Imagine a kitchen superhero that can toast your bread, bake a cake, and reheat your leftovers – all in one sleek package! That’s the magic of a Combi Microwave. But with so many buttons, features, and brands, choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. Are you tired of your old microwave that only does one thing? Do you dream of baking cookies or roasting a chicken without needing a separate oven?
Many people find themselves overwhelmed when shopping for a Combi Microwave. You might wonder which features are truly useful, how much power you really need, or if it will even fit in your kitchen. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon and end up with a machine that doesn’t quite meet your needs.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down the world of Combi Microwaves, making it easy to understand. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to pick the perfect kitchen assistant for your home. Get ready to discover how a Combi Microwave can transform your cooking and save you precious time and space!
Our Top 5 Combi Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Combi Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven. This versatile appliance does more than just heat your leftovers. It’s a true kitchen helper, letting you microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and even use convection cooking. Its sleek stainless steel design fits perfectly on any countertop, and at 0.9 cubic feet, it’s a great size for most kitchens.
What We Like:
- Five Cooking Functions: It’s a microwave, air fryer, combi oven, baker, and roaster all in one. This saves you space and gives you lots of cooking options.
- Air Fry Power: It has 11 special air fry menus for things like fries, chicken wings, and spring rolls. It makes air frying super easy.
- Quick Start: You can press the start button for instant cooking at full power, and press it again to add more time. It’s simple and fast.
- Safety First: The child-lock feature keeps curious little hands from changing settings. Just hold the stop button for three seconds to lock it.
- Helpful Auto Menus: It comes with 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and frozen pizza. This makes cooking easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Wattage: At 900 watts, it’s a good microwave, but some might prefer a higher wattage for even faster cooking.
- Size: While 0.9 cubic feet is good for many, larger families might need a bigger oven.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers great versatility and makes cooking a breeze.
2. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML2-EC10SA(BS) A, offers a versatile cooking experience for any kitchen. This black stainless steel appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more into one compact unit. It’s designed to be a helpful kitchen essential, making meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more, offering lots of cooking options.
- The healthy air fry feature lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output for quick cooking.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn and easy-to-turn knobs make it user-friendly.
- The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety for families.
- Its stylish black stainless steel design looks great on any countertop.
- The position memory turntable ensures your food is always centered for even cooking.
- An odor removal mode helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, the external dimensions might still be a consideration for very small kitchens.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a great choice for those seeking a multi-functional and stylish appliance. It balances convenience, power, and healthy cooking options effectively.
3. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave
Rating: 9.0/10
The Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection Oven in Brushed Stainless Steel is a game-changer for any kitchen. This appliance does it all, from air frying crispy fries to baking delicious brownies and reheating soup evenly. Its smart features make cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, and convection oven.
- The Element IQ System intelligently directs power for perfect cooking.
- Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen functions save you time.
- The Power Smoothing Inverter ensures even heating and defrosting.
- Smart Cook, Reheat, and Defrost presets offer easy one-touch cooking.
- It’s 80% quieter with a soft-close door and has a mute button for less noise.
- Shortcut panels on the door make common tasks super simple.
- It comes with a Combi Crisp Pan and Trivet.
- It has a large 1.1 cu.ft/32L capacity.
What Could Be Improved:
- It has a 1-year limited warranty, which could be longer.
- The convection input power is 1400 Watts, while microwave and grill are 1200 and 1100 Watts respectively, meaning some functions might be more powerful than others.
The Breville Combi Wave is a versatile and smart addition to your kitchen, offering convenience and excellent cooking results for a variety of meals.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave that’s more than just a microwave! This stainless steel appliance packs a powerful 1,050 watts and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or office. It’s designed to be compact yet mighty, handling all your cooking needs with ease.
What We Like:
- It has an Air Fry mode that cooks your favorite foods to be crispy and healthier in less time.
- The Convection mode with a special rack helps food cook evenly and get a golden-brown finish.
- You can Broil food right inside, giving it that perfect seared or caramelized taste like from a grill.
- Preset controls for foods like fries and nuggets make cooking simple and accurate.
- The Two-Step Child Lock feature keeps little ones safe by preventing accidental starts.
- It’s a perfect size for countertops and dorm rooms, offering both power and convenience.
- The glass turntable rotates food for even cooking all the way through.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers multiple functions, the user manual could be clearer on how to best utilize each mode for optimal results.
- The exterior can show fingerprints easily due to the stainless steel finish, requiring frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
This GE microwave oven is a versatile kitchen helper, offering multiple cooking options in one convenient appliance. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for efficiency and a variety of cooking styles.
5. Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker
Rating: 9.5/10
The Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, & Air Fryer is a true game-changer for busy kitchens. This appliance combines multiple cooking functions into one sleek unit, promising complete meals in as little as 15 minutes. It’s designed to simplify cooking and clean-up, making it an ideal addition for anyone looking to save time and effort in the kitchen.
What We Like:
- 14-in-1 Versatility: It can do so much, from Combi Meals and Air Frying to Slow Cooking and Sous Vide.
- Speedy Meals: You can cook proteins, veggies, and grains all at once, cutting cooking time in half compared to a regular oven.
- Saves Space: It replaces many kitchen appliances, reducing clutter on your countertops.
- Easy Cleanup: The cooking pan doubles as a serving dish, and all accessories are dishwasher safe.
- Frozen to Table Fast: Cook food from frozen in under 30 minutes without needing to thaw it first.
- Family-Sized: It’s large enough to feed up to 8 people, perfect for families or when you have guests.
- Includes Accessories: It comes with a combi cooker pan, bake tray, crisper tray, and a recipe book to get you started.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial investment might be higher than buying individual appliances.
- It takes up counter space, though it replaces several other appliances.
This Ninja Combi is a fantastic tool for anyone who wants delicious, home-cooked meals quickly and easily. It streamlines cooking and cleanup, making it a valuable asset for modern households.
Choosing Your Kitchen Superhero: The Combi Microwave Buying Guide
Q: What is a Combi Microwave?
A: A combi microwave is a kitchen gadget that does more than just reheat food. It combines the power of a microwave with other cooking functions, like convection oven and grill. This means you can bake, roast, and grill food, all in one appliance.
1. Key Features to Look For: Your Combi Microwave Checklist
What makes a combi microwave great?
When you’re shopping for a combi microwave, keep an eye out for these important features. They will help you pick the best one for your kitchen and cooking style.
- Multiple Cooking Functions: Look for models that offer microwave, grill, and convection oven settings. Some even have steam cooking! More functions mean more ways to cook your favorite meals.
- Capacity: Combi microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. A family might need a larger capacity, while a single person might be fine with a smaller one.
- Wattage: This is how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For a combi microwave, you’ll want good wattage for both microwave and oven functions.
- Pre-set Programs: Many combi microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These make cooking easier.
- Turntable or Flatbed: A turntable spins your food for even heating. A flatbed design offers more usable space and is easier to clean.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for models with self-cleaning features or smooth interior surfaces. This saves you time and effort.
- User-Friendly Controls: Simple buttons and a clear display make using your combi microwave a breeze. Digital controls are usually easier to use than old-fashioned knobs.
2. Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
What are combi microwaves made of?
The materials used in a combi microwave affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a great choice. It’s strong, easy to clean, and doesn’t hold onto odors.
- Glass Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass plate that rotates. Make sure it’s sturdy.
- Durable Exterior: The outside is usually made of metal, often with a painted finish. Look for a smooth, easy-to-wipe surface.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a combi microwave good or bad?
A few things can make a big difference in how well your combi microwave performs.
Quality Boosters:
- Even Cooking: A good combi microwave heats food evenly, without hot or cold spots.
- Consistent Temperatures: For oven functions, it’s important that the temperature stays steady.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and menus make cooking enjoyable.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves can be noisy. A quieter model is a plus.
Quality Reducers:
- Uneven Heating: This is a major problem. It means food won’t cook properly.
- Flimsy Build: If the appliance feels cheap or wobbly, it might not last long.
- Confusing Controls: If you can’t figure out how to use it, it’s not much help.
- Poor Insulation: This can lead to the outside of the appliance getting too hot.
4. User Experience and Use Cases: How Will You Use It?
How do people use combi microwaves?
Combi microwaves are super versatile! They can help you in many ways in the kitchen.
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave function for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals in minutes.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection oven setting is perfect for baking cookies, roasting chicken, or cooking small batches of vegetables.
- Crispy Foods: The grill function gives your food a nice crispy top, like on toast or melted cheese.
- One-Pot Wonders: You can often cook a whole meal using different functions in sequence. For example, grill some chicken and then bake some potatoes.
- Saving Space: If you don’t have room for a separate microwave, oven, and grill, a combi microwave is a great space-saver.
Choosing a combi microwave is about finding a tool that fits your cooking habits and your kitchen. By looking at the features, materials, and considering how you’ll use it, you can find a kitchen helper that makes cooking easier and more fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Combi Microwaves
Q: Are combi microwaves worth the extra cost compared to regular microwaves?
A: Yes, if you plan to use the extra features like grilling and convection baking. They offer more cooking options in one appliance, saving you space and potentially money.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a combi microwave?
A: Yes, most combi microwaves with a convection oven function can bake cakes, muffins, and other baked goods.
Q: How do I clean a combi microwave?
A: Always unplug the appliance first. For the interior, use a damp cloth with mild soap. For stubborn stains, a baking soda paste can help. Many have self-cleaning options.
Q: Is a combi microwave noisy?
A: Noise levels vary by model. Generally, the fan for the convection oven can be heard, but most are designed to be reasonably quiet.
Q: What is the difference between convection and grill functions?
A: Convection uses a fan to circulate hot air for even cooking and browning, like a regular oven. Grill uses a heating element to cook food from above, giving it a crispy, browned finish.
Q: How long do combi microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care and use, a combi microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, similar to other kitchen appliances.
Q: Can I put metal in a combi microwave?
A: You can put metal in the combi microwave when using the grill or convection oven functions. However, never put metal in when using the microwave-only function, as it can cause sparks.
Q: Are combi microwaves energy efficient?
A: They can be quite energy efficient for smaller tasks compared to a full-sized oven. Using the microwave function is generally more energy-efficient than heating a large oven.
Q: What size combi microwave do I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and what types of food you’ll prepare. Smaller households might be happy with 20-25 liters, while larger families might need 30 liters or more.
Q: Can I use my own baking dishes in a combi microwave?
A: Yes, you can use oven-safe dishes like glass, ceramic, or metal bakeware when using the convection or grill functions. Avoid plastic unless it’s specifically marked as microwave-safe for high temperatures.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.