If you’re anything like me, you probably want your kitchen appliances to do more than just the bare minimum – especially when countertop space is such a precious thing. That’s why the best microwaves are and will always be a popular choice, especially when they promise to do the job of three (or sometimes even four) appliances in one.
This is where the Caso MCG 25 Ceramic Chef comes in – a sleek, versatile 3-in-1 microwave that combines microwave, grill and convection oven functions. I’ve been putting it to the test over the past few months to see how well it handles everyday meals, baking, grilling and everything in between.
Caso MCG 25 Ceramic Chef Microwave review: price and availability
The Caso MCG 25 Ceramic Chef has a recommended retail price of £199.99 or around $250, which puts it in a pretty affordable price bracket. You can pick it up directly from Caso’s online store, or at retailers like Currys and B&Q.
For what it offers, I honestly think that’s a brilliant price. There are models out there with similar features that cost a lot more, but we’ll get to those in a bit.
Caso MCG 25 Ceramic Chef Microwave review: design and features
The Caso MCG 25 is hands down one of the sleekest microwaves I’ve reviewed, and it has many features that make it stand out. For starters, it ditches the usual turntable in favour of a flat ceramic interior, which means you get a smooth glass base with built-in microwave reflectors. That not only helps cook food more evenly, but it also makes cleaning a lot easier.
From the front, it also looks incredibly premium. The mirror-finish door, LED display, and stainless steel interior all add to a high-end effect, whilst the rotary dial and touch buttons keep everything nice and simple to use. It also offers a generous 25-litre capacity, which is more than enough space for casseroles, pizzas, or even a roast chicken if you’re feeling ambitious.
Functionally, there are 900 watts of microwave power across 10 levels, a 1200-watt grill and a 2050-watt convection oven that heats up extremely quickly.
There are six combination modes too, which blend microwave power with either the grill or convection heat for faster, more even cooking. There's also nine auto-programmes, which include presets for pasta, poultry, hot drinks and more.
In the box, you also get two handy accessories to make the most of its multifunctionality. These include a multi-purpose pan, which is great for grilling and convection baking.
There's also a grill rack, which elevates food for crispier results and better air circulation. You can also use it to cook two different things at once, which is something a lot of microwaves struggle with.
Caso MCG 25 Ceramic Chef Microwave review: performance
I’ve been using the Caso MCG 25 for a few months now, and I have to say, it’s been a genuinely pleasant surprise. The 3-in-1 functionality is super convenient, and whilst an air fryer setting would’ve been the cherry on top, the microwave, grill and convection oven combo has been more than enough for my day-to-day cooking.
That said, the flat ceramic base is probably my favourite thing. Not only does it give you more usable space, but it also makes it easier to fit bigger and multiple dishes. Whilst writing this, I’m honestly left wondering why more microwaves haven’t adopted this design.
Visually, the mirror finish, dial, and LED screen give it a stylish, modern look that fits in nicely on the counter. I also didn’t expect to use the included tray and rack as much as I have, but they’ve been really handy.
That said, it’s not without a few quirks. It’s on the larger side, and because the back isn’t flat, it takes up a fair bit of counter space – definitely something to keep in mind if you’ve got a compact kitchen.
It’s also not the quietest appliance out there. Whilst it's fine during basic microwave use, the convection mode is pretty loud, and it hums on for a bit even after the cooking's done.
Caso MCG 25 Ceramic Chef Microwave review: verdict
The Caso MCG 25 Ceramic Chef has been a fantastic addition to my kitchen. It’s stylish, versatile, and does a brilliant job with everything from quick microwave meals to full-on cooking. The flat ceramic base is a standout feature, the accessories are surprisingly useful, and overall, it offers a premium feel at a budget-friendly price. Yes, it’s a bit bulky and can be noisy, but for the functionality you get, I’d happily recommend it.
Caso MCG 25 Ceramic Chef Microwave review: alternatives to consider
If you love the versatility of the Caso MCG 25, you might want to check out the Panasonic 4-in-1 Combi Microwave NN-CD88. It adds an air fryer function to the mix, but it’s almost twice the price – and absolutely massive, so be warned.
Another option is the Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1, which combines microwave, convection oven and air fryer functions. It comes in at just under £400/$499.95, so again, you're paying a premium.
