Tired of a cluttered kitchen counter? Do you wish one appliance could do it all—heat up leftovers *and* make crispy fries? Many of us dream of a single gadget that microwaves, bakes, and air fries perfectly. But when you look for “Microwave Air Fryer Combo Consumer Reports,” the sheer number of choices can feel overwhelming. Which one heats evenly? Which one actually delivers that satisfying crunch without drying out your food?
Choosing the best combination unit is tricky. You worry about sacrificing microwave speed for air fryer quality, or vice versa. We know you want reliable performance, not just another bulky appliance gathering dust. This deep dive cuts through the confusion. We break down the latest Consumer Reports findings, testing results, and user feedback on the top models available today.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly which microwave air fryer combo fits your cooking style and budget. Get ready to clear that counter space and start cooking smarter, not harder. Let’s dive into the best countertop powerhouses available right now!
Top Microwave Air Fryer Combo Consumer Reports Recommendations
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, please open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- 8-in-1 Multifunctional 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*16.4*11.8 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.
- 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
- 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.
- VERSATILITY & INNOVATION: Countertop Microwave, Convection Air Fryer, and FusionCrisp Technology —designed to replace a countertop microwave and air fryer with one versatile appliance.
- FUSIONCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Starts with microwaving, then automatically finishes with Ninja’s legendary air frying to go from frozen to crispy in minutes. Up to 60% faster than a conventional oven. Faster*. Juicy. Crispier*. *Vs. a conventional oven.
- LEGENDARY NINJA AIR FRYING: The power* and performance of a 1700-watt Ninja air fryer, now in a microwave. Up to 450°F of superheated cyclonic air. Get equal results to a Ninja Crispi Pro air fryer. *Based on MW101 air fryer wattage vs. FN101.
- 14-IN-1 COOKING FUNCTIONALITY: 8 Microwave Presets (Popcorn, Potato, Defrost, Beverage, Soup, Frozen Dinner, Frozen Vegetable, and Soften Butter), 5 Air Fry Presets (Max Crisp, Crisp, Air Roast, Air Bake, and Air Broil), plus FusionCrisp Technology.
- XL COOKING CAPACITY: Flatbed design eliminates the need for a turntable, giving you 40% more* usable cooking space. Fit a 9"x11" baking dish, 2 bags of popcorn at once, or 4 bowls of leftovers in one cook. *vs. 0.9-cu-ft turntable microwave.
- 4-in-1 Multifunctional 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 13.6 inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Stainless steel finish (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with easy to clean stainless steel interior
- Advanced User Interface: Equipped with a 2.4-inch colorful screen with an intuitive user interface that is highly responsive and easy to operate, making complex cooking tasks simple and more accessible.
- ChefFry Plus: Features a top fan and heating element that replicates an air fryer oven, allowing for healthier cooking options.
- Intuitive Humidity Sensor: Built-in sensor ensures even heating and retains moisture for perfectly cooked dishes every time.
- Origin Inverter: Ensures even cooking, precise temperature control, better textures, juicier meats, and enhanced flavor preservation. It also reduces cooking time and energy consumption to get your meals on the dinner table more quickly.
- Dimensions: This 1.3 cubic foot microwave easily accommodates a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. Overall measurements (W x D x H): 21.8 x 17.8 x 12.8 inches. Delivers 1100W of output power, 1250 input power.
- VERSATILITY & INNOVATION: Countertop Microwave, Convection Air Fryer, and FusionCrisp Technology —designed to replace a countertop microwave and air fryer with one versatile appliance.
- FUSIONCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Starts with microwaving, then automatically finishes with Ninja’s legendary air frying to go from frozen to crispy in minutes. Up to 60% faster than a conventional oven. Faster*. Juicy. Crispier*. *Vs. a conventional oven.
- LEGENDARY NINJA AIR FRYING: The power* and performance of a 1700-watt Ninja air fryer, now in a microwave. Up to 450°F of superheated cyclonic air. Get equal results to a Ninja Crispi Pro air fryer. *Based on MW101 air fryer wattage vs. FN101.
- 14-IN-1 COOKING FUNCTIONALITY: 8 Microwave Presets (Popcorn, Potato, Defrost, Beverage, Soup, Frozen Dinner, Frozen Vegetable, and Soften Butter), 5 Air Fry Presets (Max Crisp, Crisp, Air Roast, Air Bake, and Air Broil), plus FusionCrisp Technology.
- XL COOKING CAPACITY: Flatbed design eliminates the need for a turntable, giving you 40% more* usable cooking space. Fit a 9"x11" baking dish, 2 bags of popcorn at once, or 4 bowls of leftovers in one cook. *vs. 0.9-cu-ft turntable microwave.
- Balanced capacity. Powerful performance: With a versatile 1.0 cu. ft. capacity and 1,050 Watts of cooking power, this microwave delivers fast, even results for family favorites and everyday meals. Measures: 13.98" W x 9.49" H x 13.23" D
- Air Fry: The built-in microwave air fryer is a healthier way to deliver crispy, golden results without a separate appliance—a stainless steel crisper pan is included to help you get the most from every air fry session
- Convection Cooking: This convection microwave oven countertop unit uses a wire rack to let hot air circulate evenly around food, producing consistent browning and thorough cooking for everyday meals and smaller baked goods
- Broil: When you have a microwave with a broiler right inside, you can achieve the same effect you do with grill racks, radiating heat to sear or caramelize any food to perfection
- Trusted GE Performance: From quick breakfasts to late-night snacks, this GE countertop microwave delivers the reliable performance, user-friendly controls, and everyday convenience that have made GE a trusted name in kitchens for generations
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Microwave Air Fryer Combos
Thinking about getting a microwave that can also air fry? That’s smart! These combo machines save counter space and cook food in new ways. Consumer Reports often test these gadgets. This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
A good microwave air fryer combo needs the right tools. Don’t just look at the price tag. Focus on what it can actually do.
Essential Functions:
- True Air Fry Capability: Does it just have a broiler, or does it use a fast-moving fan to circulate hot air? Real air frying gives you crispy results.
- Microwave Power (Wattage): Higher wattage (usually 1000W or more) means faster reheating. Check this number!
- Capacity: How big is the cooking basket or tray? Small families need less space than large ones.
- Pre-set Cooking Programs: Look for buttons labeled “Air Fry Chicken,” “Defrost,” or “Popcorn.” These make cooking easier.
- Convection Feature: Some advanced models also offer convection baking, which is like a mini oven. This adds versatility.
2. Important Materials and Durability
The materials used affect how long your appliance lasts and how easy it is to clean.
What to Inspect:
- Interior Lining: Stainless steel interiors are durable and clean up easily. Non-stick coatings are helpful but can scratch over time.
- Baskets and Racks: Air fryer components must be sturdy and heat-safe. Metal racks that are dishwasher-safe are a big plus.
- Exterior Casing: Look for solid construction. Plastic exteriors might feel cheap, but high-quality plastic can resist fingerprints better than stainless steel.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all combos cook the same. Some models are better at one job than the other.
Quality Boosters:
- Even Heating: The microwave function should heat food evenly without cold spots.
- Air Circulation Design: Better airflow inside the air fryer section means crispier food on all sides.
- Intuitive Controls: Digital touchpads are usually clearer than old-fashioned dials.
Quality Reducers:
- Slow Air Frying: If the fan is weak, your “fried” food will just be soggy.
- Flimsy Doors: Doors that wobble when you open or close them signal lower build quality.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will actually use the machine every day. A complicated machine often sits unused.
Daily Life Integration:
- Footprint: Measure your counter space! These units are often taller than standard microwaves.
- Noise Level: Air fryers use powerful fans. Check reviews to see if the noise level bothers you or your pets.
- Cleaning Time: If cleaning takes too long, you will use the microwave more and the air fryer less. Removable, dishwasher-safe parts are crucial.
These combos are great for quick meals, reheating leftovers (microwave), and making healthier versions of fries or chicken wings (air fryer). They are perfect for small apartments or dorm rooms where counter space is limited.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Microwave Air Fryer Combos
Q: Can I use metal in the air fryer part?
A: Yes, most combos allow you to use metal racks or trays specifically designed for the air fry function. However, **never** use metal inside while using the microwave function.
Q: Do these combos cook as well as separate appliances?
A: Often, they are very good. The air frying might be slightly slower than a dedicated, high-powered air fryer, but the microwave function is usually just as fast as a standard microwave.
Q: Are they hard to clean?
A: Cleaning can be tricky if grease gets into the vents. Look for models with removable, non-stick air fryer baskets for the easiest cleanup.
Q: What is the typical price range?
A: Prices vary widely, but expect to pay between $150 and $350 for a reliable model tested by consumer groups.
Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer function?
A: Yes, just like a regular air fryer. Preheating helps the food cook evenly and get crispy faster.
Q: What is the difference between convection and air frying in these units?
A: Convection uses a fan to circulate heat for even baking. Air frying uses a much faster, more intense fan speed to blast the food, making it crispier, similar to deep frying.
Q: How large of a turkey can I cook in one?
A: These are generally not large enough for a whole turkey. They work best for small batches of chicken pieces, fish fillets, or frozen appetizers.
Q: Do they save energy?
A: Yes! Using the air fryer or microwave function uses less energy than heating up a full-sized oven for small meals.
Q: What is the most common complaint Consumer Reports finds?
A: The most common complaint is often that the air fryer takes up too much space inside, reducing the usable microwave capacity.
Q: Can I use my own glass microwave dishes in the air fry mode?
A: No. You must use the specific metal racks or trays provided for the air frying/convection functions. Glass is not designed for that high, direct heat exposure.
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!