Imagine this: you’re craving a perfectly crispy baked potato, but your oven takes forever to preheat. Or maybe you need to quickly reheat leftovers, but your microwave just doesn’t give that satisfying warmth. It feels like you’re always choosing between speed and that delicious, perfectly cooked result, doesn’t it?
In today’s busy kitchens, we all want appliances that can do more. That’s where the microwave and oven combination comes in. But with so many different models and features, picking the right one can feel like a puzzle. You want something that cooks food well, saves you time, and fits your kitchen space and budget. It’s a big decision, and the wrong choice can lead to frustration and wasted money.
But what if you could have the best of both worlds? This guide is here to help you navigate the world of microwave and oven combinations. We’ll break down what makes them special, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to choose the perfect one for your needs. Get ready to discover how these handy appliances can transform your cooking experience!
Our Top 5 Microwave And Oven Combination Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave And Oven Combination Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a super versatile kitchen helper. It’s not just a microwave; it can also air fry, bake with convection, broil, and even has a special odor removal mode. This black stainless steel appliance looks great on your counter and offers a lot of cooking options in one compact package.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine, meaning it can do many different cooking jobs like microwaving, air frying, baking, and broiling.
- You can cook healthier fried foods with the air fry feature, using less oil.
- 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 and remembers where it stops.
- It has helpful features like popcorn buttons, easy knobs, and a child lock for safety.
- The black stainless steel finish is stylish and easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The two-step child lock, while safe, requires specific steps to open the machine, which might take a moment to learn.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of convenience, healthy cooking, and modern style. It makes preparing a variety of meals easier and more enjoyable.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen superstar that does more than just heat up leftovers. This countertop appliance can microwave, air fry, grill, bake, and roast your food. It’s a versatile tool for any kitchen, making it easy to prepare a variety of meals.
What We Like:
- It offers five cooking functions in one: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 900 watts of power for efficient cooking.
- The microwave includes 7 auto menus for quick meal preparation.
- It comes with 11 preset air fry menus for popular foods like fries and chicken wings.
- The speedy cooking feature lets you start cooking at 100% power with a single button press.
- A child-lock setting prevents accidental button presses, keeping little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many presets, mastering the combi and convection functions might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy cooks. It simplifies meal prep with its many features and presets.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(SS), a super handy kitchen helper that does more than just heat up leftovers. This 4-in-1 appliance is a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and a combination cooker all rolled into one. It makes cooking easier and can even help you eat healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 machine: microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking.
- You can air fry your favorite foods with less oil for a healthier meal.
- It combines microwave and convection cooking for better food texture and includes helpful auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable fits big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It has a stylish stainless steel look and a quiet mute function so you can turn off the beeping sounds.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and a kitchen timer make cooking a breeze.
- The position memory turntable remembers where your food was on the plate, so it’s easy to start where you left off.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior enclosure is black, with only the door frame being stainless steel, which might not match all kitchen styles.
This Toshiba microwave oven is a versatile addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one smart appliance.
4. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave
Rating: 8.5/10
The Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 is a countertop powerhouse that simplifies your cooking. This brushed stainless steel appliance cleverly blends a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven into one sleek unit, making it ideal for busy kitchens and diverse culinary tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 appliance, so you can air fry, bake, and microwave all in one place.
- The Element IQ System smartly directs power for better cooking results.
- Fast Combi and Cook from Frozen features speed up meal preparation.
- The Power Smoothing Inverter provides even heating, perfect for reheating and defrosting.
- Smart Cook, Reheat, and Defrost presets offer easy, one-touch cooking.
- The soft close door operates quietly, and there’s a mute button to reduce annoying beeps.
- Convenient shortcuts inside the door help with common cooking tasks.
- It comes with a Combi Crisp Pan and Trivet.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.1 cu.ft capacity might be small for larger families or big batches.
- While versatile, mastering all three functions might take some practice.
The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and excellent cooking performance. It’s a smart investment for those who want to cook more efficiently and with greater variety.
5. 24 Inch Built-in Microwave and Convection Oven Combination
Rating: 8.8/10
The ThermoMate 24 Inch Built-in Microwave and Convection Oven Combination is a game-changer for any kitchen. This stylish stainless steel appliance combines the power of a microwave with the versatility of a convection oven, offering a wide range of cooking options. With its 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 1000 watts of microwave power, it can handle everything from quick reheating to elaborate meals. The intuitive touch control LCD display makes selecting cooking modes a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s a dual appliance: It’s both a microwave and a convection oven. This means you can bake, broil, and microwave all in one unit.
- Even cooking: The convection system circulates hot air all around your food, helping it cook evenly and quickly.
- Safe and energy-efficient: The double-layered glass door keeps heat inside for better cooking and keeps the outside cool to touch.
- Versatile cooking accessories: It comes with a reversible ceramic turntable that rotates for even cooking and a wire rack for convection baking or grilling.
- Sleek design: The 24-inch stainless steel finish looks great in any modern kitchen.
- Powerful performance: With 1000 watts of microwave power and a 1700-watt convection element, it cooks food fast and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a built-in unit: This means you need to plan for installation, which might require professional help.
The ThermoMate combination oven offers a fantastic blend of convenience and cooking power. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen’s functionality and style.
Choosing Your Perfect Kitchen Companion: The Microwave and Oven Combination
Why Consider a Microwave and Oven Combo?
Are you short on kitchen space? Do you love to cook but don’t have room for both a microwave and a separate oven? A microwave and oven combination unit might be your answer! These handy appliances do the job of two, giving you more counter space and cooking flexibility. They can microwave food quickly, bake delicious cookies, and even roast a chicken to perfection. Let’s dive into what makes a great combo unit.
Key Features to Look For
1. Cooking Modes:
- Microwave Function: This is a must! It should have adjustable power levels for different foods.
- Convection Baking: This uses a fan to circulate hot air. It cooks food evenly and gives it a nice crispy finish, just like a regular oven.
- Grilling/Broiling: Some units have a grill element. This is great for browning food or making things like grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Steam Cooking: This is a healthier way to cook vegetables and fish. It keeps food moist and flavorful.
2. Capacity and Size:
- Think about how much food you usually cook. Combo ovens come in different sizes. A larger family might need a bigger capacity oven.
- Measure your kitchen space carefully before buying. You don’t want to end up with an appliance that doesn’t fit!
3. Controls and Interface:
- Look for easy-to-use controls. Digital displays and simple buttons make cooking more enjoyable.
- Pre-set cooking programs can be very helpful. They take the guesswork out of cooking certain foods.
4. Safety Features:
- Child lock is important if you have young children. It stops them from accidentally turning the oven on.
- Automatic shut-off is another good safety feature. It turns the oven off after a certain time.
Important Materials
Most microwave and oven combinations are made with stainless steel. This material is strong and looks good in any kitchen. The inside of the oven is usually made of enamel. This coating is easy to clean and can handle high temperatures. The door often has a glass window so you can see your food cooking without opening it.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Combo Oven Great:
- Even Cooking: A good convection fan helps cook food evenly.
- Fast Heating: The microwave function should heat food quickly.
- Durable Build: High-quality materials mean the appliance will last longer.
- Easy Cleaning: Features like self-cleaning or non-stick interiors make upkeep simple.
What Can Make a Combo Oven Less Ideal:
- Uneven Heating: Some cheaper models may not heat food evenly.
- Complicated Controls: If the buttons are confusing, it can be frustrating to use.
- Poor Insulation: This can make the outside of the oven get too hot.
User Experience and Use Cases
Microwave and oven combinations are perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or even as a second oven. They are great for busy people who want to cook quickly. You can use the microwave to reheat leftovers or defrost meat. Then, you can use the convection oven to bake a cake or roast vegetables. Some people even use them for more advanced cooking like sous vide or air frying, depending on the model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can a microwave and oven combination cook food as well as separate appliances?
A: Yes, many modern combination units are very good. They often have advanced features like convection baking that give great results.
Q: Are they energy efficient?
A: They can be. Using the microwave function is usually more energy-efficient than a full-size oven for small tasks.
Q: How do I clean a microwave and oven combination?
A: Cleaning methods vary by model. Many have easy-clean interiors, or you can use specific oven cleaners. Always check the manual.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of these appliances?
A: With proper care, most combination ovens can last 10-15 years.
Q: Can I bake and microwave at the same time?
A: No, you usually cannot use both functions at the exact same moment. You select one mode at a time.
Q: What is the difference between a convection microwave and a combination oven?
A: A convection microwave *is* a type of combination oven. It simply means it has both microwave and convection baking capabilities.
Q: Are they expensive?
A: Prices vary widely. They can be more expensive than a standalone microwave but might be cheaper than buying a separate microwave and oven.
Q: Can I install one myself?
A: Some are countertop models that are easy to set up. Built-in models require more complex installation, and professional help is often recommended.
Q: What kind of cookware can I use in these ovens?
A: For microwave use, use microwave-safe dishes. For oven use, you can use metal cookware, glass, and ceramic dishes.
Q: Do they take up more space than a regular microwave?
A: They are often the same size or slightly larger than a standard microwave, but they replace the need for a separate oven, saving overall space.
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.