RANGEMATE Signature

Microwaves are fast but have a reputation for dry meat and unevenly heated vegetables. PELLYTECH's RANGEMATE Signature is meant to address that. According to the maker, a patented heating plate absorbs the microwave's electromagnetic waves and converts them into far-infrared heat. The company says this browns food on the outside, keeps it juicy inside, and reduces oil splatter, smoke and lingering odors.

How it works

The maker states the plate reaches up to 750°F (400°C) and that the far-infrared heat penetrates food so it cooks through evenly rather than only from the surface. A patented lid keeps microwaves from reaching the food directly. PELLYTECH says this maximizes heating from the plate, turns the microwave's interior into something like a mini oven, and stabilizes temperature for more even results. The company adds that no preheating is required.

The maker gives two examples. A grilled fish dish that takes 15 to 20 minutes in an oven is said to be ready in 6 minutes. A frozen cutlet can go in without thawing and, according to PELLYTECH, comes out crisp outside and tender inside in about 7 minutes. The company compares that with roughly 30 minutes of thawing plus 10 minutes of cooking by conventional methods.

Materials and design

• PFAS-free ceramic coating that the maker says resists staining and peeling
• Cool-touch handles made from heat-resistant SPS material developed in Japan; the maker says they cool to a safe temperature about 3 minutes after removal, and recommends oven mitts after long, high-heat cooking
• Fully dishwasher-safe, including the lid, based on a design patented in October 2024, according to the maker
• Sized to fit inside a microwave for apartments, dorms, office break rooms, camper vans and RVs
• 1-year limited warranty covering material and manufacturing defects in normal home use; misuse, accidents and commercial use are excluded

PELLYTECH says it has specialized in microwave cookware since 2004. The company reports holding patents in 9 countries, including the US, Japan, Europe, South Korea and China, and says it won a gold medal at the 2009 Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions. It also claims the RANGEMATE Signature uses less energy than a conventional oven because cooking times are short and less ventilation is needed.