Imagine a kitchen helper that can bake cookies, roast chicken, and reheat leftovers all in one sleek appliance. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s the magic of a convection microwave! But wading through all the different models and features can feel like a puzzle. You want the best for your family, but the sheer number of choices can be confusing, leaving you wondering which one truly delivers on its promises.
Choosing the right convection microwave is a big decision. You’re looking for a reliable appliance that fits your cooking style and budget. We understand the frustration of trying to figure out what “rated” really means and which features are worth your hard-earned money. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to cut through the noise.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in understanding what makes a convection microwave truly great. We’ll break down the jargon, highlight the most important features to look for, and help you discover models that are top-rated for their performance and value. Get ready to transform your kitchen experience!
Our Top 5 Rated Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Convection Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse that does more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a versatile appliance that can air fry, bake, broil, and even remove odors, all while looking stylish in your kitchen with its black stainless steel finish. This microwave is designed to make cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine, meaning it can do many different cooking tasks like microwaving, air frying, baking with convection, and broiling.
- You can enjoy healthier fried foods with its air fryer function, using less oil for that same crispy taste.
- The 1000-watt microwave power cooks food quickly.
- Its compact size is great for kitchens with limited counter space, but the 12.4-inch turntable is big enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It has helpful features like a popcorn button, easy knobs, and a position memory turntable that puts the door back in the same spot.
- The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety for families with young children.
- The black stainless steel look is modern and the inside is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The child lock requires a specific two-step process to open, which might take a moment to learn.
- While the footprint is compact, the overall unit might still feel substantial on some countertops.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen looking for versatility and convenience. It’s a smart choice for making a variety of meals, from quick snacks to more elaborate dishes.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to upgrade your kitchen with the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven. This versatile countertop appliance does more than just heat food. It can also air fry, bake, roast, and use convection cooking. It’s a compact powerhouse that fits easily on your counter and helps you make all sorts of delicious meals.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and use combi cooking. This means you can cook almost anything!
- It has 10 cooking levels and 900 watts of power for quick and efficient cooking.
- There are 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and frozen pizza.
- You get 11 air fry presets for popular items like chicken wings and french fries. Cooking is super easy.
- The “Speedy Cooking” feature lets you start cooking at 100% power with just one button press.
- A Child-Lock setting keeps little ones from accidentally changing the settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While it has many functions, learning to use all the combi settings might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a lot of cooking options in one convenient appliance. You’ll find yourself using it for almost every meal.
3. RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft.
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your RV kitchen with the RecPro RV Convection Microwave. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.1 cu. ft. capacity and 120V power, making it a fantastic addition for cooking and reheating. It’s designed as a direct replacement for High Pointe and Greystone models, simplifying installation. Plus, its modern features make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- It has 8 handy Express Cook options for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The child lock setting keeps little ones safe.
- Easy-to-use touch pad controls and a clear 4-digit LED display make operation simple.
- The stainless steel finish looks great in any RV kitchen.
- It’s UL Listed, meaning it meets safety standards.
- It’s a perfect direct replacement for popular RV microwave brands.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions without trim might require careful measuring to ensure a perfect fit in some RV cabinets.
- While the trim dimensions are provided, it’s always good to double-check against your existing cutout.
This RecPro convection microwave is a smart upgrade for any RVer seeking convenience and functionality. It simplifies cooking and ensures you can enjoy delicious meals on the go.
4. RecPro RV Convection Microwave Stainless Steel 1.1 cu. ft
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your RV kitchen with the RecPro RV Convection Microwave. This sleek stainless steel appliance offers a generous 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for cooking meals on the go. It’s a direct replacement for Greystone models, making installation a breeze. This microwave is designed for RV life, providing both microwave and convection cooking functions.
What We Like:
- It has a large 1.1 cu. ft. oven capacity, so you can cook more food at once.
- The multi-stage cooking lets you defrost and then cook your food without extra steps.
- You get 10 pre-programmed convection temperature settings to make cooking easier.
- It’s a direct replacement for Greystone models, saving you installation headaches.
- The stainless steel finish looks great in any RV kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions with the trim are quite large, so measure your space carefully.
- At 41 lbs, it’s not the lightest appliance, which is something to consider for RV weight limits.
This RecPro convection microwave is a solid choice for RV owners looking for a versatile and reliable cooking solution. It offers great features for its price point.
5. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super handy kitchen appliance. It does more than just heat up leftovers. This stainless steel machine is a microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection oven all in one. It’s small enough to fit on your countertop or in a dorm room, but it’s still powerful with 1,050 watts. Plus, it has a child lock feature for safety.
What We Like:
- It has an air fryer mode. You can make your favorite foods crispy and healthier.
- The convection mode cooks food evenly. It uses a special rack for good air flow.
- You can broil food right in the microwave. This gives you that nice seared or caramelized finish.
- It has preset buttons for things like fries and nuggets. This makes cooking quick and easy.
- The two-step child lock keeps little hands out. You can turn it off if you don’t need it.
- It’s compact but powerful. It fits well in small spaces like dorms or offices.
- The glass turntable rotates food. This ensures everything cooks evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.0 Cu. Ft. size might be a bit small for cooking large meals for a family.
- While it has multiple functions, some users might find mastering all of them takes a little practice.
This GE microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, especially for smaller spaces. Its multiple cooking options make it a versatile and useful appliance.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Rated Convection Microwave
A convection microwave is a kitchen superhero! It can microwave your popcorn fast, bake a cake like a regular oven, and even toast your bread to golden perfection. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen.
What to Look for: Key Features
When you shop, keep an eye out for these important features. They make using your convection microwave easier and more fun.
Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. A small one is good for one or two people. A bigger one is better for families or when you cook for lots of friends. Think about how much food you usually make.
Wattage
Wattage is like the microwave’s power. Higher wattage means it cooks food faster. Most good convection microwaves have around 1000 watts or more. This helps your food heat up quickly and evenly.
Convection Cooking Options
This is what makes it special! Look for microwaves with different convection settings. Some have special modes for baking, roasting, or grilling. More options mean you can cook more types of food.
Turntable or Rack System
A turntable helps your food cook evenly by spinning it around. Some microwaves have a rack system instead, which is good for baking or roasting because it lifts your food closer to the heating element. Some even have both!
Ease of Use and Controls
You want a microwave that’s easy to use. Look for clear buttons and a simple display. Some microwaves have preset cooking options for common foods like pizza or potatoes. This makes cooking super simple.
Materials That Matter
The stuff your microwave is made of affects how long it lasts and how well it works.
Interior Material
Most microwaves have stainless steel or enamel interiors. Stainless steel is strong and easy to clean. Enamel is also good but can chip if you’re not careful. Both are better than plastic because they handle heat well.
Exterior Finish
The outside can be stainless steel, black, or white. Stainless steel looks fancy and is durable. Black and white finishes are also common and look nice in most kitchens. Choose one that matches your style.
What Makes a Microwave Great (or Not So Great)
Some things make a convection microwave a winner, while others can be a bummer.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Even Cooking: A good convection microwave cooks food all the way through without cold spots.
- Fast Heating: Higher wattage means quicker meals.
- Versatile Cooking: It should do more than just microwave. Baking and roasting should work well.
- Easy Cleaning: A smooth interior that wipes down easily is a big plus.
- Quiet Operation: You don’t want a microwave that sounds like a jet engine taking off.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is hot on the edges and cold in the middle, it’s not a good microwave.
- Slow Cooking: Low wattage can make cooking take forever.
- Flimsy Build: If the door feels loose or the buttons stick, it might not last long.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stubborn stains that won’t wipe away are frustrating.
- Loud Noises: A noisy microwave can be annoying.
Living the Convection Microwave Life: User Experience and Use Cases
Using a convection microwave is like having a mini-oven and a regular microwave all in one.
For Busy People
Need dinner fast? Use the microwave function to reheat leftovers or cook frozen meals. Then, switch to convection to bake chicken or roast vegetables for a complete meal without using your big oven.
For Small Kitchens
Don’t have space for both a microwave and a regular oven? A convection microwave is your solution! It saves counter space and does the job of two appliances.
For Baking and Roasting Fun
Want to bake cookies or roast a small chicken? The convection feature makes it possible! You can get crispy skins on your chicken or perfectly baked muffins. It’s great for smaller batches.
For Toasting and Grilling
Some models can even toast bread or grill sandwiches. This adds even more ways to use your appliance for quick snacks and light meals.
Your Top 10 Questions Answered: Convection Microwave FAQs
Q1: What is the main difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave uses waves to heat food. A convection microwave has a fan and a heating element like a regular oven, so it can bake, roast, and brown food, not just heat it.
Q2: Can I bake a cake in a convection microwave?
A: Yes! The convection feature is perfect for baking cakes, cookies, and other desserts. It helps them cook evenly and get a nice brown crust.
Q3: How do I know what size convection microwave I need?
A: Think about how many people you usually cook for. For one or two people, a 0.7 to 1.0 cubic foot size is usually fine. For families, look for 1.1 cubic feet or larger.
Q4: Is a convection microwave hard to clean?
A: Most are easy to clean, especially those with stainless steel or enamel interiors. Just wipe them down after use. Some models have self-cleaning features.
Q5: What does “wattage” mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage is the power of the microwave. Higher wattage means it heats food faster. Most convection microwaves are 1000 watts or more, which is good.
Q6: Can I use metal pans in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can use metal pans for baking and roasting in convection mode. However, you cannot use metal in regular microwave mode, as it can cause sparks.
Q7: What are “preset cooking options”?
A: These are buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. You press the button, and the microwave automatically sets the cooking time and power level.
Q8: How does the convection fan work?
A: The fan circulates hot air inside the microwave. This helps food cook more evenly and gives it a crispy texture, like a regular oven.
Q9: Is a convection microwave more energy-efficient than a regular oven?
A: Often, yes. Convection microwaves heat up much faster than full-sized ovens, so they use less energy for smaller cooking tasks.
Q10: What are the best brands for convection microwaves?
A: Popular and well-rated brands include Panasonic, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, and GE. It’s always good to read reviews for specific models.
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!