Imagine this: you’re craving a perfectly crispy pizza, but your old microwave just makes it soggy. Or maybe you want to bake a cake, but your oven takes forever to preheat. Wouldn’t it be great to have one appliance that could do both, and do them well?
Choosing an oven microwave can feel overwhelming. You see all sorts of models with fancy buttons and different sizes. It’s tough to figure out which one will actually make your cooking easier and tastier. You want something that fits your kitchen, cooks your food just right, and doesn’t break the bank.
In this post, we’re going to break down what makes a great oven microwave. We’ll look at different features and explain what they mean for your cooking. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about picking the perfect oven microwave for your home, ready to tackle everything from quick snacks to delicious dinners.
Our Top 5 Oven Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Oven Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS, a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that brings smart cooking to your kitchen. Its sleek silver finish and 1000 watts of power make it a powerful and stylish addition. This microwave takes the guesswork out of cooking with its smart humidity sensor, ensuring your food is always cooked just right.
What We Like:
- The Smart Sensor Technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power, so your food never gets overcooked or undercooked.
- It offers 12 auto menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, making meal prep quick and easy.
- You get 10 power levels, giving you lots of control for different cooking tasks.
- Defrosting is a breeze with options for weight or time, and the “one-touch start” gets you cooking fast.
- The large 12.4-inch removable turntable fits plenty of dishes.
- A Mute Function lets you silence the beeps, and ECO Mode helps save energy.
- The interior is designed for easy cleaning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 12 auto menus, only 6 are explicitly listed as “preset menus” in some descriptions, which can be a little confusing.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves, so be mindful of your kitchen’s electrical capacity.
This Toshiba microwave is a smart choice for anyone looking for convenience and perfectly cooked meals. It’s a user-friendly appliance that simplifies your cooking routine.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.3/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact, 0.7 cubic foot appliance that brings convenience to your kitchen. With 700 watts of power and 10 different power levels, it handles everything from melting butter to quickly reheating leftovers. Its sleek black design fits into any kitchen decor, and it’s easy to clean, making it a practical choice for busy households.
What We Like:
- It cooks food quickly with six handy presets like popcorn and pizza. You can also just type in the minutes you need.
- It offers 10 power levels, so you can cook gently or fast.
- The digital controls are simple to use. The +30 seconds button is great for extra heating time.
- You can save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch starts.
- A child safety lock keeps the door secure. The control panel can also be locked.
- The mute button lets you turn off beeps so you don’t disturb others.
- Its modern black look is nice. Eco Mode helps save power and dims the display.
- Cleaning is easy. The exterior wipes clean, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic foot size might be too small for some larger dishes or family meals.
- At 700 watts, it may take slightly longer to cook than higher-wattage microwaves.
This Chefman microwave is a solid option for smaller kitchens or individuals needing a reliable and easy-to-use appliance for daily cooking tasks.
3. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great choice for your kitchen. It’s compact at 0.7 cubic feet, making it ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern. It’s easy to use with simple buttons and a clear display.
What We Like:
- It has pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza. This makes cooking easy.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super handy for quick reheating.
- It comes with a child safety lock, which is great for families.
- The interior light helps you see your food while it cooks.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door opens easily.
- It has 10 different power settings for precise cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be too small for larger families or for cooking big meals.
- While easy to use, some users might prefer more advanced features for complex cooking.
This microwave is a solid, user-friendly appliance for everyday needs. It’s a good value for its price and features.
4. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo, a true kitchen multitasker! This 8-in-1 countertop appliance is more than just a microwave. It can air fry, bake, broil, and even has a special odor removal mode. Its sleek black stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen. Plus, the 12.4-inch turntable can even remember where it stopped, making it super easy to put your food back in. Safety is a priority with its two-step child lock feature, giving you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- 8 amazing functions in one appliance: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost.
- Healthy air frying lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil.
- Powerful 1000-watt microwave output for quick cooking.
- The 12.4-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenient one-touch popcorn button and easy-to-use knobs.
- The position memory turntable is a smart feature that makes life easier.
- The child lock feature keeps little ones safe.
- Stylish black stainless steel looks modern and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The two-step child lock requires specific steps to open, which might take a moment to learn.
- While compact, some users might prefer an even smaller footprint for very tight spaces.
This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering great versatility and convenience. It’s a smart choice for busy households looking for a high-performing, multi-functional appliance.
5. Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper. This sleek stainless steel microwave packs a punch with 1000 watts of power, making meal prep a breeze. Its compact size is perfect for any kitchen counter, and it comes loaded with features to make cooking simple and safe.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1000-watt cooking heats food fast.
- Ten power levels and multi-stage cooking give you control.
- Six one-touch auto cook settings (popcorn, potato, pizza) take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Defrost by weight or time is super convenient.
- The 1.1 cu. ft. size is great for small spaces but cooks like a full-sized microwave.
- Easy-to-clean interior and exterior save you time.
- Clear LED display, kitchen timer, and clock keep you on track.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- Child safety lock provides peace of mind.
- Express cooking and Add 30 Seconds controls make quick reheating even faster.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, some users might prefer an even smaller unit for very tight spaces.
- The stainless steel finish, while attractive, may show fingerprints more easily than other materials.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance. It balances power, convenience, and safety in a stylish package.
Choosing Your Perfect Oven Microwave: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
An oven microwave is a kitchen superstar! It bakes, broils, and microwaves, all in one handy appliance. This guide helps you find the best one for your home.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you shop for an oven microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for individuals or small kitchens. Larger ones are better for families or when you cook big meals.
- Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most oven microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. More power is usually better, but check if your kitchen’s electrical system can handle it.
- Cooking Functions: Does it just microwave, or does it also bake and broil? Some have special settings for popcorn, pizza, or defrosting. Think about what you cook most often.
- Convection Cooking: This feature uses a fan to circulate hot air. It makes food crispier and cooks it more evenly, just like a regular oven. This is a big plus for an oven microwave.
- Grill Function: A grill element can brown and crisp the top of your food. It’s great for making toast or finishing off dishes.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a rotating plate that turns your food. This helps it cook evenly. Some have a large turntable, which is good for bigger dishes.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for a microwave with a smooth interior. Some have special non-stick coatings that make cleaning a breeze.
Important Materials
The materials used in an oven microwave affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are very durable and easy to clean. They also reflect heat well, which can help food cook faster. Enamel interiors are cheaper but can scratch more easily.
- Exterior: Stainless steel exteriors look sleek and modern. They are also easy to wipe down. Plastic exteriors are more affordable.
What Makes Quality Shine (and Diminish)
Several things make an oven microwave great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built oven microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should feel responsive.
- Even Cooking: This is super important! Does the microwave cook food all the way through without hot or cold spots? Convection features usually help with this.
- User-Friendly Controls: Can you easily set the cooking time and power level? Are the buttons clearly labeled? A complicated control panel can be frustrating.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves are louder than others. If you have an open-plan kitchen, a quiet model might be better.
- Durability: A good oven microwave should last for many years. Read reviews to see what other people say about how long their appliances lasted.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your oven microwave matters a lot.
- Quick Meals: For busy weeknights, the microwave function is perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals.
- Baking and Roasting: If you love to bake small batches of cookies or roast a chicken, the oven and convection features are your best friends.
- Toasting and Grilling: Need a quick toast or want to add a crispy topping to your casserole? The grill function comes in handy.
- Space Saving: If you have a small kitchen, an oven microwave can replace both a traditional oven and a microwave, saving precious counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a regular microwave and an oven microwave?
A: A regular microwave only microwaves food. An oven microwave can also bake, broil, and often has convection cooking.
Q: Is convection cooking really better?
A: Yes, convection cooking uses a fan to move hot air around. This makes food cook faster and more evenly. It also makes things crispy.
Q: How much wattage do I really need?
A: Most people find 900-1000 watts to be a good balance for fast and even cooking. More wattage cooks faster.
Q: Can an oven microwave replace my big oven?
A: For small families or limited space, yes! It can do many of the same things. However, a full-size oven is better for very large meals or baking multiple items at once.
Q: Are stainless steel interiors worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, stainless steel is very durable and easy to clean. It also helps food cook better by reflecting heat.
Q: How do I clean an oven microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some have special self-cleaning features.
Q: What is a turntable, and why is it important?
A: A turntable is a rotating plate inside the microwave. It turns your food so it cooks evenly on all sides.
Q: Can I put metal in an oven microwave?
A: You can usually put metal racks in for broiling or convection cooking. However, never put metal in when using the microwave function, as it can cause sparks.
Q: What are “preset cooking programs”?
A: These are buttons for common foods like popcorn or pizza. You press the button, and the microwave sets the time and power for you.
Q: How much space does an oven microwave need around it?
A: Always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, you need a few inches of space around the sides and back for ventilation.
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.