Imagine a kitchen gadget that can toast your bagels, bake a small batch of cookies, and reheat leftovers all in one sleek package. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s the magic of a countertop convection microwave, a versatile appliance that’s quickly becoming a kitchen essential.
But let’s be honest, wading through all the different models and features can feel overwhelming. You want to find one that fits your space, your cooking needs, and your budget. It’s easy to get lost in jargon like “wattage,” “capacity,” and “convection settings.” You might be wondering, “Is it really worth the upgrade?”
Fear not! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a great countertop convection microwave. We’ll break down the key features, explore popular options, and offer practical tips to help you choose the perfect one for your home. Get ready to discover how this one appliance can transform your cooking and save you precious counter space.
Our Top 5 Countertop Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Countertop Convection Microwave 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 versatile kitchen helper. It does more than just reheat leftovers; it can air fry, bake, broil, and even remove odors. Its sleek black stainless steel design looks great on any counter. This microwave is designed for families, with a handy child lock to keep little hands safe. It’s a compact appliance that offers a lot of cooking power and options.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more. This means you can cook many different kinds of food.
- The healthy air fry feature lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output for fast cooking.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn and a kitchen timer make cooking easier.
- The child lock is a great safety feature for households with kids.
- It has a stylish black stainless steel finish that’s easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock might need a clearer explanation.
- While compact, fitting it on a crowded counter might still be a challenge for some.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both style and a wide range of cooking capabilities.
2. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven (ML-EC42P(SS)) is a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and a combination cooker all in one. This means you can enjoy healthier fried foods, bake delicious treats, and roast meats with just one appliance. Its smart sensor technology helps you cook popular foods perfectly, and the large capacity is great for family meals.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so you get a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and combination cooker in one.
- You can make healthier “fried” foods with less fat.
- It combines microwave and convection cooking for better food textures.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stainless steel finish looks stylish in any kitchen.
- It has a convenient mute function to turn off the buzzer.
- It includes useful features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and speedy cooking.
- The smart sensor menus help you cook popular foods like frozen pizza and vegetables perfectly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
- While the interior is stainless steel, the door frame is stainless steel and the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen decors.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthy cooking options. It’s an excellent choice for busy families looking to simplify their cooking routine.
3. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, your new kitchen superhero! This countertop appliance does more than just reheat leftovers. It’s a true multi-tasker, ready to tackle all your cooking adventures. From quick meals to impressive dinners, this sleek stainless steel microwave has you covered. With 900 watts of power, it cooks food fast and efficiently. Plus, it has a handy child-lock feature to keep little ones safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast. This means you can cook almost anything!
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for things like popcorn and pizza.
- The air fryer has 11 presets, making it super easy to cook favorites like fries and chicken wings.
- You can start cooking at 100% power for 30 seconds with a single button press.
- The child-lock setting is a great safety feature.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large meals or families.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking easier and more fun with its many features.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just reheat leftovers. It’s a 1,050-watt powerhouse that can air fry, broil, and even bake using convection. Its compact 1.0 cubic foot size makes it ideal for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or even an office. Plus, its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. Safety is also a priority with its two-step child lock feature.
What We Like:
- The air fry mode lets you make your favorite crispy foods healthier and faster.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly and gives it a nice golden-brown finish, thanks to the special rack.
- Broil mode lets you get that grilled effect right in your microwave, perfect for searing or caramelizing.
- Preset controls for things like fries and nuggets make cooking simple and accurate.
- It’s powerful at 1,050 watts but still compact, fitting easily in tight spaces.
- The glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly all the way around.
- The two-step child lock is a great safety feature for families with young children.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many functions, the user manual could be more detailed for advanced cooking techniques.
- Some users might find the interior light a bit dim for checking food progress.
This GE microwave is a fantastic all-in-one appliance that saves space and offers a variety of cooking options. It’s a smart addition for anyone looking for convenience and versatility in their kitchen.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(BS). This appliance is a real game-changer for your kitchen. It combines four cooking functions into one sleek black stainless steel unit. You can microwave, air fry, use convection, or even use a combination of microwave and convection. It’s designed to make cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so you get a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven all in one. This saves counter space.
- You can enjoy healthier fried foods with less oil thanks to the air fry feature.
- It has smart sensor menus that help you cook popular foods perfectly, like frozen pizza and vegetables.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It includes a handy mute function to turn off the buzzer, which is great for late-night snacks.
- The position memory turntable ensures your food cooks evenly by remembering its starting spot.
- The black stainless steel finish looks stylish in any kitchen.
- It comes with useful accessories like a grill rack and grill tray.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, learning all four cooking modes might take a little practice.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo offers fantastic versatility and convenience. It’s a smart choice for busy families who want healthy, delicious meals with minimal fuss.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Countertop Convection Microwave
Are you looking for a kitchen helper that can do it all? A countertop convection microwave is a fantastic choice. It bakes, broils, and microwaves, all in one handy appliance. Let’s explore what makes a great one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a countertop convection microwave, keep these important features in mind.
1. Convection Cooking Power
This is what sets it apart. Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air. This cooks food more evenly and faster than a regular microwave. Look for a convection wattage that is at least 1200-1500 watts. This means it will cook your food thoroughly and quickly.
2. Microwave Wattage
The microwave function is still important. A higher wattage means faster cooking and reheating. Aim for at least 1000 watts for good performance.
3. Capacity and Size
Think about what you’ll cook. Do you need to fit a whole chicken or a large casserole dish? Microwaves come in different sizes, usually measured in cubic feet. A 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet capacity is good for most families. Make sure it fits comfortably on your counter too! Measure your space before you buy.
4. Preset Cooking Programs
Many convection microwaves have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking. They automatically set the time and power level for you.
5. Turntable or Rack System
A turntable helps food cook evenly in microwave mode. For convection cooking, you might prefer a rack system. This allows you to place food on different levels for baking multiple items. Some models offer both.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes scrubbing tough messes. Look for models with a non-stick interior or a steam-cleaning function. This makes cleanup much easier after cooking.
Important Materials
The materials used in a convection microwave affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a popular choice. It’s durable, easy to clean, and looks sleek. It also helps reflect heat, which can improve cooking performance.
- Ceramic or Enamel Interior: These are also good options. They are generally easy to wipe clean and resist scratches.
- Glass Door: Most models have a glass door. Look for one that is well-sealed to keep heat inside. Some have double-pane glass for better insulation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a convection microwave great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A sturdy, well-built appliance will last longer. Check for solid construction and smooth-operating doors and buttons. A wobbly unit might not be as durable.
- User Interface: A clear and easy-to-understand control panel is a big plus. Buttons that are well-labeled and responsive make using the appliance a joy. Confusing controls can be frustrating.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for information on how noisy a particular model is.
User Experience and Use Cases
A countertop convection microwave is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for small kitchens or for anyone who wants more cooking options.
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave function for fast reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature is amazing for baking cookies, roasting vegetables, or even cooking a small chicken. It gives you the results of a regular oven.
- Toasting and Broiling: Some models can even toast bread or broil small items, acting like a mini-grill.
- Space Saving: It replaces the need for a separate toaster oven and microwave, saving valuable counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave heats food using electromagnetic waves. A convection microwave adds a fan that circulates hot air, allowing it to bake, roast, and brown food like a traditional oven.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a convection microwave?
A: Yes! The convection feature is perfect for baking cakes, cookies, muffins, and other baked goods. It provides even heat for great results.
Q: Is a convection microwave harder to use than a regular microwave?
A: Not at all. Many models have user-friendly controls and preset programs. You can use it as a regular microwave or select the convection setting when needed.
Q: How much counter space does a countertop convection microwave take up?
A: They come in various sizes. A typical model is about 20-24 inches wide and 15-18 inches deep. Always measure your counter space before buying.
Q: What should I look for in a convection microwave’s interior?
A: Stainless steel or ceramic interiors are easy to clean and durable. A good seal on the door also helps trap heat.
Q: Can I use metal in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can usually use oven-safe metal bakeware, like baking sheets or muffin tins, in convection mode. However, always check your user manual because some microwaves have restrictions.
Q: How do I clean a convection microwave?
A: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Many models have a steam-clean function for tougher messes. The exterior can be cleaned with a glass cleaner or all-purpose cleaner.
Q: Are convection microwaves energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient for smaller tasks compared to a full-sized oven. The faster cooking times also save energy.
Q: What kind of food is best cooked with convection?
A: Foods that benefit from browning and crisping, like roasted chicken, vegetables, cookies, and pies, cook wonderfully in convection mode.
Q: Where is the best place to put a convection microwave?
A: It should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface with good ventilation around it. Ensure there’s enough space for the door to open fully.
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!