Imagine this: you’re craving a perfectly crispy pizza, or maybe just a quick bowl of popcorn. But then the big question hits: should you fire up the oven or pop it in the microwave? These two kitchen workhorses, the microwave and the oven, are essential for so many meals, yet choosing between them, or even deciding which one is best for your needs, can feel like a culinary puzzle.
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of features and jargon. Do you need convection? What’s the difference between a countertop microwave and a built-in one? The sheer variety can make your head spin, and the thought of buying the wrong appliance can be frustrating. You want a kitchen that cooks your food just right, saves you time, and fits your budget.
That’s where we come in! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how microwaves and ovens work, what makes them different, and how to pick the perfect one for your kitchen. We’ll break down the basics so you can cook with confidence and enjoy delicious results every time.
Our Top 5 Microwave And Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave And Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Samsung NQ70M7770DS 7.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Combination Electric Wall Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The Samsung NQ70M7770DS 7.0 Cu. Ft. Stainless Combination Electric Wall Oven is a game-changer for any kitchen. It combines the power of a convection microwave with the versatility of a large electric oven, making meal prep a breeze. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any home.
What We Like:
- The FLEX DUO oven lets you cook two meals at different temperatures without mixing flavors.
- Power Convection in the microwave cooks food fast and evenly, saving you time.
- Steam Cook creates crispy exteriors and juicy interiors for your food.
- The large 5.1 cu. ft. oven capacity fits big meals and multiple dishes.
- Fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your oven looking clean and shiny.
- Wi-Fi connectivity lets you control the oven from your smartphone.
- Voice control works with Bixby, Alexa, or Google for hands-free operation.
- Illuminated controls make it easy to select cooking options.
- The Self Clean feature takes the effort out of cleaning your oven.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Wi-Fi and voice control features might require a bit of setup.
- While it has a large capacity, some very large roasts might still be a tight fit.
This oven offers impressive features for busy home cooks. It makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
2. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more into one stylish appliance. Its black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. This microwave makes cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost. You can do so many things with it!
- It has a healthy air fry feature. You can enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It’s powerful with 1000 watts of microwave power.
- The 12.4-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It has helpful features like one-touch popcorn and a position memory turntable.
- The two-step child lock keeps little ones safe.
- It has a sleek black stainless steel look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit large, so check your counter space.
- Operating the child lock requires following specific steps, which might take a moment to learn.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers versatility and convenience for all your cooking needs.
3. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen sidekick. This compact 0.7 cu. ft. microwave is packed with features to make cooking a breeze. Its sleek black design fits perfectly on any countertop, and at 700 watts, it heats food quickly. You’ll love how easy it is to use for everything from reheating leftovers to making popcorn.
What We Like:
- It cooks food extra fast with six handy presets like popcorn, pizza, and veggies.
- You get 10 power levels, so you can melt butter gently or cook food quickly.
- The digital controls are super easy to understand and use.
- A memory function lets you save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch cooking.
- The child safety lock keeps little hands out, and the mute button is great for quiet kitchens.
- Eco Mode saves power and turns off the display when not in use.
- Cleaning is simple; the exterior wipes clean easily, and the glass turntable is dishwasher safe.
- It’s cETL approved and comes with a 1-year Chefman assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for cooking large meals or multiple dishes at once.
This Chefman microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It offers great convenience and safety features for everyday cooking needs.
4. BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks good on any countertop. This microwave is compact, fitting easily into smaller spaces with its 0.7 cubic feet capacity. It’s designed for everyday use, making meal prep and reheating quick and simple.
What We Like:
- It heats food evenly thanks to the removable 10” glass turntable.
- You can easily cook common foods with the six pre-programmed buttons, like popcorn, potatoes, and pizza.
- The 30-second express cooking feature is super handy for quick reheating.
- The large LED display and easy-to-read control panel make it simple to use.
- A child safety lock gives parents peace of mind.
- The push-button door release is convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 700-watt power might be a little less powerful for very tough cooking jobs compared to higher wattage microwaves.
- While it has a stainless steel look, the exterior may show fingerprints easily.
This microwave offers a good balance of features and ease of use for its price. It’s a reliable choice for basic kitchen needs.
5. Farberware Countertop Microwave 700 Watts
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Farberware Countertop Microwave, a stylish and practical kitchen helper that’s perfect for small spaces. Its retro white design adds a touch of charm to any apartment or dorm room. This microwave makes cooking quick and easy with its 700 watts of power and user-friendly features.
What We Like:
- It’s powerful with 700 watts for fast cooking.
- It has ten power levels and six one-touch options for easy cooking.
- Popcorn, potato, and pizza settings make cooking specific foods simple.
- You can defrost food by weight or time.
- The 0.7 cu ft size is perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or dorms.
- The interior and exterior are easy to clean.
- It has a clear LED display with a clock and kitchen timer.
- Interior lighting lets you see your food while it cooks.
- A child safety lock provides extra peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 0.7 cu ft is great for small spaces, it might be too small for larger meals or families.
- More advanced cooking features like convection or grilling are not available.
This Farberware microwave is a fantastic option for anyone needing a compact and efficient way to prepare meals. It delivers on convenience and style.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
So, you’re thinking about getting a microwave and oven combo? That’s a smart move! These appliances can save you space and time in the kitchen. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find the perfect microwave and oven for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? Think about how much you usually cook. Bigger families might need a larger oven cavity.
- Power (Wattage): Microwaves use wattage to heat food. Higher wattage means faster cooking. For ovens, look at the heating elements and their power.
- Cooking Functions: Does it just microwave and bake? Or does it have special features like convection cooking (which circulates hot air for crispier results), broiling, or even air frying?
- Ease of Use: Is the control panel simple to understand? Are the buttons clearly labeled? Touch screens can be nice, but sometimes simple knobs are easier.
- Cleaning: Nobody likes scrubbing! Look for models with easy-clean interiors. Non-stick coatings or self-cleaning functions are a big plus.
- Safety Features: Child lock is important if you have little ones. Auto shut-off prevents overheating.
Important Materials
The materials used can affect how well your appliance works and how long it lasts.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Some have porcelain enamel, which is also good for cleaning.
- Exterior: Stainless steel looks sleek and modern. Other options include enamel-coated steel or plastic. Stainless steel is generally more durable.
- Door Glass: Tempered glass is used for safety and to keep heat inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things can make your microwave and oven work better or not as well.
- Build Quality: A well-built appliance feels sturdy. Doors should open and close smoothly. Buttons should feel responsive.
- Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable appliances. Reading reviews from other customers can help you learn about a brand’s quality.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for appliances with good energy ratings. This means they use less electricity, saving you money on your bills.
- Heating Evenness: Does the microwave heat food evenly? Does the oven bake without hot spots? This is crucial for good cooking results.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your new appliance.
- Everyday Meals: If you’re just reheating leftovers or making quick meals, a basic model might be enough.
- Baking and Roasting: If you love to bake cakes or roast chicken, you’ll want a model with good oven features, especially convection.
- Entertaining: If you often host parties, a larger capacity and multiple cooking functions will be very helpful.
- Small Kitchens: A combo unit is a lifesaver for small kitchens. It replaces two appliances with one, freeing up counter space.
- Busy Lifestyles: For people who are always on the go, the speed of a microwave combined with the versatility of an oven can make meal prep much easier.
Choosing the right microwave and oven combo means thinking about your cooking habits and what features will make your life easier. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: You should look for capacity, power (wattage), cooking functions, ease of use, cleaning features, and safety features.
Q: What are the best materials for the interior and exterior?
A: Stainless steel is generally the best for both interior and exterior because it’s durable and easy to clean. Tempered glass is used for the door.
Q: How does build quality affect the appliance?
A: Good build quality means the appliance feels sturdy, doors work well, and buttons are responsive. This usually means it will last longer.
Q: Can a microwave and oven combo replace my old appliances?
A: Yes, it can replace a separate microwave and a standard oven, saving you space.
Q: What is convection cooking?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, which helps food cook more evenly and get crispier.
Q: Are these appliances hard to clean?
A: It depends on the model. Look for easy-clean interiors or self-cleaning functions to make cleaning simpler.
Q: Is a higher wattage always better for a microwave?
A: Higher wattage generally means faster cooking times for the microwave function.
Q: What is the advantage of a large capacity?
A: A larger capacity allows you to cook bigger meals or more food at once, which is great for families or when entertaining.
Q: How can I tell if an appliance is energy efficient?
A: Look for energy efficiency ratings or labels on the appliance.
Q: Are there any safety features I should prioritize?
A: Yes, features like child lock and auto shut-off are important for safety.
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!