Top 5 Microwave Oven Combos: Your Buying Guide

Imagine this: You’re craving a perfectly crispy pizza or a warm, gooey cookie. But which appliance do you grab? The sleek microwave that heats things up in a flash, or the trusty oven that can bake anything to golden perfection? For many of us, deciding between a microwave and an oven, or even figuring out which combination works best for our kitchen, feels like a puzzle. It’s easy to get lost in all the different features and brands, leaving you wondering which one will truly fit your cooking needs and budget.

Choosing the right appliance can save you time and money, and even make cooking more enjoyable. If you’re tired of burnt edges or unevenly heated leftovers, this post is for you! We’ll break down the differences between microwaves and ovens, explore the popular microwave oven combos, and offer practical tips to help you find the perfect fit for your home. Get ready to unlock your kitchen’s full potential and say goodbye to cooking confusion!

Our Top 5 Microwave And Oven Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Microwave And Oven Detailed Reviews

1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven

TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4" Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS) A, Air Fryer-1.0 Cu.Ft

Rating: 9.1/10

Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen powerhouse designed to simplify your cooking. This stylish black stainless steel appliance is more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking companion that can air fry, bake, broil, and more, all with a compact footprint.

What We Like:

  • It offers 8 cooking functions in one, including microwave, air fry, convection bake, and broil, giving you lots of cooking options.
  • The healthy air fryer feature lets you enjoy crispy, fried foods with less fat.
  • It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output for quick cooking.
  • The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough to fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, yet the oven itself has a small footprint.
  • Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a position memory turntable make cooking easier.
  • The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety for families with young children.
  • The odor removal mode helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
  • It looks great in any kitchen with its classic black stainless steel finish and easy-to-clean interior.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The instructions for the two-step child lock could be clearer to ensure it’s used correctly.
  • While it has a large turntable, some users might find the overall internal capacity a bit limiting for very large meals.

This TOSHIBA combo oven is a smart choice for anyone looking to save space and expand their cooking abilities in the kitchen. It brings both style and functionality to your countertop.

2. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4″ Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor

TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft with 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor, 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior, 1000W, Silver

Rating: 8.8/10

The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS is a 1.2 cubic foot countertop microwave that brings smart cooking to your kitchen. It boasts a sleek silver finish and a spacious 12.4-inch removable turntable, making it easy to fit and clean large dishes. With 1000 watts of power, this microwave heats and cooks food quickly and efficiently. Its user-friendly design and smart features make it a great addition for busy households.

What We Like:

  • Smart Humidity Sensor: This cool feature automatically figures out how long to cook your food and at what power level. It uses the moisture from your food to get things just right, so no more burnt edges or cold centers.
  • 12 Auto Menus: You get 12 handy pre-programmed cooking options for things like pizza, popcorn, and even sensor reheating. This makes cooking your favorite meals super simple.
  • Mute Function & ECO Mode: You can silence the annoying beeps with the mute function, which is great for late-night snacks. The ECO mode also helps save energy when the microwave isn’t in use.
  • Easy Clean Interior: The inside is designed to be wiped down easily, saving you time and effort when it’s time for a cleanup.
  • Powerful 1000W Output: It cooks and heats food fast thanks to its strong 1000 watts of power.
  • Generous Turntable Size: The 12.4-inch glass turntable easily holds big plates and bowls, and it’s removable for quick cleaning.
  • Simple Controls: Features like “One Touch Start” let you quickly cook for 1-6 minutes at full power with a single button press.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Preset Menus Limited: While there are 12 auto menus, only 6 are listed as “preset menus” in the detailed features. It’s a bit unclear if all 12 are truly unique cooking programs or if some are just variations.
  • Power Levels Detail: The description mentions “10 Unique Power Levels” but doesn’t always specify how these levels are accessed or used in relation to the auto menus.

Overall, the TOSHIBA EM131A5C-SS offers smart cooking convenience with its humidity sensor and auto menus. It’s a powerful and easy-to-use microwave that simplifies meal preparation.

3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.

Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black

Rating: 8.6/10

Introducing the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen sidekick for fast, easy meals. This compact 0.7 cubic foot microwave packs 700 watts of power and offers 10 different power levels. You can choose from six handy cooking presets for things like popcorn, pizza, or veggies. Or, simply punch in the time you need with the number keys. Plus, the +30 seconds button lets you add extra cooking time with a single touch.

What We Like:

  • It cooks food extra-quick with six popular presets.
  • You have 10 power levels to choose from, from low to high.
  • The digital controls make it simple to set time and power.
  • You can save your favorite cooking functions with the memory feature.
  • A child safety lock keeps the door secure.
  • The mute option lets you silence annoying beeps.
  • Its modern black design fits well in any kitchen.
  • Cleaning is a breeze; just wipe the exterior or put the turntable in the dishwasher.
  • It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year assurance.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 0.7 cubic foot size might be too small for some larger dishes or family meals.
  • While powerful for its size, it may not be as fast as larger, higher-wattage microwaves.

This Chefman microwave is a smart choice for busy individuals or small kitchens. It offers convenience and safety in a sleek package.

4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door

BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft

Rating: 9.0/10

The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a compact and user-friendly appliance that makes heating up snacks and meals a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave offers 700 watts of cooking power and 10 different power levels, so you can get just the right amount of heat for whatever you’re warming up. It’s a great choice for dorm rooms, small apartments, or anyone who needs a reliable microwave for everyday tasks.

What We Like:

  • It has easy-to-use pre-programmed buttons for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and potatoes.
  • The 30-second express cooking feature is super handy for quick reheating.
  • The large LED display makes it easy to see the time and settings.
  • A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
  • The removable glass turntable is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
  • The push-button door release makes opening the microwave simple.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 0.7 cubic foot interior might be a bit small for larger dishes or multiple items.
  • While UL approved, it comes with a one-year limited warranty, which is standard but not exceptionally long.

Overall, this BLACK+DECKER microwave is a good value for its price and features. It’s a solid option for basic microwave needs.

5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus

TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus, Mute Function & Child Lock, LED Lighting, Perfect for Apartment, 0.9 Cu Ft, 10.6 Inch Removable Turntable, 900W, Black Stainless Steel

Rating: 8.9/10

The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a compact and stylish microwave that fits perfectly in apartments or small kitchens. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any countertop. This microwave is designed for convenience and safety, making it a great addition to your home.

What We Like:

  • The Two-Step Child Lock is a smart safety feature. It stops little hands from accidentally starting the microwave.
  • It has a powerful 900-watt output for quick cooking and reheating.
  • The 6 preset menus take the guesswork out of cooking common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
  • You get 11 different power levels, which gives you lots of control over how you cook.
  • The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start functions are super handy for busy days.
  • The Mute Mode is a fantastic feature. You can turn off the beeping sounds so you don’t disturb anyone.
  • It comes with a removable 10.6-inch glass turntable, which is easy to clean.
  • The LED lighting inside makes it easy to see your food while it’s cooking.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The external dimensions are a bit wider than some other compact microwaves.
  • While it has many features, some users might find the initial setup for the Mute Mode a bit tricky to remember.

This TOSHIBA microwave offers a great balance of features and convenience for everyday use. It’s a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly microwave.

Your Guide to the Perfect Microwave and Oven Combo

Choosing a microwave and oven combo can make your kitchen work faster and easier. These handy appliances do more than just heat up leftovers. They can bake, roast, and even air fry! Let’s find out what makes a good one.

What to Look For: Key Features

1. Cooking Power (Wattage)

Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 1000 watts for quick meals.

2. Oven Capacity

Think about how much food you usually cook. A larger oven capacity is better for families or when you entertain guests. Smaller ones are good for apartments or single people.

3. Convection Cooking

This is a game-changer! Convection ovens have a fan that circulates hot air. This cooks food evenly and makes it crispy, like a regular oven. Many combos have this feature.

4. Smart Features

Some modern microwaves and ovens have smart technology. This can include preset cooking programs, Wi-Fi connectivity, and even voice control. These make cooking simpler.

5. Cleaning Ease

No one likes scrubbing! Look for models with easy-to-clean interiors, like ceramic or stainless steel. Some have self-cleaning features too.

Materials Matter: What Your Appliance is Made Of

1. Interior Material

Stainless steel is a popular choice. It’s durable and looks nice. Ceramic is also good because it’s easy to clean and scratch-resistant. Avoid plastic interiors if you can, as they can wear out faster.

2. Exterior Material

Most exteriors are stainless steel or enamel. Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. Enamel is often more affordable and comes in different colors.

Quality Check: What Makes it Great (or Not So Great)

1. Even Cooking

A good microwave and oven will cook your food evenly. No more cold spots in your food! Test it with popcorn or a potato to see how it heats.

2. Durability

Well-built appliances last longer. Check reviews to see if people complain about parts breaking. Sturdy doors and controls are good signs.

3. Noise Level

Some appliances can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are known to be quiet. This is especially important if your kitchen is near living areas.

4. Energy Efficiency

Look for an ENERGY STAR® label. This means the appliance uses less electricity, saving you money on your bills.

Making it Work for You: User Experience and Use Cases

1. Everyday Meals

Use the microwave for quick heating of leftovers, steaming vegetables, or making popcorn. The oven part is great for baking cookies or roasting chicken.

2. Entertaining Guests

A combo appliance is perfect for parties. You can keep dishes warm in the oven while microwaving appetizers. Convection cooking helps you bake faster and get things golden brown.

3. Small Kitchens

If you have limited counter space, a combo unit is a smart choice. It takes up the space of one appliance but gives you the power of two.

4. Quick Snacks

Need a quick snack? Microwave a mug cake or bake a small pizza. These appliances make fast food fast and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a convection oven?

A: A microwave uses radiation to heat food quickly. A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air, cooking food more evenly and making it crispy.

Q: Can I bake cakes in a microwave and oven combo?

A: Yes! Most microwave and oven combos have a convection oven setting that is perfect for baking cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.

Q: How do I clean a microwave and oven combo?

A: Always unplug the appliance first. For the microwave, you can often wipe it down with a damp cloth and some mild soap. For the oven, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which may include using a self-cleaning feature.

Q: Are microwave and oven combos hard to use?

A: They are generally easy to use. Most have simple buttons and clear instructions. Smart features can make them even easier.

Q: Do I need special cookware for a microwave and oven combo?

A: For the microwave part, you need microwave-safe dishes (no metal). For the oven part, you can use regular oven-safe cookware like glass, ceramic, and metal pans.

Q: How long do these appliances usually last?

A: With good care, a microwave and oven combo can last for 10-15 years.

Q: Is a microwave and oven combo worth the cost?

A: Yes, they are often worth it because they save space and offer versatile cooking options.

Q: Can I use both the microwave and oven at the same time?

A: Some models allow you to use both functions at once for faster cooking, but always check your user manual.

Q: What is the best wattage for a microwave oven?

A: For most households, a wattage between 900 and 1200 watts is ideal for efficient cooking.

Q: Are there any safety tips I should know?

A: Always ensure the door is closed properly before operating. Never put metal in the microwave. Supervise children when they are using the appliance.

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.