Basic microwave showing rust

Miele with cross-hatched design

Neff with mirror finish

I clean all types of microwaves and combi-ovens. The most basic microwave cookers have painted steel linings; over time, they can rust due to the trapped moisture attacking the steel. The solution is to get into the habit of leaving the door open, allowing the moisture to evaporate; this will greatly extend its life.

Higher grade microwave combis use a stainless steel lining to prevent rusting. Depending on your manufacturer, the finish will determine the level of cleaning result I can achieve, for example, Miele have a beautiful cross-hatched pattern but this traps dirt and can be impossible to completely remove.

Neff, Bosch and Smeg mainly have a smooth stainless steel finish (almost mirror like in some models) which once heavily stained can only be removed with some kind of scourer, (fyi, very aggresive chemicals may well remove the marks but can attack the stainless steel and damage the finish) the scourer will scratch the finish.

I will always explain the pitfalls of cleaning Stainless Combi ovens, so you can make the right choice.