Imagine craving a perfectly crisp pizza, but only having a microwave. Disappointing, right? Many people face this problem. They want the speed of a microwave but also the browning and crisping of a regular oven. That’s where the combination microwave oven comes in.
Choosing the right combination microwave can be confusing. There are so many brands, features, and prices. It’s hard to know what’s important and what’s just extra fluff. You don’t want to waste money on features you’ll never use or end up with an oven that doesn’t meet your cooking needs.
This guide will help you understand combination microwave ovens. You’ll learn about the different types, key features to consider, and how to choose the best one for your kitchen. By reading on, you’ll gain the knowledge to confidently select a combination microwave that will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Let’s explore the world of combination microwave ovens and find the perfect fit for you!
Our Top 5 Combination Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Combination Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler into one compact unit. With its sleek black stainless steel finish, it will look great on your countertop. It also has a 1.0 cu. ft. capacity, a 12.4-inch position memory turntable, and a child-lock feature.
What We Like:
- It has 8 functions in one appliance: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost.
- The air fryer lets you enjoy fried food with less fat.
- Its compact size fits nicely on the counter, but it still has a large 1.0 cu. ft. capacity.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is big enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It has helpful features like one-touch popcorn, easy-to-turn knobs, and a mute function.
- The two-step child lock helps keep kids safe.
- The stainless steel interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are 20.6*18.0*11.8 inches. Make sure you have enough counter space.
- With 1000 watts of microwave output power and 1600 watts of input power, it may consume more energy than a standard microwave.
This TOSHIBA 8-in-1 microwave is a great choice for anyone who wants a multi-functional appliance that saves space. It offers a lot of cooking options in one stylish package.
2. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile appliance. It combines a microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection oven into one compact unit. This stainless steel microwave is perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. It offers a range of cooking options and safety features.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: You can microwave, air fry, broil, and bake with convection all in one appliance.
- Child Safety: The two-step child lock helps prevent accidental use by children. You can also deactivate it if you don’t need it.
- Air Fry Mode: This mode lets you cook crispy foods with less oil. It’s a healthier way to enjoy your favorite snacks.
- Convection Mode: The convection mode uses a special rack to circulate air for even cooking. It helps you achieve golden brown results.
- Broil Mode: You can use the broiler to sear or caramelize food, just like on a grill.
- Preset Controls: Preset controls like Fries and Nuggets make cooking simple and easy.
- Compact Size: The 1.0 CU FT size fits easily on countertops or in small spaces.
- Powerful Performance: With 1,050 watts, this microwave can quickly and efficiently cook food.
- Even Cooking: The glass turntable rotates food for even cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size Limitations: The 1.0 CU FT capacity might be too small for large families or cooking big meals.
This 4-in-1 microwave oven is a great solution for anyone with limited space. It gives you many cooking options in one convenient appliance.
3. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile appliance. It combines a microwave, air fryer, and oven into one. This countertop microwave has a stainless steel finish. It offers 900 watts of power and a child-lock feature (ES9P032NA).
What We Like:
- It has five cooking functions: microwave, air fry, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast.
- The microwave features 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking. The auto menus include Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, and Frozen Pizza.
- The air fryer has 11 preset menus for frozen favorites. These include fries, chicken, and spring rolls.
- You can quickly cook food by pressing the start button. It cooks for 30 seconds at 100% power. Press again for more time.
- The child-lock setting keeps kids from changing settings. Press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be too small for large families or meals.
- 900 watts might be less powerful than some other microwaves on the market.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great option if you want a multi-functional appliance. It can help you save space in your kitchen.
4. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Microwave is a versatile appliance. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler into one. This countertop oven offers multiple cooking options. It has a sleek black stainless steel finish. It also has user-friendly features.
What We Like:
- 8-in-1 Functionality: This microwave does more than just heat food. You can air fry, bake, broil, and more.
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy fried foods with less fat. This is great for a healthier lifestyle.
- Large Capacity: The 1.0 cu. ft. size fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Stylish Design: The black stainless steel looks modern and cleans easily.
- Easy to Use: The LED display, knobs, and touch controls make operation simple.
- Convenience Features: One-touch popcorn, mute function, and position memory turntable add convenience.
What Could Be Improved:
- Internal Capacity: The actual space for food is less than the maximum dimensions suggest.
Overall, the TOSHIBA 8-in-1 Microwave is a great choice for those who want a multi-functional appliance. It offers versatility and convenience in a stylish package.
5. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 9.1/10
The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven (NN-CD87KS) is a versatile appliance that combines four essential cooking functions into one sleek stainless steel package. It works as a countertop microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler. You can use each function separately or combine them for delicious and convenient meals.
What We Like:
- This oven does it all! It microwaves, air fries, bakes, and broils.
- The healthy air fryer mode quickly makes food crispy without needing to preheat. You can make fries and nuggets healthier.
- The convection bake function reaches 425°F and you can use it with or without preheating. The FlashXpress Broiler is great for toasting and browning.
- Panasonic’s inverter microwave technology evenly cooks, defrosts, reheats, and warms food with 1000 watts of power. The Genius Sensor Cook and Turbo Defrost make cooking easier.
- The design saves space! It has a large capacity inside but a small footprint outside. You can also build it in with an optional trim kit.
What Could Be Improved:
- The control panel could be more intuitive for first-time users.
- While the stainless steel is sleek, it can show fingerprints easily.
Overall, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a great choice for anyone looking to save space and simplify cooking. It’s a powerful and versatile appliance that will quickly become a kitchen staple.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Conquering Combination Microwave Ovens
Combination microwave ovens are like a superhero in your kitchen! They combine the speed of a microwave with the browning and crisping power of a convection oven. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For: The Superpowers You Need
When you’re shopping for a combination microwave oven, think about what you’ll use it for most. Here are some important features to consider:
- Microwave Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for quicker results.
- Convection Power (Temperature Range): This determines how hot the oven can get for baking and roasting. A wide range gives you more options.
- Oven Capacity: How much food can it hold? Consider the size of your family and the dishes you like to cook. Capacity is usually measured in cubic feet.
- Pre-set Programs: These are automatic settings for things like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. They make cooking easier.
- Grill Function: This feature lets you grill foods like chicken or vegetables for a nice, browned finish.
- Turntable or No Turntable: A turntable rotates food for even cooking. Some models have a turntable that can be turned off for larger dishes.
- Sensor Cooking: This feature detects the moisture level in food and adjusts the cooking time automatically.
- Easy-to-Clean Interior: Look for a non-stick coating or stainless steel interior for easy cleaning.
- Control Panel: A clear and easy-to-use control panel is essential. Touchscreen or dial controls are common.
Important Materials: What’s It Made Of?
The materials used in a combination microwave oven affect its durability, performance, and appearance. Here are some key materials to consider:
- Interior: Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t absorb odors. Enamel interiors are also common.
- Exterior: Stainless steel looks sleek and modern, but it can show fingerprints. Plastic exteriors are more affordable.
- Door: The door should be sturdy and have a good seal to prevent heat loss. Glass doors let you see the food cooking.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Certain factors can make a combination microwave oven better or worse. Keep these in mind:
Improvements:
- Even Cooking: This is the most important factor! A good oven will cook food evenly, without hot spots or cold spots.
- Precise Temperature Control: The convection oven should maintain a consistent temperature for accurate baking and roasting.
- Durable Construction: Sturdy materials and solid construction will ensure the oven lasts for years.
- Quiet Operation: A noisy oven can be annoying. Look for models that are known for their quiet operation.
- Good Customer Reviews: See what other people say about the product.
Reductions:
- Uneven Cooking: If the oven doesn’t cook food evenly, it’s a major problem.
- Poor Temperature Control: If the convection oven temperature fluctuates, it can ruin your baking.
- Cheap Materials: Thin metal or flimsy plastic can break easily.
- Loud Noise: A loud humming or buzzing sound during operation can be distracting.
- Difficult to Clean: A complicated interior or hard-to-reach areas can make cleaning a chore.
User Experience and Use Cases: How Will You Use It?
Think about how you plan to use your combination microwave oven. This will help you choose the right model.
- Everyday Cooking: For quick meals, reheating leftovers, and cooking popcorn, the microwave function is perfect.
- Baking and Roasting: Use the convection oven for baking cookies, roasting chicken, or making casseroles.
- Grilling: The grill function is great for browning and crisping foods.
- Space Saving: If you have a small kitchen, a combination microwave oven can replace a separate microwave and toaster oven.
- Family Meals: Larger capacity ovens are ideal for cooking meals for a family.
- Apartment Living: A combination microwave oven is perfect for apartment dwellers with limited counter space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a regular microwave and a combination microwave oven?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to cook food. A combination microwave oven combines microwaves with a convection oven (which uses hot air) and sometimes a grill. This lets you bake, roast, and grill food in addition to microwaving.
Q: Is a combination microwave oven worth the money?
A: It depends. If you want the convenience of a microwave plus the ability to bake and roast, and you have limited space, then yes. If you only use a microwave for simple tasks, a regular microwave might be better.
Q: Can I use metal pans in a combination microwave oven?
A: Yes, you can usually use metal pans in the convection oven mode, but *never* use metal pans in microwave mode. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: How do I clean a combination microwave oven?
A: For the microwave function, heat a cup of water with lemon juice for a few minutes. The steam will loosen food splatters. For the convection oven, use a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Some models have a self-cleaning function.
Q: What is sensor cooking?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect the moisture level in food. It automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
Q: How do I use the convection oven function?
A: Select the convection oven setting, set the temperature, and preheat the oven. Then, place your food inside and cook according to the recipe.
Q: What size combination microwave oven should I buy?
A: Consider the size of your family and the types of dishes you like to cook. A smaller oven (around 1.0 cubic feet) is good for singles or couples. A larger oven (1.5 cubic feet or more) is better for families.
Q: Are combination microwave ovens energy efficient?
A: They can be. Using the microwave function is generally more energy efficient than using a conventional oven. The convection oven function is similar in energy use to a regular oven.
Q: What is the lifespan of a combination microwave oven?
A: With proper care, a good quality combination microwave oven can last for 7-10 years.
Q: Where can I buy a combination microwave oven?
A: You can find them at most major appliance retailers, department stores, and online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Home Depot.
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!