You’ve just brought home a sleek new microwave, installed neatly into your kitchen cabinetry. It looks impressive with a digital touch panel and various functions you’ve never used. You were excited to make more than just popcorn, but now, staring at the controls, you’re wondering: What does “Steam & Grill” even do? And how do I air fry in this thing?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Today’s built-in microwaves have advanced features that go far beyond basic reheating. From roasting and air frying to steaming and even saving your favourite recipes, these appliances are built for culinary tasks, once you know how to use them.

In this guide, we’ll explain all the key modes available in modern microwave ovens and how to use them to prepare everyday meals, healthy snacks and gourmet treats.

1. Pure Roast Mode

The pure roast mode is designed to provide a fantastic, crisp, golden-brown finish to your roast – whether it’s the meat or the vegetable you seek to roast. If you wish to use it:

• Select the pure roast mode from the menu.
  
• Set the temperature and time according to the recipe that you are using.
  
• Place your food on a baking tray or roasting pan, and place it in the oven.
  

This mode is used when you want an oven-like texture with succulent interiors. Think roast chicken, paneer tikka or bell peppers with roasted veggies.

2. Air Fry Function

The air fry function allows you to deep fry without using oil. It uses rapid heat and airflow to give your food a crispy texture. This is a healthy option and excellent for cooking.

• Fries and potato wedges
  
• Veggie chips
  
• Chicken nuggets and cutlets
  

Place the food in an air-fry-compatible mesh tray and activate the air fry mode. Preheat the oven and flip the items halfway through cooking for even crisping if necessary.

3. Steam and Grill Mode

This type of combi mode combines steam moisture with grilling crispiness. This model is ideal for:

• Grilled fish with moist interiors
  
• Steamed dumplings with grilled finishes
  
• Baked pasta with melted cheese on top
  

To use, fill the water tank with steam, then place your dish on the grill rack. Set the temperature and time as needed. This mode keeps food moist inside while adding a grilled touch on the outside.

4. Pure Steam Mode

Pure steam mode offers gentle cooking with only steam, preserving nutrients and natural flavours. Use this mode for:

• Vegetables
  
• Idlis and momos
  
• Fish and eggs
  

Before activating, ensure the water container is filled. Then, choose the pure steam setting, set the timer, and enjoy healthy cooking with zero oil.

5. Recipe Mode

The recipe mode is your shortcut to consistent cooking. It includes presets for steaming and baking. Each recipe comes with:

• Predefined temperature
  
• Automatic working time
  

That set of recipes includes a range of dishes, such as muffins, pizza, steamed rice, etc., and the oven will adjust its settings for you. The cooking modes are very useful for ensuring that the results are reliable for beginner users who just want decent results without the guesswork.

6. Special Functions

This menu covers several useful tools like:

• Defrosting: Quickly defrost frozen meat or vegetables by weight.
  
• Preheat: Bring the microwave to the required temperature before cooking starts.
  
• Keep Warm: Maintains the food’s temperature until it’s time to serve.
  

Select the appropriate option, follow the prompts on the display, and let your microwave do the rest.

7. Add to My Favourite Mode

Cooking something you loved and want to repeat? Use the “Add to My Favourite” feature. Once your cooking is finished:

• Save the time and temperature used.
  
  
• Next time, just select it from your favourites list and press start.
  

This intelligent mode eliminates the need to remember settings, making repeated cooking super convenient.

8. Self-Cleaning and Descaling

Microwaves need maintenance too. The self-cleaning and descaling modes help prolong your oven’s life by removing grease and mineral buildup.

To use:

• Select the self-clean or descale function from the menu.
  
• Add water or a descaling solution as instructed.
  
• Let the oven run the cycle automatically.
  

Regular use of this mode ensures hygienic cooking and enhances appliance performance.

9. Settings Mode

This is where you can personalise your microwave’s behaviour. Under settings, you can:

• Adjust brightness and volume of alerts
  
• Change language
  
• Set child locks
  
• Sync clock and timers
  

You will find this mode on the main menu and can use the navigation keys to customise it per your preferences.

A modern built-in microwave is not just a cooking product. It is a cooking aid that simplifies the process of food prep, making it much more efficient and stress-free to discover flavourful meals. With many varieties of built-in microwave ovens on the market, if you are after a stylish built-in oven that offers spectacular, practical and advanced cooking features, KAFF’s built-in series is a strong contender.

Whether roasting, air-frying, steaming or using smart pre-sets, mastering these modes will elevate everyday cooking into gourmet dining experiences. KAFF’s innovative cooking functions give a home chef the convenience of serving nutritious, delicious meals with the touch of a button in the kitchen. 

Use your appliance to its fullest, and grow your kitchen confidence, one mode at a time!

FAQs

What are the basic modes available on most microwaves?
Microwaves usually offer microwave (for reheating), grill, convection (for baking/roasting), and defrost modes.

What is the Microwave mode used for?
Microwave mode uses electromagnetic waves to quickly heat or cook food from the inside out, ideal for reheating, boiling, and cooking soft foods.

What can I cook in Convection mode?
Convection mode circulates hot air, making it perfect for baking cakes, cookies, pizzas, lasagna and roasting meats or vegetables.

How does the Defrost mode work?
Defrost mode uses low-power microwave energy to thaw frozen food evenly without cooking it.

What utensils can I use in different modes?
Use microwave-safe glass or plastic in microwave mode, metal racks and ceramic in convection/grill modes, and avoid foil unless it is specified safe for combination use.