Imagine a kitchen gadget that could toast your bagel, reheat leftovers, and crisp up your fries – all in one compact appliance. That’s the promise of a microwave air fryer combo! But with so many models flooding the market, how do you know which one is truly worth your hard-earned money? It can feel overwhelming, right? You want delicious, crispy food without the greasy mess, and you also need the convenience of a microwave. Finding the perfect balance can be a real headache.
That’s exactly why we’ve dived deep into the world of microwave air fryer combos. We’ve sifted through the noise and gathered information to help you make the best choice for your kitchen. By reading on, you’ll discover what Consumer Reports has to say about these popular appliances. We’ll break down the key features to look for and highlight the models that stand out from the crowd.
Get ready to say goodbye to kitchen confusion and hello to perfectly cooked meals. Let’s explore the top picks and find the microwave air fryer combo that will become your new favorite kitchen helper.
Our Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Combo Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Combo Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. Uten 8-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Combo – Large 25.4QT
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Uten 8-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Combo, a kitchen game-changer designed to simplify your cooking. This appliance combines the best of both worlds, offering powerful air frying and efficient microwaving in one sleek black unit. Its large capacity and quick heating make it ideal for busy families and anyone who loves delicious food without the wait.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 powerhouse, saving you counter space by combining an air fryer and a microwave.
- The massive 25.4QT capacity cooks for large groups, and its square design offers more usable space.
- You can customize your cooking with programmable settings and 8 helpful presets.
- The 1800W turbo power heats food incredibly fast, making meals ready quicker than takeout.
- Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the durable, easy-to-wipe stainless steel interior.
- A child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The child lock automatically engages after three minutes of inactivity, which might be slightly inconvenient if you’re pausing briefly.
The Uten 8-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering speed, versatility, and convenience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
2. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(BS), a smart and versatile kitchen helper. This 4-in-1 appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combo cooking mode. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and your meals healthier. You can make all sorts of delicious food with this one machine!
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, meaning it can do many different cooking jobs.
- You can air fry your favorite foods with less oil, making them healthier.
- It combines microwave and convection cooking for better food textures.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- It has helpful features like a mute function, memory settings, and speedy cooking.
- The 1000W microwave power cooks food quickly and efficiently.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all the functions a bit much.
- While it has a mute function, more advanced customization of sound alerts could be a plus.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a wide range of cooking options in one convenient appliance.
3. TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Ovenwith 2.4-Inch Color Screen
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven, a silver powerhouse that brings a whole new level of convenience and healthy cooking to your kitchen. This isn’t just any microwave; it’s a smart appliance packed with advanced features that make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- The 2.4-inch color screen is super easy to use with its bright display and simple controls.
- ChefFry Plus lets you air fry for healthier, crispy foods, just like a separate air fryer.
- The smart humidity sensor makes sure your food is perfectly cooked and stays moist.
- Origin Inverter Technology cooks food evenly, saving time and energy.
- It’s large enough to fit a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken.
- Chef Defrost is way faster than normal and keeps your food tasting great.
- You can control it with your phone using the TSmartLife APP or with Alexa voice commands.
- The AI-Chef system learns and updates recipes, making cooking smarter over time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smart features might take a little time to get used to for some users.
- While it’s a combo, some dedicated air fryer users might prefer a separate, larger unit.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven truly simplifies cooking with its smart technology and versatile functions. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen.
4. Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
Rating: 9.3/10
The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is a kitchen powerhouse. It’s designed to handle everything from quick snacks to big family dinners. This appliance combines an air fryer and a toaster oven, making it super versatile. Its sleek stainless steel finish and elegant French doors add a touch of style to any kitchen. Plus, it has a generous 26-quart capacity, perfect for feeding a crowd.
What We Like:
- It’s a versatile air fryer and multi-cooker, handling many different meals easily.
- You get perfectly done toast every time thanks to the automatic shut-off and indicator light.
- It offers 25 cooking pre-sets for a wide variety of cooking methods, like baking, roasting, and even slow cooking.
- The dual-speed fan provides 360º superheated air circulation for crispy, golden results.
- The 26-quart capacity is great for families, and it can even rotisserie a 6-lb chicken or bake a 12” pizza.
- The stainless steel exterior looks beautiful, and the elegant French doors open with a single pull.
- The interior light lets you easily check on your food as it cooks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many functions, learning to use all 24 cooking settings might take some practice.
- The “Slow Cook” function might not get as hot as a dedicated slow cooker for longer cooking times.
This Emeril Lagasse oven is an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options and a large capacity for family meals. It truly elevates everyday cooking and entertaining.
5. TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo
Rating: 9.3/10
This TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo is a true kitchen powerhouse. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile appliance that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks. From air frying and convection baking to broiling and even making yogurt, this machine does it all. Its smart inverter technology and humidity sensor ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time, without any guesswork. Plus, its sleek design and space-saving capabilities make it a fantastic addition to any kitchen counter.
What We Like:
- Incredibly versatile, acting as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more.
- Smart inverter technology provides even cooking and reheating, eliminating cold spots.
- Air fryer function delivers crispy, less-fat meals with 360° rapid heat circulation.
- Combi-modes significantly speed up cooking by combining microwave, convection, and grill functions.
- Comes with a cookbook and numerous auto menus and recipes for easy meal preparation.
- Humidity sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power for perfect results.
- Mute function allows for quiet operation.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While it has many features, mastering all the functions may take a little practice.
This TOSHIBA combo oven is an excellent choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking and expand their culinary horizons. It’s a smart investment for delicious, easy meals.
Your Guide to the Best Microwave Air Fryer Combos
Are you looking for a kitchen gadget that can do it all? A microwave air fryer combo might be the perfect addition to your home. These appliances combine the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer, giving you more options for cooking delicious meals. Consumer Reports often tests these models, so we’re here to help you understand what makes a good one.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? Think about how many people you usually cook for. A larger capacity is great for families, while a smaller one works well for individuals or couples.
- Power Levels: A good microwave air fryer combo offers a range of power settings. This lets you control how quickly your food cooks and how crispy it gets. Look for at least 10 power levels.
- Air Fry Functionality: The air fryer part should have specific settings for different foods like fries, chicken wings, or vegetables. This makes cooking easy and helps you get great results.
- Preset Cooking Modes: Many models come with pre-programmed settings for common dishes. These can take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures even cooking and heating in microwave mode. Some air fryer baskets are also removable for easy cleaning.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes scrubbing stubborn food bits. Look for non-stick interiors and dishwasher-safe parts like racks or baskets.
Important Materials
The materials used in your combo unit affect its durability and how it cooks.
- Stainless Steel Interior: Stainless steel is a popular choice because it’s durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t hold onto odors. It also helps distribute heat evenly.
- Ceramic Interior: Ceramic interiors are becoming more common. They are scratch-resistant and generally easy to wipe clean.
- Plastic Components: For the exterior and some internal parts, good quality plastic is important. It should feel sturdy and not cheap.
Factors That Affect Quality
Some things make a microwave air fryer combo better than others.
- Even Cooking: A top-quality unit cooks food evenly in both microwave and air fryer modes. You don’t want hot spots or undercooked areas. Consumer Reports often highlights this in their reviews.
- Crisping Performance: For the air fryer function, you want food to come out golden brown and crispy. A good unit will circulate air effectively to achieve this.
- Durability: Well-built appliances last longer. Look for solid construction and high-quality components. Reviews often mention how well a unit holds up over time.
- Noise Level: Some appliances can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for comments on how quiet the unit is during operation.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you’ll use your combo appliance matters.
- Quick Meals: The microwave function is perfect for reheating leftovers or quickly cooking frozen meals.
- Healthier Fried Foods: The air fryer lets you enjoy crispy foods like french fries or chicken tenders with less oil. This is a big plus for health-conscious cooks.
- Versatile Cooking: You can use it to bake small batches of cookies, roast vegetables, or even toast bread. It’s a great space-saver if you don’t have room for multiple appliances.
- Easy for Beginners: Preset cooking modes and simple controls make these units user-friendly, even for those new to cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave air fryer combo and separate appliances?
A: A combo unit saves counter space by doing the job of both a microwave and an air fryer. It offers more cooking options in one appliance.
Q: Can I air fry and microwave at the same time?
A: Most models do not allow simultaneous microwave and air fryer functions. You typically use one mode at a time.
Q: How do I clean a microwave air fryer combo?
A: Always unplug the appliance first. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Removable parts like racks and baskets are often dishwasher safe.
Q: Are microwave air fryer combos good for making crispy food?
A: Yes, the air fryer function is designed to make food crispy by circulating hot air around it. Results can vary by model.
Q: What kind of foods can I cook in a microwave air fryer combo?
A: You can reheat food, cook frozen meals, bake small items, roast vegetables, and air fry foods like fries, chicken wings, and fish.
Q: How much counter space does a combo unit take up?
A: They take up about the same space as a standard microwave, but you get the added functionality of an air fryer.
Q: Is an air fryer function healthy?
A: Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, making your favorite crispy foods a healthier option.
Q: What is the average price range for a good microwave air fryer combo?
A: Prices can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the brand, features, and capacity.
Q: Do I need special cookware for the air fryer part?
A: You usually don’t need special cookware. Most oven-safe dishes or the included basket will work. Avoid using plastic that can melt.
Q: How long do these appliances typically last?
A: With proper care, a good quality microwave air fryer combo can last between 5 to 10 years.
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!