Imagine a kitchen appliance that can bake a flaky pie, roast a juicy chicken, and reheat leftovers perfectly – all with one device! Sounds amazing, right? But when you start looking for a microwave convection oven combo, the choices can feel overwhelming. It’s tough to figure out which one will actually make your cooking easier and not just take up more counter space.
Many people want the speed of a microwave and the delicious results of a convection oven, but don’t have room for both. That’s where these combo ovens shine! However, picking the best one can be tricky. You might worry about performance, ease of use, or if it’s worth the cost.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a great microwave convection oven combo and what features to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the perfect appliance to become the star of your kitchen. Let’s dive in and discover how to upgrade your cooking game!
Our Top 5 Microwave Convection Oven Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Convection Oven Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse that can do it all. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s your go-to for air frying, baking, broiling, and even odor removal. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop, and it’s packed with features to make cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil (grill), and more, giving you lots of cooking options.
- You can enjoy crispy, less-fat fried foods with the healthy air fry function.
- The 1000-watt microwave power cooks food quickly.
- It has a good-sized 1.0 cu.ft. capacity with a 12.4-inch turntable that can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a position memory turntable make cooking a breeze.
- The two-step child lock keeps little hands safe.
- The odor removal mode keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- It has a stylish black stainless steel exterior and an easy-to-clean interior.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction for the two-step child lock might be a bit tricky for some users to follow initially.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering incredible versatility and convenience in one stylish package.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, your new kitchen superhero! This countertop appliance is more than just a microwave. It’s a true multi-tasker, letting you microwave, air fry, grill, bake, and roast. With its sleek stainless steel finish and compact 0.9 cu. ft. size, it fits perfectly on any counter. Get ready to cook up a storm!
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It handles five cooking styles: microwave, air fry, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast. You can cook almost anything with this one machine.
- Easy-to-Use Presets: It has 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and pizza, plus 11 air fry presets for things like chicken wings and French fries. Cooking is simple!
- Quick Cooking: The “Speedy Cooking” feature lets you start cooking at full power instantly. Just press the start button once for 30 seconds, or press it again to add more time.
- Safety First: The child-lock setting is a great feature. You can easily lock the control panel by pressing the stop button for 3 seconds. This keeps little ones from changing the settings.
- Powerful Performance: With 900 watts of power, it heats and cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity: The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for larger families or when cooking big meals.
- Convection/Air Fry Time: While it offers these functions, they may take longer than dedicated appliances for optimal results.
This BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven offers a fantastic range of cooking options in one convenient appliance. It’s a smart choice for kitchens that need versatility and space-saving solutions.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave oven that’s a game-changer for your kitchen or dorm room! This 1.0 cu. ft. stainless steel appliance packs a punch with 1,050 watts of power and offers so much more than just reheating leftovers. It’s an air fryer, a broiler, and a convection oven all rolled into one convenient package, making it a must-have for busy lives and small spaces.
What We Like:
- The built-in air fryer lets you enjoy crispy, healthier versions of your favorite foods quickly.
- Convection mode, with its special rack, ensures your food cooks evenly and gets a nice golden-brown finish.
- Broil mode lets you get that perfect seared or caramelized effect, just like a grill.
- Preset controls, like for fries and nuggets, make cooking simple and accurate.
- The two-step child lock feature offers peace of mind, preventing accidental use.
- It’s a compact yet powerful appliance, fitting easily on countertops in dorm rooms, offices, and kitchens.
- The glass turntable rotates food for thorough and even cooking every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers multiple functions, some users might find the learning curve for all the modes a bit steep initially.
- The 1.0 cu. ft. capacity is great for most needs, but larger families or those who cook in bulk might desire a bigger unit.
This GE microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution that simplifies cooking and adds versatility to any kitchen. It’s a smart addition for anyone looking for convenience and multiple cooking options in one appliance.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to simplify your kitchen with the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven. This appliance does it all, from heating up leftovers to cooking a whole chicken. It’s a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combo cooker all in one. This means you can enjoy your favorite “fried” foods with less oil and a crispier texture. Plus, it has smart sensors that help you cook popular dishes perfectly, taking the guesswork out of meal prep. Its large size fits big meals, and its sleek silver design looks great on any counter.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combo cooking.
- You can make healthier “fried” foods with the air fryer.
- It has smart sensor menus for easy cooking of common foods.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The turntable has position memory, so it stops with the door facing you.
- You can mute the annoying buzzer with the mute function.
- It has useful features like speedy cooking and a kitchen timer.
- The stainless steel interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior has a black enclosure with a stainless steel door frame, which might not match all kitchen styles perfectly.
- While it has many features, learning all of them might take a little time.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience for busy families. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
5. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Tired of cluttering your kitchen counter with multiple appliances? The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is here to simplify your cooking. This sleek black stainless steel appliance is more than just a microwave. It’s an air fryer, a convection oven, a broiler, and even has a low-temperature setting. Plus, it helps remove odors and offers a quiet mode for peaceful cooking.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi., low temp., odor removal, and defrost. You can cook almost anything!
- Enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fry function. It gives you that crispy taste with less oil.
- The large 1.0 cu.ft capacity fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza on its 12.4-inch turntable.
- It looks great on any counter with its classic black stainless steel finish and easy-to-clean interior.
- Using it is a breeze with the bright LED display, simple knobs, and touch controls.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, position memory for the turntable, and speedy cooking make meal prep faster.
- The mute function is a nice touch for when you don’t want the beeps to disturb anyone.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a large capacity, the actual usable space for food might be a bit less than the stated 1.0 cu.ft.
This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy kitchens. It offers great versatility and style, making cooking easier and healthier.
Microwave Convection Oven Combo: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Why Choose a Microwave Convection Oven Combo?
Tired of juggling multiple appliances? A microwave convection oven combo is a game-changer for your kitchen. It’s like getting a microwave and a regular oven in one sleek package. This means you can microwave your leftovers super fast, and then bake cookies or roast a chicken with the convection feature. It saves counter space and makes cooking more versatile.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity and Size
Consider how much food you usually cook. Combos come in different sizes. Smaller ones are great for apartments or small families. Bigger ones can handle family meals and holiday roasts. Measure your counter space to make sure it fits.
2. Wattage
Higher wattage means faster cooking. For microwaves, 900 to 1200 watts is common. For convection, look at the wattage for baking and broiling. More power is usually better, but it also uses more electricity.
3. Convection Settings
Good combos offer different convection modes. These might include baking, roasting, broiling, and even air frying. Check if it has preset cooking options for common foods. This makes cooking easier.
4. Interior Features
A turntable helps food cook evenly in microwave mode. For convection, a rack is essential. Look for easy-to-clean interiors, like stainless steel or non-stick coatings. A light inside lets you see your food cooking.
5. Controls and Display
Simple button controls are easy to use. Digital displays are clear. Some advanced models have touch screens and smart features. Think about what you find easiest to operate.
Important Materials
The exterior is usually stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks modern and is durable. The interior is often enamel or stainless steel. Stainless steel is tough and easy to clean. Enamel can chip if hit hard.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Combo Great?
- Even Heating: Good combos heat food evenly in both microwave and convection modes.
- Durable Build: Sturdy construction means it will last longer.
- User-Friendly Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make it easy to use.
- Good Insulation: Keeps heat inside for efficient cooking and a cooler exterior.
What Can Make a Combo Less Great?
- Uneven Cooking: Some cheaper models don’t distribute heat well.
- Flimsy Construction: Thin metal or plastic can feel cheap and break easily.
- Confusing Controls: Too many complicated buttons can be frustrating.
- Poor Insulation: The outside can get very hot, which is a safety risk.
User Experience and Use Cases
These combos are super versatile. You can:
- Quickly reheat leftovers with the microwave.
- Bake cakes and cookies using the convection.
- Roast chicken or vegetables for a crispy finish.
- Broil fish or melt cheese on your casseroles.
- Defrost food safely and efficiently.
They are perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or anyone who wants to save space and cook more types of food. Many people find them easier to use than having separate appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can a microwave convection oven combo bake like a regular oven?
A: Yes! The convection feature uses a fan to circulate hot air, which bakes and roasts food much like a traditional oven. It helps food cook faster and brown more evenly.
Q: Is it hard to switch between microwave and convection modes?
A: Most combos have simple controls. You usually select the mode (microwave or convection) and then set the time and temperature. It’s pretty straightforward once you get used to it.
Q: Do I need special cookware for the convection mode?
A: You can use most oven-safe cookware, like metal baking sheets, glass dishes, and ceramic bowls. Avoid plastic or any materials not meant for high heat.
Q: How do I clean a microwave convection oven combo?
A: For the interior, use a damp cloth with mild soap. For tough spots, you can microwave a bowl of water and lemon juice for a few minutes to loosen grime. Always unplug the appliance before cleaning.
Q: Are microwave convection oven combos energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than using a large conventional oven for smaller tasks because they heat up faster and cook food quicker. However, the overall energy use depends on the wattage and how often you use the convection feature.
Q: Can I use both microwave and convection at the same time?
A: Some advanced models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This speeds up cooking time even more. For example, you can microwave a dish to cook it through and then use convection to crisp it up.
Q: What size is best for a family of four?
A: For a family of four, a capacity of 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet is usually a good starting point. This allows you to cook larger dishes and multiple items at once.
Q: Are these appliances safe?
A: Yes, they are designed with safety features like child locks and automatic shut-off. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
Q: How long do microwave convection oven combos typically last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a good quality microwave convection oven combo can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years.
Q: Can I air fry in a microwave convection oven combo?
A: Many modern combos offer an air fry function. This uses the convection fan at a higher speed to create a crispy texture similar to a dedicated air fryer.
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.