Imagine a kitchen appliance that can do it all: bake a cake, roast a chicken, and reheat leftovers in a flash. Sounds like a dream, right? That’s the magic of a convection microwave oven, a true kitchen workhorse that’s changing the way we cook.
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect convection microwave can feel like navigating a maze. So many brands, features, and price tags! You might be wondering if it’s worth the upgrade from your old microwave, or if you’re getting all the bells and whistles you truly need. We get it, and we’re here to help clear the confusion.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand exactly what makes a convection microwave special. We’ll break down the key features, explain what they do, and give you the confidence to choose the oven that fits your cooking style and budget. Get ready to unlock a whole new world of delicious possibilities in your kitchen!
Our Top 5 Convection Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Convection Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen workhorse that does more than just reheat leftovers. This stylish black stainless steel appliance is packed with features to make cooking easier and healthier. It’s designed to be a central part of your kitchen, offering a variety of cooking methods in one compact unit.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine: It can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more.
- Healthy cooking is easy with the air fryer function, which uses less fat.
- The 1000-watt microwave power cooks food quickly.
- Its compact size fits well on your counter, but the 1.0 cu.ft. interior is surprisingly spacious.
- A 12.4-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable is a neat feature that returns food to its original spot.
- Safety is important with the two-step child lock feature.
- Convenient one-touch popcorn button and easy-to-use knobs simplify cooking.
- The odor removal mode keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- It looks good with its classic black stainless steel finish and easy-to-clean interior.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction for the child lock might need a bit more detail.
- Some might find the input power of 1600 watts a bit high, though it contributes to fast cooking.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy kitchens. It brings versatility, health, and style to your countertop.
2. 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 kitchen helper. It’s a countertop appliance that can do a lot. You can use it to microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast. This means it can handle many different cooking jobs for you.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so it does many things: microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast. This saves you space and money.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 900 watts of power. This helps cook food quickly and efficiently.
- There are 7 auto menus for common foods like potatoes and popcorn. There are also 11 air fry presets for things like chicken wings and french fries.
- The “Speedy Cooking” feature lets you start cooking at 100% power with just one button press. Press it again to add more time.
- The child-lock setting is a great safety feature. You just press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the controls.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While it has many functions, some users might find the learning curve for all the settings a little steep at first.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It offers a wide range of cooking options in one convenient appliance.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(SS). This appliance does a lot more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a true kitchen multitasker, ready to help you cook a variety of meals for your family.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 machine: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a combo of microwave and convection. This means you can use it for many different cooking tasks.
- Enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fry feature. You get that crispy taste with less oil.
- The convection cooking gives your food a better texture. It also has smart sensor menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- Its large 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stainless steel finish looks stylish on your countertop. The interior is also easy to clean.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and a mute option make cooking easier.
- The mute function lets you turn off the buzzer by holding the “8” button for a few seconds.
- It offers 1000 watts of microwave power with 10 different power settings.
- It comes with a grill rack and grill tray, adding more cooking options.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior enclosure is black, while the door frame is stainless steel. Some might prefer a fully matching stainless steel look.
- While versatile, mastering all four functions might take a little practice.
This Toshiba microwave oven is a versatile addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthier cooking options.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen game-changer. This stainless steel appliance packs a punch with 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, making it ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or offices. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s an air fryer, a broiler, and a convection oven all in one sleek package. Plus, its child-lock technology adds an extra layer of safety for families.
What We Like:
- Air Fry Mode: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods quickly.
- Convection Mode: Get perfectly golden-brown results with even heat circulation.
- Broil Mode: Sear and caramelize foods just like a grill.
- Preset Controls: Easily cook common items like fries and nuggets with precise results.
- Compact Yet Powerful: It balances size and convenience, fitting perfectly anywhere.
- Child-Lock Technology: Prevents accidental use by younger family members.
- Glass Turntable: Ensures food cooks evenly by rotating it throughout the cycle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be more detailed regarding specific cooking times for various foods in each mode.
- While compact, the interior might feel a bit tight for larger dishes or multiple items.
This GE microwave oven offers incredible versatility for its size. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to save space without sacrificing cooking options.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(BS), is a versatile kitchen helper. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combination cooking mode. This means you can do a lot more with just one appliance. It’s designed to make cooking healthier and tastier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so it does many jobs: microwave, air fry, convection, and a mix of microwave and convection.
- You can enjoy fried foods with less fat using the healthy air fryer feature.
- It makes food with a better texture by combining microwave and convection cooking.
- It has auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting, plus sensor menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It looks stylish with a black stainless steel finish and is easy to clean inside.
- Convenient features include popcorn buttons, memory settings, quick cooking, and a mute function for the buzzer.
- The mute function lets you turn off the beeping sound by holding a button.
- It has 1000 watts of microwave power for fast cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning all the functions a bit complex.
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very small countertops.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthy cooking options. It simplifies meal preparation with its many features.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Convection Microwave Oven
Are you looking for a kitchen helper that can do more than just reheat leftovers? A convection microwave oven might be just what you need! This amazing appliance can bake, roast, toast, and microwave all in one. Let’s dive in and find the perfect one for your home.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a convection microwave oven, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food do you usually cook? Microwaves come in different sizes, from small ones perfect for one or two people to large ones for families. Think about baking a whole chicken or multiple dishes at once.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most convection microwaves range from 800 to 1200 watts.
- Convection Temperature Range: Convection ovens work like regular ovens. Check the maximum temperature. A higher temperature lets you bake and roast more things.
- Turntable: A turntable spins your food to cook it evenly. Most microwaves have one, but some larger models might offer a convection-only mode without a turntable for bigger pans.
- Preset Cooking Functions: Many microwaves have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear display makes it easy to set cooking times and temperatures. Look for user-friendly buttons.
- Child Lock: If you have little ones, a child lock feature is a great safety addition. It prevents them from accidentally turning on the oven.
- Interior Light: An interior light lets you see your food as it cooks without opening the door.
Important Materials
The materials used in your convection microwave oven affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a great choice. Stainless steel is easy to clean and holds up well to high heat. It also reflects heat, helping food cook more evenly.
- Ceramic or Enamel Interior: These are common and affordable options. They are also easy to wipe clean. However, they might not be as durable as stainless steel over time.
- Glass Turntable: The turntable is usually made of strong glass. It needs to be sturdy to handle hot dishes.
What Makes a Difference: Quality Factors
Some things make a convection microwave oven work better and last longer.
- Build Quality: A well-built oven feels solid. The door should open and close smoothly. The controls should be responsive.
- Even Cooking: The best microwaves cook food evenly, whether you’re microwaving or using convection. Look for models that have good heat distribution.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes scrubbing tough messes. A non-stick interior and a removable turntable make cleaning much easier.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves can be quite loud. If noise bothers you, check reviews to see how quiet a particular model is.
- Brand Reputation: Brands known for making reliable kitchen appliances often produce better convection microwaves.
Using Your Convection Microwave: User Experience and Use Cases
Convection microwaves are super versatile! They are perfect for:
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave function for fast reheating or cooking.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature lets you bake cookies, roast chicken, or even make a small pizza just like in a regular oven.
- Toasting: Some models have a toasting function for bagels or bread.
- Defrosting: Easily thaw frozen foods.
- One-Dish Wonders: You can often cook an entire meal in one dish using a combination of microwave and convection settings.
Imagine making a delicious roasted chicken for dinner and then quickly reheating some leftovers later – all with the same appliance! It saves counter space and makes cooking more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Convection Microwave Ovens
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave heats food using waves. A convection microwave uses a fan to circulate hot air, just like a regular oven, which helps food brown and get crispy.
Q: Can I bake cakes in a convection microwave?
A: Yes! The convection feature is designed for baking, so you can bake cakes, cookies, and other pastries.
Q: Do I need special cookware for a convection microwave?
A: For the microwave function, you need microwave-safe dishes. For the convection function, you can use oven-safe dishes like glass, ceramic, or metal pans, similar to a regular oven.
Q: How do I clean a convection microwave?
A: Most convection microwaves have removable turntables and easy-to-wipe interiors. You can use a damp cloth and mild soap. For stubborn spots, baking soda paste can work wonders.
Q: Are convection microwaves energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than a full-sized oven for smaller tasks because they heat up faster and cook food more quickly.
Q: What does “combination cooking” mean?
A: Combination cooking lets you use both the microwave and convection features at the same time. This can speed up cooking while still allowing food to brown.
Q: How long does a convection microwave oven typically last?
A: With proper care, a convection microwave oven can last between 7 to 10 years.
Q: Is a convection microwave noisy?
A: They can make some noise from the fan, especially during convection cooking. However, newer models are often designed to be quieter.
Q: Can I use aluminum foil in a convection microwave?
A: You should be cautious. Some manufacturers say small amounts are okay for shielding food from browning too quickly. Always check your oven’s manual.
Q: What size convection microwave should I buy?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and what you usually make. Smaller families might need 1.0 to 1.5 cubic feet, while larger families might prefer 1.6 cubic feet or more.
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!