Ever feel like your kitchen is missing a superhero appliance? Imagine a single device that can bake a cake, roast a chicken, and reheat leftovers in a flash. That’s the magic of a microwave combination oven! These amazing machines are changing the way we cook, offering speed and versatility all in one sleek package.
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need convection? How much power is enough? The sheer number of features and brands can leave you scratching your head. You want a kitchen helper, not a headache!
That’s where we come in. This post will break down the confusing world of microwave combinations. We’ll explore what makes them tick, what to look for, and how to find the one that fits your cooking style and your kitchen. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose a microwave combination with confidence and unlock a whole new level of kitchen convenience!
Our Top 5 Microwave Combination Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Combination Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen powerhouse that does more than just heat your leftovers. This stylish black stainless steel appliance is packed with features to simplify your cooking. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and so much more, all in one compact unit. You can bake, broil, and even remove odors, making it a true kitchen essential.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 wonder, handling microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost functions.
- You can enjoy healthier fried foods with less fat thanks to the air fryer feature.
- It boasts a powerful 1000-watt microwave output for quick cooking.
- The 12.4-inch position memory turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Safety is key with the two-step child lock feature to prevent accidental use.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn and a mute function make it super easy to use.
- The classic black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions, while decent, might be a little tight for very large dishes in convection or baking modes.
- The “position memory turntable” might require a brief learning curve for some users.
This TOSHIBA combo oven is a versatile and efficient addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in a space-saving design.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and even use convection and combi cooking. This countertop appliance is made of stainless steel and has a 0.9 cubic foot capacity. It’s powered by 900 watts and includes a child-lock feature for safety. The model number is ES9P032NA.
What We Like:
- It offers five cooking functions in one machine: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 cooking levels with 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for foods like French fries, chicken wings, and fish sticks.
- You can quickly start cooking at 100% power for 30 seconds at a time.
- The child-lock feature keeps little ones from accidentally changing settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great choice for small kitchens or anyone wanting a multi-functional appliance. It simplifies cooking with its many presets and handy features.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combo mode. This means you can do more with just one appliance. It cooks your favorite fried foods with less oil for a healthier meal. The oven also offers auto bake, defrost, and roast menus, plus smart sensor presets for perfect results on popular dishes like pizza and veggies.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, saving counter space.
- The air fryer feature lets you enjoy crispy food with less fat.
- It has a large 1.5 cu ft capacity, perfect for family meals.
- The 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- A mute function lets you turn off the annoying buzzer.
- It has a stylish stainless steel finish that looks good in any kitchen.
- The position memory turntable helps ensure even cooking.
- It includes useful accessories like a grill rack and tray.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior enclosure is black, not all stainless steel.
- Some users might prefer a fully stainless steel exterior.
This Toshiba oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthy cooking options. It’s a smart choice for busy families who want delicious meals with less fuss.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(BS), is a versatile kitchen helper. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and combo cooking into one sleek, black stainless steel appliance. This machine aims to simplify your cooking with smart features and a generous capacity.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, use convection, or combine microwave and convection cooking. This means fewer appliances on your counter.
- Enjoy healthier “fried” foods with the air fryer function. You get that crispy texture with less oil.
- The convection and microwave combo cooks food better. It has auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting, plus sensor menus for popular items like pizza and vegetables.
- Its large 1.5 cubic foot capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, perfect for families.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying buzzer by holding the “8” button for 3-5 seconds.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, and a kitchen timer make cooking easier.
- The 1000-watt microwave power with 10 settings heats food quickly and evenly.
- It looks stylish in your kitchen with its black stainless steel finish and easy-to-clean interior.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many functions, some users might find learning all the settings a bit overwhelming at first.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen looking for a multi-functional and space-saving cooking solution. It offers a great blend of convenience and healthy cooking options.
5. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse that does more than just reheat your leftovers. This stainless steel appliance packs a lot of power with 1,050 watts and offers four cooking options: microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection. Its compact 1.0 cu. ft. size makes it a great fit for countertops, dorm rooms, or small kitchens. Plus, it has a handy child-lock feature to keep little hands safe.
What We Like:
- Air Fry Mode: Enjoy healthier, crispy snacks and meals without deep frying.
- Convection Mode: Get evenly cooked and beautifully browned results, just like a regular oven.
- Broil Mode: Sear and caramelize foods to perfection, adding that grilled touch.
- Preset Controls: Quickly select popular items like fries and nuggets for easy cooking.
- Compact & Powerful: It’s small enough for any space but strong enough to handle your cooking needs.
- Child-Lock Technology: Provides peace of mind by preventing accidental operation.
- Glass Turntable: Ensures your food cooks evenly by rotating it during the cycle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be more detailed about specific cooking times for various foods in each mode.
- While it has presets, some users might want more advanced customization options for all modes.
This GE microwave oven is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a versatile and space-saving appliance. It brings multiple cooking functions to your countertop, making meal prep easier and more exciting.
Your Guide to Choosing a Microwave Combination Oven
What is a Microwave Combination Oven?
A microwave combination oven is a kitchen appliance that does more than just reheat food. It combines the speed of a microwave with the cooking power of a conventional oven and often a grill. This means you can bake, roast, toast, and even air fry, all in one compact unit.
Key Features to Look For
1. Cooking Modes
This is the most important feature. Look for ovens that offer:
- Microwave: For quick heating and defrosting.
- Convection: This uses a fan to circulate hot air, cooking food evenly and giving it a crispy texture, just like a regular oven.
- Grill: Perfect for browning and toasting the tops of dishes.
- Combination Modes: Many ovens let you use microwave and convection together. This cooks food much faster and still gives it a great texture.
2. Capacity
Microwave combination ovens come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. Smaller families might be happy with a 20-liter oven, while larger households might need 30 liters or more. A bigger oven can fit larger dishes like a whole chicken or a casserole.
3. Power Levels
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwave functions range from 700 to 1200 watts. For convection and grill, look at the wattage too, as this affects how quickly your food browns and cooks through.
4. Interior Finish
The inside of the oven needs to be easy to clean. Stainless steel or ceramic enamel interiors are good choices. They resist stains and are simple to wipe down after cooking.
5. Smart Features and Presets
Some ovens have pre-programmed settings for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. Others connect to Wi-Fi and have apps that let you control the oven from your phone or download new recipes. These can make cooking easier and more fun.
Important Materials
The outside of the oven is usually made from durable stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to clean. The interior is often ceramic enamel or stainless steel. A good quality interior will last longer and be easier to maintain.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Even Cooking: A good convection fan distributes heat well.
- Durable Build: Sturdy materials and well-made parts mean the oven will last.
- User-Friendly Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and clear displays make cooking simple.
- Good Insulation: This keeps the heat inside the oven and the outside cool to the touch.
Reducing Quality:
- Uneven Heating: This means some parts of your food cook faster than others.
- Flimsy Construction: A wobbly door or cheap-feeling buttons can signal lower quality.
- Difficult Cleaning: If the interior stains easily or is hard to reach, it makes maintenance a chore.
- Noisy Operation: Some ovens can be quite loud when running.
User Experience and Use Cases
Microwave combination ovens are great for busy people. They save time because you can cook food faster. They also save space because one appliance does the job of several.
- Weeknight Dinners: Quickly bake chicken breasts using microwave and convection together.
- Roasting Vegetables: Use the convection setting to get perfectly roasted veggies.
- Toasting and Grilling: Brown the top of a lasagna or toast bread for a quick snack.
- Baking Small Batches: Bake cookies or a small cake without heating up a big oven.
- Reheating Leftovers: Use the microwave function for speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake a cake in a microwave combination oven?
A: Yes! Most combination ovens have a convection bake setting that works just like a regular oven. You can bake cakes, cookies, and bread.
Q: How is a combination oven different from a regular microwave?
A: A regular microwave only uses microwave energy to heat food. A combination oven adds convection and grill functions, allowing you to bake, roast, and brown food.
Q: Is a microwave combination oven hard to clean?
A: It depends on the model. Ovens with ceramic enamel or stainless steel interiors are usually the easiest to clean. Look for models with self-cleaning features if this is important to you.
Q: Do combination ovens cook food faster?
A: Yes, often they do. When you use the microwave function with convection or grill, it significantly speeds up the cooking process.
Q: What size combination oven do I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and the size of the dishes you use. Generally, 20-30 liters is good for individuals or small families, while 30+ liters is better for larger groups.
Q: Are combination ovens energy efficient?
A: They can be. Using the microwave function with convection can use less energy than a full-sized oven for smaller cooking tasks.
Q: Can I use metal in a microwave combination oven?
A: You can use metal when using the convection or grill settings, just like in a regular oven. However, you must never use metal when using the microwave-only function.
Q: What is the difference between convection and microwave cooking?
A: Microwave cooking uses electromagnetic waves to heat food from the inside out. Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, cooking food evenly and giving it a crispy exterior.
Q: How long do microwave combination ovens typically last?
A: With good care, a quality microwave combination oven can last between 8 to 15 years.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with combination ovens?
A: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Never put metal in the oven when using the microwave function. Ensure proper ventilation around 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.
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!