Imagine a kitchen where you can bake a cake, roast a chicken, and heat up leftovers all with one sleek appliance. Sound too good to be true? It’s not! Welcome to the world of microwave oven combos, the versatile stars of modern kitchens.
But let’s be honest, navigating the choices can feel like a puzzle. Do you need convection? How much space will it take up? Will it actually cook as well as your old oven? These are the questions that can make picking the perfect combo feel overwhelming, leaving you stuck with a decision you’re not sure about.
This post is here to clear the confusion. We’ll dive into what makes these appliances so great and walk you through the key features to look for. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to choose a microwave oven combo that will truly transform your cooking experience. Let’s get started!
Our Top 5 Microwave Oven Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Oven Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven. This versatile appliance does more than just reheat leftovers; it’s your all-in-one solution for cooking. From air frying crispy snacks to baking delicious treats and broiling savory meals, it handles it all. Its sleek black stainless steel design looks great on any counter, and the powerful 1000-watt microwave output gets the job done fast.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 powerhouse, handling microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost.
- You can enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fryer function, using less oil.
- The 1000-watt microwave power cooks food quickly and efficiently.
- Its compact size fits easily on your countertop, but it has a large 1.0 cu.ft capacity, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a position memory turntable make cooking simple.
- The two-step child lock adds an important layer of safety for families.
- The stylish black stainless steel exterior and easy-to-clean interior are a nice touch.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual for the two-step child lock could be clearer in its visual instructions.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one stylish package.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, your new kitchen helper. This countertop appliance does more than just reheat leftovers. It can air fry, bake, roast, and even use convection cooking. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. With 900 watts of power, it cooks food quickly. Plus, it has a handy child-lock feature to keep curious little ones safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, meaning it can do many different cooking jobs: microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast.
- It has 7 auto menus for easy cooking of things like popcorn and frozen pizza.
- The air fryer has 11 special menus for popular foods like French fries and chicken wings.
- You can start cooking instantly at full power for 30 seconds with one button press.
- The child-lock feature keeps the buttons from being pressed by accident.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for cooking very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a versatile tool for any kitchen. It offers a lot of cooking options in one compact machine.
3. Samsung NQ70M7770DS 7.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Combination Electric Wall Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
The Samsung NQ70M7770DS 7.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Combination Electric Wall Oven is a game-changer for any kitchen. It offers a huge 7.0 cubic feet of cooking space, perfect for big family meals or entertaining. This oven combines the best of both worlds with its electric wall oven and microwave capabilities, all wrapped up in a sleek stainless steel finish that resists fingerprints.
What We Like:
- FLEX DUO Oven: Cook two meals at different temperatures at the same time without any flavor mixing. This is super helpful when you’re making a roast and a dessert.
- Power Convection Microwave: It cooks food faster and makes it more even. No more hot or cold spots in your food!
- Steam Cook Oven: Get perfectly crispy exteriors and juicy insides on your food. It adds just the right amount of moisture.
- Large Capacity: The 5.1 cu. ft. wall oven easily fits large dishes. You can cook multiple meals at once.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Control your oven from your phone using the SmartThings App. Adjust temperatures and times from anywhere.
- Voice Control: Use Bixby, Alexa, or Google to control your oven with your voice. It’s great when your hands are full.
- Illuminated Controls: The controls are easy to understand. Only the available cooking options light up, making it simple to use.
- Self Clean: The oven cleans itself by heating up to burn off grease and food. This saves you a lot of scrubbing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The oven is quite large, so make sure you have enough space in your kitchen.
- As a combination unit, it might have a higher price point than separate appliances.
This Samsung oven makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. It’s a smart choice for busy households that want delicious, perfectly cooked meals every time.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave oven that does more than just heat up leftovers. This stainless steel appliance packs a powerful 1,050 watts and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or office. It cleverly combines microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection functions, offering a wide range of cooking options.
What We Like:
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispy foods cooked in less time.
- CONVECTION MODE: Get perfectly golden-brown results with the included rack for even cooking.
- BROIL MODE: Sear and caramelize foods with radiant heat, just like a grill.
- PRESET CONTROLS: Quickly cook popular items like fries and nuggets with easy-to-use settings.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: The 1.0 cu. ft. size fits anywhere, but it still delivers 1,050 watts of power.
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: A safety feature that prevents accidental use by little ones.
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Ensures your food cooks evenly throughout.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers multiple functions, some users might find the learning curve for all modes a bit steep initially.
- The compact size, while convenient, might not be ideal for cooking very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
The GE GCST10A1WSS is a fantastic all-in-one appliance that simplifies cooking. Its versatility makes it a smart choice for anyone looking to save space and expand their culinary capabilities.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen superstar! This silver beauty, model ML-EC42P(SS), isn’t just a microwave; it’s a cooking powerhouse that can air fry, bake with convection, and even combine microwave and convection for super-fast meals. Its smart sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking, and the mute function means no more loud beeps when you’re trying to be quiet.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combination cooking. This means you can do so much more with just one machine.
- You can enjoy healthier fried foods with its air fryer function. It gives you that crispy taste with less oil.
- The convection feature helps cook food with a better texture. It comes with helpful auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable is great for families. It can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It looks sleek in your kitchen with its stainless steel finish. The interior is also stainless steel and easy to clean.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and a mute button make cooking easier and quieter.
- It has a powerful 1000W microwave for quick cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
- While the stainless steel finish is stylish, the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen decors.
This Toshiba microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience. It’s a smart choice for making delicious meals with ease.
Microwave Oven Combos: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Are you tired of juggling appliances? A microwave oven combo brings together the speed of a microwave with the versatility of a convection oven, all in one sleek package. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your kitchen.
What to Look For in a Microwave Oven Combo
1. Size and Capacity
Measure your kitchen counter space before you buy. Combos come in different sizes, from compact to large family models. Think about how much food you usually cook. A larger capacity is better for families or if you like to bake or roast.
2. Power (Wattage)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves range from 700 to 1200 watts. For a combo oven, look for at least 1000 watts for efficient microwave use. The convection oven part will have its own wattage or temperature settings.
3. Cooking Functions
Does it just microwave, or does it do more? Many combos offer convection baking, broiling, toasting, and even air frying. Consider what you’ll use most. If you love to bake, convection is a must-have. If you want healthier options, air frying is a great addition.
4. Controls and Interface
Look for easy-to-use controls. Digital touchpads are common and easy to clean. Some have presets for popular foods, which can be very handy. A clear display makes it simple to see cooking times and temperatures.
5. Interior Material
The inside of the oven is usually made of stainless steel or ceramic enamel. Stainless steel is durable and looks good, but it can be harder to clean if food splatters. Ceramic enamel is non-stick and very easy to wipe down.
6. Safety Features
Child lock is important if you have kids. Automatic shut-off is another good safety feature. Make sure the door seals tightly to keep heat inside.
Materials Matter
The outer casing is often stainless steel, which is sturdy and resists rust. Plastic parts are usually for the control panel or door handles. High-quality stainless steel will last longer and look better.
What Makes a Combo Oven Great (or Not So Great)
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Even Heating: A good combo cooks food evenly, whether microwaving or baking.
- Durable Build: Sturdy construction means it will last longer.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and settings.
- Good Ventilation: Proper airflow helps with baking and prevents overheating.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Uneven Cooking: Some combos don’t heat food consistently.
- Flimsy Construction: Cheaper models might feel wobbly or break easily.
- Confusing Controls: A complicated interface can be frustrating.
- Poor Insulation: The outside of the oven might get too hot to touch.
User Experience and Use Cases
Microwave oven combos are perfect for small kitchens where space is limited. They are great for single people, couples, or small families. You can quickly reheat leftovers, bake cookies, roast a chicken, or toast bread – all in one appliance!
Imagine making a quick mug cake in the microwave, then switching to convection mode to bake some chicken wings for dinner. It saves you time and counter space. Some people use them as a second oven, especially during holidays when the main oven is full.
Frequently Asked Questions about Microwave Oven Combos
Q: What is a microwave oven combo?
A: A microwave oven combo is an appliance that combines a microwave with a convection oven, letting you microwave, bake, roast, and more.
Q: Can a combo oven bake like a regular oven?
A: Yes, most combo ovens have a convection feature that circulates hot air, allowing them to bake and roast similar to a traditional oven.
Q: Are microwave oven combos hard to clean?
A: It depends on the interior material. Ceramic enamel interiors are usually easier to clean than stainless steel.
Q: What is convection cooking?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to move hot air around the oven, which cooks food faster and more evenly.
Q: How much space do I need for a microwave oven combo?
A: Measure your counter space. They come in various sizes, so check the dimensions before buying.
Q: Is a microwave oven combo more energy-efficient?
A: They can be more energy-efficient for smaller tasks because they heat up faster than a full-sized oven.
Q: What is the difference between a microwave oven combo and a countertop microwave?
A: A combo has convection and other oven functions, while a countertop microwave only microwaves.
Q: Can I use metal in a microwave oven combo?
A: You can use metal when using the convection or bake functions, but never when using the microwave function.
Q: What are the most common cooking functions?
A: Microwaving, convection baking, broiling, and toasting are common functions.
Q: Are microwave oven combos worth the price?
A: If you need the versatility and space-saving benefits, they are often a good value.
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 Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!