Imagine a kitchen appliance that can bake a cake, roast a chicken, and reheat your leftovers – all in one sleek package. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that dream is a reality with the combination microwave convection oven. But with so many models out there, choosing the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze. You want to bake golden-brown cookies, but you also need that quick microwave reheat. How do you find an oven that does both brilliantly without breaking the bank or confusing you with too many buttons?
This guide is here to help you conquer that confusion. We’ll break down what makes these ovens so special and what you should look for when you’re shopping. By the end of this post, you’ll understand the key features, know how to compare different models, and feel confident in picking the combination microwave convection oven that will transform your cooking.
Our Top 5 Combination Microwave Convection Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Combination Microwave Convection Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen workhorse that does more than just heat up leftovers. This stylish black stainless steel appliance packs a punch with its ability to microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, and even has a special odor removal mode. Its compact size makes it a great fit for any kitchen, but don’t let its footprint fool you – inside, it boasts a generous 1.0 cubic foot capacity and a large 12.4-inch turntable that can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. Plus, with a powerful 1000-watt microwave output, it cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- Versatile 8-in-1 functionality: Microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost all in one unit.
- Healthy Air Fryer option: Enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- Powerful cooking: 1000-watt microwave output for fast results.
- Spacious interior: 1.0 cu.ft capacity with a 12.4-inch turntable fits large items like a whole chicken or pizza.
- Convenient features: Includes one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, position memory turntable, speedy cooking, multistage cooking, clock, timer, and a mute function.
- Safety first: Features a mandatory two-step child lock to prevent accidental use.
- Stylish design: Classic black stainless steel finish with an easy-to-clean interior.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, please open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure” can be a bit confusing for initial setup.
This TOSHIBA combo oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options and convenient features in a sleek package. It’s a great choice for those looking to simplify their cooking routine.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, a super handy kitchen gadget that does way more than just heat up leftovers. This stainless steel beauty fits right on your countertop and packs a punch with its 900 watts of power. It’s not just a microwave; it’s also an air fryer, a combi oven (which means it can grill and use convection), a baker, and a roaster. This means you can cook almost anything you want with just one appliance.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so it can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast. This makes it super versatile for all your cooking needs.
- It has 10 cooking levels and a 900-watt output, giving you lots of power and options.
- The 11 air fry presets are awesome for quickly cooking favorites like fries, chicken wings, and fish sticks.
- You can start cooking instantly at 100% power with the “Speedy Cooking” feature.
- The child-lock setting is a great safety feature to keep little ones from accidentally changing the settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for cooking large meals or for bigger families.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially if you want to save space and cook a variety of meals. It offers a lot of cooking power and convenient features in one compact unit.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(SS). This appliance does more than just reheat leftovers; it’s a versatile kitchen helper. It combines microwave, air fry, convection, and even a special combo mode. This means you can cook a wider variety of meals with just one machine.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, offering microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking for many different meals.
- The air fryer feature lets you enjoy crispy, tasty fried foods with less oil, making them healthier.
- You can bake, defrost, and roast with pre-programmed settings for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, ensuring great results.
- It has a large 1.5 cubic foot capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable, big enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The sleek stainless steel finish looks stylish on any countertop.
- It includes handy features like one-touch popcorn, a memory function to save your favorite settings, and a mute option so you can turn off the beeping sound.
- With 1000 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the stainless steel finish is attractive, the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen decors perfectly.
- The position memory turntable is a nice feature, but some users might prefer a non-turntable option for specific cooking tasks.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, simplifying cooking and offering a range of healthy and delicious options. It’s a great choice for busy families or anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse that does more than just reheat leftovers. It’s a versatile appliance that can air fry, broil, and even bake with its convection feature. This compact, 1.0 cubic foot stainless steel unit is perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or anywhere you need a multi-functional cooking solution. Its 1,050 watts of power ensure quick and efficient cooking, while the child-lock technology adds an extra layer of safety.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1: You get a microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection oven all in one.
- Healthier Cooking: The air fry mode lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil.
- Even Cooking: The convection mode uses a special rack for air circulation, leading to evenly cooked and golden-brown results.
- Perfectly Seared Food: The broiler mode radiates heat to sear or caramelize your food.
- Easy to Use: Preset controls for common foods like fries and nuggets make cooking simple.
- Safe for Families: The two-step child lock prevents accidental use.
- Space-Saving Design: It’s compact but powerful, fitting easily on countertops or in dorm rooms.
- Even Heating: The glass turntable rotates food for consistent cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal capacity (1.0 cu. ft.) might be small for cooking large meals for a family.
- While it has many functions, the learning curve for mastering all modes might take some time.
This GE microwave oven is a fantastic addition for anyone seeking convenience and versatility in their cooking. It’s a smart choice for modern kitchens and small living spaces.
5. TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet your new kitchen superhero: the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo. This amazing appliance does it all, from microwaving your leftovers to air frying crispy chicken nuggets and baking a cake. It’s a true space-saver, packing the power of a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and even a yogurt maker into one sleek unit.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile and replaces many other appliances.
- The inverter technology cooks food evenly, no more cold spots!
- You can enjoy fried foods with less oil thanks to the air fryer.
- Combi-modes make cooking faster and give you delicious results.
- It comes with a cookbook and lots of auto menus to help you cook.
- The humidity sensor makes sure your food is cooked perfectly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- Learning all the different cooking modes might take a little practice.
This TOSHIBA combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and delicious results for busy home cooks. You’ll love how much time and effort it saves you.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Combination Microwave Convection Oven
Ready to upgrade your kitchen game? A combination microwave convection oven is a super versatile appliance that can bake, roast, and microwave, all in one! It’s like having three ovens in one compact package. Let’s break down what makes a great one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
Capacity
Ovens come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. Smaller families might be fine with a 0.9 cubic foot oven. Larger families or those who entertain a lot might need 1.5 cubic feet or more.
Wattage
Higher wattage means faster cooking. For microwaves, look for at least 900 watts. For convection, higher wattage (like 1500 watts) means your oven heats up and cooks food more evenly.
Convection Cooking Options
Some ovens have just basic convection, while others offer fan-forced convection or even true European convection. True convection uses a third heating element around the fan for the most even cooking and browning. This is great for baking cakes and roasting chicken.
Pre-programmed Settings
Many ovens have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These can make cooking super easy. Some even have sensor cooking that adjusts the time and power based on the food inside.
Turntable or Convection Rack
Most microwaves have a turntable that spins food for even heating. For convection cooking, you’ll usually use a metal rack. Some ovens come with a convection rack that helps air circulate better.
Ease of Cleaning
Look for a stainless steel interior or a non-stick coating. This makes wiping up spills and splatters much easier. Removable turntables are also a big plus.
Important Materials
The materials used in your oven affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is durable, easy to clean, and looks great. It also helps reflect heat for more even cooking.
- Glass Turntable: This is standard for microwave cooking and is easy to remove for cleaning.
- Metal Racks: These are used for convection cooking. Make sure they feel sturdy.
- Exterior Finish: Stainless steel, black, or white are common. Stainless steel is often considered more premium and durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one oven better than another?
Improvements
- Even Heating: A good convection fan and well-placed heating elements ensure your food cooks evenly, without hot spots.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and a clear display make using the oven a breeze.
- Durable Build: Sturdy construction means your oven will last longer.
- Quiet Operation: Some ovens are noisy. Quieter models are more pleasant to use.
Reductions
- Uneven Cooking: Poorly designed convection systems lead to undercooked or burnt spots.
- Flimsy Parts: Thin metal or plastic components can break easily.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read display can be frustrating.
- Poor Insulation: This can lead to the outside of the oven getting too hot.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your new oven?
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave function for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals in a flash.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature is perfect for baking cookies, roasting chicken, or making a small batch of vegetables. It cooks faster and browns food better than a regular microwave.
- Combination Cooking: Some ovens let you combine microwave and convection power. This means you can cook a chicken much faster while still getting a nice crispy skin.
- Defrosting: Most ovens have a defrost setting that uses low power to thaw frozen foods safely.
A combination microwave convection oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. By focusing on these key features and understanding what makes a quality appliance, you can find the perfect one to simplify your cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I bake a cake in a combination microwave convection oven?
A: Yes! The convection feature is designed for baking and roasting, so you can bake cakes, cookies, and more.
Q: Is a combination microwave convection oven hard to use?
A: Most modern ones are quite user-friendly with clear controls and pre-programmed settings. It’s a good idea to read the manual.
Q: How is convection cooking different from microwave cooking?
A: Microwave cooking uses electromagnetic waves to heat food from the inside out. Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, like a traditional oven, for browning and crisping.
Q: Do I need to use special cookware in a combination oven?
A: For microwave cooking, avoid metal. For convection cooking, you can use oven-safe cookware like baking sheets, casserole dishes, and oven-safe glass.
Q: How do I clean a combination microwave convection oven?
A: Most have wipe-clean interiors. You can usually remove the turntable and racks to wash them separately. Always unplug the oven before cleaning.
Q: What is the advantage of a combination oven over separate appliances?
A: It saves counter space and can cook food more efficiently by combining microwave and convection heat.
Q: Are combination ovens energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than a full-sized oven for smaller tasks because they heat up faster and cook food more quickly.
Q: What does “true convection” mean?
A: True convection means the oven has an extra heating element around the convection fan. This provides the most even heat distribution for baking and roasting.
Q: Can I use the microwave and convection functions at the same time?
A: Yes! Many combination ovens allow you to use both functions together. This speeds up cooking and can give you crispy results.
Q: How long do combination microwave convection ovens typically last?
A: With proper care and regular cleaning, a good quality combination oven can last for many years, often 8-15 years.
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.