STARTERS PRODUCT REVIEWS
On test: Microwave Essential home gadgets reviewed.
ovens
Sharp AX 1100 steam microwave This innovative new-to-themarket product can be used for everything from simply heating, to grilling and steaming in the microwave itself. The sleek, minimalist design looks stylish in any kitchen – with the choice of a red or silver strip around the bottom – while being spacious inside, and offers good value for money. What we liked: The gadget’s three main functions – microwave heating, steaming and grilling, are easy to use. The steaming option was perfect for those who like to eat healthy. The oven comes with two in-built trays, which can be used for steaming, say, vegetables and fish simultaneously – all the flavours stay intact, the smells don’t cross over, the food is well-cooked, and cleaning up afterwards was a breeze, as no extra utensils were needed for cooking. Extremely easy to use, with its one-touch functions, the gadget is perfect for daily use for the whole family. It comes with a recipe catalogue which includes a variety of dishes that can be cooked in the oven, such as the salmon fillet and tortellini with cheese sauce. User tip What we didn’t like: There was nothing in Don’t forget to empty particular that we didn’t like, although if a baking the water compartment option was included, that would make it the for the steamer needs completely, before ultimate gadget for the kitchen. grilling, for the grill To buy: Dhs1,325, available at Cosmos, Bur Dubai to work properly. and other leading appliance stores.
LG Lightwave convection oven Microwaves are sort of a hit-or-miss, but one take look at the big, yet easily portable, LG microwave and you’ll know you are investing in an efficient appliance. With its glossy all-black colour and traditional-style oven door, the microwave not only has a range of user-friendly features, but it is also energy-efficient and simple to use. Its key features include grill, convection cooking, and a combination of both, plus steam and defrost options. What we liked: Living in today’s day and age, where we re-heat almost everything we eat in a microwave, it’s good to know that this microwave’s energy is converted into heat when food is cooked in it – this means there is no energy left over (which can harm food when you eat it). When we tried roasting chicken – on the crisp tray – the flesh was cooked inside at the same time it was on the outer surface, cutting down cooking time, in half. This was thanks to the charcoal heater function, which cooks food evenly with water heat absorption – giving the dish foods a charcoal grill touch and keeping it crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Our other favourite feature was the steam cover and plate, while a child lock option is also available. Plus, the appliance comes with a recipe book with recipes supplied from three Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin, to make gourmet cooking even easier. User tip What we didn’t like: The plug wire is a bit short Read through the manual carefully to and as a result, it needed to be placed close to find out about the an electric circuit. cooking times and modes for different To buy: Dhs1,299, available at leading home foods. appliance stores.
Terim Term34FF microwave convection grill oven The fact that this isn’t just a microwave – offering convection grill options too – really upped the usefulness of the product. The Terim packs a whole raft of features into its family-sized stainless brushed steel casing body, including a handy auto cook menu, at an affordable price. What we liked: In general, I think most of us tend to use a microwave to either warm up a cup of tea or coffee or zap pop-corn, which is why other functions come handy when it comes to actually cooking in the microwave. We used it for everything, from roasting chicken to baking potatoes. One of our favourite features was the Crusty option, which ensures pizzas, toast and traditional oven bakes don’t go soft; this feature is also great for re-heating leftovers, as toppings on dishes like lasagna and grilled cheese toasts remain crispy. It was great to see that the food didn’t get hard or overcooked, as they often do in a regular microwave. Other features included in the microwave are the auto-defrost, which is great for quick defrosting of frozen foods. User tip The oven makes a What we didn’t like: The various settings can be a bit tricky to get right when you’re using the appliance for the first time, and speedy, easy cake – more detailed instructions would be useful. The oven isn’t a small device either – it takes up a lot of counter space, particularly in definitely worth a go. a small kitchen, but if you’re using it instead of a conventional oven, then this is a small payoff. To buy: Dhs749, available at Better Life stores.
24 BBC Good Food Middle East December 2012