Does your kitchen feel like it’s missing that one crucial appliance? Many of us rely on microwave oven combos to save space and time, but choosing the right one can feel like a maze. You want power, smart features, and reliability, but the sheer number of models and conflicting reviews can leave you scratching your head. It’s frustrating to invest in a new appliance only to find it doesn’t cook evenly or takes up too much counter space.
That’s exactly why we dove deep into the latest Microwave Oven Combo Consumer Reports. We sifted through performance tests, user feedback, and feature breakdowns to bring you clarity. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which models excel at baking, microwaving, and convection cooking. Stop guessing and start cooking smarter. Let’s explore the best options available right now to upgrade your kitchen efficiency.
Top Microwave Oven Combo Consumer Reports Recommendations
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- 8-in-1 Multifuntional Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi., low temp., odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Microwave Combo: Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*18.0*11.8 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH):14.0*13.2*9.5 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
- 5-in-1 Microwave Oven: Use this essential countertop appliance for cooking in five functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs.
- 10 Cooking Levels: Featuring a 900-watt output, this compact microwave has 7 auto menus, including settings for Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, and Frozen Pizza.
- Air Fry Presets: This small-but-mighty microwave has 11 preset air fry menus, including for cooking frozen French fries, steak fries, squid rings, chicken nuggets/wings/legs, fish sticks/fillets, cheese sticks, vegetables, and spring rolls with an easy-to-use operation.
- Speedy Cooking: Directly press the start button to cook food at 100% power for 30 seconds and press again for an additional 30 seconds.
- Child-Lock Setting: Press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the control panel to keep little hands from clicking buttons on the appliance.
- Multi functionality: BAKE, ROAST, MICROWAVE, CONVECTION OVEN
- 5 ONE TOUCH COOK MENUS: POTATO, POPCORN, BEVERAGE, REHEAT, FROZEN DINNER
- Air fryer: Up to 70% less fat than traditional frying methods
- SPECIAL PROGRAM: DEFROST/TIME/WEIGHT; 1000W power
- 10 POWER LEVELS
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
- Ultimate Versatility: This multi-microwave with 10 power levels is your ultimate kitchen helper. The versatility as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster, toast function and yogurt making function make it your best countertop space-saver
- Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor: Built-in humidity sensor intelligently adjusts power and cooking time, make sure your food is never undercooked or overcooked. Inverter Microwave technology also provides even cooking, reheating and defrosting with no cold spots, guarantee the maximum tender texture
- Less Fat and Crispier: With 360° rapid heat circulation technology, TOSHIBA Multi-Microwave with air fryer cuts down on calories by using no added oil while delivering crispier and golden fried food like chicken nuggets, fried fish and French fries. The supplied air fry basket, bake tray and two wire racks are used for optimal air fry results.
- Speed up Cooking with Combi-Modes: Despite powerful output of 1800W under Convection up to 425°F and 1000W under Grill, Combi-Modes speed up your cooking with combination of Microwave, convection and grill function, while delivering perfect dishes with crispy, browned outsides and tender texture insides.
- Discover Amazing Recipes: Comes with an original cookbook with 47 classic recipes. Also, the microwave itself has 6 Auto Menus, 10 Home Fry Menus, 5 Sensor Cook Presets and 6 Defrost Presets, so that novice can also make Michelin-star meals at home. External Dimension: 20.6"W x 16.3"D(18.7'' with handle) x 11.8"H with 12.4" turntable.
- 4-in-1 Multifuntional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance; with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus; Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more.
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Black Stainless steel finish with easy to clean stainless steel interior.
- built-in trim kit available in 27" (GMTK2768AF) and 30" (GMTK3068AF) Sold Seperatly
- Provides 2.2 cu. ft. of cooking space, accommodating large dishes and multiple items at once for convenient and efficient cooking
- Sensors in the microwave determine and set the appropriate power levels and cook time to ensure great tasting food
- Width: 24 7/16 Inch Depth: 19 5/8 Inch Height: 13 5/8 Inch Cutout Width: 24 3/4 Inch Cutout Depth: 20 Inch Cutout Height: 16 3/4 Inch
- Preset Cooking Options: This microwave air fryer combo countertop oven includes preset cooking options for popcorn, potato, beverage, reheat, and frozen dinner for quick and precise cooking.
- Features: When it comes to countertop microwave ovens, our stainless steel microwave cooker is superior with 1000 watts, 12.4” microwave turntable, pull handle door, & 1.1 cu. foot capacity.
- User-Friendly Controls: Touch controls with LED display and 10 one-touch menu options make our large microwave ovens convenient. Includes 'Kids meals' auto-cook options for quick family meals.
- Hooded Ventilation: Featuring a 300 CFM Hood Fan with 3-speed operation, this over range microwave ensures effective smoke and odor removal, perfect for any over the stove microwave setup
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Microwave Oven Combos
Microwave oven combos are handy kitchen helpers. They offer more than just quick reheating. These appliances often combine microwave power with convection or air frying. This guide helps you choose the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features first. They make a big difference in how you use your combo unit.
- Cooking Modes: Look for at least Microwave, Convection (for baking/roasting), and Air Fry. Some models even offer grilling.
- Capacity: Measure your space. A standard family size is 1.2 to 1.6 cubic feet. Smaller apartments need less space.
- Inverter Technology: This feature cooks food more evenly at lower power settings. It prevents edges from overcooking while the center stays cold.
- Sensor Cooking: The microwave measures steam coming off the food. It automatically sets the perfect time and power level. This takes the guesswork out of cooking.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect durability and cleaning. Good construction means your appliance lasts longer.
Interior Construction
Stainless steel interiors are superior. They resist staining and hold heat better than painted metal. Plastic interiors are cheaper but can scratch or stain easily. Clean stainless steel surfaces wipe down quickly.
Exterior Finish
Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is a popular choice. It keeps your kitchen looking neat. Check that the door hinges feel sturdy. A flimsy door might break over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all combo microwaves perform equally. Pay attention to these details.
What Boosts Performance?
High wattage (1000W or more) means faster microwave cooking. For convection, look for models that preheat quickly. Good airflow design is essential, especially for air frying, to ensure crisp results.
What Lowers Quality?
Overly complicated touchpads reduce user experience. If buttons are hard to read or press, you might get frustrated. Cheap internal fans create loud noises during operation. Loud operation can disturb quiet kitchens.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your combo oven. This helps narrow down your choices.
Everyday Reheating and Defrosting
For simple tasks, the microwave function must be reliable. Sensor cooking improves this experience greatly. If you use it mainly for quick meals, prioritize ease of use over complex features.
Baking and Roasting (Convection Use)
If you plan to replace a small toaster oven, convection quality is key. Ensure the model includes a metal rack. This rack allows air to circulate properly around the food for even browning.
Air Frying
Air frying is popular for healthier, crispy results. Look for dedicated air fry baskets. These baskets sit above the turntable, allowing air to reach the bottom of the food. This prevents soggy bottoms.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Microwave Oven Combos
Q: What is the main difference between a combo and a regular microwave?
A: A regular microwave only heats food using microwaves. A combo adds other cooking methods like convection baking or air frying, making it more versatile.
Q: Are microwave oven combos harder to clean?
A: Not necessarily. Most modern combos have non-stick or stainless steel interiors that wipe clean easily. However, you must clean the interior after using the convection or air fry functions, just like a regular oven.
Q: Do I need special cookware for a combo oven?
A: Yes. For microwave use, stick to glass or microwave-safe plastic. For convection or air frying, you must use metal pans or baking sheets that are safe for standard ovens.
Q: How fast do combo units cook compared to standalone microwaves?
A: The microwave function cooks just as fast as a regular microwave of the same wattage. The convection or air fry functions might take slightly longer to preheat.
Q: Is an inverter microwave better than a standard one?
A: Inverter technology provides continuous, steady power. This cooks food more gently and evenly, especially when defrosting or simmering. Most high-quality combos use this feature.
Q: What capacity is best for a family of four?
A: For a family of four, look for 1.4 cubic feet or larger. This size handles larger dinner plates and standard casserole dishes easily.
Q: How loud are air frying combos when operating?
A: Air frying requires a very strong fan. They are generally louder than the microwave function. Read user reviews to find models known for quieter operation.
Q: Can I use the microwave and convection settings at the same time?
A: Some advanced models offer combination cooking (e.g., microwave + grill). This speeds up cooking time significantly. Check the product manual to confirm if your chosen model supports simultaneous functions.
Q: Are microwave oven combos energy efficient?
A: They can be very efficient for small jobs. Using the convection setting for a small batch of cookies uses less energy than heating up a full-sized wall oven.
Q: What should I check if the turntable doesn’t spin?
A: First, ensure the turntable tray is seated correctly on the small roller ring underneath. If it still doesn’t spin, the motor underneath might need service. Never run the microwave without the tray properly seated.
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!