Microwave with grill, do they work independently?

cepheus

I was thinking of buying a micro with an integrated grill. One which can fit a small to medium chicken (about 11 by 11 inches) in and was going to buy this.

Can these work as a proper grill independently of the microwave function, or is it just a method of browning the food whilst the microwave is on?

I bought a largish micro for about £25 quid less than 10 years ago so they must have increased a bit!

cattie

Yes I think the majority if not all of them have a grill that works both independently & in tandem with the microwave oven.

cepheus

As far as I can tell the metal rack is designed to be used whilst the microwave component is active, not just the grill, which is quite a surprise. Not surprisingly it causes sparks and burns food in contact with the metal! Is this safe? Can't see anything in the instructions telling me not to.

missprice

I think the metal is coated or some different metal that does not spark.
I am on my second combi microwave in 20 years and have always used the metal trays when combi cooking.
Although when only using micro power I don't use the trays.