Imagine a kitchen appliance that can reheat leftovers in a flash, bake a perfect batch of cookies, and even roast a chicken to golden perfection. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that dream is a reality with the modern microwave convection oven, a true multitasker that’s revolutionizing how we cook.
But with so many models on the market, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a culinary maze. You want that convenience of a microwave, but you also crave the crispiness and browning that only a convection oven can deliver. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the features, sizes, and brands. What if you pick one that doesn’t quite fit your cooking style or your kitchen space?
Fear not! This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down what makes a microwave convection oven tick, what features truly matter, and how to find the perfect model for your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to unlock a world of delicious possibilities right in your own kitchen.
Our Top 5 Microwave Convection Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Microwave Convection Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen powerhouse that simplifies cooking. This stylish black stainless steel appliance is more than just a microwave; it’s an air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more. Its compact size fits easily on your countertop, but it boasts a generous 1.0 cubic foot interior. You can cook a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza thanks to its spacious design and the 12.4-inch position memory turntable. This oven makes healthy eating and quick meals a breeze.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, offering microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost functions. This means you can cook almost anything!
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy crispy, delicious fried foods with less oil. Get the taste you love with a healthier approach.
- Powerful Performance: With 1000 watts of microwave power, it cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- Smart Features: The position memory turntable ensures food cooks evenly by returning to its starting position. One-touch popcorn and a mute function add convenience.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock prevents accidental operation, keeping little ones safe.
- Stylish and Practical: The black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and the easy-to-clean interior makes cleanup simple.
- Good Capacity: Despite its compact exterior, it fits a good amount of food inside.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: With so many functions, it might take a little time to learn how to use all the features effectively.
- Odor Removal: While it has an odor removal mode, some users might find that strong cooking smells can linger if not cleaned promptly.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and a wide range of cooking options for busy households.
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. This countertop appliance can microwave, air fry, grill, bake, and roast. It’s a great addition for any kitchen that needs to do a lot of different cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so it can do many cooking jobs.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for popular foods like fries and chicken.
- You can start cooking right away by pressing the start button.
- A child-lock feature keeps little ones from changing settings.
- The stainless steel finish looks nice on any counter.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many features, learning all the functions might take a little time.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers a lot of cooking options in one compact unit. It’s a good choice for those looking for a multi-functional appliance for their kitchen.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super versatile kitchen helper. It’s not just a microwave; it’s also an air fryer, broiler, and convection oven all in one! This makes it a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you’re short on space like in a dorm room or small apartment. With 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, it’s compact but still packs a punch for cooking all your favorite meals.
What We Like:
- It has an air fryer mode so you can make crispy foods without a lot of oil.
- The convection mode cooks food evenly and gives it a nice golden-brown color.
- You can use the broiler mode to get that perfect seared or caramelized finish.
- Preset controls make cooking things like fries and nuggets super easy.
- The two-step child lock is a smart safety feature for families.
- Its stainless steel design looks sleek on any countertop.
- The glass turntable rotates food for even cooking every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, some might want a larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The variety of preset controls could be expanded to include more food types.
This GE microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one appliance that simplifies cooking. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to save space and enjoy a variety of cooking options.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse that simplifies cooking. It’s a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and even a combination cooker all in one. This means you can bake, roast, defrost, and enjoy healthier “fried” foods with less oil. Its large capacity and smart sensor make cooking popular dishes a breeze.
What We Like:
- Versatile 4-in-1 Functionality: It does the job of four appliances, saving counter space and offering many cooking options like microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking.
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy crispy, delicious food without all the extra fat.
- Smart Cooking Features: Auto bake, defrost, and roast menus, plus a sensor menu for popular foods, help you achieve perfect results easily.
- Large Capacity: The 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, making it great for families.
- Convenient Mute Function: You can turn off the annoying beeping sound by holding the “8” button.
- Stylish Design: The stainless steel finish looks good in any kitchen.
- Position Memory Turntable: The turntable remembers its starting position, making it easy to remove dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While user-friendly, mastering all the 4-in-1 functions might take a little practice.
- Exterior Color Contrast: While the door frame is stainless steel, the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen aesthetics perfectly.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of convenience, health, and versatility for all your cooking needs.
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Farberware Countertop Microwave, a handy kitchen helper designed for speed and convenience. This 700-watt microwave oven boasts a compact 0.7 cu. ft. capacity, making it a fantastic choice for apartments, dorm rooms, or any smaller kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish is not only stylish but also easy to clean, and features like LED lighting and a child lock add to its practicality and safety. Farberware is known for helping families create delicious meals and lasting memories, and this microwave fits right into that tradition.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 700 watts for quick cooking.
- It has ten power levels and multi-stage cooking for customized meals.
- Six one-touch options like popcorn and potato make cooking super simple.
- You can defrost by weight or time, saving you precious minutes.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. size is perfect for small spaces.
- The interior and exterior are easy to wipe clean.
- It includes a clear LED display, kitchen timer, and clock.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food as it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful for its size, 700 watts might be less efficient for very large portions compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity is compact, which is great for small spaces, but might limit the size of dishes you can reheat or cook.
This Farberware microwave is a smart, space-saving appliance that makes everyday cooking a breeze. It offers a great balance of features and convenience for anyone needing a reliable microwave.
Choosing Your Next Kitchen Star: A Guide to Microwave Convection Ovens
Microwave convection ovens are super handy. They do more than just reheat leftovers. They can bake, roast, and broil too! This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
- Convection Power: This is the most important feature. Look for ovens with a good convection fan. This fan circulates hot air. It helps food cook evenly and get crispy. A higher wattage for convection means faster cooking.
- Microwave Wattage: Most microwaves have power settings. Higher wattage means faster cooking times. Aim for at least 900 watts for a good balance.
- Capacity: How much food do you cook? Ovens come in different sizes. Small ones are good for one or two people. Larger ones are better for families or when you entertain. Check the internal dimensions.
- Pre-set Cooking Modes: Many ovens have buttons for common foods like pizza, popcorn, or potatoes. These can make cooking easier.
- Turntable: A rotating turntable ensures food cooks evenly. Some larger models have a larger turntable or a rack that allows you to cook more at once.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for smooth interiors and easy-to-wipe surfaces. A self-cleaning function is a bonus.
- Smart Features: Some newer ovens connect to Wi-Fi. You can control them with your phone or get recipe suggestions.
Important Materials
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a durable and easy-to-clean material. It also looks nice.
- Glass Turntable: Most microwaves use a glass turntable. It’s sturdy and safe for food.
- Exterior Finish: Stainless steel, black, and white are common. Stainless steel is popular because it’s fingerprint-resistant and looks modern.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Build Quality: A well-built oven feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. Cheap plastic parts can break easily.
- Heating Element Placement: Good placement of the convection heating element helps with even cooking.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Reading reviews can help you find these brands.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the company stands behind its product.
User Experience and Use Cases
Microwave convection ovens are very versatile.
- Quick Reheating: Use the microwave function for speedy reheating of meals.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature is great for baking cookies or roasting chicken. You get results similar to a regular oven.
- Toasting: Some models can even toast bread or bagels.
- Defrosting: Like regular microwaves, they can defrost frozen food.
- One-Pot Meals: You can often cook a whole meal in one dish using a combination of microwave and convection.
Many people find these ovens a great space-saver. They can replace a microwave and a small toaster oven. They are perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or apartments. For families, they can be a helpful second oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a convection oven?
A: A microwave heats food using waves. A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air for baking and roasting.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a microwave convection oven?
A: Yes, you can bake cakes, cookies, and other baked goods using the convection setting.
Q: How do I clean a microwave convection oven?
A: Most have smooth interiors. You can wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some have a self-cleaning feature.
Q: Are microwave convection ovens energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient for smaller tasks than a full-sized oven because they heat up faster and use less energy.
Q: What size should I get?
A: Consider how much food you cook at once. For singles or couples, 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet is usually enough. For families, 1.1 cubic feet or larger is better.
Q: Do I need special cookware?
A: For microwave use, avoid metal. For convection, you can use oven-safe glass, ceramic, or metal bakeware.
Q: How long do they usually last?
A: With proper care, most microwave convection ovens last between 7 to 10 years.
Q: Is the convection feature noisy?
A: The convection fan makes some noise, similar to a regular convection oven, but it’s usually not too loud.
Q: Can I use the microwave and convection at the same time?
A: Yes, many models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This speeds up cooking times while still getting crispy results.
Q: What is the typical price range?
A: Prices can range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the brand, features, and size.
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!