Imagine a kitchen gadget that can bake a cake, roast a chicken, and reheat your leftovers, all with just a few buttons. Sounds like magic, right? Well, it’s not! It’s the Combi Microwave, a super-powered appliance that can do it all. But with so many different types and features out there, picking the perfect one can feel like solving a puzzle.
Many people get overwhelmed when they see all the choices. They worry about getting the wrong size, not having enough power, or missing out on a cool feature that would make cooking easier. It’s easy to feel stuck when you’re not sure what to look for. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you cut through the confusion.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what makes a Combi Microwave great. We’ll break down the confusing terms and show you how to find a model that fits your cooking style and your budget. Get ready to discover how this amazing appliance can change the way you cook and save you precious time in the kitchen.
Our Top 5 Combi Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Combi Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to upgrade your kitchen with the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven. This sleek black stainless steel appliance does more than just reheat leftovers. It’s a powerhouse that can air fry, bake, broil, and more. Its smart design fits easily on your counter but offers plenty of space inside for your favorite meals.
What We Like:
- This microwave is super versatile! It’s an 8-in-1 machine, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil (like a grill), and even has special modes for low-temperature cooking and odor removal.
- Enjoy healthier fried foods. The air fry feature gives you that crispy taste with less oil, so you can eat your favorites guilt-free.
- It’s powerful with 1000 watts of microwave power, making cooking and reheating fast.
- Despite its compact size, it has a generous 1.0 cubic foot capacity. The 12.4-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza!
- Safety is key with the two-step child lock feature to keep little ones from accidentally turning it on.
- Convenience is built-in with one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, a position memory turntable, speedy cooking options, and a mute function.
- The black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen and the interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock could be clearer in the manual; referring to the figure is important.
- While it’s a great all-in-one, some users might prefer a separate, dedicated air fryer or oven for very specific cooking tasks.
This TOSHIBA combo microwave is an excellent addition for anyone looking for a multi-functional and stylish kitchen appliance. It truly offers a lot of cooking options in one convenient package.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super handy appliance that can do a lot more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a countertop microwave that can also air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast. This means you can cook all sorts of meals with just one machine. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you want to save space.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast. This gives you many cooking options.
- It has 10 different cooking levels, including 7 auto menus for things like popcorn and frozen pizza.
- The air fryer has 11 preset menus, making it easy to cook favorites like chicken wings and french fries.
- You can start cooking instantly by pressing the start button for quick meals.
- The child-lock feature keeps little ones from accidentally changing settings.
- It has a good 900-watt power output for efficient cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for cooking large meals or for bigger families.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a versatile and useful appliance for busy kitchens. It offers a wide range of cooking functions in a compact size.
3. GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
Rating: 9.3/10
The GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and a broiler all in one. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any countertop. This oven is perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even office break rooms.
What We Like:
- It has a two-step child lock to keep little hands safe.
- The air fry mode lets you make crispy foods with less oil.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly with a special rack.
- The broil mode sears and caramelizes food to perfection.
- Preset controls make cooking simple and accurate.
- It’s compact but still powerful with 1,050 watts.
- The glass turntable ensures food cooks all the way through.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.0 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
- While versatile, mastering all four functions might take some practice.
This GE oven offers a lot of cooking power in a small package. It’s a great option for anyone looking to save space and enjoy a variety of cooking methods.
4. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave
Rating: 8.7/10
The Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection Oven in Brushed Stainless Steel is a kitchen powerhouse. It packs a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven into one stylish appliance. This means you can cook a wide variety of meals, from crispy fries to delicious brownies, all from your countertop. Its smart technology makes cooking easier and more efficient.
What We Like:
- It’s a versatile 3-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, and convection oven.
- The Element IQ System cooks food evenly by directing power where it’s needed.
- Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen functions help you prepare meals quickly.
- The Power Smoothing Inverter delivers consistent, gentle power for perfect results.
- Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost presets make cooking and reheating simple.
- The microwave is surprisingly quiet with a soft-close door, and it has fewer annoying beeps.
- Convenient shortcuts and one-touch auto settings are on the inside door.
- It comes with useful accessories like the Combi Crisp Pan and Trivet.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.1 cu.ft capacity might be a bit small for very large meals or families.
- While generally quiet, some users might prefer an even quieter operation.
This Breville Combi Wave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, simplifying meal prep with its smart features and multi-functional design. It’s a great choice for busy households looking for convenience and delicious results.
5. TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Ovenwith 2.4-Inch Color Screen
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven is a game-changer for any kitchen. It’s not just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking appliance that simplifies meal prep and offers healthier cooking options. With its sleek silver finish and modern design, it looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- The 2.4-inch color screen has a super easy-to-use interface. It makes cooking complicated meals feel simple.
- ChefFry Plus acts like a real air fryer. You can make your favorite foods healthier by frying them with hot air.
- The smart humidity sensor makes sure your food is cooked perfectly. It keeps dishes moist and delicious every time.
- Origin Inverter Technology cooks food evenly and preserves its great taste. It also cooks food faster and uses less energy.
- It’s big enough for a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. The dimensions are 21.8 x 19.4 x 12.8 inches.
- Chef Defrost speeds up defrosting by up to 40%. It keeps your food tasting fresh and delicious.
- You can control it with your phone using the TSmartLife APP or with Alexa voice commands. This adds a lot of convenience.
- The AI-Chef Smart Microwave Oven learns and updates recipes. It offers a personalized cooking experience that gets better over time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many advanced features, the initial setup for smart connectivity might require a bit of patience for some users.
- The higher price point compared to a basic microwave may be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is an excellent investment for those seeking a smarter, healthier, and more convenient way to cook.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Combi Microwave
A combi microwave is a kitchen superhero! It bakes, grills, and microwaves all in one. This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Why a Combi Microwave?
Think of it as three appliances in one: a regular microwave, a toaster oven, and a grill. This saves space and time in your kitchen. You can quickly reheat leftovers, bake a cake, or crisp up some chicken wings.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? Look at the liters. A family might need 30 liters or more. A single person or couple might be fine with 20-25 liters.
- Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Microwaving power is usually between 700-1200 watts. Grill and oven power vary.
- Convection Cooking: This is the oven part. It uses a fan to circulate hot air. This makes food cook evenly and brown nicely, just like a regular oven.
- Grill Function: This is great for toasting, browning, and cooking meats. It gives food a nice crispy finish.
- Pre-set Programs: Many combi microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. This makes cooking super easy.
- Turntable: This spins your food for even heating. Some larger models have a flatbed design, which means no turntable and you can fit bigger dishes.
- Child Lock: This safety feature stops little hands from turning the microwave on by accident.
- Easy-Clean Interior: Look for non-stick coatings or removable turntables that are simple to wipe down.
Important Materials
The inside and outside of your combi microwave are important.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is durable and easy to clean. It also helps reflect microwaves for better cooking.
- Glass Turntable: Most microwaves have these. They are easy to remove and wash.
- Plastic Exterior: Most are made of durable plastic. Some higher-end models might have stainless steel exteriors for a sleeker look.
What Makes a Combi Microwave Great (or Not So Great)?
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Factors that Improve Quality:
- Even Cooking: A good combi microwave cooks food all the way through without hot spots. The convection fan helps a lot with this.
- User-Friendly Controls: Buttons and displays that are easy to understand make cooking simple.
- Sturdy Build: A well-built microwave feels solid and lasts longer.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves can be noisy. A quieter model is more pleasant to use.
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Factors that Reduce Quality:
- Uneven Heating: If your food is sometimes cold in the middle and hot on the edges, the microwave isn’t working well.
- Flimsy Construction: If the door feels wobbly or the buttons stick, it might not be a good quality appliance.
- Difficult Cleaning: A microwave that is hard to wipe down can become messy quickly.
- Confusing Controls: If you have to read the manual every time you want to use a simple function, it’s not a good design.
User Experience and Use Cases
Combi microwaves are super versatile.
- Quick Meals: Reheat last night’s dinner in minutes.
- Baking: Bake cookies, muffins, or even a small cake. The convection function is key here.
- Grilling: Make crispy grilled cheese sandwiches or toast bread.
- Roasting: Roast small chickens or vegetables.
- Defrosting: Safely thaw frozen meats and other foods.
Imagine coming home after a long day. You can quickly microwave some pasta, then use the grill function to toast some bread. Or, if you have more time, you can use the convection oven to bake some chicken. It makes cooking so much more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a combi microwave and a regular microwave?
A: A regular microwave only heats food using microwaves. A combi microwave can also bake and grill using hot air and heating elements, like a small oven.
Q: Can a combi microwave replace my oven?
A: It depends on your cooking needs. For small meals, baking small items, or quick cooking, it can. For large roasts or baking multiple dishes at once, a full-size oven is usually better.
Q: How do I clean a combi microwave?
A: Most have easy-clean interiors. You can usually wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable turntables can be washed in the sink or dishwasher.
Q: Are combi microwaves energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than a full-size oven for small tasks because they heat up faster and use less energy overall. Using the microwave function is generally the most energy-efficient.
Q: What kind of dishes can I use in a combi microwave?
A: You can use microwave-safe dishes like glass, ceramic, and certain plastics. For convection and grill functions, you’ll need oven-safe dishes, often made of glass, ceramic, or metal (check your manual for specific metal types).
Q: How long does a combi microwave usually last?
A: With good care, a combi microwave can last between 5 to 10 years. Regular cleaning and proper use help it last longer.
Q: What does “convection” mean on a combi microwave?
A: Convection means the microwave has a fan that circulates hot air. This helps food cook more evenly and brown nicely, just like a regular oven.
Q: Is a combi microwave safe to use?
A: Yes, combi microwaves are very safe when used according to the instructions. They have safety features like door interlocks to prevent them from operating when open.
Q: Can I use foil in a combi microwave?
A: Generally, you should NOT use aluminum foil in a microwave. However, some combi microwaves allow small amounts of foil in specific grill or convection modes. Always check your appliance’s manual.
Q: What is the best capacity for a combi microwave?
A: The best capacity depends on how many people you cook for. For 1-2 people, 20-25 liters is usually enough. For families, 30 liters or more is recommended.
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!