heating element. Slide a heatproof plate under the rack to catch drippings and close the door. You don't need to cover the meat.^{[2]
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Choose Grill, set the timer, and press Start. The power/watt setting and cook time depend on what kind of meat you're cooking and how thick it is, so be sure to consult your instruction manual for details. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the meat over with tongs.^{[3]
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- Be careful around the microwave's exterior and vents since they get very hot.^{[4]
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- Always wipe down the inside of your microwave after grilling food.^{[5]
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Question 4 of 6:

How do I grill veggies in my grill microwave?

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Cut veggies into pieces according to your recipe. You can leave veggies like asparagus whole and place the stalks directly on the grill rack, but most veggies are chopped and placed in a cooking dish for grilling. Spread the veggie pieces out in a single layer to they cook evenly.^{[6]
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- Feel free to toss the veggies in a little oil first.
Place the grill rack in the microwave underneath the heating element. You don't need to cover the cooking dish at all.^{[7]
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Select Grill, set the timer, and push Start. The power/watt setting and cook time depend on the size and thickness of your veggies, so consult your instruction manual for more details. Halfway through the cook time, pull out the rack and use tongs to flip the veggies over. That way, they'll cook evenly.^{[8]
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- It’s best to monitor the food while you’re grilling it so you can adjust the heat and avoid overcooking.

Question 5 of 6:

What else can I make in my grill microwave?

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The grill rack and heating element allow you to create textures like char marks and crispy crusts.^{[9]
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Question 6 of 6:

Can I use metal utensils in a grill microwave?

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Yes, as long as the microwave is set to “Grill” mode. Grill microwaves usually have 2 settings —”grill” and “microwave.” In grill mode, it is perfectly safe to use metal utensils. There are some materials that aren’t safe to use in “grill” mode, though: plastic, silicon, paper, and wood. Don't use utensils or cookware made of these materials in “grill” mode.^{[10]
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- Microwave-safe plastic is also not safe in grill mode. It will melt under the cooking element.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I make grilled cheese in a microwave oven?

Sarena Nelson
Private Chef
Sarena Nelson is a Private Chef and the Founder of Chef Sarena, based in Palm Springs, California. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in customized menus for private events, has worked in 5-star restaurants, and has helped small restaurants redesign their menus. She earned her degree from Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, California.

Sarena Nelson

Private Chef

Expert Answer

Butter your toast, place it on a ceramic plate, toast it, flip it during the last minute, add your favorite cheese in the final minute, then assemble the melted cheese-covered slices, and there you have it—easily make grilled cheese in the microwave oven with a grilling feature, quickly and without the hassle of dirtying a pan.

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