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
Press レンジ to select microwave mode.
Set the time by pressing 10分 / 1分 / 10秒 buttons until desired time is reached. Reddit
Press スタート (Start) to begin.
When finished, press 停止/とりけし (Stop/Cancel) or open the door.
2.2 Grill Mode (Broil)
Press グリル.
If required, remove the turntable/tray and place food under the grill element.
Set time.
Press スタート.
After use, wipe the grill area as grease may build up.
2.3 Oven / Convection Mode
Press オーブン or “convect” mode.
Use ▲/▼ or a temperature button to choose the desired cooking temp (e.g., 180 °C). Kokoro Care
Press スタート to begin pre-heating if required (some units automatically preheat).
Place your dish and cook for the required time.
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.

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