For years, I found myself in a perpetual culinary conundrum: how to quickly reheat leftovers or defrost ingredients without compromising on taste or texture. My kitchen lacked a versatile appliance that could handle these tasks efficiently, often leading to unevenly heated meals or tedious defrosting methods. The absence of a reliable Severin Microwave with Grill MW 7875 would have meant continued struggles with meal prep and a general inefficiency in the kitchen. This issue needed a practical solution to streamline daily cooking and prevent frustrations.
What to Look for in a New Kitchen Companion
Before diving into a specific purchase, it’s essential to consider what a microwave, particularly a microwave with grill function, truly offers. These versatile appliances solve the everyday problems of quick reheating, defrosting, and even light grilling, making them indispensable for busy households. They’re ideal for individuals or families seeking convenience and efficiency in their meal preparation, especially those with limited time or kitchen space.
An ideal customer for this type of combined appliance is someone who frequently reheats meals, needs to defrost ingredients quickly, and occasionally wants to crisp up food or make a quick grilled snack without firing up a full oven. It’s also perfect for smaller kitchens where a separate microwave and grill would take up too much counter space.
However, if you’re looking for a primary cooking appliance for large family meals, extensive baking, or advanced culinary techniques, a compact microwave with grill might not be enough. Professional chefs or those who rarely use microwave functions and prefer traditional oven grilling might find its capabilities too limited. In such cases, a full-sized convection oven or a dedicated grill unit would be a more suitable investment.
Before making a purchase, consider the following:
* Capacity: Does it fit your common plate sizes and meal portions?
* Wattage: Is it powerful enough for your needs? Higher wattage generally means faster cooking.
* Functions: Do you need just microwave, or are grill, defrost, and combination modes essential?
* Controls: Do you prefer simple dials or digital displays with pre-set programs?
* Size & Installation: Is it freestanding or built-in, and does it fit your counter space or designated area?
* Material & Cleaning: What’s the interior coating like? Is it easy to clean?
* Noise Level: Some appliances can be quite noisy; user reviews often highlight this.
* Durability & Warranty: What’s the brand’s reputation for longevity and customer support?
Meet the Severin MW 7875
The Severin MW 7875 is a compact, freestanding microwave oven that promises versatility with its integrated grill function. It’s designed to be a straightforward, reliable kitchen assistant for everyday tasks. When you purchase it, you receive the microwave unit itself along with a user manual and, importantly, an elevated grill rack to maximise the effectiveness of the grilling function. While not a high-end, feature-packed smart appliance that might dominate the market, the Severin aims to deliver core functionality with typical German reliability (despite manufacturing origins, a point we’ll revisit). It stands as a solid contender against more basic microwaves and offers a cost-effective alternative to multi-functional ovens. This particular model caters to individuals or small families seeking an unfussy, dual-purpose appliance for reheating, defrosting, and occasional grilling without breaking the bank. It’s less suited for those needing extensive cooking programs, smart features, or a very quiet operation.
Pros:
* Compact Size: Its 20-litre capacity and external dimensions make it suitable for smaller kitchens.
* Dual Functionality: Offers both microwave and grill, adding versatility for various cooking tasks.
* User-Friendly Dials: Simple rotary controls for power and time, easy to understand.
* Effective Defrosting: Handles defrosting by time or weight quite well, preventing cooked edges.
* Value for Money: Generally seen as a solid product for its price point.
Cons:
* Uneven Heating: Can sometimes heat the dish more than the food, requiring stirring.
* Exterior Heat: The top surface can become quite hot during extended use, especially with the grill.
* Noise Level: Tends to be moderately noisy during operation.
* Build Quality Concerns: Some users report initial issues like scratched internal coating or cheap-feeling parts.
* Aesthetic Maintenance: The silver/piano black finish, while sleek, can show fingerprints and grease easily.
Diving Deep into Performance
Having integrated this appliance into my daily kitchen routine for a significant period, I can offer a thorough perspective on its key features and how they translate into practical benefits.
Capacity and Footprint
The Severin microwave boasts a 20-litre capacity. For a single person or a small family of two or three, this is perfectly adequate. I’ve found it comfortably accommodates standard dinner plates, medium-sized bowls, and even smaller casserole dishes. While it might not fit a large family-sized pizza or an oversized roasting tin, it excels at everyday tasks like reheating individual portions or defrosting a pound of mince. Its compact external dimensions (around 36x26x45 cm) are a blessing in smaller kitchens, freeing up precious counter space compared to bulkier models. The “freestanding” installation type is exactly as described; you simply place it on a stable surface and plug it in, making setup a breeze. This compact design is a huge benefit for those living in flats or homes with limited kitchen real estate, where every inch counts.
Microwave Power and Efficiency
With a wattage of 700 watts for the microwave function, the microwave oven is sufficiently powerful for most domestic needs. While some premium models offer higher wattages, 700W is more than capable of reheating leftovers, boiling water, or cooking microwaveable meals in a reasonable timeframe. It features 9 microwave power levels, including a dedicated defrost setting. This range of power levels allows for precise control over cooking, from gentle warming to rapid heating. For instance, I often use a lower setting for melting butter or chocolate to avoid burning, and the highest setting for quickly heating a cup of soup. The benefit here is versatility; you’re not just limited to “full blast” which can often overcook or dry out food.
However, it’s important to note a recurring observation: sometimes the heat distribution isn’t perfectly uniform. I’ve occasionally found that the dish itself becomes very hot, while the food in the centre remains cooler. This is a minor inconvenience that is easily remedied by stirring the food halfway through heating, but it’s something to be aware of, especially with denser foods like stews or pasta dishes.
Integrated Grill Functionality
One of the standout features of the Severin MW 7875 is its integrated grill, rated at around 900 watts. This significantly expands the appliance’s utility beyond basic microwaving. The ability to switch the microwave and grill on separately or in combination is incredibly useful. For example, I often use the grill to crisp up the topping of a pre-cooked shepherd’s pie or to toast a cheese sandwich. The inclusion of an elevated grill rack further enhances this feature, bringing food closer to the quartz heating elements for more efficient browning.
The combination function is particularly handy; you can microwave food to heat it through, then automatically switch to grill to give it a nice crispy finish, all in one go. This saves time and dirtying multiple appliances. While the grill isn’t as powerful as a dedicated oven grill, it’s excellent for smaller portions and achieving that desirable golden-brown crust. A slight disadvantage, however, is that some users, myself included, have noticed a burning plastic smell when first using the grill function. This tends to dissipate over time with use but can be off-putting initially. Also, the top exterior of the unit can get quite hot when the grill is in prolonged use, so ensuring adequate ventilation and clearance above is important.
Defrost Function with Precision
The defrost function is another area where the the appliance excels. It offers both time-based and weight-based defrosting, which is a significant advantage over simpler models that only offer a general defrost setting. Being able to input the weight of the food, whether it’s meat, bread, or vegetables, allows the microwave to calculate the optimal defrosting time, reducing the risk of cooking the edges while the centre remains frozen. This precision saves food from being ruined and ensures ingredients are ready for cooking promptly. I’ve found it particularly effective for defrosting chicken breasts or minced meat, resulting in evenly thawed produce without any ‘cooked’ spots.
Intuitive Timer and Controls
The control interface of the the unit is refreshingly simple: two rotary dials. One dial controls the power level/function (microwave, grill, or combi), and the other is a 30-minute mechanical timer with an audible signal. This button-based controller is incredibly straightforward and intuitive, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy. There’s no complex digital display or menu to navigate, which I personally appreciate for quick tasks.
However, the mechanical timer, while simple, can be a bit imprecise for very short durations. If you need to heat something for just 30 seconds, setting the dial accurately can be a bit of a guess, much like an old-fashioned egg timer. The audible signal is clear and loud enough to grab your attention when the timer finishes. Despite the minor imprecision for very short intervals, the overall ease of use outweighs this small drawback for most everyday applications.
Design, Material, and Maintenance
The the product features a sleek silver exterior with a piano black front panel and control dials. This gives it a contemporary and stylish look that fits well in most modern kitchens. The body is made of metal, contributing to its durability. The interior oven chamber is varnished, which is generally easier to clean than unvarnished surfaces. Spills and splatters wipe away relatively easily, preventing stubborn food residues from building up.
A minor aesthetic point worth mentioning is that the glossy piano black front, while attractive, is prone to showing fingerprints and grease marks. It requires fairly regular wiping to maintain its pristine appearance. Another design consideration is that the exhaust vents are located on the top, which means this microwave is not suitable for under-cabinet installation. This is crucial for planning your kitchen layout if you intended to tuck it away. Lastly, while the overall build feels sturdy, some users have noted that the plastic handle feels a bit less robust than the rest of the unit. This hasn’t affected its functionality in my experience, but it’s a tactile observation. The fan noise during operation is noticeable, but not overly disruptive, falling into the medium-to-high range as far as kitchen appliances go.
Voices from Other Users
After exploring countless online discussions and user feedback, it’s clear that the general sentiment towards this Severin Microwave with Grill MW 7875 is largely positive. Many appreciate its compact size and dual microwave and grill capabilities, finding it perfect for smaller spaces and everyday tasks. Users frequently commend its straightforward, dial-based controls as being exceptionally user-friendly. While some have experienced initial quality control issues, such as minor cosmetic flaws or a temporary burning smell from the grill, these seem to be isolated incidents or improve with use. The common thread is that for its price point, it delivers solid performance and convenience, making it a reliable choice for those needing a practical, no-frills kitchen appliance.
Final Thoughts on a Culinary Game-Changer
The ongoing challenge of efficient meal preparation and ensuring food is perfectly heated through is a common kitchen dilemma, and left unaddressed, it leads to culinary frustrations and wasted time. The `Severin Microwave with Grill MW 7875` is an excellent choice to conquer this problem. Its combined microwave and grill functions offer unparalleled versatility, allowing you to quickly defrost, reheat, and even crisp up dishes with ease. Secondly, its compact 20-litre capacity and intuitive dial controls make it incredibly user-friendly and an ideal fit for smaller kitchens where space is at a premium. Finally, despite minor drawbacks like occasional uneven heating or surface heat, its reliable performance and solid value for money make it a strong contender for anyone seeking to streamline their kitchen routine. To truly upgrade your daily cooking and put an end to reheating woes, you won’t regret checking out this fantastic appliance. Click here to explore the Severin Microwave with Grill MW 7875 further and see how it can transform your kitchen.