Imagine a kitchen helper that can bake, roast, and toast, all while also reheating your leftovers with lightning speed. Sounds amazing, right? That’s the magic of a microwave combo oven! But let’s be honest, picking the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze. You want all those cool features, but you don’t want to get confused by all the buttons and settings.
Many people find it tricky to figure out which microwave combo oven truly fits their needs. You might be wondering if you really need all those extra cooking functions, or if it’s worth the extra cost. Will it actually save you time and effort in the kitchen? We get it, and that’s why we’re here to help you cut through the confusion.
In this post, we’ll break down what makes a microwave combo oven so special. We’ll explore the different types available and what each one does best. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how these versatile appliances can transform your cooking routine and help you choose the one that’s just right for your kitchen and your meals.
Our Top 5 Microwave Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen powerhouse that does more than just reheat your leftovers. This sleek black stainless steel appliance is designed to be your go-to for a variety of cooking tasks, from quick meals to healthier fried favorites.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 wonder! Use it as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more. You can bake, grill, and even use a low-temperature setting.
- Enjoy healthier “fried” foods with the air fry function. Get that crispy taste with less oil.
- The 1000-watt microwave power cooks food fast.
- Its compact size fits nicely on your counter but has a large 1.0 cubic foot capacity. A 12.4-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a clock make cooking simple.
- The position memory turntable is smart. It returns to its starting position after cooking.
- Safety is important. The two-step child lock keeps little hands from starting it by accident.
- The black stainless steel looks great in any kitchen. The inside is easy to clean stainless steel too.
- An odor removal mode keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock could be clearer.
- While powerful, the input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some microwaves.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven offers amazing versatility and style for your kitchen. It’s a smart choice for busy households looking for a multi-functional appliance.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, your new kitchen superhero! This countertop appliance does more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a combi oven, a baker, and a roaster all in one. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any counter, and at 0.9 cubic feet, it’s compact enough for most kitchens. With 900 watts of power, it cooks your food quickly and efficiently.
What We Like:
- It’s a true 5-in-1 appliance, handling microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast functions.
- The 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus, including options for popcorn and pizza, make cooking easy.
- You get 11 air fry presets for popular foods like fries, chicken wings, and spring rolls.
- The “Speedy Cooking” feature lets you add 30-second bursts of power with a single button press.
- A handy Child-Lock setting keeps little fingers from accidentally changing settings.
- The stainless steel finish is a stylish addition to any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or big meals.
- Some users might want more advanced customization options beyond the presets.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy kitchens. It simplifies cooking and opens up a world of culinary possibilities with its versatile functions.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s also an air fryer, a broiler, and a convection oven! This stainless steel appliance fits perfectly on your countertop or in a dorm room. It’s compact at 1.0 cubic feet but packs a powerful 1,050 watts of cooking power. Plus, it has a helpful child-lock feature.
What We Like:
- The air fryer mode cooks food to a crispy perfection, and it’s healthier too!
- Convection mode cooks food evenly with its special circulating air rack.
- Broil mode gives your food that delicious seared or caramelized finish.
- Preset controls make cooking simple, like for fries and nuggets.
- The child-lock feature keeps little ones safe from accidental starts.
- It’s a great size for small spaces like dorms or kitchens.
- The glass turntable ensures all your food cooks evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some users might prefer a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints.
This GE microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen or dorm. It offers many cooking options in one convenient appliance.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combination cooking mode. This means you can microwave your food, air fry it for a crispy finish, bake it with convection for even cooking, or even use both microwave and convection together. It’s designed to make cooking healthier and tastier. The smart sensor helps you cook popular foods perfectly. It’s a great appliance for busy families.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, saving counter space.
- The air fryer lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It can cook food with better textures using microwave and convection together.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity fits big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stainless steel finish looks stylish in any kitchen.
- It has helpful features like a mute function, memory function, and speedy cooking.
- The position memory turntable ensures your food cooks evenly.
- The 1000-watt microwave power is strong for quick cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior is stainless steel on the door frame but black on the enclosure, which might not match all kitchen decors.
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning all the functions a little complex.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo offers a lot of cooking options in one appliance. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine and enjoy healthier meals.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and it can even do a combination of microwave and convection cooking. This means you can cook almost anything with this one appliance. It’s designed to make cooking healthier and easier for you and your family.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so it does a lot! You can microwave, air fry, convection bake, and even combine microwave and convection.
- It makes healthy fried foods possible. You can enjoy crispy favorites with less oil.
- It cooks food to a better texture. The combination of microwave and convection is great for baking, roasting, and defrosting.
- It has a large capacity. The 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, perfect for families.
- It looks stylish in your kitchen with its black stainless steel finish. The inside is also stainless steel and easy to clean.
- It has helpful features like a mute button, so you can turn off the beeping sounds. It also has a memory function and speedy cooking options.
- It’s powerful with 1000 watts of microwave power and 10 different power settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many functions, some users might find it takes a bit of time to learn all the settings.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience for a wide range of cooking needs.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Microwave Combo
Why a Microwave Combo?
A microwave combo is a kitchen superhero! It’s more than just a microwave. It also has other cooking functions like convection or grilling. This means you can bake, roast, and toast all in one appliance. It saves space and makes cooking faster and more fun.
Key Features to Look For
Cooking Functions
- Microwave: This is the basic function. Look for different power levels for precise cooking.
- Convection: This uses hot air to bake and roast food like an oven. It makes food crispy and evenly cooked.
- Grill: This uses a heating element to brown and crisp food. It’s great for things like grilled cheese or sausages.
- Combination Cooking: Some models let you use microwave and convection together. This cooks food very quickly and gives it a nice finish.
Capacity and Size
Microwave combos come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. A family might need a larger one (around 1.5 cubic feet or more). A single person or couple might be fine with a smaller one (around 1 cubic foot).
Power (Wattage)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwave combos range from 900 to 1200 watts. More power is generally better, but make sure your kitchen’s electrical outlet can handle it.
Ease of Use
- Control Panel: A clear and easy-to-understand control panel is important. Look for digital displays and simple buttons.
- Presets: Many combos have pre-programmed settings for common foods like popcorn or potatoes. This makes cooking super simple.
- Cleaning: A non-stick interior and a removable turntable make cleaning much easier.
Important Materials
Most microwave combos have an exterior made of stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. The interior is usually coated to resist stains and make cleaning easy. The turntable is typically made of glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good Quality
- Even Cooking: A good microwave combo cooks food evenly without hot or cold spots.
- Durable Build: Sturdy construction means the appliance will last a long time.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-use features make the cooking experience pleasant.
- Effective Convection: The convection feature should heat up quickly and cook food thoroughly.
Lower Quality
- Uneven Heating: Food that is cooked unevenly is frustrating.
- Flimsy Materials: Cheap plastic or thin metal can break easily.
- Confusing Controls: A complicated control panel can make you avoid using certain features.
- Slow Heating: If the convection or microwave takes too long to heat up, it defeats the purpose of a combo.
User Experience and Use Cases
Microwave combos are perfect for busy people. You can quickly reheat leftovers with the microwave function. Then, you can use the convection to bake cookies or roast chicken. Some people use them as their primary oven, especially in small apartments. They are also great for dorm rooms where space is limited.
Imagine this: you want to make a quick dinner. You can microwave some vegetables. Then, you can use the convection to bake a piece of fish. It’s fast and you only have one appliance to clean!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and a microwave combo?
A: A microwave combo has extra cooking functions like convection or grilling, while a regular microwave only microwaves food.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a microwave combo?
A: Yes! If your microwave combo has a convection feature, you can bake cakes, cookies, and other baked goods just like in a regular oven.
Q: How do I clean a microwave combo?
A: Most microwave combos have a non-stick interior. You can wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. The glass turntable can usually be washed in the dishwasher.
Q: Are microwave combos noisy?
A: They can make some noise, especially when the fan for the convection feature is running. However, most modern models are designed to be relatively quiet.
Q: What size microwave combo do I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and the size of your kitchen. Larger families or those who cook a lot might need a bigger capacity.
Q: Is a microwave combo more energy efficient than a regular oven?
A: For smaller meals or quick cooking, a microwave combo can be more energy efficient because it heats up faster and uses less energy overall.
Q: Can I use metal in a microwave combo?
A: You can use metal cookware with the convection or grill functions, just like a regular oven. However, you should never put metal in the microwave function, as it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: What is the lifespan of a microwave combo?
A: With proper care and use, a microwave combo can last for many years, typically between 5 to 10 years.
Q: What should I do if my microwave combo isn’t heating properly?
A: First, check if the microwave is plugged in and the door is fully closed. If the problem continues, consult your user manual or contact the manufacturer for troubleshooting tips or repair services.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with microwave combos?
A: Always follow the user manual instructions. Be careful when opening the door after cooking, as steam can escape. Ensure the appliance is placed on a stable surface and has proper 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.