Imagine a kitchen where you can bake a perfect batch of cookies and then quickly reheat leftovers with just one appliance. Sounds amazing, right? But when you start looking for an oven microwave combo, the sheer number of choices can make your head spin. You want the best of both worlds – the speed of a microwave and the baking power of an oven – but figuring out which one will actually fit your needs and budget is a puzzle.
This is where we come in. We know the frustration of sifting through endless features and trying to understand technical jargon. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a great oven microwave combo, what important features to look for, and how to pick the one that will truly make your kitchen life easier and tastier.
Our Top 5 Oven Microwave Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Oven Microwave Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML2-EC10SA(BS) A. This versatile appliance is more than just a microwave; it’s a kitchen powerhouse designed to simplify your cooking. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop, and it offers a wide range of cooking options to suit all your needs.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine: It microwaves, air fries, bakes with convection, broils, and more! This means you can cook a whole meal in one spot.
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy crispy, delicious fried foods with less oil. It’s a healthier way to get that fried taste.
- Powerful Cooking: With 1000 watts of microwave power, it heats and cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Spacious Interior: Despite its compact size, the 1.0 cu.ft. interior fits large items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. The 12.4-inch turntable remembers its position for easy unloading.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock prevents little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Convenient Features: Enjoy one-touch popcorn, easy-to-use knobs, a clock, and a kitchen timer. The mute function is a nice touch for quiet operation.
- Stylish and Easy to Clean: The black stainless steel exterior is attractive, and the stainless steel interior makes cleanup a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: With so many functions, it might take a little time to learn how to use all its features.
- Odor Removal: While it has an odor removal mode, some users might find that strong smells can still linger after cooking certain foods.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of convenience, health, and style. It’s a great choice for busy families and anyone looking to expand their cooking repertoire.
2. 6.4 cu. ft. Smart Combi Wall Oven with Fan Convection
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for a kitchen revolution with the 6.4 cu. ft. Smart Combi Wall Oven. This amazing appliance makes cooking easier and faster. It’s designed to fit right into your kitchen wall, giving you a modern look. The stainless steel finish with PrintProof technology means fewer smudges, keeping it looking spick and span.
What We Like:
- Cooks Food Fast and Evenly: The fan convection and air fry features cook your favorite meals in less time. You get crispy fries and perfectly roasted chicken every time.
- Super Easy to Use: The SmoothTouch glass controls are a breeze to operate. They look sleek and are simple to clean. Just a gentle touch is all it takes.
- Lots of Cooking Space: With 2 heavy-duty racks and 5 rack positions, you have plenty of room to cook multiple dishes at once. This is great for family dinners or when you have guests over.
- Smart Technology: Connect to your home Wi-Fi. You can control the oven from your smartphone, which is super convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- Initial Setup Time: Some users found the initial setup for the smart features took a little longer than expected.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic functions are simple, mastering all the smart cooking modes might require a bit of practice.
This smart combi wall oven is a fantastic upgrade for any kitchen. It brings speed, convenience, and versatility right to your fingertips.
3. GE JT3800SHSS Electric Combination Wall Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The GE JT3800SHSS Electric Combination Wall Oven in Solid Black is a sleek and modern addition to any kitchen. Its 30-inch size fits most standard wall oven spaces. This oven offers both electric cooking and convection capabilities, giving you flexibility for all your baking and roasting needs. The elegant solid black finish looks great and adds a touch of sophistication.
What We Like:
- The Glass Touch Controls are super easy to use. You can set the temperature fast. Cleaning them is a breeze too.
- The Delay Start feature is really handy. You can set the oven to begin cooking when you want it to, even if you’re not home.
- Control Lock is a great safety feature. It stops anyone from accidentally turning the oven on. This is perfect if you have kids.
- The oven has a large capacity, so you can cook big meals.
- It heats up quickly and cooks food evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The oven can be a bit noisy when the convection fan is running.
- Some users found the initial setup a little confusing.
- The interior light could be brighter.
The GE JT3800SHSS is a solid choice for busy families who want a reliable and stylish oven. It makes cooking easier with its smart features.
4. Samsung Appliance NV51K6650DS 30″ 10.2 cu. ft. Total Capacity Electric Double Wall Oven with Top Broiler
Rating: 8.5/10
The Samsung Appliance NV51K6650DS is a 30-inch electric double wall oven. It has a large 10.2 cubic feet of total capacity, which means you can cook a lot of food at once. This oven also features a top broiler, perfect for getting that crispy finish on your favorite dishes. It comes in a sleek stainless steel finish, making it a stylish addition to any kitchen.
What We Like:
- Huge cooking space: The 10.2 cu. ft. total capacity lets you bake, roast, and broil multiple dishes simultaneously.
- Versatile cooking: The double oven design means you can cook at two different temperatures at the same time, saving you time and effort.
- Convenient top broiler: Quickly brown and crisp up your meals with the easy-to-access top broiler.
- Modern look: The stainless steel finish gives your kitchen a clean and professional appearance.
What Could Be Improved:
- User interface complexity: Some users might find the control panel a bit overwhelming at first.
- Installation: As with most large appliances, professional installation might be recommended for optimal setup.
This Samsung double wall oven offers impressive capacity and flexibility for home cooks. It’s a great choice for families or anyone who loves to entertain.
5. GE JK3800SHSS Combination Wall Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The GE JK3800SHSS Combination Wall Oven in Solid Black is a sleek and modern addition to any kitchen. This 27-inch oven combines two essential cooking appliances into one convenient unit, saving space and offering versatile cooking options. Its sophisticated design and user-friendly features make it a standout choice for home chefs looking to upgrade their culinary experience.
What We Like:
- The Glass Touch Controls are super easy to use. You can set temperatures fast. Cleaning them is a breeze too.
- The Delay Start feature is really helpful. You can tell the oven when to start cooking. This is great for busy schedules.
- Control Lock is a smart safety feature. It stops kids or pets from accidentally turning the oven on. This gives you peace of mind.
- The solid black finish looks very stylish. It can match many kitchen decors.
- Having a combination oven means you get both a regular oven and a convection oven. This gives you more ways to cook your food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 27-inch size might be a bit small for very large families or those who do a lot of big-batch cooking.
- While the touch controls are great, some users might prefer physical knobs for a more tactile feel.
- More color options could be nice for people who want a different look.
This GE combination oven offers a great blend of style and function. Its smart features and easy operation make cooking more enjoyable and safe.
Your Guide to Choosing a Great Oven Microwave Combo
Looking for a kitchen helper that can do it all? An oven microwave combo might be just what you need! These handy appliances combine the speed of a microwave with the baking and roasting power of a regular oven. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for an oven microwave combo, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? Think about the size of your family and what you usually cook. Smaller households might be fine with 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet. Larger families or those who like to cook big meals will need 1.5 cubic feet or more.
- Power Levels: Microwaves have different power settings. More power means faster cooking. Look for combos with a good range of power levels, from low for defrosting to high for quick heating.
- Cooking Functions: Does it just microwave, or can it also bake, roast, broil, or air fry? Many combos offer convection cooking, which uses a fan to circulate hot air. This makes food crispier and cooks it more evenly. Some even have special settings for pizza or popcorn.
- Smart Features: Some models come with Wi-Fi connectivity. This lets you control the appliance with your phone or download new recipes. Voice control is another cool feature.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes scrubbing tough messes. Look for interior surfaces that are easy to wipe clean, like stainless steel or ceramic enamel.
Important Materials
The materials used in an oven microwave combo affect its durability and how well it works.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are popular because they are strong and easy to clean. Ceramic enamel is another good option; it’s also durable and resists scratches.
- Exterior: Most combos have stainless steel exteriors. This looks sleek and matches other kitchen appliances. Some models might have glass doors.
What Makes a Quality Combo (and What Doesn’t)?
Certain things can make your oven microwave combo a joy to use, while others can be frustrating.
- Factors That Improve Quality:
- Even Cooking: A good combo heats food evenly. You won’t find cold spots or overcooked edges.
- Intuitive Controls: Buttons and settings should be easy to understand and use. A clear display helps a lot.
- Durability: Well-built appliances last longer. Look for sturdy construction and quality parts.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves can be noisy. A quieter model is a plus.
- Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Hot Spots: If your food cooks unevenly, it’s a sign of poor heating.
- Confusing Controls: If you can’t figure out how to use it, it’s not a good appliance.
- Cheap Materials: Flimsy plastic parts or thin metal can break easily.
- Short Lifespan: An appliance that breaks down after a year or two is a waste of money.
User Experience and Use Cases
An oven microwave combo is super versatile. It’s perfect for:
- Busy Weeknights: Quickly reheat leftovers or cook a frozen meal with the microwave. Then, use the oven function to bake chicken or roast vegetables.
- Small Kitchens: If you don’t have space for both a separate oven and microwave, a combo saves precious counter or cabinet space.
- Entertaining: Bake cookies while warming appetizers in the microwave. You can do multiple things at once!
- Quick Snacks: Need to toast a bagel or melt some cheese? The microwave is fast. Want to crisp up some fries? The oven or convection setting works wonders.
- Precise Cooking: Many combos have specific sensor cooking programs. These automatically adjust cooking time and power for perfect results without you having to guess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is an oven microwave combo?
A: It’s a kitchen appliance that works as both a microwave and a regular oven. You can use it for quick heating or for baking and roasting.
Q: Are oven microwave combos hard to use?
A: Most are designed to be easy to use. They have clear controls and often have preset cooking options.
Q: Can I bake a cake in an oven microwave combo?
A: Yes, many models have a convection oven feature that allows you to bake cakes, cookies, and other desserts just like in a regular oven.
Q: How much space do I need for an oven microwave combo?
A: They come in different sizes. Measure the space where you plan to put it. Check the dimensions before you buy.
Q: Are they energy efficient?
A: Newer models are often designed to be more energy efficient than older appliances.
Q: What is convection cooking?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to move hot air around. This cooks food faster and makes it crispier.
Q: How do I clean the inside?
A: Most have non-stick interiors that you can wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Q: Can I use regular metal pans inside?
A: You can use metal pans for the oven functions, but never in microwave-only mode. Always check your appliance’s manual.
Q: How long do they typically last?
A: With good care, an oven microwave combo can last for many years, often 10 years or more.
Q: What’s the biggest advantage of having one?
A: The biggest advantage is saving space and having two appliances in one. This makes cooking and reheating meals much more convenient.
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.