Microwaves and combination ovens

Microwaves in Japan come in two kinds: single-function ones that only heat (単機能レンジ), and combination ovens that can also bake and steam (オーブンレンジ). The pricier steam combination ovens mainly come from four lines: Panasonic Bistro (ビストロ), Sharp Healsio (ヘルシオ), Toshiba Ishigama Dome (石窯ドーム) and Hitachi Healthy Chef (ヘルシーシェフ).

Healsio's big selling point is superheated steam, which renders out some of the fat when you roast meat. Ishigama Dome's oven goes up to 350°C, giving it an edge for bread and pizza. Bistro heats fast thanks to its sensors, and Healthy Chef weighs your food, so the auto menus take less effort.

25 to 30 L is usually enough unless you roast whole chickens a lot. Combination ovens these days are basically flat inside with no turntable, so big plates fit and they're easy to wipe clean. After using the steam function there's quite a bit of water inside that needs wiping dry, and the water tank should be emptied and washed regularly.

All of these makers' machines are heavy, so before placing one, check the manual for how much clearance it needs above and on both sides. If you live alone and only heat up bento, a single-function microwave is enough. Most new models now are frequency-free (ヘルツフリー) and work in both Kanto and Kansai, but if you buy used or an older model, check whether the body is marked 50Hz or 60Hz.