Imagine a kitchen appliance that can reheat leftovers in a flash, bake a perfect batch of cookies, and even roast a chicken – all in one sleek package. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s closer than you think, thanks to the magic of the convection microwave!
But let’s be honest, stepping into the world of kitchen tech can feel overwhelming. When it comes to convection microwaves, the sheer number of features and brands can leave you scratching your head. Are all those fancy settings really worth it? How do you know which one will actually make your life easier and your cooking better?
This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a convection microwave so special, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to get the most out of yours. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be confident in choosing the perfect convection microwave to transform your kitchen and your cooking.
Our Top 5 Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Convection Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the TOSHIBA 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven. This stylish black stainless steel appliance does more than just reheat leftovers; it’s a versatile cooking powerhouse. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and a broiler all in one compact unit. You can even use it for low-temperature cooking and odor removal. Plus, its 1.0 Cu.Ft. capacity is surprisingly roomy, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
What We Like:
- Eight cooking functions in one appliance: microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost.
- Healthy air frying lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil.
- Powerful 1000-watt microwave output cooks food quickly.
- The 12.4-inch position memory turntable ensures your food is always centered for even cooking.
- The two-step child lock is a great safety feature for families.
- Compact size fits easily on your countertop, but it has a large interior capacity.
- Convenient one-touch popcorn button and easy-to-use knobs make cooking simple.
- The sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction for the two-step child lock might require careful attention to the included diagram.
- While compact, it’s still a countertop appliance and takes up space.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options and convenience for busy households.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen multitasker that does more than just reheat leftovers. This countertop appliance can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast. It’s a great way to save counter space with just one appliance handling many cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can do lots of different cooking with it.
- The air fryer has 11 special menus for common foods like fries and chicken.
- It has a quick start button that cooks at full power for 30 seconds.
- The child-lock feature keeps little ones from messing with the buttons.
- It has 10 different cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The capacity is 0.9 cu. ft., which might be small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many functions, some users might find learning all the settings takes a little time.
This BLACK+DECKER oven is a handy addition to any kitchen. It offers a lot of cooking options in one compact unit.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a real game-changer for any kitchen! It’s not just a microwave; it’s an air fryer, broiler, and convection oven all in one. This stainless steel appliance is compact, fitting easily on countertops or in dorm rooms. With 1,050 watts of power and 1.0 cubic feet of space, it handles all your cooking needs. Plus, it has a handy child lock feature for safety.
What We Like:
- The air fry mode cooks food crispy and healthy.
- Convection mode makes food golden brown and evenly cooked.
- Broil mode sears and caramelizes food perfectly.
- Preset controls make cooking simple, like for fries and nuggets.
- The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety.
- It’s powerful yet compact, fitting in small spaces.
- The glass turntable ensures food cooks evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 1.0 cu. ft. capacity a bit small for larger meals.
- Learning all four cooking modes might take a little time for new users.
This GE microwave oven offers incredible versatility and convenience. It’s a fantastic addition to any home or dorm, making cooking easier and more enjoyable.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(BS). This black stainless steel appliance is a true kitchen game-changer. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile helper for all your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combination cooking. This means you can do so much more than just reheat leftovers.
- Enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fryer feature. Get that crispy taste without all the extra oil.
- The convection cooking option combined with microwave power helps create better textures. It has helpful auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting.
- It’s large enough for families. The 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stylish black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. The interior is also stainless steel and easy to clean.
- It has handy features like one-touch popcorn, a memory function, and speedy cooking. The mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeps.
- The position memory turntable remembers where your food stopped, so it’s easy to put it back in the right spot.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
This Toshiba combo oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and versatility for everyday cooking.
5. Chefman MicroCrisp Countertop Microwave Oven and Convection Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Say goodbye to soggy leftovers and hello to crispy perfection with the Chefman MicroCrisp Countertop Microwave Oven and Convection Oven. This black, 0.8 cubic foot appliance is a game-changer for busy kitchens, combining the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of a convection oven. Its sleek design fits right on your countertop, making it a stylish and functional addition to any home.
What We Like:
- No more soggy food! The integrated crisper gives your leftovers a delightful crunch.
- It can air fry fries or cook raw chicken, making it super versatile.
- Power combo cooking lets you microwave and then crisp in one appliance.
- The guided touchscreen makes cooking easy and takes the guesswork out of it.
- Six guess-free presets mean you can cook your favorites perfectly every time.
- The alarm mute function is great for keeping things quiet, especially with little ones around.
- It’s perfectly sized for most kitchens, not too big and not too small.
- The 900W microwave and 1800W convection oven offer plenty of cooking power.
- Cleaning is a breeze with an easy-wipe interior and a dishwasher-safe plate.
- Chefman offers trusted quality with UL approval and a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.8 cubic foot capacity might be a bit small for larger meals or families.
- While versatile, mastering the “power combo” cooking might take a little practice.
If you’re looking for a kitchen helper that can do it all, from reheating to crisping, the Chefman MicroCrisp is a fantastic choice. It brings convenience and delicious results to your everyday cooking.
Your Guide to Choosing a Convection Microwave
A convection microwave is a kitchen superhero. It can do more than just reheat leftovers. It can bake, roast, and grill too! This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
1. Convection Cooking Power
This is the most important feature. Look for a microwave with a strong convection fan and heating element. This helps food cook evenly and get crispy.
2. Wattage
Higher wattage means faster cooking. For most families, 1000 watts or more is a good choice. This will cook your food quickly and efficiently.
3. Capacity
Think about how much food you usually cook. Microwaves come in different sizes. A smaller one is good for one or two people. A larger one is better for families.
4. Preset Cooking Modes
Many convection microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These make cooking easier. You just press a button, and the microwave does the rest.
5. Turntable or No Turntable
A turntable spins your food to cook it evenly. Some newer models use air circulation instead of a turntable. Both work well, but a turntable is a classic choice.
6. Interior Material
Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Ceramic interiors are also good and resist scratches. Avoid plastic interiors if possible, as they can wear out faster.
7. Ease of Use and Cleaning
Look for a microwave with simple controls that are easy to understand. A smooth interior that wipes clean easily will save you time and effort.
Important Materials
The inside of your convection microwave is usually made of stainless steel or ceramic. Stainless steel is strong and looks good. Ceramic is also tough and doesn’t get scratched easily. The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel exteriors are more durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes it Better:
- A strong convection fan for even cooking.
- Precise temperature control for baking.
- Durable interior materials like stainless steel.
- Easy-to-use controls and helpful presets.
- Good brand reputation and warranty.
What Makes it Worse:
- A weak convection fan that doesn’t circulate air well.
- Inconsistent heating, leaving cold spots.
- Flimsy plastic parts that can break.
- Complicated controls that are hard to figure out.
- Poor customer service or short warranty.
User Experience and Use Cases
A convection microwave is very versatile. You can use it for everyday tasks like heating up soup or cooking frozen meals. But it can also bake cookies, roast chicken, or grill vegetables. Imagine baking a cake or toasting bread perfectly. It’s like having a mini oven and microwave in one appliance!
For busy families, it saves time. You can cook a whole meal faster. For small kitchens, it saves space. You don’t need a separate oven. It’s great for dorm rooms, apartments, or anywhere space is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave heats food with waves. A convection microwave adds a fan and a heating element. This allows it to circulate hot air, like a regular oven. This makes food crispy and brown.
Q: Can I bake in a convection microwave?
A: Yes! That’s the best part. You can bake cakes, cookies, bread, and more. The convection fan helps cook them evenly.
Q: Is a convection microwave hard to use?
A: Most are designed to be easy. They have clear buttons and often have preset cooking options. You just need to select the right mode.
Q: How do I clean a convection microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some interiors are non-stick, making them easier to wipe down.
Q: What size convection microwave do I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and the types of food you make. Smaller ones are good for one person, while larger ones are for families.
Q: Can I use metal in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can usually use metal when you are using the convection or grill settings. However, you cannot use metal when you are using the microwave function only.
Q: How long do convection microwaves last?
A: With good care, a convection microwave can last for many years, often 5 to 10 years or more.
Q: Are convection microwaves energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than a large oven for smaller meals. They also cook food faster, which uses less energy overall.
Q: What is the best wattage for a convection microwave?
A: For faster cooking and better performance, aim for 1000 watts or higher.
Q: Can I use both microwave and convection at the same time?
A: Yes, many models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This can cook food very quickly while still getting it browned and crispy.
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.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!