Tired of your kitchen feeling like a juggling act? Do you dream of whipping up gourmet meals without needing a whole team of chefs? Many of us feel that way. The kitchen is the heart of the home, but sometimes it feels like we’re battling outdated appliances. Choosing the perfect Combi Microwave can feel overwhelming, like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. There are so many features and brands, it’s easy to get lost in the confusion.
But what if there was a way to simplify your cooking and expand your culinary horizons? Imagine browning chicken perfectly, steaming vegetables until they’re crisp, and baking a cake, all with one appliance. That’s the magic of a Combi Microwave. This post will cut through the noise and show you exactly what to look for. You’ll learn how to pick a Combi Microwave that fits your needs and budget, turning meal prep from a chore into a joy.
So, let’s dive in and discover how to make your kitchen work smarter, not harder. Get ready to unlock a world of faster, tastier, and more versatile cooking!
Our Top 5 Combi Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Combi Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen superstar! This countertop appliance does more than just reheat leftovers. It can also air fry, bake, roast, and use convection cooking. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great on any counter. Plus, it has a handy child-lock feature to keep curious little ones safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can cook in many ways: microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 900 watts of power for fast cooking.
- There are 7 auto menus for easy cooking of common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- It has 11 special air fry menus for things like fries, chicken wings, and veggies.
- You can quickly start cooking at full power for 30 seconds.
- The child-lock feature keeps the control panel safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for very large meals or multiple dishes.
- While versatile, mastering all five cooking functions might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering great versatility and convenience. It’s a smart choice for busy households looking for a multi-functional cooking solution.
2. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet your new kitchen best friend: the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven. This appliance isn’t just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking machine that can air fry, bake with convection, broil, and even remove odors. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter, and its smart features make cooking a breeze for everyone.
What We Like:
- Versatile 8-in-1 functionality: Microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost all in one.
- Healthy Air Fryer: Enjoy your favorite fried foods with less fat.
- Powerful Performance: 1000 watts of microwave power for quick cooking.
- Spacious Interior: The 12.4-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenient Features: One-touch popcorn, easy knobs, position memory turntable, speedy and multistage cooking, clock, timer, and mute function.
- Safety First: Features a two-step child lock to prevent accidental use.
- Stylish and Practical: Classic black stainless steel exterior and an easy-to-clean stainless steel interior.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “figure” for the child lock steps might require a quick look to ensure proper activation.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in a compact and stylish package.
3. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave
Rating: 9.2/10
The Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection Oven in Brushed Stainless Steel is a game-changer for your kitchen. It combines three powerful appliances into one sleek unit, making cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, and convection oven.
- The Element IQ System smartly directs power for perfect results.
- Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen functions save you time.
- The Power Smoothing Inverter ensures even cooking and reheating.
- Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost presets offer easy cooking.
- It has a quiet operation with a soft-close door.
- Convenient shortcuts and one-touch auto settings are included.
- It comes with a Combi Crisp Pan and Trivet.
- It has a generous 1.1 cu.ft/32L capacity.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1-year limited warranty could be longer.
- While versatile, it takes up counter space.
This Breville Combi Wave is an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and versatility for all your cooking needs. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to simplify meal preparation.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave oven that’s a real game-changer for any kitchen, dorm room, or office. This stainless steel beauty packs a punch with 1,050 watts and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, offering a versatile cooking experience that goes way beyond just reheating leftovers. It’s designed to make your life easier and your meals tastier.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It’s not just a microwave! The air fryer, broiler, and convection modes let you cook a wide variety of foods. You can make crispy fries, perfectly browned chicken, and even bake small treats.
- Healthier Options: The air fryer function cooks food with less oil, giving you healthier, crispy results.
- Convenient Presets: Preset controls for common foods like fries and nuggets take the guesswork out of cooking. Just press a button for perfectly cooked meals.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock feature is a great addition for families with young children, preventing accidental use.
- Even Cooking: The glass turntable rotates your food, ensuring everything is heated evenly and thoroughly.
- Compact Design: It’s surprisingly compact for all the features it offers, making it a great fit for smaller spaces without sacrificing power.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: While the presets are helpful, mastering all the different modes might take a little practice.
- Size for Larger Meals: While compact, it might be a bit small for cooking large family meals or very large items.
This GE microwave is a fantastic all-in-one appliance. It simplifies cooking and adds multiple useful functions to your countertop.
5. Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, & Air Fryer (SFP701). This kitchen gadget is designed to make cooking faster and easier. It can cook complete meals in just 15 minutes. It’s like having a whole kitchen in one appliance. You can cook proteins, veggies, and grains all at the same time. This saves you a lot of time compared to using a regular oven. The Ninja Combi also helps you keep your countertops tidy because it does so many things.
What We Like:
- It has 14 different cooking functions. You can combi cook, air fry, bake, roast, slow cook, and more.
- It cooks full meals in only 15 minutes. This is super fast!
- It cooks food from frozen to ready to eat in under 30 minutes. No need to wait for things to thaw.
- The Ninja Combi Cooker Technology uses steam and air frying together. This makes food juicy inside and crispy outside.
- Cleanup is easy. The cooking pan can be used for serving, and the accessories are dishwasher safe.
- It has a family-sized capacity. It can cook enough food for up to 8 people.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it cooks meals quickly, the initial setup and learning all the functions might take a little time.
- For very small households, the family-sized capacity might be more than you need.
The Ninja Combi is a fantastic tool for busy cooks. It simplifies meal preparation and makes delicious food in a flash.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Combi Microwave
A combi microwave is like a kitchen superhero. It’s a microwave, but it also bakes, grills, and sometimes even air fries! This makes it super handy for small kitchens or for anyone who wants to cook a variety of meals without needing lots of appliances. Let’s dive into what makes a good combi microwave and how to pick the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
1. Cooking Functions
The best combi microwaves offer more than just microwaving. Look for:
- Grill: Perfect for browning and crisping food, like toast or chicken skin.
- Convection (Bake/Roast): This function uses a fan to circulate hot air, just like a regular oven. It lets you bake cakes, roast meats, and cook pizzas.
- Steam Cooking: Some models have a steam function, which is great for healthy cooking. It keeps food moist and flavorful.
- Air Fry: A newer feature that lets you cook crispy foods with less oil.
2. Capacity and Size
Think about what you’ll cook and how many people you cook for. Combi microwaves come in different sizes, from small countertop models to larger ones that can replace your main oven.
- Small (17-25 Liters): Good for reheating, cooking small meals, or single servings.
- Medium (25-35 Liters): Suitable for families of 2-3 people. You can fit a small chicken or a standard baking dish.
- Large (35+ Liters): Ideal for larger families or if you plan to bake and roast regularly.
3. Power (Wattage)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Microwaves typically range from 700 to 1200 watts. For combi functions, you might see separate wattages for microwave, grill, and convection. A higher convection wattage (often around 1500-2000 watts) means it heats up faster and cooks more evenly.
4. Controls and Ease of Use
Look for easy-to-understand controls. Digital displays with clear buttons or touchpads are usually best. Some models have pre-programmed settings for common foods, which are very helpful.
Important Materials
The inside of your combi microwave is usually made of stainless steel or coated metal. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. The door will have a glass window, often with a mesh layer to block microwaves. Make sure the door seals well to keep the heat inside.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Even Cooking: A good combi microwave distributes heat evenly for both microwave and oven functions.
- Durability: Sturdy construction and high-quality materials mean it will last longer.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-use settings make cooking a breeze.
- Good Insulation: Keeps heat inside and the exterior cool.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Uneven Cooking: Hot spots and cold spots can ruin your food.
- Poor Build Quality: Flimsy parts or a door that doesn’t close properly can be a problem.
- Complicated Controls: If it’s hard to figure out, you won’t use all its features.
- Loud Operation: Some models can be quite noisy.
User Experience and Use Cases
A combi microwave is fantastic for busy people. You can microwave leftovers, then use the grill to crisp them up. Or, bake a cake using the convection setting. Small apartments benefit greatly from their space-saving design. They are also great for dorm rooms or as a secondary oven for larger households.
Imagine making a roast chicken using the convection function, then using the grill to get a perfectly crispy skin. Or, quickly reheating your pasta with the microwave and then toasting the cheese on top with the grill. It’s versatility that makes them so popular.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a combi microwave?
A: A combi microwave is an appliance that combines microwave cooking with other cooking methods like grilling and convection baking.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a combi microwave?
A: Yes, if it has a convection (oven) function, you can bake cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.
Q: How is a combi microwave different from a regular microwave?
A: A regular microwave only heats food using microwaves. A combi microwave adds grill and convection functions, allowing you to cook and brown food too.
Q: Is a combi microwave energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than a full-sized oven for smaller cooking tasks because they heat up faster and use less energy overall.
Q: What size combi microwave do I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and what types of food you’ll prepare. Small for singles, medium for couples or small families, and large for bigger families or frequent baking.
Q: How do I clean a combi microwave?
A: Always unplug the appliance first. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water can work. The turntable is usually dishwasher safe.
Q: What does convection mean in a combi microwave?
A: Convection means it has a fan that circulates hot air, similar to a traditional oven. This helps food cook more evenly and brown nicely.
Q: Can I use metal or foil in a combi microwave?
A: You can use metal cookware when using the convection or grill functions, but never when using the microwave function alone, as it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How long do combi microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care and regular cleaning, a combi microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, similar to other kitchen appliances.
Q: Are combi microwaves worth the extra cost?
A: For most people, yes. They offer great versatility, save counter space, and can cook a wider variety of meals more effectively than a standard microwave.
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!