Imagine whipping up a crispy pizza, baking a fluffy cake, and reheating leftovers all in one amazing appliance! Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that dream is a reality with a combo microwave. But stepping into the world of these multi-talented machines can feel a little overwhelming. You see all sorts of buttons and modes, and suddenly, choosing the perfect one feels like solving a puzzle.
Many of us want the convenience of a microwave but also crave the ability to actually cook and bake. The problem is, knowing which combo microwave will truly meet your needs without taking up too much space or costing a fortune can be tricky. You might worry about whether it will cook evenly, if it’s easy to use, or if it’s worth the extra features. We get it – the choices can make your head spin!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll break down exactly what makes a combo microwave tick, what features really matter, and how to pick the one that will become your kitchen’s new best friend. Get ready to say goodbye to cooking confusion and hello to delicious meals made easy!
Our Top 5 Combo Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Combo Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just reheat leftovers. It can air fry, bake, broil, and even has a special mode to get rid of odors. This makes it a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you like to cook different kinds of food.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil, and more. This saves space and offers many cooking options.
- The healthy air fryer feature lets you enjoy crispy fried foods with less fat, keeping the original taste.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output for quick cooking.
- Despite its compact footprint, it has a good capacity with a 12.4-inch turntable that can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a position memory turntable make cooking simple.
- The black stainless steel finish looks stylish, and the stainless steel interior is easy to clean.
- The two-step child lock is a great safety feature to prevent accidental use by kids.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual’s instructions for the child lock might need clearer diagrams for some users.
- While powerful, the input power is 1600 watts, which is something to consider for your kitchen’s electrical load.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy kitchens. It offers a great balance of features, convenience, and style.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen game-changer. This stainless steel appliance packs a lot of cooking power into a compact 0.9 cubic foot size. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s your new go-to for air frying, baking, roasting, and even convection cooking. With 900 watts of power, it tackles all your culinary tasks with ease.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, meaning you can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast all in one machine. This saves counter space and offers great versatility.
- The 11 air fry presets make cooking popular items like fries, chicken wings, and spring rolls super simple. Just select the preset and go!
- It has 10 cooking levels, including 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and frozen pizza.
- The “Speedy Cooking” feature lets you quickly start cooking at full power for 30-second intervals.
- The Child-Lock setting is a great safety feature for families with young children.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s compact, the 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or when cooking big meals.
- Some users might find the initial learning curve for the various cooking functions a bit steep.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one convenient appliance. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super handy kitchen appliance that does more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a broiler, and a convection oven all in one! This stainless steel beauty is perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms or even your kitchen countertop. It’s got 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, so it’s compact but still packs a punch.
What We Like:
- Air Fry Mode: You can make your favorite foods crispy and healthier without a separate air fryer. It cooks food faster too!
- Convection Mode: Get that perfect golden brown finish on your food. The special rack helps air move around for even cooking.
- Broil Mode: This feature lets you get that grilled effect right in your microwave, perfect for searing or caramelizing food.
- Preset Controls: Making fries or nuggets is a breeze with easy-to-use presets that ensure your food is cooked just right.
- Compact Size: It fits easily on your counter or in a dorm room without taking up too much space.
- Child-Lock Technology: This safety feature helps keep little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Glass Turntable: Your food spins around for even cooking, so no more cold spots!
What Could Be Improved:
- The air fryer function might not be as powerful as a dedicated air fryer for very large batches.
- Some users might find the initial setup or understanding of all the different modes a little confusing at first.
This GE microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution for anyone needing versatility in a small package. It makes cooking and reheating easier and more fun.
4. TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Ovenwith 2.4-Inch Color Screen
Rating: 8.8/10
The TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that blends the convenience of a microwave with the healthy cooking capabilities of an air fryer. Its sleek silver design and smart features make it a great addition to any modern kitchen.
What We Like:
- The 2.4-inch color screen and easy-to-use interface make cooking simple.
- ChefFry Plus lets you enjoy healthier, air-fried meals right from your microwave.
- The Origin Inverter technology cooks food evenly and preserves flavor, saving time and energy.
- The intuitive humidity sensor ensures your food stays moist and perfectly cooked.
- It’s large enough to fit a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken.
- Chef Defrost speeds up thawing and keeps food tasting great.
- Smart connectivity with the TSmartLife APP and Alexa allows for remote control and voice commands.
- The AI-Chef system learns and adapts for a personalized cooking experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup for smart features might take a few extra steps.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven offers a smart and healthy way to cook. It’s a fantastic choice for busy households looking for convenience and good food.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo, a versatile kitchen workhorse that does more than just heat your leftovers. This 4-in-1 appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combo mode for faster, tastier meals. It’s designed to simplify your cooking and bring healthier options to your table without sacrificing flavor.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, meaning you get a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and combo cooking all in one. This saves counter space and offers many cooking options.
- You can enjoy healthier fried foods with less oil. The air fryer function gives you that crispy texture you love.
- It combines microwave and convection cooking for better food texture. It also has auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity and a 13.6-inch turntable are big enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, perfect for families.
- Its stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and the stainless steel interior is easy to clean.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, a memory function, and a mute button make cooking easier. You can even turn off the buzzer if you don’t want it to sound.
- It boasts 1000 watts of microwave power with 10 different power settings for precise cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice for some users.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space before buying.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience, healthy cooking options, and great results. It’s a smart choice for busy households looking to do more with less.
Your Smart Guide to Buying a Combo Microwave
Are you looking for a kitchen helper that can do more than just reheat leftovers? A combo microwave might be just the thing! These handy appliances combine the speed of a microwave with the cooking power of a convection oven. This guide will help you choose the perfect one for your kitchen.
Why Choose a Combo Microwave?
A combo microwave is like having two appliances in one. You can use it to:
- Quickly heat food like a regular microwave.
- Bake and roast like a convection oven.
- Grill your favorite foods.
- Defrost frozen items fast.
They save space and can cook food faster and more evenly than a traditional oven.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep these important features in mind:
- Microwave Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Convection Temperature: A good range is from 150°F to 400°F. This lets you bake cakes or roast chicken.
- Capacity (Liters): How much food can it hold? Smaller kitchens might need 20-25 liters. Larger families might prefer 30 liters or more.
- Cooking Modes: Check for different modes like microwave, convection, grill, and combination cooking. Some have special modes for specific foods like pizza or popcorn.
- Turntable or Flatbed: A turntable spins food for even heating. A flatbed design offers more usable space and is easier to clean.
- Pre-set Programs: These make cooking simple. You just select the food type, and the microwave does the rest.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for a non-stick interior or a steam cleaning function.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and how the microwave works.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Some have ceramic coatings, which are also easy to wipe down.
- Exterior: Most exteriors are made of stainless steel or durable plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and lasts long.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good quality means your microwave will work well and last longer.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better quality and customer support.
- Build Quality: A sturdy, well-built microwave feels solid. Check that doors open and close smoothly.
- User Reviews: Real users share their experiences. Read reviews to find out about common problems or great features.
- Warranty: A longer warranty, especially on parts like the magnetron (which creates microwaves), is a good sign.
User Experience and Use Cases
A combo microwave can make your life easier.
- Busy Individuals: Quickly heat meals or cook single servings.
- Families: Bake cookies, roast vegetables, or cook a whole chicken.
- Small Kitchens: Save space by having one appliance do the job of two.
- Entertaining: Prepare appetizers or reheat dishes for guests.
Think about what you cook most often. If you love baking, a good convection feature is essential. If you just need quick meals, focus on microwave power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a combo microwave?
A: A combo microwave is an appliance that works as both a microwave and a convection oven. It can also often grill food.
Q: Are combo microwaves worth the money?
A: Yes, they are often worth it because they save space and offer more cooking options than a standard microwave.
Q: How do I clean a combo microwave?
A: You can usually clean the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some models have a steam cleaning function.
Q: What is the difference between microwave and convection cooking?
A: Microwave cooking uses electromagnetic waves to heat food from the inside out. Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, like a regular oven.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a combo microwave?
A: Yes, most combo microwaves have a convection bake setting that allows you to bake cakes and other pastries.
Q: What is the best wattage for a microwave?
A: For good performance, aim for at least 900 watts.
Q: How big should my combo microwave be?
A: Consider how much food you usually cook. 20-25 liters is good for individuals, while 30 liters or more is better for families.
Q: Are combo microwaves hard to use?
A: They can be very easy to use, especially models with pre-set programs. It just takes a little practice to learn all the features.
Q: Can I use metal in a combo microwave?
A: You can use metal cookware in the convection or grill modes. However, never use metal in microwave mode, as it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long do combo microwaves usually last?
A: With good care, a combo microwave can last many years, typically 7-10 years or more.
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!