Ever feel like your kitchen is missing a magic wand? What if one appliance could bake, roast, and reheat your meals with lightning speed? That’s the promise of a microwave combination oven, but navigating the sea of choices can feel overwhelming. You want to cook faster and better, but the jargon and features can leave you scratching your head.
Choosing the right microwave combination is tricky because there are so many different types. Do you need convection for crispy fries, or is steam cooking the key to healthy veggies? The fear of buying the wrong one, one that doesn’t fit your needs or your budget, is a real kitchen headache. We get it, and we’re here to help!
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes these versatile ovens tick. We’ll break down the confusing features into simple terms so you can confidently pick the perfect microwave combination for your home. Get ready to unlock a world of faster, tastier, and more convenient cooking!
Our Top 5 Microwave Combination Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Combination Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just heat up leftovers. This appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more into one sleek black stainless steel unit. It’s designed to make cooking easier and healthier, fitting perfectly on your countertop without taking up too much space.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and do low-temp cooking, defrosting, and odor removal.
- The air fryer function lets you enjoy crispy fried foods with less oil, making them healthier.
- It’s powerful with 1000 watts of microwave power.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is big enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It has a handy position memory turntable, so your food always ends up in the right spot.
- The child lock feature keeps little ones safe by preventing accidental starts.
- It comes with convenient one-touch buttons for popcorn and other settings.
- The modern black stainless steel look is stylish and the interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock could be clearer.
- While compact outside, the internal capacity is 1.0 Cu.Ft, which might feel limited for very large meals.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a great addition for anyone looking for a multi-functional and stylish appliance. It offers a lot of cooking options in one convenient package.
2. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse that does more than just heat your leftovers. This sleek stainless steel appliance packs a 1,050-watt microwave, an air fryer, a broiler, and a convection oven into one compact, 1.0 cubic foot unit. It’s designed to be a helpful addition to any kitchen, from busy family countertops to small dorm rooms.
What We Like:
- Air Fry Mode: Makes your favorite snacks super crispy and healthier. You can cook fries, chicken wings, and more with less oil.
- Convection Mode: This mode helps food cook evenly and get a nice golden-brown finish, just like a regular oven.
- Broil Mode: Perfect for searing meats or caramelizing food, giving it that delicious grilled effect without a grill.
- Preset Controls: Easy-to-use buttons for common foods like fries and nuggets take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Compact Size: It fits easily on most countertops, in dorm rooms, or small kitchens without taking up too much space.
- Child-Lock Technology: A two-step lock keeps little ones safe by preventing accidental starts.
- Glass Turntable: Ensures your food cooks evenly all the way through by rotating it during the cooking cycle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer on how to best utilize all four functions for different types of food.
- While compact, the 1.0 cubic foot size might be a bit small for cooking large meals for a family.
This GE microwave is a versatile kitchen helper. It offers a great variety of cooking options in one convenient package, making it a smart choice for many different needs.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(BS), your new kitchen superhero! This isn’t just a microwave; it’s a 4-in-1 countertop appliance that does it all. It microwaves, air fries, bakes with convection, and even combines microwave and convection cooking. This means you can cook a whole chicken, a pizza, or just reheat your leftovers with amazing results.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combination cooking all in one.
- You can enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fry function, using less oil for that classic taste.
- The convection and microwave combo creates better textures for your food, with helpful auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting.
- Its large 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, perfect for families.
- The black stainless steel finish looks stylish, and the stainless steel interior is easy to clean.
- Convenience is key with features like one-touch popcorn, a memory function, speedy cooking, and a handy mute button so you can silence the beeps.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers a lot, the initial learning curve for all its functions might take a little time.
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience in one sleek package. You’ll love how it simplifies meal prep and expands your cooking possibilities.
4. TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Ovenwith 2.4-Inch Color Screen
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) is a versatile countertop appliance that blends microwave power with air frying convenience. Its sleek silver design and 1.3 cubic foot capacity make it a great addition to any kitchen, ready to handle everything from quick snacks to family meals.
What We Like:
- The 2.4-inch color screen and intuitive controls make cooking simple, even for beginners.
- ChefFry Plus uses a top fan and heating element to give you healthier, air-fried results right from your microwave.
- The Origin Inverter technology cooks food evenly and preserves its natural flavor and juiciness, while also saving energy.
- Chef Defrost is a game-changer, speeding up defrosting by up to 40% without ruining your food’s texture or taste.
- Smart connectivity with the TSmartLife APP and Alexa lets you control your microwave from your phone or with your voice.
- The AI-Chef features offer personalized cooking with updated recipes and smart sensor cooking.
- It’s large enough to fit a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup for smart features a bit complex.
- While it offers many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a multi-functional and connected appliance. It simplifies cooking and offers healthier options with its innovative features.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo, a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just reheat your leftovers. This 4-in-1 appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combination cooking mode, all in one sleek, silver package. It’s designed to make cooking easier and healthier, letting you enjoy crispy favorites with less oil.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 machine: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combo cooking all in one.
- You can make healthier “fried” foods with the air fryer feature.
- It cooks food evenly with microwave and convection combined, offering auto bake, defrost, and roast.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza on its 13.6-inch turntable.
- It looks stylish with a stainless steel finish and is easy to wipe clean inside.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory settings, and a mute function make it user-friendly.
- The 1000W microwave power cooks food quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the exterior door frame is stainless steel, the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen decors.
- The position memory turntable is a nice touch, but some users might prefer a simpler glass tray.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthy cooking options. It’s a smart choice for families who want a multi-functional appliance.
Your Guide to Choosing a Microwave Combination Oven
A microwave combination oven is a kitchen superhero. It bakes, roasts, and microwaves all in one. This saves you space and time. Let’s find the perfect one for your kitchen.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Cooking Functions:
- Microwave: This is the basic function. Look for different power levels.
- Convection: This is like a regular oven. It cooks food evenly and makes things crispy.
- Grill: This function gives food a nice browned top. Think toast or grilled cheese.
- Steam: Some models have steam cooking. This keeps food moist and healthy.
- Combination Cooking: This is the best part! It uses multiple functions at once. For example, microwave and convection. This cooks food much faster.
2. Capacity and Size:
Microwave ovens come in different sizes. Measure your counter space. Think about how much food you usually cook. Smaller families might need 1 cubic foot. Larger families might need 2 cubic feet or more.
3. Controls and Interface:
Look for easy-to-use buttons and a clear display. Some ovens have touch screens. Others have knobs. Preset cooking programs can be very helpful. They take the guesswork out of cooking.
4. Power Levels:
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. For combination ovens, check the wattage for both microwave and convection.
5. Cleaning Features:
Some ovens have self-cleaning functions. This makes cleanup much easier. Stainless steel interiors are also easier to wipe down than plastic.
Materials Matter
Most microwave combination ovens have an interior made of stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel is durable and looks good. Enamel is usually cheaper. The exterior is often stainless steel or a painted finish. Stainless steel is a popular choice because it’s strong and easy to clean.
Quality: What Makes it Great (or Not So Great)
Factors that Improve Quality:
- Even Cooking: A good oven cooks food all the way through without hot spots.
- Consistent Results: The oven should perform the same way every time you use it.
- Durable Build: Sturdy materials and good construction mean the oven will last longer.
- Smart Features: Some ovens connect to Wi-Fi. They let you control them with an app.
Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Uneven Heating: Food cooked in different spots might be burnt in one and raw in another.
- Flimsy Construction: A wobbly door or thin metal can mean the oven won’t last.
- Confusing Controls: If you can’t figure out how to use it, it’s not a good oven.
- Poor Insulation: This can make the outside of the oven too hot to touch.
User Experience and Use Cases
These ovens are great for busy people. You can microwave leftovers quickly. Then, you can use the convection feature to make them crispy. They are perfect for small kitchens. They replace multiple appliances. Families can use them for quick weeknight meals. They are also good for making baked goods. You can bake cookies or a small cake. Some people use them to roast vegetables. The grill function is great for finishing dishes. It gives them a nice golden-brown top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a microwave combination oven?
A: It’s an oven that can microwave, bake, roast, and sometimes grill or steam food all in one appliance.
Q: Do I really need all the functions?
A: It depends on your cooking habits. If you want to save space and cook faster, yes. If you only ever microwave, a regular microwave might be enough.
Q: How do I clean a microwave combination oven?
A: Always check your manual. Most have removable turntables. You can wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. Some have self-cleaning features.
Q: Are they energy efficient?
A: They can be. Using the combination cooking saves energy compared to using a separate microwave and oven.
Q: How long do they usually last?
A: With good care, a quality microwave combination oven can last 7 to 10 years or more.
Q: Can I put metal in a microwave combination oven?
A: You can put metal in when using the convection or grill functions. Never put metal in when using the microwave-only function.
Q: What’s the difference between convection and microwave?
A: Microwave heats food using waves. Convection uses hot air to bake and roast food.
Q: Are they difficult to use?
A: Most modern ones are designed to be user-friendly. Look for clear displays and simple controls.
Q: Can I bake bread in one?
A: Yes, many combination ovens can bake bread very well using the convection setting.
Q: What’s the most important feature to consider?
A: The cooking functions and the size that fit your needs and kitchen space are the most important.
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.