Imagine transforming your kitchen into a culinary powerhouse without needing a whole new set of appliances. What if one sleek machine could reheat leftovers in minutes, roast a chicken to crispy perfection, and even bake a batch of cookies just like a traditional oven? This isn’t a dream; it’s the magic of a microwave and convection oven combo!
For many home cooks, the idea of a combo oven is exciting, but the reality of choosing one can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering if it really works as well as separate appliances, or if it’s worth the investment. The sheer variety of features, sizes, and brands can leave you scratching your head, unsure of which one will truly fit your needs and budget.
That’s where we come in! This guide is designed to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes these versatile appliances so special, break down the key features to look for, and help you understand how each function can benefit your cooking. By the end, you’ll feel confident in knowing exactly what to consider when selecting your perfect microwave and convection oven combo.
Our Top 5 Microwave And Convection Oven Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave And Convection Oven Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It does more than just heat up leftovers; it can air fry, bake, broil, and even remove odors. Its stylish black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter, and it’s designed for easy cleaning.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more, making it super useful.
- The healthy air fryer feature lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is big enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable remembers where your food was, so it finishes in the same spot.
- It has a child lock for safety, which is important for families.
- One-touch popcorn and speedy cooking options make meal prep faster.
- The mute function is a nice touch for quiet kitchens.
- The black stainless steel looks very modern and is easy to wipe clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction for the two-step child lock could be clearer.
- While it’s compact, some users might want an even larger capacity for very big meals.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a great addition to any kitchen, offering a lot of cooking options in one convenient appliance.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast. This stainless steel appliance fits nicely on your countertop. It offers 900 watts of power for quick cooking. Plus, it has a handy child-lock feature for safety.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can cook many different ways.
- The air fryer has 11 special settings for foods like fries and chicken wings.
- You can cook food quickly with the speedy cook button.
- The child-lock keeps little ones from accidentally starting it.
- It has 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for larger meals or families.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great option for anyone wanting more cooking possibilities in one compact appliance. It makes preparing meals easier and faster.
3. GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven – a kitchen game-changer! This sleek, stainless steel appliance packs a punch with four cooking functions: microwave, air fryer, convection, and broiler. It’s compact, making it ideal for dorm rooms, offices, or kitchens where space is tight. Plus, its 1.0 cubic foot capacity is surprisingly roomy for its size.
What We Like:
- The built-in Air Fry mode lets you enjoy crispy, healthier versions of your favorite foods.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly and gives it a golden-brown finish, thanks to a special rack.
- The Broil mode is great for searing and caramelizing food, just like a grill.
- Preset controls for common foods like fries and nuggets make cooking super easy and accurate.
- The Two-Step Child Lock feature keeps little hands safe from accidental use.
- It’s a powerful 1,050-watt appliance that fits easily on your countertop.
- The glass turntable rotates food for even cooking every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Kitchen Door Room” in the title seems like a typo and doesn’t describe a specific feature.
- While compact, the 1.0 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for very large meals or families.
This GE oven truly offers versatility in a small package. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for more cooking options.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(BS). This kitchen gadget is a true multitasker, designed to simplify your cooking. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and even a combination cooker all in one sleek black stainless steel package. You can make crispy fried foods with less oil, bake cakes, roast meats, or just quickly reheat leftovers. Its large capacity means you can cook a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, making it great for family meals. Plus, it has smart features like sensor cooking for perfect results and a handy mute function so you won’t be bothered by loud beeps.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so it does a lot of jobs: microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking.
- You can enjoy healthier “fried” foods with the air fryer feature.
- It cooks food better with its combination of microwave and convection.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit big meals.
- It looks stylish in your kitchen with its black stainless steel finish.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory settings, and a mute function are included.
- The mute function lets you turn off the buzzer sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dimensions might be a bit large for very small kitchens.
- While it has many features, learning all the settings might take a little time.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo offers a lot of cooking power and versatility in one appliance. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a multi-functional and stylish oven.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo, a true kitchen multitasker that simplifies your cooking. This 4-in-1 appliance combines microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking, offering tons of ways to prepare your favorite meals. It’s designed to make cooking healthier and tastier, all while saving you counter space.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, or use a mix of microwave and convection. This means you can cook almost anything!
- You can enjoy crispy, fried foods with less oil, which is much healthier.
- The convection and microwave cooking work together to give food a better texture.
- It has smart sensor menus that automatically set the right cooking time and temperature for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- The large 1.5 cubic feet capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, perfect for families.
- It looks sleek with its stainless steel finish and has an easy-to-clean interior.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying buzzer.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and a kitchen timer make cooking easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior is stainless steel for the door frame, but the enclosure is black. Some might prefer a full stainless steel look.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience for busy households. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to cook healthier and more efficiently.
Your Guide to a Microwave and Convection Oven Combo
Are you looking for a kitchen helper that can do it all? A microwave and convection oven combo is like having two appliances in one. It can quickly heat your leftovers like a microwave, and bake and roast like a regular oven. Let’s find the best one for you!
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food do you want to cook at once? Combos come in different sizes. A bigger family might need a larger capacity.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Convection Power: This is how well it bakes and roasts. A higher wattage here means more even cooking.
- Pre-set Cooking Modes: Many ovens have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or potatoes. These make cooking easy.
- Turntable or Rack System: A turntable helps food cook evenly in microwave mode. Some convection ovens have racks for baking.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for models with easy-to-wipe interiors. Non-stick coatings are a big plus.
- Smart Features: Some ovens connect to your phone or have voice control. These can be handy but aren’t always necessary.
Important Materials
The materials used can affect how well your combo oven works and how long it lasts.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. They also help distribute heat well. Enamel interiors are also common and affordable.
- Exterior: Stainless steel exteriors look sleek and modern. Other finishes like black or white are also available.
- Door: A sturdy glass door lets you see your food cooking. Look for good seals to keep heat inside.
Factors That Affect Quality
Some things make a combo oven better, while others might make it less ideal.
- Even Heating: A good combo oven heats food evenly in both microwave and convection modes. Poor heating means some parts of your food might be hot and others cold.
- Build Quality: A well-built oven feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should be responsive.
- Noise Level: Some ovens are louder than others. If you have an open kitchen, a quieter model might be better.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for Energy Star ratings. These ovens use less electricity, saving you money.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use your combo oven.
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave for reheating leftovers, making popcorn, or cooking frozen meals.
- Baking and Roasting: Use the convection feature to bake cookies, roast chicken, or cook vegetables. It’s great for smaller batches or when your main oven is busy.
- Versatility: You can use both functions. For example, you might microwave a dish to cook it faster, then use the convection to crisp it up.
- Space Saving: If you have a small kitchen, a combo oven is a great way to get two appliances in one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and a convection oven?
A: A microwave uses invisible waves to heat food from the inside out. A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air, like a regular oven, which browns and crisps food.
Q: Can I bake cakes in a microwave and convection oven combo?
A: Yes, you can bake cakes using the convection setting. It works like a regular oven.
Q: How do I clean the inside of my combo oven?
A: Most interiors can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, you can heat a bowl of water with lemon juice inside for a few minutes to loosen grime.
Q: Is a combo oven more energy efficient than separate appliances?
A: Often, yes. They can be more efficient because they are typically smaller and designed to heat up quickly.
Q: What is the best capacity for a family of four?
A: For a family of four, a capacity of around 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet is usually sufficient.
Q: Do I need to use special cookware in a convection oven?
A: Yes, you should use oven-safe cookware like glass, ceramic, or metal. Avoid plastic or paper unless the manual says it’s okay for convection.
Q: How long do these appliances usually last?
A: With proper care, a good quality microwave and convection oven combo can last 7 to 10 years or more.
Q: Can I use the microwave and convection at the same time?
A: Some models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This speeds up cooking and can give food a crispy finish.
Q: Are combo ovens harder to use than regular microwaves?
A: They might have more buttons and settings, but most are designed to be user-friendly with clear instructions.
Q: What is the advantage of having a convection oven instead of just a microwave?
A: A convection oven allows you to bake, roast, and brown food, giving it a texture that a microwave alone cannot achieve.
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!