Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

I was sent a microwave to review.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review.

Happy Saturday. Any fun plans for the weekend?

It is a cross-country race for my two youngest children today. I wonder if they come back all muddy?

We have had microwaves for years and years and I never really thought that we used them that much. I like to cook from scratch so I thought it was not a kitchen essential.

So when our microwave door broke a few months ago, I wasn’t too upset. It freed up some space on my worktop, more room for baking!

“We do not need a new microwave, we can manage without it”.

“We do not really use it much”

Or so I thought.

In hushed tones, my Hubby may have been right saying you will be surprised how often we use it. Sshh do not tell him!!

That leftover pizza or pasta or that extra plated Sunday dinner just ends up in the bin. Reheating is great with a Husband on shift work.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review:

It turns out the last few months have been a pain not having a microwave.

I am so used to cooking for 6 at meal times, even though my eldest two are at Uni I can’t help myself. So without a microwave that leftover food ends up in the dog. I am sure she does not want us getting a microwave!!

Then if we get a surprise visit from my Sons I have to make them a meal from scratch. More work for Mum.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

The simple little things you miss. What time is it.? The aforementioned leftovers. Pre-cooked rice packs, porridge and mostly melting cheese on our corn chips!! Me and my Daughter’s favourite weekend treat is not the same without melted cheese on top.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review
Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

It even came in handy for warming drinks up that have gone cold, warming milk for hot chocolate and heating lemonade up when someone has a sore throat.

Not to mention making popcorn. One of my Daughters favourite gluten-free treat recipes. No popcorn on movie night!?

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review
Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review:

I even cooked my Husband some sausages a few days ago to warm up when he got home, forgetting we had not got a microwave!! I am not the only one who has done this though. My eldest Son did it when he came home last time. Ha, thankfully I am not losing the plot yet.

Earlier this week I got the chance to pick out this beautiful Swan microwave to review. It also doubles as combination oven and grill. How lucky. I have never had a combination microwave and I was really excited to get started.

How amazing is the colour!? I have always loved a splash of colour and this microwave comes with a host of beautiful colour options including pastel pink and shiny black.

On with the cooking! I made some really quick and easy cakes. My Son was coming home yesterday to spend some time with us before his 21st birthday and I always make the children these cornflake buns every year. Why they taste greeeaattt! We all love them.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review
Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

Chocolate Cornflake Buns:

Makes 12

Ingredients:

  • 150g Cooking chocolate
  • 125gCornflakes
Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

Method:

  • In a microwaveable bowl break the cooking chocolate up into small pieces.
  • Pop the bowl into the microwave and heat for 60 – 80 seconds on medium heat (depending on chocolate.) Stirring every 20 seconds to prevent it from melting to much and burning.
  • Pop your cornflakes into a big bowl and once the chocolate has melted, stir it and pour it over the cornflake and stir well until all cornflakes are covered.
  • Pop 12 fairy bun cases into a muffin tray and divides the mixture between the 12 cases.
  • Leave to set.
Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

Next up I made a few different mug cakes in the combination oven. Firstly I grilled one by mistake, ha! I thought I could smell burning. Then I accidentally part grilled one and part oven baked one. That did not turn out good but eventually, it was 3rd times a charm!! As I found there are lots and lots of settings on the Microwave. The Hubby loves it as like most men he loves playing with gadgets.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

I need to try this mug cake next: How To Make Elderflower Bakewell Mug Cakes.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave:

A great helping hand in the kitchen, this 900W combination microwave benefits from convection, standard microwave and grill options making it ideal for browning, roasting and baking a variety of different dishes with ease.

It has a convection programme that uses a fan to envelop the food, quickly browning and sealing in moisture for added flavour. The grilling option ensures golden toppings, crisp pastry and bases.

Both these programmes also use the traditional microwaving method to ensure that the dish is cooked through.

Other features include a generous 25 litre capacity, which can easily accommodate larger plates of food, temperature controls, a digital display, defrost function, 60 minute timer, pull handle door design and 12 automatic cooking programmes to take care of a range of dishes from vegetables, rice, pasta and popcorn through to pizza, potatoes and even bread!

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

Available in a host of colours including sky blue, delicate green, rich red, traditional cream, contemporary black, pebble grey and pastel pink, Swan Retro provides a stylish vintage charm, which is perfect for both modern and traditional style kitchens.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review
Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review:

After a few hit and misses with the mug cakes, I decided to oven bake my cake in the combi oven mode on the dial.

I made this Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe. It turned out OK but as they say, practice makes perfect. As I love cake, I will be practising a lot!!

I can not wait to bake some more cakes now, but I have to wait until all these have been eaten first.

Guess who is having melted cheese onto of corn chips later tonight!? Simply sprinkle the nachos with grated cheese, pop in the microwave for around 30 seconds until melted, then add lots of yummy dips on top. Delicious.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review:

I am really pleased with the microwave and adore the colour. I am enjoying learning about all the settings and all the things you can cook in it. The instructions inside are easy to follow and there is a variety of easy to use programs.

I have not had a grill for years as my main oven is just built in. So grilled cheese on toast is on the menu over the next few days too.

I am now trying to talk my Husband into buying me the match coloured kettle and toaster!! Watch this space.

Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave – Price Guide £139.99

You can call Swan on 0844 826 9357 or visit them here: Swan

About This Swan Retro SM22080 Combination Microwave Review Post:

I was sent a microwave to review. All thoughts are my own and I was not paid for this post. Thanks for supporting the brands I love.



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Claire Justine
Claire Justine

Hi, I am Claire and I created Claire Justine in 2011. I hope you enjoy reading my posts as much as I love writing them. Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.

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35 Comments

  1. Mudpie Fridays
    29 November 2017 / 20:05

    I have only tried to make a mug cake once! It didn't turn out as beautiful as yours I will have to try it again. Love the colour of this Microwave and its retro style! x

  2. Stephanie Robinson
    28 November 2017 / 22:13

    Love the colour – and it's surprising how much you do use it isn't it? Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo xx

  3. We're going on an adventure
    27 November 2017 / 16:21

    We've had times without a microwave and we've managed, but life is definitely easier with one! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested this week x

  4. Sim @ SimsLife.co.uk
    24 November 2017 / 14:10

    What a super cute microwave, love the colour! I totally do not use my microwave to its full abilities – I need to start using it more often! Sim xx #PoCoLo

  5. Morgan Prince
    24 November 2017 / 10:45

    I've always wanted to try out the mug cakes – I need to make the time to do it! I'd be lost without my microwave – we use it all the time. Thanks for linking to #pocolo

  6. Tamar SB
    23 November 2017 / 12:09

    Verry cool!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      25 November 2017 / 11:31

      Thanks Tamar 🙂

  7. kerry louise norris
    22 November 2017 / 06:50

    I would be lost without a microwave. Love the colour you chose. X

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 November 2017 / 09:33

      Thanks Kerry 🙂

  8. Kim Carberry
    21 November 2017 / 16:42

    That looks fab! I love the colour! When our microwave broke we were lost without it until we got a new one. It's fab for reheating things x

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 November 2017 / 09:32

      Thanks Kim 🙂

  9. Elizabeth
    21 November 2017 / 13:46

    That looks like a seriously swish microwave! I'd make room in my kitchen for that. I got rid of my old one years ago and never replaced it. Haven't missed having one, tbh!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      23 November 2017 / 09:32

      Thanks Elizabeth :

  10. Zena's Suitcase
    21 November 2017 / 13:06

    We could not be without a microwave. I use it a lot in the day when it's just me at home. I love this combi style especially the colour

    • 23 November 2017 / 09:32

      Thanks Zena. I can't believe I managed without for so long.

  11. Coombe Mill
    21 November 2017 / 10:32

    What a stylish Kitchen microwave, I think mine has a lot of style missing next to this and what you produce in it is amazing #TriedTested.

    • Clairejustine oxox
      21 November 2017 / 10:45

      Thanks Fiona 🙂

  12. Five Little Doves
    21 November 2017 / 10:10

    Oooh that has got to be the prettiest microwave ever!! I love it! Sadly it wouldn't match our kitchen, boooo!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      21 November 2017 / 10:44

      Thanks Laura. They have a beautiful range of colours 🙂

  13. Toni • This Mama Blogs
    21 November 2017 / 09:37

    This is the upgrade to our microwave. Ours looks exactly the same but doesn't have the grill option. I love it so when it's time to upgrade I might have to move onto this model

    • Clairejustine oxox
      21 November 2017 / 10:44

      Thanks Toni, it is a great microwave, isn't it 🙂

  14. Beth @ BethinaBox.com
    20 November 2017 / 21:21

    We lived without a microwave for a few years. Then when we got one it was so exciting. At the moment, our microwave is used daily as it's how we sterilise the baby's bottles. 🙂 This Swan one looks incredible and I LOVE the colour! 😀

    • Clairejustine oxox
      21 November 2017 / 06:23

      Thanks for the comment Beth 🙂

  15. jennifuchs
    20 November 2017 / 11:43

    I don't know how we ever managed without a microwave, especially with the kids. So handy e.g. for heating up leftovers, or a quick mug of hot milk at bedtime, without creating additional washing-up by having to get out pots and pans.

    • Clairejustine oxox
      20 November 2017 / 20:20

      Yes, they are great for quick jobs without the mess. Oh forgot to add how easy porridge is ni a microwave. It was so much effort and soaking pans without it.

  16. Rhian Westbury
    20 November 2017 / 10:20

    I couldn't be without my microwave as you said you don't realize how much you use it. I love the look of your one x

    • Clairejustine oxox
      20 November 2017 / 20:19

      Thanks Rhian 🙂

  17. the frenchie mummy
    19 November 2017 / 21:48

    wow! I like the colour. It looks a bit vintage! You def need to convince your husband the kettle in the same collection!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      20 November 2017 / 20:19

      Thanks, they look so great too. I really need them 🙂

  18. Katie Deacon
    19 November 2017 / 09:47

    I don't have a microwave as my kitchen is bloody tiny, but if I was going to get one it would be one of these. Love the retro look.Katie xoxo

    • Clairejustine oxox
      20 November 2017 / 20:18

      Thanks Katie 🙂

  19. Scrapbook Adventures
    18 November 2017 / 19:32

    I haven't had a microwave since moving a few months ago and it can be really annoying! It takes so much longer to heat up milk and baked beans etc on the stove! Love the colour of this one!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      18 November 2017 / 20:21

      Thank you. Yes, it is the little things you miss, isn't it 🙂

  20. Battle Mum
    18 November 2017 / 19:25

    Oh I love the colour you choose. It's very retro looking. We don't have a microwave at the moment as we have limited counter surfaces at the moment but I could easily decorate our next kitchen around one if these!

    • Clairejustine oxox
      18 November 2017 / 20:20

      It is lovely, isn't it 🙂 Thanks.

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