Tired of juggling multiple kitchen appliances? Imagine baking cookies, reheating leftovers, and toasting bread all from one sleek machine on your countertop. Sounds amazing, right? But when it comes to finding the perfect Rated Countertop Microwave Convection Oven, it can feel like a maze. So many brands, so many features, and what does “convection” even really mean for your cooking?
Choosing the right one can be tough. You want something that cooks evenly, heats fast, and doesn’t take up your whole counter. Plus, you don’t want to waste money on a gadget that doesn’t live up to its promises. We get it! That’s why we’ve done the digging for you.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a Rated Countertop Microwave Convection Oven truly great. We’ll look at top-rated models and explain the key features that matter. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to find the best fit for your kitchen and your cooking adventures. Let’s dive in and discover your next favorite kitchen helper!
Our Top 5 Rated Countertop Microwave Convection Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Countertop Microwave Convection Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen game-changer. This sleek black stainless steel appliance is packed with features to make cooking easier and healthier. From air frying crispy chicken to baking a cake with convection, this microwave does it all. Its compact size fits perfectly on your countertop, but don’t let that fool you – it boasts a generous 1.0 cu.ft. capacity.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 powerhouse: microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost.
- Enjoy healthier meals with the air fryer function that uses less fat.
- The 1000-watt microwave power cooks food quickly.
- A 12.4-inch position memory turntable fits large items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenient one-touch popcorn button and easy-to-use knobs simplify operation.
- The two-step child lock adds an important safety feature.
- The stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user needs to follow specific steps to open the machine due to the child lock.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven offers incredible versatility and convenience for your kitchen. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven. This versatile countertop appliance is a true game-changer, offering five cooking functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast. It’s designed to handle all your culinary adventures, from quick snacks to full meals. With a sleek stainless steel finish and a compact 0.9 cu. ft. size, it fits perfectly on any counter. This microwave boasts 900 watts of power, ensuring fast and efficient cooking.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, grill, bake, and roast all in one.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking of common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- The air fryer function comes with 11 presets for popular items like fries and chicken wings.
- You can start cooking immediately by pressing the start button for 30-second bursts.
- The child-lock feature keeps little ones from accidentally changing settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or cooking big dishes.
- While it has many presets, some users might prefer more manual control over cooking times and temperatures for all functions.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone looking for convenience and versatility in their kitchen. It makes cooking easier and more fun.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(SS), a versatile kitchen powerhouse that does more than just heat up leftovers. This 4-in-1 appliance combines microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and combination cooking, making it a true game-changer for your countertop. It’s designed to simplify your cooking and bring healthier options to your table.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, offering microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking for lots of cooking options.
- The air fryer lets you enjoy crispy food with less fat, keeping the original taste.
- It cooks food with a better texture by combining microwave and convection.
- Auto bake, defrosting, and roast menus, plus sensor menus for popular foods, make cooking easy.
- Its large 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stainless steel finish looks stylish and is easy to clean.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, and a mute button add to its user-friendliness.
- The mute function is great for quiet kitchens.
- It has 1000 watts of microwave power for quick cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- The stainless steel finish on the door frame is great, but the enclosure being black might not match all kitchen decors perfectly.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition for anyone looking for convenience and healthy cooking options in one sleek appliance. It truly simplifies meal preparation for busy households.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave that’s more than just a microwave. It’s also an air fryer, broiler, and convection oven all rolled into one sleek stainless steel package. This 1,050-watt, 1.0 cubic foot appliance is a kitchen essential, perfect for your countertop or even a dorm room. It’s designed for convenience and versatility, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispy foods like fries and chicken wings without all the oil.
- CONVECTION MODE: Get perfectly golden-brown results thanks to even heat circulation.
- BROIL MODE: Sear and caramelize your favorite dishes with the power of a built-in broiler.
- PRESET CONTROLS: Simple buttons for common foods make cooking quick and accurate.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: It’s small enough for any space but packs a punch with 1,050 watts.
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: Keep little hands safe with this important safety feature.
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Ensures your food cooks evenly all the way through.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many functions, the learning curve for mastering all the modes might take some time.
- The compact size, while a pro for space-saving, means it might not be ideal for cooking very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
The GE GCST10A1WSS is a fantastic multi-tasker that simplifies cooking. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen, dorm, or office looking for a powerful and versatile appliance.
5. TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo – a true kitchen champion that does it all! This isn’t just a microwave; it’s your all-in-one cooking solution. From crisping up fries to baking a cake, this machine handles it with ease. It’s designed to save you counter space and make cooking simpler and more delicious.
What We Like:
- Ultimate Versatility: It works as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster, toasts bread, and even makes yogurt. It’s a real space-saver!
- Smart Inverter Technology: The built-in humidity sensor adjusts cooking perfectly, so food is never under or overcooked. It also cooks evenly, meaning no more cold spots.
- Healthier, Crispier Food: The air fryer function uses 360° heat to make food golden and crispy with less oil. Enjoy your favorite fried foods guilt-free.
- Faster Cooking: Special Combi-Modes mix microwave, convection, and grill power to speed up cooking and give you tender insides with crispy outsides.
- Easy Recipes: It comes with a cookbook of 47 recipes. Plus, with many auto menus and presets, even beginners can cook like a pro.
- Quiet Operation: The mute function lets you cook without noisy beeps, perfect for early mornings or late nights.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While it has many functions, mastering all the combi-modes might take a little practice.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering incredible versatility and smart cooking features. It makes preparing a wide range of meals easy and enjoyable.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Countertop Convection Microwave Oven
What is a Countertop Convection Microwave Oven?
A countertop convection microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that does more than just reheat food. It can also bake, roast, and broil like a regular oven. This makes it a versatile tool for cooking all sorts of meals. It sits on your kitchen counter, so you don’t need to install it into your cabinets.
1. Key Features to Look For
What makes a convection microwave oven great?
When you shop for one, keep these important features in mind:
- Convection Cooking: This is the main star! It uses a fan to circulate hot air. This cooks food evenly and makes it crispy.
- Microwave Power: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts.
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? Measure your favorite dishes to see what size you need. Common sizes are 1.0 to 2.2 cubic feet.
- Turntable: This spins your food for even heating in microwave mode. Some models let you turn it off for larger dishes.
- Pre-programmed Settings: These are buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. They take the guesswork out of cooking times.
- Grill/Broil Function: This feature uses a heating element from above to brown and crisp food, like a broiler in a traditional oven.
- Control Panel: Is it easy to use? Digital displays and touch controls are usually user-friendly.
2. Important Materials
What is it made of?
The materials used affect how well the oven cooks and how long it lasts.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Some have non-stick coatings.
- Exterior: Most are made of stainless steel or durable plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to wipe down.
- Door: A glass door lets you see your food cooking. It should have a sturdy handle.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes it good or not so good?
Here are things that can make a big difference in your cooking experience:
- Even Cooking: A good convection fan ensures food cooks evenly. Poorly designed fans can lead to hot spots.
- Durability: Well-made appliances last longer. Check reviews for comments on how long the oven has worked for other people.
- Ease of Cleaning: A smooth interior and exterior makes cleanup a breeze. Removable turntables are also helpful.
- Noise Level: Some convection fans can be noisy. If you’re sensitive to sound, look for models that are quieter.
- Heating Element Power: A stronger heating element in convection mode means faster and crispier results.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use it?
These ovens are super handy for many things:
- Busy Families: Quickly reheat leftovers or cook full meals. Bake cookies or roast chicken with ease.
- Small Kitchens: It’s like having two appliances in one, saving counter space.
- Dorm Rooms or Apartments: Great for students or those without a full kitchen. You can bake, broil, and microwave.
- Healthy Cooking: Convection cooking uses less oil than frying, and roasting vegetables is simple and tasty.
- Baking: Bake cakes, cookies, and pastries. The convection feature helps them brown evenly.
- Roasting: Roast small chickens, vegetables, or pork chops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I bake a cake in a convection microwave oven?
A: Yes! The convection feature helps bake cakes, cookies, and other baked goods evenly and gives them a nice golden-brown crust.
Q: Is a convection microwave oven worth the extra cost?
A: For many people, yes. It offers more cooking options than a regular microwave, saving you from needing a separate toaster oven or small oven.
Q: How do I clean the inside of a convection microwave oven?
A: Most interiors can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, you can use a baking soda paste. Always unplug the oven first.
Q: What’s the difference between convection and regular microwave cooking?
A: Regular microwave cooking uses waves to heat food. Convection cooking uses hot air that circulates to cook food more evenly and make it crispy.
Q: Can I use metal in a convection microwave oven?
A: Yes, you can usually use oven-safe metal bakeware in convection mode. However, *never* use metal in microwave mode, as it can cause sparks and damage the oven.
Q: How long do convection microwave ovens typically last?
A: With good care, most convection microwave ovens can last between 7 to 10 years. Regular cleaning and avoiding misuse will help it last longer.
Q: What size convection microwave oven do I need?
A: Consider how much food you usually cook. If you often cook for a family or bake larger items, a larger capacity (1.5 cubic feet or more) is better. For single people or small meals, a smaller one might be fine.
Q: Are there specific accessories I need for convection cooking?
A: Many models come with a baking rack or tray. You might want to buy additional oven-safe baking dishes or pans that fit inside your oven.
Q: How does the convection fan affect cooking time?
A: Convection cooking can sometimes be faster than traditional oven cooking. You might need to lower the temperature or cooking time slightly when using convection compared to a regular oven recipe.
Q: Can I use both microwave and convection at the same time?
A: Some models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This speeds up cooking while still giving you crispy results.
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.