Solo vs Grill vs Convection Microwave Ovens: What Is the Difference?

The three types of microwave oven differ in what cooking tasks they can perform. Solo is the simplest and most affordable. Grill adds browning and crisping. Convection is the most versatile — combining microwave, grill, and hot-air baking in one appliance.

• Solo microwave: From Rs. 4,990; reheating, defrosting, boiling, basic cooking; no browning, grilling, or baking — suited to single users and small families who primarily reheat food
• Grill microwave: From Rs. 8,590; all solo functions plus grilling, toasting, and browning — suited to households that want crispy grills without a full convection oven
• Convection microwave: From Rs. 11,690; all solo and grill functions plus baking, roasting, and combination cooking — suited to households that bake cakes, roast meats, or cook full meals in the oven
• Combination mode (on convection microwaves): Runs microwave and convection simultaneously — faster cooking with a fully browned exterior; most useful for whole-chicken roasting and gratins
• Indian cooking context: Solo handles reheating dal, rice, sabzi; grill handles kebabs, paneer tikka, and grilled sandwiches; convection handles cake baking, naan in oven, pizza, and roasting
• Capacity guide: 20–23L for 1–3 members; 25–28L for 3–5 members; 30L+ for larger families

Convert the cost of your new microwave oven into Easy EMIs using Bajaj Finance's financing options at over 1.5 lakh partner stores such as Reliance Digital, Croma, Vijay Sales, and more. Check your eligibility in 2 minutes.

When it comes to microwave ovens, understanding the differences between convection, grill, and solo models is essential. Each type uses a different combination of heating technologies to achieve different cooking results — and choosing the wrong type for your cooking style means you either pay for features you never use or miss the functions you actually need.

• A solo microwave oven is designed for basic functions such as reheating, defrosting, and simple cooking. It uses microwave radiation to heat food quickly and evenly. It cannot bake or grill food.
• A grill microwave oven includes an additional heating coil element that allows grilling, toasting, and browning, while still handling regular reheating tasks.
• A convection microwave oven uses a fan and a heating element to circulate hot air evenly throughout the cavity, making it suitable for baking, roasting, grilling, and all standard microwave cooking functions.

Once you make a decision, visit any of Bajaj Finance's 1.5 lakh partner stores — like Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more — across 4,000 cities, including Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhopal, and more in India. Choose your preferred model, then use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan to finance it. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget and enjoy zero down payment on select models — take it home without any upfront payment. Check your loan eligibility online in minutes so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store. 

The table below compares all three types across the factors that matter most before a microwave purchase in India.

• Choose a solo microwave if you primarily need to reheat food, defrost ingredients, and prepare simple meals. If you rarely or never grill, bake, or roast, a solo microwave at Rs. 4,990–Rs. 8,250 is all you need. Paying for grill or convection functions you will never use is not good value.
• Choose a grill microwave if you regularly make kebabs, tikka, grilled sandwiches, or any dish needing a browned exterior, but you do not bake cakes or roast whole meats. The grill microwave at Rs. 8,590 adds these functions at a moderate price premium over solo.
• Choose a convection microwave if you bake cakes, roast chicken, make pizza, or want a single appliance that replaces a separate OTG or traditional oven entirely. At Rs. 11,690 and above, the convection model is the most versatile investment for a household that cooks seriously.

Trade-off note: Convection microwaves are more expensive, take longer to preheat for baking, and consume more electricity than solo microwaves for equivalent simple tasks. If you only use your microwave for reheating and the occasional grilled sandwich, a convection model wastes both money and electricity. A solo microwave is a better choice for light users — do not overbuy based on potential use cases that never materialise.

For more budget-friendly options, explore microwave ovens under Rs.15,000, microwave ovens under Rs.5,000 or check the best microwave oven.

Microwave oven prices start at Rs. 4,990 for solo models, while grill and convection options cost more due to their additional cooking functions.

Disclaimer: Each model's features, availability, and pricing are subject to change and may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website.

Before you decide, explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.

Bajaj Finance offers two ways to convert your microwave oven purchase into affordable monthly payments. Both options are available at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India.

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for buyers who make multiple kitchen appliance purchases over time — and carries zero annual fee. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers financing a premium convection microwave in a single transaction.

The process is simple and usually takes 10–15 minutes once you are at the store.

1. Browse models on Bajaj Mall: Explore microwave ovens on Bajaj Mall. Decide whether you need solo, grill, or convection, then compare models by capacity, brand, and price.
2. Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby outlet such as Croma, Vijay Sales, or Reliance Digital.
3. Check the microwave in person: Ask the store representative to demonstrate the auto-cook menu and confirm the Indian-specific presets (curd making, reheating Indian meals, tandoori mode). Confirm the cavity capacity is appropriate for your family size and the largest dish you plan to cook.
4. Choose a suitable EMI option: Ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan and confirm tenure options.
5. Complete payment and take your microwave home: Once approved, your purchase is processed immediately and you can take the microwave home the same day.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP.

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.

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4. Scheme offers - Take advantage of time-sensitive offers on select EMI schemes. Get extra benefits after paying just 3 EMIs—visible during EMI selection at checkout.

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