Imagine a kitchen where one appliance does the job of two, saving you precious counter space and cooking time. Does that sound like a dream? For many home cooks, the reality of choosing a combo oven microwave can feel a little overwhelming. You’ve seen them advertised, promising the best of both worlds – the speed of a microwave and the power of a convection oven. But with so many models and features, how do you pick the one that truly fits your needs and your budget?
This is where we come in. We understand the confusion that comes with navigating the world of modern kitchen appliances. You want a tool that makes cooking easier, faster, and more delicious, but the sheer number of choices can leave you feeling stuck. Don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down for you.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what a combo oven microwave can do, the key features to look for, and how to choose the perfect model for your kitchen. We’ll guide you through the most important aspects, so you can stop stressing and start cooking with confidence.
Our Top 5 Combo Oven Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Combo Oven Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It can do many things, like microwave, air fry, bake, and broil. This makes it a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you want to cook healthier meals. Its stylish black stainless steel finish looks good on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, so it can do lots of cooking jobs.
- The healthy air fryer option lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a good amount of space inside, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable is a handy feature for cooking.
- It has a child lock to keep little ones safe.
- The odor removal mode helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
- It’s powerful with 1000 watts of microwave cooking power.
- The classic black stainless steel looks very sleek.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock might need a clearer diagram.
- While it’s compact, some might prefer an even smaller footprint for very tight spaces.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a smart choice for busy kitchens. It offers great functionality and style, making cooking easier and healthier.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven. It’s a handy appliance for your kitchen counter. This oven does more than just heat up food. It can also air fry, bake, roast, and use convection cooking. It’s a stainless steel beauty that’s not too big for your space at 0.9 cubic feet. With 900 watts of power, it cooks food fast. Plus, it has a handy child lock to keep little ones safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 cooking machine. You can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 power levels and 7 auto menus. This makes cooking simple with options for snacks and meals.
- The air fryer has 11 special menus. You can cook fries, chicken, fish, and more with ease.
- Cooking is quick. Just press start for 30 seconds, or press it again for another 30.
- The child lock is a great safety feature. You just hold the stop button for 3 seconds to lock it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cubic foot size might be small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
This BLACK+DECKER oven is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It offers many cooking options in one compact unit.
3. GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
Rating: 8.8/10
The GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s also an air fryer, a convection oven, and a broiler! This stainless steel appliance is designed to be compact but powerful, making it a great fit for kitchens, dorm rooms, or even small offices. You can cook all sorts of foods, from crispy fries to perfectly roasted chicken, all in one machine.
What We Like:
- It has a Two-Step Child Lock to keep little hands safe.
- The Air Fry Mode lets you make your favorite snacks crispy and healthier.
- Convection Mode cooks food evenly with circulating air for golden-brown results.
- You can Broil food right inside for a perfect sear or caramelization.
- Preset Controls make cooking common items like fries and nuggets super easy.
- It’s Compact yet Powerful, with 1,050 watts and 1.0 cubic feet of space.
- The Glass Turntable spins food for even cooking every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Kitchen Door Room” in the title might be a bit confusing for some.
- While compact, some users might want a slightly larger capacity for bigger meals.
This GE® oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy households or anyone looking to save space and cook a variety of meals. Its multiple functions make it a valuable addition to any countertop.
4. TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Ovenwith 2.4-Inch Color Screen
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven, a silver powerhouse designed to simplify your kitchen tasks. This isn’t just any microwave; it’s a smart appliance packed with features for healthier and faster cooking. Its large 1.3 cubic foot capacity means you can fit a whole chicken or a 13-inch pizza inside. Plus, with 1100 watts of power, it cooks your food quickly and evenly.
What We Like:
- The 2.4-inch color screen makes it super easy to pick your cooking settings.
- ChefFry Plus lets you air fry for healthier, crispy meals.
- The smart sensor cooks your food perfectly every time, keeping it moist.
- Origin Inverter technology cooks food faster and preserves its juicy flavor.
- It’s big enough for family-sized meals, like a whole chicken.
- Chef Defrost gets your food ready to cook up to 40% faster.
- You can control it with your phone or just by talking to Alexa.
- The AI-Chef system learns and updates, giving you a personalized cooking experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many advanced features, some users might find the initial setup for smart connectivity a bit tricky.
- The overall dimensions are a bit large, so check your counter space.
This Toshiba microwave oven is a versatile addition to any kitchen, offering advanced cooking technology in a user-friendly package. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to cook healthier and more efficiently.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven ML-EC42P(SS), a kitchen multitasker that simplifies your cooking. This silver appliance combines microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking, meaning it can do a lot more than just heat up leftovers. It’s designed to make cooking healthier and tastier, all while saving you counter space.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combination cooking.
- The air fry feature lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil.
- It has smart sensor menus for perfect results with popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- The 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit large items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Its stainless steel interior is stylish and easy to clean.
- The mute function lets you turn off the buzzer for quiet operation.
- It includes helpful features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and speedy cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior stainless steel finish is only on the door frame; the enclosure is black.
- Some users might find the 1000W microwave power a bit standard.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo offers great versatility for busy families. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for convenience and healthier cooking options.
Choosing Your Perfect Combo Oven Microwave: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
A combo oven microwave is a kitchen superhero. It bakes like a regular oven and heats food fast like a microwave. This makes it a great space-saver and a versatile cooking tool. Let’s break down what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a combo oven microwave, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? Think about the size of your family and the dishes you cook. Small families might need 0.8 to 1.0 cubic feet. Larger families or those who entertain often might want 1.5 cubic feet or more.
- Power Levels: Microwaves have different power levels. More levels give you more control. Look for at least 10 power levels.
- Cooking Modes: What kinds of cooking do you want to do?
- Microwave: This is standard.
- Convection Bake: This uses a fan to circulate hot air. It cooks food evenly and makes it crispy, just like a regular oven.
- Grill/Broil: This uses a heating element to brown and crisp food from the top.
- Steam Cooking: Some models have a steam function. This is great for healthy cooking and keeping food moist.
- Size and Installation: Will it fit where you want it? Combo ovens come in different sizes. Some are countertop models. Others are built-in, meaning they fit into your cabinets. Measure your space carefully.
- Smart Features: Some modern combo ovens connect to Wi-Fi. You can control them with your phone or use voice commands. They might also have built-in recipes.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and how easy it is to clean.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are popular. They are strong, resist stains, and are easy to wipe clean. Some have ceramic enamel interiors. These are also durable and easy to clean.
- Exterior: Stainless steel exteriors look sleek and modern. They are also fingerprint-resistant on some models. Other common finishes are black or white.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a combo oven microwave better or not as good.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make more reliable appliances. They also usually offer better warranties and customer support.
- Build Quality: A sturdy feel is a good sign. Test the door – does it open and close smoothly? Are the buttons well-made?
- Heating Technology: Look for even heating. Some microwaves have better ways of distributing heat. This means your food cooks evenly without hot or cold spots.
- Ease of Cleaning: Non-stick interiors and simple control panels make cleaning much easier. Removable turntables are also a plus.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your combo oven microwave matters.
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave function for fast reheating or cooking.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection bake setting is perfect for cookies, cakes, and roasting vegetables. You can get oven-quality results.
- Crispy Snacks: Use the grill or broil function to make pizza crispy or brown the tops of casseroles.
- Healthy Cooking: Steam cooking is ideal for vegetables and fish. It keeps nutrients in and adds moisture.
- Space Saving: For small kitchens, a combo oven replaces two appliances. This frees up counter or cabinet space.
- Busy Families: This appliance can handle multiple cooking tasks. You can reheat leftovers while baking a cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about combo oven microwaves:
Q: What is the main difference between a combo oven microwave and a regular microwave?
A: A regular microwave only heats food using microwaves. A combo oven microwave also has an oven function, like convection baking or grilling, to cook food in different ways.
Q: Can I use metal in a combo oven microwave?
A: You can use metal in the convection oven mode, just like a regular oven. However, you must NOT use metal in microwave mode. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long do combo oven microwaves typically last?
A: With good care, a combo oven microwave can last between 8 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and following the user manual help it last longer.
Q: Are combo oven microwaves energy efficient?
A: Many newer models are designed to be energy efficient. Using the microwave function is generally more energy-efficient than using a full-sized oven for small tasks.
Q: Do combo oven microwaves cook food as well as a regular oven?
A: For baking and roasting, the convection oven feature in a combo oven cooks food very well. It can achieve similar results to a traditional oven.
Q: What is the best way to clean a combo oven microwave?
A: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth after each use. For tougher stains, use a mild soap and water solution. Refer to your user manual for specific cleaning instructions for different parts.
Q: How much do combo oven microwaves cost?
A: Prices vary widely. You can find basic models for a few hundred dollars. High-end models with advanced features can cost over a thousand dollars.
Q: Is a combo oven microwave worth the investment?
A: For many people, it is. It saves space, offers versatility, and can speed up cooking. If you have a small kitchen or want more cooking options, it’s a great choice.
Q: What is convection bake?
A: Convection bake uses a fan to move hot air around inside the oven. This cooks food more evenly and can make baked goods crispier.
Q: Can I use both the microwave and convection function at the same time?
A: Some advanced models allow you to combine functions, like “Combi-Cook.” This can speed up cooking times. Always check your user manual to see if your model has this feature.
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!