🍽️ How to Use Your Microwave & Oven Combo

Summary:
Japanese homes often come equipped with a microwave & oven combo unit—also called a “combi-oven/microwave” (オーブンレンジ). It can microwave, grill, bake (convection) and sometimes steam. This guide will help you understand the main functions, translate the key buttons, and give you safe, effective steps for using the unit.
Based on user experiences and appliance guides. Reddit+2Kokoro Care+2

---

🔍 1. Identify Your Unit & Panel

• Look for buttons labelled 「レンジ」 (range/microwave), 「グリル」 (grill), 「オーブン」 (oven/convection). Tokyo JET

• Many units will have 10分 (10 minutes), 1分 (1 minute), 10秒 (10 seconds) buttons for time setting when in microwave mode. Reddit

• Some units have temperature settings (e.g., 40 °C-250 °C) when in oven mode. Kokoro Care+1

---

🛠 2. Step-by-Step: Using the Combo Unit

2.1 Microwave Mode

1. Press レンジ to select microwave mode.

2. Set the time by pressing 10分 / 1分 / 10秒 buttons until desired time is reached. Reddit

3. Press スタート (Start) to begin.

4. When finished, press 停止／とりけし (Stop/Cancel) or open the door.

2.2 Grill Mode (Broil)

1. Press グリル.

2. If required, remove the turntable/tray and place food under the grill element.

3. Set time.

4. Press スタート.

5. After use, wipe the grill area as grease may build up.

2.3 Oven / Convection Mode

1. Press オーブン or “convect” mode.

2. Use ▲/▼ or a temperature button to choose the desired cooking temp (e.g., 180 °C). Kokoro Care

3. Press スタート to begin pre-heating if required (some units automatically preheat).

4. Place your dish and cook for the required time.

5. Press 停止／とりけし when done.

---

🔤 3. Translation Cheat Sheet: Common Buttons

Japanese	Romaji	English Meaning
レンジ / 電子レンジ	renji / denshi-renji	Microwave
グリル	guriru	Grill / Broil
オーブン / コンベック	ōbun / konbekku	Oven / Convection
スタート	sutāto	Start
停止／とりけし	teishi / torikeshi	Stop / Cancel
温度	ondo	Temperature
時間	jikan	Time
予熱	yonetsu	Pre-heat

---

💡 4. Practical Tips & Safety - Especially for Japan

• Metal dishes cannot be used in microwave mode—switch to oven/grill. House of Annie

• Many combo ovens in Japan are smaller than full-size Western ovens—check the size before large recipes. Kokoro Care

• Use microwave mode for reheating, grill mode for crisping, and oven mode for baking.

• Leave a small gap around the unit for ventilation (don’t wrap or cover the door).

• After heavy use (grill/oven) you might hear a cooling fan—this is normal.

---

🧼 5. Maintenance & Cleaning

• Wipe the inside door and walls after each use—grease and food particles can cause smoke. Geizhals

• If you smell burning or food is not heating evenly, check for buildup or blocked vents.

• Use microwave-safe containers and avoid covering dishes with tightly sealed lids (steam may build-up).

• For oven/grill mode, always use heat-proof dishes rated for high temperatures.