There are pros and cons for both, it depends on personal choice and budget.

Most modern or minimalist kitchens have built-in cooking appliances as part of the design. They offer space-saving benefits and a sleek, seamless appearance, yet they do tend to be more expensive to both buy and repair. Plus they are permanently installed in the kitchen so can’t be relocated.

Free-standing appliances are better suited to a more traditional or industrial kitchen design. These appliances require more floor space, but are generally more affordable and easy to install. Access for repairs is simple and if you move, you can take your favourite kitchen appliances with you.

Yes, microwaves with a grill function generally use more power compared to standard models. This is because the grill mode activates additional heating elements, which require extra electricity during operation. While this may increase overall energy consumption, these models also offer enhanced versatility by combining grilling, reheating and even a defrost option in a single appliance. Many microwave combination ovens are now designed with energy efficient technologies to minimise impact on your electricity bill, making them a smart choice for modern households seeking flexible and sustainable kitchen appliances.

There is no easy answer as people are motivated by different things.

A brand promotion with cost-savings may prompt a purchaser to buy only that brand’s appliances. One brand may have a particular type of refrigerator, another offers certain multi-function oven or freestanding cooker with must have gas cooktop features, or there’s a type of dishwasher required to upgrade your dishwashing game, so the discerning buyer may choose to mix and match.

If opting for integrated or built-in appliances, different brand choices don't matter from a design perspective as many of the appliances will be hidden within kitchen cabinetry. With free-standing appliances, the look of different brands is more obvious particularly the stainless steel finishes or handle styles, so check these out before you buy.

The main difference between an inverter microwave and a convection microwave oven is in the power levels and the way they heat your food.

Traditional microwave ovens when reheating food at say 50% microwave power, go through cycles of heating at 100% and then follow with a period of no power to achieve the 50%.

A microwave convection oven combines this technology with fans to circulate the hot air, giving you faster cooking and the ability to cook a variety of dishes, including baked goods. An inverter microwave on the other hand has a consistent power output without the need to power down to achieve temperature control. This results in better humidity levels where food is evenly heated or cooked, without drying out during microwaving.