Imagine a kitchen helper that can whip up a quick snack *and* roast a whole chicken. That’s the magic of an oven microwave! But with so many different kinds out there, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle. Do you go for the one that does it all, or a simpler model? It’s easy to get lost in all the buttons and features!
Choosing the right oven microwave is important because it can save you time and make cooking easier. But the sheer variety can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering which one will truly fit your needs and your budget. You want something that cooks well, is easy to use, and doesn’t take up too much space. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this post, we’ll break down what makes an oven microwave great. We’ll explore the different types and what they do best. By the end, you’ll feel confident about finding the oven microwave that will become your favorite kitchen companion. Get ready to discover the perfect oven microwave for your home!
Our Top 5 Oven Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Oven Microwave 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, a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just heat food. This black stainless steel appliance is designed to be your go-to for cooking, baking, and even air frying, all in one compact unit. It offers a range of cooking options to make meal prep easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more, giving you many cooking choices.
- The healthy air fry feature lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil, making meals better for you.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output, so it cooks food quickly.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough to fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable remembers where your food was, so it can be placed back perfectly after stirring.
- Safety is important with a two-step child lock to keep little hands safe.
- It has a sleek black stainless steel look that will fit nicely in most kitchens.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn and a mute function add to its ease of use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock could be clearer, as users need to follow figures.
- While compact, it might take up a decent amount of counter space for some kitchens.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of convenience, health, and style for all your cooking needs.
2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a silver countertop microwave that makes cooking easy and efficient. It has a 1.2 cubic foot capacity, which is plenty of space for most meals. The 12.4-inch turntable ensures even heating. This microwave also features a smart humidity sensor that automatically adjusts cooking time and power, so your food comes out just right every time. It has 12 auto menus for quick cooking of popular foods, a mute function to silence beeps, an ECO mode to save energy, and an easy-clean interior. With 1000 watts of power, it heats food quickly.
What We Like:
- Smart Sensor Technology cooks food perfectly by automatically adjusting time and power based on moisture.
- Generous 1.2 cu ft capacity and a 12.4-inch turntable fit larger dishes.
- 12 Auto Menus provide quick options for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- 10 power levels offer great cooking flexibility for different tasks.
- Easy Defrost function allows quick thawing by weight or time.
- One-touch start buttons make it super simple to begin cooking for 1-6 minutes.
- Mute Function and ECO Mode add convenience and energy savings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some other microwaves.
- While it has 12 auto menus listed in the title, the features section details 6 preset menus. Clarification on the exact number of presets would be helpful.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for busy kitchens, offering advanced features and user-friendly operation. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and makes meal preparation a breeze.
3. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave. This microwave oven is designed for your kitchen. It has a 1.2 cubic foot capacity, which is a good size for most households. The black color looks sleek on any countertop. It also has a 12.4-inch removable turntable for easy cleaning and even cooking.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor cooks your food perfectly. It adjusts the time and power automatically. No more undercooked or overcooked meals!
- It offers 10 different power levels. This gives you lots of control for different cooking jobs.
- You get 6 preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- The “Easy Defrost” feature lets you thaw food by weight or time.
- A “One Touch Start” button quickly begins cooking for 1 to 6 minutes at full power.
- The Mute Mode is a handy feature. Long-press the “8” button for 3-5 seconds to turn off the buzzer.
- It has an ECO mode to save energy.
- The interior is easy to clean.
- The 1000-watt output power heats food quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might wish for more options.
This TOSHIBA microwave makes cooking easier and more convenient. Its smart features and user-friendly design make it a great addition to any kitchen.
4. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.9/10
The Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven is a compact and powerful kitchen helper. It’s perfect for small spaces and busy households. This 0.7 cu. ft. microwave packs 700 watts of cooking power. You can heat up snacks or cook full meals with ease. Its sleek black design looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra-quick. You can choose from six popular presets like popcorn and pizza.
- It has 10 power levels. You can melt butter or cook food fast.
- The digital controls are easy to use. You can set the time and power level.
- The memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings.
- It has a child safety lock. This keeps the door from opening by accident.
- You can mute the annoying beeps with the Audio Button.
- The modern design fits well in any kitchen.
- It’s easy to clean. The exterior wipes clean, and the turntable is dishwasher safe.
- Chefman offers trusted quality with a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or big dishes.
- While it has presets, some users might prefer more advanced cooking options.
This microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It makes everyday cooking tasks simple and efficient.
5. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.2/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and handy appliance for any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave is designed for simple everyday use, making it easy to heat up snacks or cook quick meals. It’s a great option for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even as a secondary microwave.
What We Like:
- It has helpful pre-programmed buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes.
- The 30-second express cooking button is super convenient for quick reheating.
- The digital display is large and easy to read, and the control panel is simple to understand.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The removable glass turntable is easy to clean.
- The push-button door makes opening the microwave quick and easy.
- It’s a UL approved appliance for safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 700 watts, it might take a bit longer to cook some foods compared to higher-wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cubic feet interior might feel a little small for larger dishes or multiple items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a solid choice for basic microwave needs. It offers convenience and safety features that make it a practical addition to your home.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Oven Microwave Companion
An oven microwave, also known as a convection microwave, is a kitchen superhero. It bakes, broils, and microwaves! This means you can roast chicken, bake cookies, and reheat leftovers all in one appliance. Let’s find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
- Convection Cooking: This is what makes it an oven! A fan circulates hot air, so food cooks evenly and gets crispy, just like in a regular oven.
- Microwave Power (Watts): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Capacity (Cubic Feet): This tells you how much food it can hold. A family of four might need 1.0 cubic feet or more.
- Preset Cooking Programs: Many models have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. This makes cooking super easy.
- Turntable: A rotating plate ensures your food cooks evenly when microwaving.
- Child Lock: A safety feature that prevents little hands from accidentally turning on the oven.
Important Materials
The inside of your oven microwave is usually made of stainless steel or enamel-coated steel. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Enamel is also good, but sometimes it can chip.
The exterior can be stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. Plastic is usually more affordable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Great Oven Microwave?
- Even Cooking: Does it cook food evenly, without hot spots? Good convection fans and turntable action help.
- Easy Controls: Are the buttons and display clear and simple to understand?
- Durability: Does it feel sturdy? Good build quality means it will last longer.
- Quiet Operation: Some oven microwaves can be noisy. Reading reviews can help you find a quieter model.
What Can Make it Less Great?
- Uneven Heating: If your food always has cold spots, it’s frustrating.
- Flimsy Construction: A wobbly door or thin metal can be a sign of lower quality.
- Complicated Controls: If you need a manual just to set the timer, it’s not ideal.
- Poor Cleaning: Some surfaces are harder to wipe clean than others.
User Experience and Use Cases
An oven microwave is for everyone! Busy parents can quickly reheat meals. Baking enthusiasts can make cookies and cakes. Even a beginner cook can roast a whole chicken with ease.
Imagine this: You come home tired. You pop some frozen veggies in to microwave, then decide you want baked salmon. You switch to convection mode and bake it to perfection. That’s the magic of an oven microwave!
It saves space by combining two appliances. It also saves time because you don’t have to wait for a big oven to preheat. It’s a versatile tool that makes cooking easier and more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the difference between a microwave and an oven microwave?
A: A regular microwave just heats food with waves. An oven microwave has a fan that blows hot air, so it can bake and roast like a regular oven, plus microwave.
Q: Can I bake a cake in an oven microwave?
A: Yes! Most oven microwaves have a convection setting that works just like a regular oven. Your cake will come out fluffy and delicious.
Q: How do I clean an oven microwave?
A: You can usually wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough spots, try a mixture of baking soda and water.
Q: Are oven microwaves energy efficient?
A: They can be! Using the microwave function is very efficient. The convection function uses energy similar to a small oven, but it often cooks faster, saving energy overall.
Q: Do I need special cookware for an oven microwave?
A: For microwaving, avoid metal. For convection cooking, you can use oven-safe dishes like glass, ceramic, or metal pans. Always check your oven microwave’s manual.
Q: How long do oven microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, an oven microwave can last 7 to 10 years, or even longer.
Q: Is an oven microwave good for small kitchens?
A: Yes! It’s a great space-saver because it does the job of two appliances.
Q: Can I use both microwave and convection at the same time?
A: Some models offer a combination cooking feature. This can speed up cooking and give you crispy results.
Q: What size oven microwave should I get?
A: Consider how many people you cook for. A smaller family might be fine with 0.7 to 0.9 cubic feet, while a larger family or someone who entertains often might need 1.0 cubic feet or more.
Q: Are there any safety concerns?
A: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the door seals properly and never operate it if it’s damaged. Keep it away from water sources.
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!