Imagine a kitchen where one appliance can toast your bagel, bake a cake, and reheat your leftovers in a flash. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s the magic of a microwave and oven combo. But with so many choices out there, picking the perfect one can feel like a puzzle.
Many people find it tough to decide which combo fits their cooking style and kitchen space. You might worry about getting the right features or if it will even fit! We get it. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you cut through the confusion.
By reading on, you’ll discover what makes these appliances so great, what to look for when shopping, and how to find the best microwave and oven combo for your home. Get ready to upgrade your cooking game!
Our Top 5 Microwave And Oven Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave And Oven Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven ML2-EC10SA(BS). This sleek black stainless steel appliance is a kitchen powerhouse, combining the speed of a microwave with the crispiness of an air fryer. It’s designed to handle a variety of cooking tasks, making meal prep easier and healthier. Its compact size fits well on most countertops, but it offers a surprisingly large interior capacity.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more! This means fewer appliances cluttering your kitchen.
- You can enjoy fried foods with less fat thanks to the healthy air fry function.
- The 1000-watt microwave power cooks food quickly.
- Its 1.0 cu.ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable is a neat feature; it stops with the door facing you.
- Safety is a priority with the two-step child lock feature.
- Convenience is key with one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a mute function.
- The classic black stainless steel look is stylish and the interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The child lock requires a specific two-step process to open, which might take a moment to get used to.
This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience in one stylish package.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, a kitchen helper that does more than just reheat leftovers. This countertop appliance is designed to be your go-to for a variety of cooking tasks. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, and it can even bake, roast, and use convection heat. Its stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and it’s a compact size at 0.9 cubic feet.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 power levels and 7 helpful auto menus for common foods.
- The air fryer function has 11 special presets for things like fries, chicken, and fish.
- You can start cooking quickly with the 30-second express cook button.
- A child-lock feature keeps curious little hands from changing settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity 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 versatile addition to your kitchen. It offers many cooking options in one convenient appliance.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS is a compact 1.0 cubic foot countertop microwave that packs a lot of power and versatility into its small frame. With 1050 watts of cooking power, it’s ready to handle all your reheating and cooking needs. Plus, its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen, dorm room, or office.
What We Like:
- The compact size is perfect for small spaces. It fits easily on countertops.
- It has an air fryer mode for healthier, crispy foods. You can make fries and chicken wings perfectly.
- The convection mode cooks food evenly. The elevated rack helps hot air circulate.
- A built-in broiler sears and caramelizes food. It works like a grill.
- Preset controls make cooking simple. Just select what you’re making.
- The glass turntable rotates food. This ensures everything cooks evenly.
- A two-step child lock adds safety. It prevents accidental starts.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.0 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- While versatile, mastering all the different cooking modes might take a little practice for some users.
The GE GCST10A1WSS is a fantastic all-in-one appliance for anyone needing a microwave with extra cooking capabilities. It’s a smart choice for making delicious, crispy food with ease.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(BS). This kitchen helper is more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile appliance designed to simplify your cooking. It offers microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking modes, giving you many ways to prepare your favorite meals. It also features a smart sensor for better results and a handy mute function.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a combination of microwave and convection. This means it can do a lot of different cooking jobs.
- You can make healthier fried foods with the air fry function. It gives you that crispy taste with less oil.
- The convection and microwave combo cooks food evenly and gives it a better texture. It has special menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting, plus sensor menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- It has a large 1.5 cubic feet capacity, with a 13.6-inch turntable that can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. This is great for families.
- The black stainless steel finish looks stylish in any kitchen. The inside is also stainless steel and easy to clean.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, and a mute button make it easy to use. You can even mute the buzzer if you don’t want it to beep.
- It’s powerful with 1000 watts of microwave power and 10 power settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many functions, learning to use all of them might take a little time.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a great addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one convenient appliance.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(SS). This appliance packs a punch, offering four cooking functions in one convenient unit. It’s designed to make your kitchen life easier and your meals healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 wonder: You get microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking all in one machine. This means you can cook a wider variety of foods.
- Healthy eating is easy with the air fryer function. Enjoy crispy, fried-like foods with less oil, keeping the original delicious taste.
- Get better food textures! It combines microwave and convection to automatically bake, defrost, and roast. Plus, the sensor menu helps you cook popular foods perfectly, like pizza and veggies.
- It’s large enough for your family. The 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It looks great on your counter. The stainless steel finish is stylish, and the interior is easy to wipe clean.
- Convenience is key. Features like one-touch popcorn, a memory function, speedy cooking, and a kitchen timer save you time. The mute function is a nice touch so you don’t hear loud beeps.
- Powerful cooking: It has 1000 watts of microwave power with 10 different power levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the exterior has a stainless steel door frame, the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen styles perfectly.
- The instruction manual is included, but some users might find it helpful to have more detailed recipe suggestions specifically for the air fry and convection modes.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a versatile and smart addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthier cooking options. It’s a great choice for busy households looking for an all-in-one solution.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Microwave and Oven Combo Companion
Are you looking for a kitchen appliance that can do it all? A microwave and oven combo can be your culinary superhero. It saves space and offers amazing versatility. Let’s dive into what makes a great combo unit!
Why Choose a Microwave and Oven Combo?
Imagine a single appliance that can quickly reheat leftovers like a microwave, and then bake a delicious cake or roast a chicken like a full-sized oven. That’s the magic of a combo unit! It’s perfect for smaller kitchens, apartments, or anyone who loves to cook but has limited counter or cabinet space.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Microwave Power: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for efficient reheating and cooking.
- Oven Capacity: How much food do you need to cook at once? Combos come in different sizes. A larger capacity is better for families or when you entertain.
- Convection Cooking: This feature uses a fan to circulate hot air. It cooks food more evenly and makes things crispy. It’s a must-have for baking and roasting.
- Combination Cooking Modes: Many units let you use the microwave and oven at the same time. This can drastically cut down cooking time for certain dishes.
- Pre-programmed Settings: These are helpful shortcuts for common foods like popcorn, potatoes, or pizza.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for a stainless steel interior or a non-stick coating. Removable turntables also make cleaning simpler.
- Safety Features: Child lock and auto shut-off are important for peace of mind.
Important Materials
The materials used in your combo unit affect its durability and performance.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is a popular choice. It looks sleek and is easy to wipe clean. Some models also offer fingerprint-resistant finishes.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Porcelain enamel is another good option. Avoid plastic interiors as they can be less durable and harder to maintain.
- Door: A tempered glass door allows you to see your food as it cooks. Ensure the door seals tightly to keep heat inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a combo unit great, and some can make it less ideal.
What Improves Quality:
- Consistent Heating: A good unit heats food evenly, both in microwave and oven modes.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and a clear display make using the appliance a breeze.
- Quiet Operation: Some units can be noisy. Look for reviews that mention quiet performance.
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built unit feels solid and will last longer.
What Reduces Quality:
- Uneven Cooking: This is a major drawback. If your food is cooked in some spots and not others, the unit isn’t performing well.
- Flimsy Build: A unit that feels cheap or wobbly might not last.
- Difficult Controls: Overly complicated buttons or a confusing display can frustrate users.
- Poor Insulation: If the outside of the unit gets too hot during operation, it’s a sign of poor insulation.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you’ll use your combo unit matters.
- Busy Professionals: Quickly reheat meals or cook simple dishes without much fuss.
- Small Households: A great alternative to a full-sized oven when you don’t need to cook large meals often.
- Bakers and Roasters: The convection oven feature is excellent for achieving perfect results.
- Apartment Dwellers: Save precious counter space with this all-in-one appliance.
A microwave and oven combo is a smart addition to many kitchens. By understanding these key features and considerations, you can find the perfect unit to make your cooking life easier and more delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and an oven?
A: A microwave uses electromagnetic waves to heat food quickly. An oven uses heated air to cook food slowly and evenly, allowing for baking and roasting.
Q: Can I use both the microwave and oven functions at the same time?
A: Yes, many combo units offer “combination cooking” modes. This allows you to use both functions together to speed up cooking times for certain dishes.
Q: How much space do I need for a microwave and oven combo?
A: They come in various sizes, similar to microwaves. Measure the space where you plan to put it, including height, width, and depth, and check the appliance’s dimensions.
Q: Is a convection oven better than a regular oven?
A: A convection oven cooks food more evenly and can make it crispier because it circulates hot air with a fan. It’s great for baking and roasting.
Q: How do I clean a microwave and oven combo?
A: Always unplug the unit first. For the interior, use a damp cloth and mild soap. Many have removable turntables for easier cleaning. Stainless steel exteriors can be wiped with a soft cloth.
Q: Are microwave and oven combos energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than using a separate microwave and a large oven for smaller tasks. Look for Energy Star certified models for the best efficiency.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a microwave and oven combo?
A: With proper care and maintenance, most units last between 7 to 15 years.
Q: Can I bake bread in a microwave and oven combo?
A: Absolutely! The oven function, especially with convection, is perfect for baking bread and other baked goods.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with these units?
A: As with any appliance, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure proper ventilation and never put metal in the microwave unless it’s specifically designed for it.
Q: What is the typical price range for a microwave and oven combo?
A: Prices can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for basic models to over a thousand for high-end units with advanced features.
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!