Microwaves

Yes, and believe it or not they’re called combination microwaves. They use less energy than a normal cooker since they heat a smaller space, and usually have a few handy preset programmes.

It takes about half as much energy to run a combination microwave for the same amount of time as a regular oven, so you’ll save money and do your bit for the environment too.

A combination microwave costs much less to run than a normal oven or cooker. That's because it only needs to heat a small space, so it doesn't use as much energy.

Combination microwaves have the same settings as a standard model, but they can also be used like an oven. That's because they've got an electric fan that heats up quickly and moves hot air around the unit, so you can cook a wider variety of food in them. And it's more energy-efficient than heating up a full-sized oven, too.

Combination microwaves and regular models work pretty much the same way, except that combis also use fanned hot air like a normal oven would. They also give you a few extra options, including grilling, steaming and baking.

Microwaves are easier to clean than ovens, and some of them have special liners to make things even simpler by absorbing things like grease. Most of the time all they really need is a quick wipe down after use.

There’s nothing to suggest that microwaves are bad for you. They’re simply a convenient way to cook, defrost or reheat food and drinks in a hurry.

Microwaves are 100% safe when used properly. That’s because they heat food with non-ionising radiation, which is the same thing as visible light and radio signals. The only danger comes from heating things like metal and certain plastics, so always check before you pop something inside.