Imagine a kitchen gadget that could reheat your leftovers perfectly, crisp up your fries, and even bake a small cake – all in one sleek appliance. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, the microwave air fryer combo is making that dream a reality for many home cooks.
But let’s be honest, diving into the world of these versatile machines can feel a little overwhelming. You’re probably wondering: Which one is best for my needs? How do I know if it’s truly as good as a separate air fryer? And will it even fit on my counter? These are all common questions, and finding clear answers can be tricky with so many models out there.
That’s where we come in! By the end of this post, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what makes a great microwave air fryer combo. We’ll break down the key features to look for, explore what makes them stand out, and help you find the perfect one to simplify your cooking and expand your culinary horizons. Get ready to transform your kitchen routine!
Our Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just reheat leftovers. It’s designed to be your go-to appliance for a variety of cooking needs, from quick meals to healthier fried snacks and even baking.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, and more. This saves counter space by replacing multiple appliances.
- The healthy air fryer function lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil, making it a great option for healthier eating.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output, so your food cooks quickly and efficiently.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough to fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, offering good capacity for its size.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn and a position memory turntable make cooking easier.
- The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety for families with young children.
- Its stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- The odor removal mode helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh after cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock might be a bit confusing to follow initially.
- While it has a compact footprint, the internal capacity might feel a bit limited for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of convenience, health, and style.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.5/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s a countertop appliance that can do a lot. You can use it to microwave food, air fry it, or even bake and roast. It also has a convection setting. This oven is great for many different cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 900 watts of power, making it strong.
- There are 7 auto menus for things like popcorn and frozen pizza.
- It has 11 air fry presets for foods like chicken wings and French fries.
- You can start cooking quickly with the “Speedy Cooking” feature.
- A child-lock setting keeps little ones from changing the settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for larger families or big meals.
- While it offers many functions, some users might find the learning curve for all the settings a bit steep initially.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a smart choice for small kitchens. It offers many cooking options in one appliance.
3. FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave
Rating: 8.6/10
The FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish is a kitchen superhero. It can do so many things! This appliance bakes, roasts, microwaves, and even acts as a convection oven. Plus, it has special buttons for potatoes, popcorn, drinks, reheating leftovers, and frozen meals. If you love crispy food without all the oil, its air fryer feature cooks with up to 70% less fat than regular frying. It also has a handy defrost setting by time or weight. With 1000 watts of microwave power and a 1000-watt oven, this Frigidaire cooks food fast and evenly. It has 10 different power levels, giving you lots of control.
What We Like:
- Super versatile – it’s like having multiple appliances in one!
- Healthy air frying option cooks food with much less fat.
- XL capacity means you can cook larger portions.
- Stylish stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- Easy-to-use digital display and one-touch cook menus.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a bit large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
- Some users might find the initial learning curve a little steep with all its functions.
This Frigidaire appliance is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, making meal prep quicker and healthier. It truly simplifies cooking with its many features.
4. GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
Rating: 9.2/10
The GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven is a kitchen game-changer. It’s a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler all in one sleek stainless steel package. This appliance is great for small spaces like dorm rooms or offices, but it’s powerful enough for any kitchen. Its 1.0 cubic foot capacity and 1,050 watts of power handle all your cooking needs. Plus, it has smart features like preset controls and a child lock to make cooking safer and easier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler.
- The air fryer makes food crispy and healthier.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly with a special rack.
- The broiler sears and caramelizes food perfectly.
- Preset controls make cooking common foods simple.
- It’s compact but powerful, fitting in many spaces.
- The glass turntable ensures food cooks evenly.
- The two-step child lock keeps little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer for some users.
- Some users might want a larger capacity for bigger meals.
This GE® oven offers incredible versatility and convenience in a compact design. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for more cooking options without taking up too much space.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(BS). This appliance is a real game-changer for your kitchen. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking machine that can handle all your meal prep needs. From quick reheating to crispy fried foods and perfectly roasted meals, this Toshiba does it all.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a combination of microwave and convection cooking. This means you can do so much more with just one appliance.
- Enjoy healthier fried foods. The air fryer function gives you that delicious crispy texture with much less fat.
- It makes cooking easier. With auto bake, defrost, and roast menus, plus sensor presets for popular foods, you get great results every time.
- It’s big enough for families. The 13.6-inch turntable easily fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It looks great in your kitchen. The black stainless steel finish is stylish and the interior is easy to clean.
- Convenience is key with features like one-touch popcorn, a memory function to save your favorite settings, speedy cooking, and a mute function so you don’t hear annoying beeps.
- It’s powerful at 1000 watts with 10 power settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers a lot of functions, some users might find the initial setup or learning to use all the modes a bit complex.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space before purchasing.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking and offers a wide range of healthy and delicious options for everyone.
Mastering the Microwave Air Fryer Combo: Your Smart Kitchen Companion
Are you tired of juggling multiple appliances? Do you dream of crispy fries and perfectly roasted chicken from one countertop gadget? Then a microwave air fryer combo might be your next kitchen hero. This versatile machine combines the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer, giving you more cooking options in less space. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing your microwave air fryer combo, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food do you usually cook? Combos come in various sizes, from compact units for singles to larger ones for families. Look at the internal capacity in cubic feet or liters.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For air frying, look for a good wattage range that can get hot enough for crisping.
- Air Fry Functionality: Not all combos have a true air fry feature. Some just circulate hot air. A good air fryer function will have dedicated settings and strong airflow for that signature crunch.
- Preset Cooking Modes: Many combos offer pre-programmed settings for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or even specific meats. These can make cooking easier and more consistent.
- Turntable or Convection Fan: A turntable helps food cook evenly in microwave mode. For air frying, a powerful convection fan is crucial for circulating hot air and achieving crispy results.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for non-stick interiors and removable, dishwasher-safe accessories like racks or crisper plates. This makes cleanup a breeze.
- Smart Features: Some advanced models connect to Wi-Fi or have touchscreens with guided cooking programs. These can offer convenience and new cooking possibilities.
Important Materials
The materials used in your combo affect durability and performance.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Some models have ceramic or enamel coatings.
- Exterior: Stainless steel exteriors often look sleek and are easy to wipe down. Plastic exteriors are common on more budget-friendly models.
- Accessories: Look for high-quality, food-grade materials like stainless steel or BPA-free plastics for racks, baskets, and trays.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make or break the quality of your microwave air fryer combo.
- Build Quality: A well-built unit feels sturdy. Pay attention to how the door opens and closes and the quality of the buttons or touchscreen. Cheap plastic can feel flimsy.
- Airflow Design: The way the hot air circulates is key to good air frying. Models with well-designed vents and powerful fans will deliver crispier food. Poor airflow can lead to uneven cooking.
- Temperature Range: For effective air frying, the unit needs to reach high temperatures (often up to 400°F or 200°C). A limited temperature range will reduce its air frying capabilities.
- Microwave Power Consistency: A good microwave cooks food evenly without hot spots. This is often tied to wattage and the quality of the magnetron.
- Noise Level: Air fryers can be noisy. Some models are quieter than others. Check reviews for user feedback on noise.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a microwave air fryer combo is all about convenience and versatility.
- Quick Meals: Reheat leftovers in minutes, then crisp them up for a better texture.
- Healthy Frying: Enjoy your favorite fried foods with less oil. Air frying uses hot air to create a crispy exterior.
- Roasting and Baking: Many combos can roast vegetables or even bake small batches of cookies.
- Space Saving: It’s a great solution for small kitchens or dorm rooms. You get multiple appliances in one.
- Busy Households: Speed up meal prep. You can microwave vegetables while air frying chicken wings at the same time, depending on the model’s dual functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I really air fry and microwave at the same time?
A: Some advanced models allow you to use both functions simultaneously. This means you could, for example, microwave your potatoes and then air fry them for crispiness without switching appliances. Always check the product specifications to confirm this feature.
Q: How do I clean my microwave air fryer combo?
A: Most units have removable racks or trays that are dishwasher safe. The interior can usually be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Always unplug the appliance before cleaning. Some interiors have non-stick coatings that make wiping easier.
Q: What kind of food is best for an air fryer combo?
A: It’s great for foods like chicken wings, french fries, onion rings, and even vegetables. You can also reheat pizza and make crispy snacks. The microwave function is perfect for cooking rice or steaming vegetables.
Q: Will the air fryer function make my food as crispy as a traditional air fryer?
A: Generally, yes. A good microwave air fryer combo uses powerful fans and high heat to achieve similar crispy results to a dedicated air fryer. The quality can vary between models, so reading reviews is helpful.
Q: How much counter space does it take up?
A: They are designed to be space-saving. They are typically the size of a standard microwave, but you need to consider the ventilation space around the appliance as recommended by the manufacturer.
Q: Is it noisy?
A: Air fryers use fans to circulate hot air, which can create some noise. The noise level varies by model. Some are quieter than others. User reviews often mention how noisy a particular model is.
Q: Do I need special cookware?
A: For microwave functions, use microwave-safe dishes. For air frying, you can often use the included racks or crisper plates. Some models may recommend specific types of pans, but generally, metal pans are not used in microwave mode.
Q: What is the typical warranty period?
A: Warranties can vary, but most manufacturers offer at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor. Extended warranties might be available for purchase.
Q: Are these appliances energy efficient?
A: Using the air fryer function can be more energy-efficient than using a large oven for smaller portions. The microwave function is generally very energy efficient for its speed.
Q: Can I use this to bake cakes?
A: Some models have baking capabilities, allowing you to bake small cakes or muffins. You will need to check the specific features and recipes recommended for your model.
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!