Imagine a kitchen gadget that can reheat your leftovers in a flash, bake a batch of cookies to golden perfection, and even roast a small chicken – all in one sleek appliance. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! This is the magic of a microwave with convection capabilities, a true workhorse for any modern kitchen.
But with so many models boasting this dual functionality, how do you pick the one that’s right for you? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by confusing features and technical jargon. You want a machine that saves you time and space, but also delivers delicious results without breaking the bank or confusing you with complicated settings.
In this post, we’re going to cut through the clutter. We’ll explore what makes a convection microwave so special, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to get the most out of its amazing capabilities. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which convection microwave will be your new best friend in the kitchen.
Our Top 5 Microwave With Convection Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave With Convection Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse that does more than just heat up leftovers. This appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more into one sleek, black stainless steel unit. It’s designed to make cooking easier and healthier, fitting perfectly on your countertop.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine: You can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and even use it for low-temperature cooking or odor removal.
- Healthy air frying: Enjoy crispy fried foods with less oil, keeping your meals healthier.
- Powerful cooking: With 1000 watts of microwave power, it cooks food quickly.
- Spacious inside: The 1.0 cubic foot capacity and 12.4-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Smart turntable: The position memory turntable remembers where your food started, so it’s easy to grab after cooking.
- Safety first: The two-step child lock prevents little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Easy to use: Features like one-touch popcorn and simple knobs make cooking a breeze.
- Looks great: The classic black stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The child lock requires specific steps to open, which might take a moment to learn.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience for all your cooking needs.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It can do more than just heat up leftovers. This countertop appliance can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and even use convection cooking. Its stainless steel design looks nice on any counter. Plus, it’s powerful at 900 watts and has a handy child-lock feature.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so it does many cooking jobs: microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 power levels and 7 helpful auto menus for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The air fryer has 11 special presets for things like French fries, chicken wings, and fish sticks, making cooking easy.
- You can start cooking quickly with the “Speedy Cooking” feature, which adds 30 seconds with each press.
- The child-lock setting is a great safety feature, preventing accidental button presses.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for larger families or for cooking big meals.
- While it offers many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering many cooking options in one compact unit. It’s a smart choice for quick meals and diverse cooking needs.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen gadget that does more than just heat up leftovers. This stainless steel appliance packs a punch with its 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity. It’s a great addition to any countertop, dorm room, or small kitchen, offering multiple cooking options in one sleek package. Plus, it has a child lock to keep little hands safe.
What We Like:
- Air Fry Mode: Makes your favorite snacks crispy and healthier. You can fry foods with less oil.
- Convection Mode: Cooks food evenly and gives it a nice golden-brown finish. A special rack helps air circulate for better results.
- Broil Mode: Lets you get that grilled effect right in your microwave. It sears and caramelizes food perfectly.
- Preset Controls: Makes cooking simple. Just select options like “Fries” for easy, tasty meals.
- Compact Size: It fits well in small spaces like dorm rooms or offices without taking up too much room.
- Child Lock: This feature adds safety by preventing accidental use by kids.
- Glass Turntable: Rotates food while it cooks, making sure everything is heated evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for using all four functions (microwave, air fry, broil, convection) might take a little getting used to.
- While it’s compact, some might wish for a slightly larger interior for bigger meals.
This GE microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy individuals or those with limited kitchen space. It offers a wide range of cooking capabilities that make meal prep a breeze.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(SS). This kitchen helper does more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and even a combination cooker, all in one sleek silver package. Its large capacity and smart features make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, or use a combination of microwave and convection. This means you can cook a wider variety of foods.
- The air fryer function lets you enjoy crispy, fried foods with less fat, so it’s a healthier option.
- It has smart sensor cooking that automatically adjusts cooking time and power for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity and 13.6-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stainless steel interior is stylish and easy to clean.
- It has helpful features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, and a kitchen timer.
- The mute function is a great addition; you can turn off the buzzer sound by holding down the “8” button.
- It offers 1000 watts of microwave power for quick cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior is described as stainless steel for the door frame but black for the enclosure, which might not be the look everyone wants.
- Some users might find the controls a little complex at first due to the many functions.
This Toshiba air fryer combo microwave is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking and offers healthier alternatives for your favorite meals.
5. Emerson MWG1191SB Microwave with Built-in Grill Function
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Emerson MWG1191SB, a microwave that does more than just heat your food. It brings a grill right to your kitchen counter! This stylish stainless steel appliance is packed with features to make cooking easier and more fun. From crispy pizzas to perfectly browned casseroles, this microwave handles it all.
What We Like:
- It’s a microwave and a grill in one. You can crisp up pizzas or brown your favorite dishes.
- It’s powerful with 1100 watts of microwave power. You can choose from 11 different power levels to cook just right.
- It looks great in any kitchen. The stainless steel finish is modern and easy to wipe clean.
- It’s super easy to use with cool retro-style controls and a shiny chrome handle.
- It has 9 helpful cooking presets for things like popcorn and vegetables. Thawing food is quick and safe with the defrost options.
- The LED timer display is clear and easy to read.
- A child lock keeps little hands safe.
- It has a good size of 1.1 cubic feet, perfect for most meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- The retro controls, while stylish, might take a moment to get used to if you prefer digital buttons.
- While the grill function is great for browning, it won’t replace a full outdoor grill for large cooking jobs.
This Emerson microwave offers fantastic versatility and a touch of retro charm for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their countertop cooking.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Microwave with Convection
Microwaves with convection are super handy kitchen helpers. They do more than just reheat your leftovers. They can bake, roast, and even toast! This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you shop for a microwave with convection, keep these important features in mind:
- Convection Power: This is how well the oven circulates hot air. Higher wattage means faster and more even cooking. Look for at least 1000 watts for the microwave function and a good convection wattage, too.
- Capacity: How much food can you fit inside? Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for one or two people. Larger ones are better for families or when you want to cook a whole chicken.
- Turntable: A rotating plate helps food cook evenly. Most microwaves have this. Some have a larger turntable for bigger dishes.
- Presets and Auto-Cook: These are helpful buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. You just select the food, and the microwave does the rest!
- Grill Function: Some models have a grill element. This is great for browning and crisping food, like the top of a casserole.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature automatically detects how much moisture is in your food and adjusts the cooking time and power. It helps prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Smart Features: Some newer microwaves connect to Wi-Fi. You can control them with your phone or use voice commands.
Materials That Matter
The inside of your microwave is usually made of stainless steel or a coated metal.
- Stainless Steel: This material is strong and easy to clean. It also looks nice.
- Coated Metal: This is also durable. Make sure the coating is smooth and doesn’t have any chips.
The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a mix. Stainless steel looks modern and is easy to wipe down. Plastic can be lighter and less expensive.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make a microwave with convection work better or worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built microwave feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. The buttons should be easy to press.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly. You shouldn’t have hot spots or cold spots.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes cleaning a dirty microwave. Look for models with easy-to-wipe interiors and perhaps a steam clean function.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, check reviews for noise levels.
- Durability: A good microwave should last for many years. Read reviews to see how long other people’s microwaves have lasted.
Using Your Microwave with Convection: User Experience and Use Cases
Microwaves with convection are super versatile.
- Everyday Reheating: Of course, they still reheat food quickly.
- Baking Small Treats: You can bake cookies, muffins, or small cakes. The convection feature helps them brown nicely.
- Roasting: Roast vegetables or small cuts of meat. The circulating hot air cooks them evenly.
- Toasting: Some models can toast bread or bagels.
- Crisping: Use the convection or grill function to make crispy pizza crusts or roasted chicken skin.
- Quick Meals: They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal fast. You can cook a whole meal in one appliance.
Think about what you will use it for most. If you plan to bake often, look for a model with good convection power and even heating. If you just need a microwave that can do a little extra, a simpler model might be fine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a regular microwave and a microwave with convection?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A microwave with convection also has a heating element and a fan that circulates hot air, like a regular oven. This allows it to bake, roast, and brown food.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a convection microwave?
A: Yes! That’s one of the best things about a convection microwave. The fan helps the cake bake evenly and get a nice golden-brown top.
Q: How do I clean a microwave with convection?
A: You can usually clean it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some models have a steam clean feature which makes cleaning easier. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Is a convection microwave much bigger than a regular microwave?
A: They are often similar in size on the outside. The inside might have a bit less space because of the convection fan and heating element, but they are still quite roomy.
Q: Do I need to use special cookware in a convection microwave?
A: For the microwave function, you need microwave-safe dishes. For the convection function, you can use oven-safe cookware like glass, ceramic, or metal baking pans.
Q: How long do convection microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a convection microwave can last for many years, often 7 to 10 years or even longer.
Q: Are convection microwaves more expensive than regular microwaves?
A: Generally, yes. The added features like the convection heating and fan make them cost a bit more, but they offer more cooking options.
Q: Can I use the microwave and convection functions at the same time?
A: Yes, many models allow you to combine both functions. This is called “combi-cooking” and it cooks food faster and makes it crispier.
Q: What does “wattage” mean for a convection microwave?
A: Wattage is a measure of power. Higher wattage means the microwave heats up faster and cooks food more efficiently. Look for a good wattage for both the microwave and convection functions.
Q: Are convection microwaves safe to use?
A: Yes, they are very safe when used according to the instructions. They have safety features to ensure they only operate when the door is closed.
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!