Like most hybrid appliances, Sanyo's EMZ-2100GS has some functions it handles beautifully and others areas of serious weakness. In this case, the microwave oven performs well, but the browner/toaster function fails to live up to expectations.

The microwave oven offers nine pre-programmed food selections, five power levels, defrost settings and a less-than-accurate dial control for setting times. Overall, the foods prepared using microwave energy are more than acceptable. The toasting element, on the other hand, is located very high up and far to the back of the oven. As a result, it fails to toast bread rapidly or evenly. Complex instructions are included and suggest a variety of cumbersome adjustments to promote better toasting and grilling, including the inconvenience of adding a grill rack.

Sturdy, with a commercial look, this medium-size microwave has gleaned some loyal fans among those living in tight urban quarters. In spite of the EMZ-2100GS's limitations, these users are happy to have one appliance that can complete multiple functions. For them, the convenience of limiting the number of appliances that crowd the countertop far outweighs the performance disadvantages. As a result, we'd recommend the EMZ-2100GS only to those with limited space who are willing to fidget a bit to achieve the desired results.


Pros: Three functions in one: microwave, grill, toast
Cons: Poor toasting results, uneven heating for bottoms of foods in grill mode

Warranty
1 year, limited