LG SolarDOM Hybrid Microwave

It appears that "light-wave" is the term being used by LG to describe the combination of microwave and conventional ovens into one hybrid unit, and the "SolarDOM" is their latest and smallest. As its name might imply, the SolarDOM is a top, capable of being placed on a counter like other microwaves. (Previous hybrid ovens have tended to be more, you know, oven-sized.)

Appliancist explains the inner workings:

The compact light oven uses a Mega Heater System, which utilizes light waves created by a combination of different type of heaters - Halogen, Sheath and Ceramic, each with different heating depth ensuring that food is cooked evenly. Heat is circulated more efficiently because of the round cavity and the light reflector, which concentrates light waves on the food.

The SolarDOM is currently listed at £275—not too ridiculous for something that might be able to replace both your microwave and your oven. (Most other combination ovens can be dialed to favor one heat source or another, useful for fussier foods like baked goods.)

SolarDOM microwave - LG advanced light-wave microwave oven [Appliancist]

[#1 posted by Synnr , November 11, 2007 9:33 AM]

Unfortunately, the article is somewhat misleading on how a light-wave oven works and....does not talk about the dangers. I have used them in commercial and experimental kitchens, and the things are fairly useless. They do use a light source to cook product, much like an easy-bake oven, its predecessor,generally with a halogen derivative, but it does not do anything to enhance the product. On a side note, things also have a bad habit either exploding or bursting into flames in most of the light-wave ovens I have seen. While the price is significantly lower than commercial models I have seen (US$7000 at last check), the dangers make it something I would not want in my own home.

[#2 posted by Anonymous , November 11, 2007 4:18 PM]

So could I cook a baby in about half the time?

[#3 posted by Mirko Junge , November 13, 2007 1:24 AM]

The QuantumSpeed (no space) Ovens from Siemens have been around a long time. Guess what the quantum is all about: A quarz burner. Though most of them are for fitting into kitchen furniture, the stand alone model has been around for years(HF86Q560). Great toy, love mine (I build a box around one that was supposed to be fitted, not for the color (white instead of stainless) but the price (400EUR vs. 900+).