Imagine a kitchen where one appliance can roast a chicken to perfection, bake a fluffy cake, and then reheat your leftovers in a flash. Sounds like a dream, right? For many, the reality of kitchen upgrades involves a tough choice: a separate oven and microwave, or the sleek efficiency of an oven microwave combination? It’s a decision that can feel overwhelming, with so many features and brands vying for your attention. You want the best of both worlds without the clutter, but figuring out which model truly delivers can be a headache.
This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes these combo ovens so special and what you should look for before you buy. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these versatile appliances work, the different types available, and the key features that will make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable. Get ready to discover how an oven microwave combination can transform your kitchen and your cooking!
Our Top 5 Oven Microwave Combination Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Oven Microwave Combination Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen workhorse designed to simplify your cooking. This versatile appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler, all in one sleek black stainless steel package. It’s a smart choice for busy households that want to cook healthier meals without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
What We Like:
- This microwave is truly an 8-in-1 wonder! It air fries, bakes with convection, broils, and even has a special odor removal mode.
- You can enjoy crispy, delicious fried foods with much less fat thanks to the healthy air fry feature.
- Its compact size is great for countertops, but it still offers a generous 1.0 cubic foot capacity.
- The 12.4-inch position memory turntable is a neat feature that remembers where your food was when it stopped, so it’s ready to go when you restart.
- Safety is a priority with the two-step child lock, keeping little hands safe.
- It cooks food fast with 1000 watts of microwave power.
- The classic black stainless steel look is stylish and easy to clean.
- Convenience is built-in with features like one-touch popcorn, speedy cooking, and a kitchen timer.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock could be clearer.
- While it’s compact, some users might find the external dimensions slightly large for very small kitchens.
This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one stylish appliance. It’s a smart buy for anyone looking for a healthier and more convenient way to cook.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, a super handy appliance for your kitchen counter. This stainless steel beauty is more than just a microwave. It can also air fry, combi cook (that’s grill and convection together!), bake, and roast. With 900 watts of power, it cooks food fast. It’s a compact 0.9 cubic feet, perfect for smaller spaces. Plus, it has a child lock to keep little fingers safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast all in one.
- It has 10 power levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking of things like popcorn or pizza.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for popular foods like fries and chicken wings.
- You can quickly start cooking at full power for 30-second bursts.
- The child-lock feature is a great safety addition.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- Some users might find the combi cooking settings take a bit of getting used to.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It offers a lot of cooking options in a small package, making meal prep simpler and faster.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(BS) is a super versatile kitchen appliance that does a lot more than just microwave your food. It’s a 4-in-1 machine, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, and even combine microwave and convection cooking. This makes it a great addition to any kitchen, especially if you want to cook healthier meals or try new recipes.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a combo cooker all in one.
- You can enjoy crispy, fried foods with less oil thanks to the healthy air fryer feature.
- It makes your food taste great and have a better texture with its combination cooking modes.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity and 13.6-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It looks stylish in your kitchen with its black stainless steel finish and easy-to-clean interior.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory settings, speedy cooking, and a mute function make cooking a breeze.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeps.
- It has 1000 watts of microwave power for fast cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While it has many functions, learning to use all of them might take a little time.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is an excellent choice for families and anyone looking to simplify their cooking with a multi-functional appliance that delivers great results.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(SS) is a super versatile kitchen helper. It’s not just a microwave; it also air fries, bakes with convection, and even does a mix of microwave and convection cooking. This means you can cook all sorts of yummy foods in one appliance. It’s designed to make your cooking healthier and easier, giving your food a great texture without all the extra oil.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combination cooking.
- You can enjoy fried foods with less fat thanks to the healthy air fry feature.
- It combines microwave and convection for better food textures, with handy auto menus for things like baking, defrosting, and roasting.
- The sensor menu helps you cook popular foods perfectly, like pizza and veggies.
- It has a large 1.5 cu ft capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable that fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stainless steel look is stylish, and the interior is easy to clean.
- Convenient features include one-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, clock, timer, and a useful mute function for quiet operation.
- It offers 1000 watts of microwave power with 10 different power settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior enclosure is black, while the door frame is stainless steel, which might not match all kitchen decors.
- The user manual and grill rack are included components, but some might prefer more included accessories.
This Toshiba appliance is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one stylish unit.
5. TOSHIBA OptiChef Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven with 2.4-Inch Color Screen
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the TOSHIBA OptiChef Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen game-changer designed to simplify your cooking. This sleek silver appliance, model ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), blends microwave power with air frying convenience, all controlled through a vibrant color screen. Its smart features and impressive technology make preparing delicious meals easier than ever.
What We Like:
- The 2.4-inch color screen is super easy to use. Its bright display makes picking settings a breeze.
- ChefFry Plus lets you air fry right in the microwave. Enjoy healthier, crispy food without another appliance.
- The smart sensor cooks food perfectly. It makes sure your meals are heated evenly and stay moist.
- Origin Inverter Technology cooks food faster and better. It gives you precise temperature control for juicier meats and tastier flavors.
- It’s spacious enough for a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. The 1.3 cubic feet of space fits plenty.
- Chef Defrost cuts down defrosting time by up to 40%. Your food keeps its original texture and taste.
- Connect to the TSmartLife app or use Alexa. You can control your microwave from your phone or with your voice.
- AI-Chef Smart Microwave Oven learns and updates. It offers new recipes and smarter cooking as it goes.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many features, the initial setup for smart connectivity might take a few extra steps.
- The exterior, though stylish, may show fingerprints more easily, requiring frequent wiping to maintain its shine.
This TOSHIBA OptiChef is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both versatility and smart technology. It truly makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
The Smart Kitchen Upgrade: Your Oven Microwave Combination Buying Guide
Thinking about making your kitchen work smarter, not harder? An oven microwave combination might be the perfect solution. These handy appliances blend the speed of a microwave with the versatility of a conventional oven, giving you more cooking power in a single unit. Let’s dive into what you need to know before you buy.
Why Choose an Oven Microwave Combination?
These appliances are fantastic for small kitchens or for anyone who loves to cook and wants more options. You can bake, roast, broil, and microwave all in one place. This saves counter space and can make meal prep a breeze.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food can you cook at once? Look at the cubic feet (cu. ft.) measurement. Smaller models might be around 1.0 cu. ft., while larger ones can be 2.0 cu. ft. or more. Think about the size of your usual meals and baking dishes.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave function is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts.
- Cooking Modes: What can it do? Look for convection baking, broiling, toasting, and sensor cooking. Convection uses a fan to circulate hot air, which cooks food more evenly and faster. Sensor cooking adjusts time and power based on the food’s moisture.
- Interior Light: A good interior light helps you keep an eye on your food without opening the door.
- Turntable: This rotates food for even microwaving. Some models have a removable turntable for larger dishes.
- Ease of Cleaning: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to wipe down. Non-stick coatings can also make cleaning simpler.
- Smart Features: Some newer models connect to Wi-Fi. You can control them with your phone or use voice commands. They might also offer recipe guides.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and how the appliance looks.
- Exterior: Stainless steel is popular because it’s strong and looks sleek. Some models use enameled steel or plastic.
- Interior: Stainless steel is the best choice for the inside. It’s tough, doesn’t scratch easily, and is easy to clean. Some cheaper models might use enamel.
- Door: Look for tempered glass for safety and durability. It should have a good seal to keep heat inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a difference in how well your appliance performs.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often offer better quality and customer service.
- Build Quality: A sturdy appliance feels solid. Check for smooth-moving doors and buttons that don’t feel flimsy.
- Even Cooking: This is crucial. A good oven microwave combination cooks food evenly in both microwave and oven modes. Poorly designed ones can have hot spots.
- Noise Level: Some appliances are louder than others. If your kitchen is near living areas, a quieter model is better.
- User Interface: How easy is it to set the cooking time and choose modes? A clear display and intuitive controls make a big difference.
User Experience and Use Cases
These appliances are incredibly versatile.
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave function for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals in minutes.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection oven mode lets you bake cookies, roast chicken, or broil vegetables just like a regular oven.
- Small Batch Cooking: Perfect for singles or couples who don’t need a full-sized oven all the time.
- Defrosting: Many models have specific defrost settings that are gentler than just microwaving.
- Space Saving: Ideal for apartments, dorm rooms, or RVs where space is limited.
An oven microwave combination is a smart investment for any kitchen. By considering these features and factors, you can find the perfect appliance to make your cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between an oven microwave combination and separate appliances?
A: The main difference is that a combination unit does the job of both a microwave and a conventional oven in one appliance. This saves space and can be more convenient.
Q: Are oven microwave combinations difficult to use?
A: Most are designed to be user-friendly. They have clear controls and often offer preset cooking options. Some smart models can be controlled with a smartphone app.
Q: Can I bake a cake in an oven microwave combination?
A: Yes, most models with convection oven features can bake cakes, cookies, and other baked goods very well. The convection fan helps cook them evenly.
Q: How long do these appliances typically last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, an oven microwave combination can last between 8 to 15 years. Quality of the appliance and how often it’s used play a big role.
Q: Is a convection oven feature necessary?
A: While not strictly necessary, a convection oven feature significantly improves cooking quality. It cooks food faster and more evenly, giving you better results for baking and roasting.
Q: What size oven microwave combination should I buy?
A: Consider how much food you usually cook. A family of four might need a larger capacity (1.5 cu. ft. or more) than a single person.
Q: How do I clean the inside of an oven microwave combination?
A: Many have self-cleaning features. Otherwise, use a damp cloth with mild soap. Stainless steel interiors are easiest to wipe clean.
Q: Can I put metal in an oven microwave combination?
A: You can put metal in the oven mode if the appliance is designed for it and it’s not touching the microwave’s interior walls. Always check your user manual to be sure. Metal can cause sparks in microwave mode.
Q: What is wattage, and why is it important?
A: Wattage measures the power of the microwave function. Higher wattage means your food will cook or reheat faster.
Q: Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of?
A: Always ensure the door is properly sealed. Never operate the microwave function with the door open. Follow the instructions for using different cooking modes to avoid issues.
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!