Tired of a cluttered kitchen counter with a separate oven, microwave, and maybe even a toaster? Imagine reclaiming that space while gaining cooking superpowers! Microwave combos are the unsung heroes of modern kitchens, offering a versatile way to prepare meals faster and more efficiently.
But let’s be honest, choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. Do you need a convection oven, a steam function, or just a super-powered microwave? The sheer number of features and brands can leave you scratching your head, wondering which appliance will truly fit your cooking style and your wallet.
This post is here to clear the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a microwave combo tick, what to look for, and how to pick the perfect one for your home. Get ready to discover how this one appliance can transform your meal prep and make cooking fun again!
Our Top 5 Microwave Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Combo 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 your leftovers. This sleek black stainless steel appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more into one compact unit. It’s designed to make cooking easier and healthier, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza inside its 1.0 cubic foot capacity.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine, so you can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more. This means fewer appliances cluttering your kitchen.
- The healthy air fry option lets you enjoy crispy food with less oil. It tastes great but is better for you.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output, so it cooks food quickly.
- The 12.4-inch turntable has a position memory. This means it stops with the door facing you, making it easier to grab your food.
- Safety is important, and this microwave has a two-step child lock. This keeps little hands from turning it on by accident.
- It looks good with its classic black stainless steel finish. The inside is also stainless steel and easy to clean.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn and a kitchen timer make cooking simple.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit large (20.6 x 18.0 x 11.8 inches), so make sure you have enough counter space.
- While it has many functions, learning all of them might take a little time.
This TOSHIBA combo oven is a versatile and stylish addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in a single appliance.
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 super handy appliance for your kitchen. It does so much more than just reheat leftovers! You can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and even use convection cooking. This 0.9 cu. ft. countertop microwave is made of sleek stainless steel and packs a powerful 900 watts of cooking power. Plus, it has a child-lock feature to keep curious little hands safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, meaning it can do a lot of different cooking tasks: microwave, air fry, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast.
- It has 10 cooking levels with 7 auto menus for quick and easy cooking of things like popcorn, potatoes, and frozen pizza.
- The air fryer function has 11 presets for popular foods like chicken wings, French fries, and fish sticks.
- It cooks food fast! You can press start for 30 seconds of 100% power cooking.
- The child-lock setting is a great safety feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a little small for cooking larger meals or multiple dishes at once.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a versatile addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and multiple cooking options in one compact unit.
3. GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
Rating: 8.6/10
The GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven with a powerful 1,050-watt air fryer is a real kitchen game-changer. It’s not just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking machine that fits right on your countertop. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen, dorm room, or office. This oven makes cooking faster and easier for everyone.
What We Like:
- It has a cool two-step child lock to keep little ones safe.
- You can air fry your favorite foods for a healthier, crispy treat.
- The convection mode cooks food evenly and makes it golden brown.
- A broiler mode lets you sear and caramelize foods like a pro.
- Preset controls take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like fries.
- It’s compact but powerful, perfect for small spaces.
- The glass turntable spins food for perfect, even cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, the 1.0 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger meals or families.
- The “Kitchen Door Room” feature isn’t clearly defined and could be confusing.
This GE oven is a fantastic all-in-one appliance that offers a lot of cooking options in a small package. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
4. 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 all-star. It does a lot more than just heat up leftovers! This appliance can bake, roast, and even air fry your favorite foods. Its big size means you can cook more at once.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile! You can bake, roast, microwave, use it as a convection oven, and even air fry.
- It has special buttons for things like potatoes, popcorn, and reheating meals, making cooking simple.
- The air fryer feature helps you cook food with way less fat – up to 70% less than regular frying.
- It has a defrost setting that works by time or weight, which is really handy.
- It’s powerful with 1000W for the oven and convection, and 900W for the microwave.
- The stainless steel finish looks very nice in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might take a little practice to get used to all the different cooking functions.
- For some, the XL capacity might mean it takes up a bit more counter space.
This Frigidaire combo appliance is an excellent choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking. It brings a lot of cooking power and options to your kitchen counter.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen workhorse! This sleek, black stainless steel appliance does it all. It’s not just a microwave; it also air fries, bakes with convection, and even combines microwave and convection cooking. This means you can make all your favorite meals, healthier and tastier, with just one device.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and combi-cooker. This offers lots of cooking options.
- You can enjoy fried foods with less fat thanks to the healthy air fryer function.
- It cooks food to perfection with different modes like auto bake, defrost, and auto roast. The smart sensor menu helps with popular foods.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza on its 13.6-inch turntable.
- Its stylish black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. The interior is easy to clean.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory settings, speedy cooking, and a mute function make cooking easier. You can even turn off the buzzer!
- It has 1000 watts of microwave power for quick cooking and 10 power settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the external dimensions a bit large for smaller kitchens.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience for busy households. It simplifies cooking and makes healthier choices easier.
Microwave Combo Ovens: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Are you tired of juggling different appliances to cook your meals? A microwave combo oven might be the perfect solution for your kitchen. These versatile machines combine the speed of a microwave with the cooking power of a convection oven, and sometimes even a grill. Let’s dive into what makes a great microwave combo and help you find the right one for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a microwave combo, keep these important features in mind:
- Cooking Functions: Most combos offer microwave, convection bake, and grill. Some have additional functions like air frying, steaming, or toasting. More functions mean more cooking possibilities.
- Capacity: This is how much food you can fit inside. Combos come in different sizes, usually measured in cubic feet. A larger family might need a bigger oven than a single person.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Microwaves typically range from 700 to 1200 watts.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures even cooking by moving your food around.
- Pre-programmed Settings: Many ovens have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. This makes cooking simple.
- Smart Features: Some high-end models connect to Wi-Fi and can be controlled with your smartphone or voice commands.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a microwave combo affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is a popular choice. It looks sleek and is easy to clean. Plastic exteriors are also common and can be more affordable.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are more durable and easier to wipe clean than enamel or ceramic interiors. They also handle high heat better.
- Door: A sturdy glass door lets you see your food cooking. Look for a door that seals well to keep heat inside.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a microwave combo great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built oven feels solid and sturdy. Cheaply made ovens might have loose parts or flimsy controls.
- Even Heating: The best combos heat food evenly. You don’t want hot spots where some parts of your food are cooked more than others.
- Ease of Cleaning: A non-stick interior and a removable turntable make cleaning much easier.
- Noise Level: Some ovens can be quite noisy when running. Check reviews for comments on noise.
- User Interface: Buttons and controls should be clear and easy to understand. A confusing interface can be frustrating.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your microwave combo. These ovens are great for many things!
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave function for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals in a flash.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection oven function lets you bake cookies, roast chicken, or even make a small pizza. It cooks food faster and more evenly than a traditional oven.
- Grilling: Some models have a grill element that crisps up the top of your food, perfect for toasting sandwiches or browning casseroles.
- Space Saving: If you have a small kitchen, a combo oven replaces two or more appliances, freeing up counter space.
- Healthy Cooking: Functions like air frying or steaming can help you cook healthier meals with less oil.
A microwave combo oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. By considering these features, materials, quality factors, and how you’ll use it, you can find an appliance that makes cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a microwave combo oven?
A: A microwave combo oven is an appliance that combines the functions of a microwave oven with a convection oven, and sometimes a grill.
Q: What are the main cooking functions of a microwave combo?
A: The main cooking functions are microwave, convection bake, and grill. Some models offer additional features like air frying or steaming.
Q: How do I choose the right size for my microwave combo?
A: Consider how much food you typically cook. Larger families or those who entertain often will need a bigger capacity, measured in cubic feet.
Q: Is stainless steel a good material for a microwave combo?
A: Yes, stainless steel is a good choice for both the exterior and interior. It is durable, easy to clean, and looks good.
Q: What does wattage mean for a microwave?
A: Wattage indicates how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means your food will cook faster.
Q: Are pre-programmed settings useful?
A: Yes, pre-programmed settings can make cooking common foods very simple. You just select the food type and let the oven do the work.
Q: Can a microwave combo replace my regular oven?
A: For smaller households or for occasional baking, yes. However, for large meals or frequent baking, a full-sized oven might still be necessary.
Q: How do I clean a microwave combo?
A: Most combos are easy to clean. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. A removable turntable makes cleaning easier.
Q: Are microwave combos energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than using a full-sized oven for smaller tasks, as they heat up faster and use less energy.
Q: What are the benefits of a convection oven function?
A: The convection oven function uses a fan to circulate hot air, which cooks food more evenly and often faster than a traditional oven. It also helps create crispier textures.
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!