Imagine cooking a juicy roast chicken and perfectly steamed vegetables at the same time, all in one appliance that fits right on your kitchen counter. Sounds like magic, right? For many home cooks, achieving restaurant-quality meals without taking up tons of space or spending a fortune can feel like a dream. But what if we told you that dream is within reach?
Choosing the right countertop combi oven can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and features to consider, and it’s easy to get lost in the details. You want an oven that cooks well, is easy to use, and doesn’t break the bank. We get it! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you cut through the confusion.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what to look for in a countertop combi oven. We’ll explain the key features, compare popular models, and share tips to help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen and your cooking style. Get ready to elevate your home cooking game!
Our Top 5 Countertop Combi Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Image | Product | Rating | Links |
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Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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FOTILE ChefCubii 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Steam Oven | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Countertop Combi Oven Detailed Reviews
1. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave
Rating: 8.6/10
The Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection Oven is a game-changer for busy kitchens. This sleek brushed stainless steel appliance packs the power of three essential cooking tools into one compact unit, making meal prep faster and more versatile.
What We Like:
- This appliance is truly a 3-in-1 wonder, combining microwave, air fryer, and convection oven functions.
- The Element IQ System intelligently directs power for perfectly cooked food every time.
- Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen functions significantly cut down cooking times.
- Power Smoothing Inverter ensures gentle and even heating for reheating and defrosting.
- Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost presets offer easy, one-touch cooking.
- The quiet microwave operation and soft-close door make it a pleasure to use.
- Convenient shortcuts on the inside door simplify common cooking tasks.
- It comes with useful accessories like the Combi Crisp Pan and Trivet.
- The generous 1.1 cu.ft/32L capacity handles family-sized meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, the initial learning curve for all the functions might take a little time.
- The brushed stainless steel, while attractive, can show fingerprints.
This Breville Combi Wave is an excellent investment for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine without sacrificing quality or flavor. It’s a smart, efficient addition to any modern kitchen.
2. Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker
Rating: 9.2/10
The Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, & Air Fryer is a kitchen game-changer. It’s designed to make cooking faster and easier. This appliance can do many different cooking tasks, helping you create delicious meals quickly.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile with 14 cooking functions, including Combi Meals, Air Fry, Bake, and Slow Cook.
- You can cook complete meals, with protein and sides, in just 15 minutes. That’s 50% faster than a regular oven!
- It saves counter space by being an all-in-one appliance, replacing multiple gadgets.
- Cleanup is a breeze because the cooking pan doubles as a serving dish, and all accessories are dishwasher safe.
- Ninja’s Combi Cooker Technology uses steam and air frying together for juicy insides and crispy outsides.
- It can cook frozen food to table-ready in under 30 minutes, no defrosting needed.
- It has a large family-sized capacity, perfect for feeding up to 8 people.
- It comes with helpful accessories like a bake tray and crisper tray, plus a recipe book.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, it does take up a decent amount of counter space for a single appliance.
- The 15-minute cooking time is for specific “Combi Meals” and may not apply to all recipes.
The Ninja Combi is an excellent tool for busy households looking for quick, delicious, and easy-to-clean meals. It truly simplifies cooking and expands your culinary possibilities.
3. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.1/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile countertop appliance that can do it all! From heating up leftovers to cooking a whole meal, this machine handles it with ease. It’s a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those who love to cook but have limited space.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 different cooking levels and 900 watts of power for quick cooking.
- The air fryer function has 11 presets for popular foods like fries and chicken wings.
- You can easily start cooking at full power for 30-second intervals.
- A child-lock feature keeps little ones from accidentally changing settings.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek on any countertop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or big meals.
- Some users might find the 11 air fry presets to be a bit overwhelming at first.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy kitchens. It offers a wide range of cooking options in a compact size.
4. FOTILE ChefCubii 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Steam Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The FOTILE ChefCubii 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Steam Oven is a game-changer for your kitchen. It’s not just an oven; it’s your personal chef, air fryer, and dehydrator all rolled into one compact appliance. Imagine making crispy fries without all the oil or baking a perfectly moist cake – this oven can do it all. Its smart design and multiple functions make cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It offers many ways to cook: bake, broil, toast, and warm. This means you can make all sorts of meals.
- The oven has four heating levels. This makes it simple to get the right temperature for different foods.
- Steam cooking is healthier. It keeps more vitamins in your food and uses less oil, which means fewer calories.
- You get 40 preset cooking menus. These automatic programs take the guesswork out of cooking many dishes.
- It has helpful features like a big window to see your food, easy-to-use knobs, a large water tank for steam, and a door that keeps heat inside.
- Cleaning is a breeze with the steam self-clean function.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1 CFT size might be a bit small for very large families or for cooking multiple large dishes at once.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice for beginners.
The FOTILE ChefCubii is a fantastic addition to any kitchen looking for versatility and healthy cooking options. It simplifies meal prep and delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
5. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen all-star. This black stainless steel beauty does more than just heat food. It can also air fry, bake with convection, broil, and even has a special odor removal mode. Its compact size fits easily on your counter, but it’s big enough inside to cook a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. Plus, it has a handy turntable that remembers where your food started, so it cooks evenly. Safety is a priority too, with a two-step child lock to keep little hands out.
What We Like:
- Versatile 8-in-1 functionality: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, defrost.
- Healthy air frying option for less fat.
- Powerful 1000-watt microwave output for quick cooking.
- Large 1.0 cu.ft capacity with a 12.4-inch position memory turntable fits big meals.
- Compact footprint is great for saving kitchen space.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a mute function.
- Stylish black stainless steel design and easy-to-clean interior.
- Two-step child lock for added safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock could be clearer.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a multi-functional and stylish appliance. It offers great value and performance for its price.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Countertop Combi Oven Companion
A countertop combi oven is a kitchen game-changer. It combines the power of convection, steam, and sometimes even microwave technology into one compact appliance. This means you can roast, bake, steam, and even reheat food with incredible precision and speed. If you’re looking to elevate your home cooking, a combi oven might be just what you need.
Why Choose a Countertop Combi Oven?
These ovens are perfect for smaller kitchens where a full-sized oven isn’t an option. They are also great for those who love to experiment with different cooking methods. You can achieve restaurant-quality results right on your countertop.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a countertop combi oven, keep these important features in mind:
- Cooking Modes: Look for ovens with at least convection, steam, and a combination mode. Some advanced models also offer microwave, sous vide, and air fry functions.
- Temperature Range: A wider temperature range gives you more cooking flexibility. Aim for an oven that can go from low temperatures for proofing dough to high temperatures for searing.
- Water Reservoir: How the oven uses steam is crucial. Some have a small, refillable reservoir, while others connect directly to your water line for continuous steaming. A larger reservoir or direct connection means less refilling.
- Capacity: Consider how much food you typically cook. Countertop models come in various sizes, from small personal ovens to larger ones that can fit a whole chicken.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for features like self-cleaning cycles or removable parts that make cleanup a breeze.
- Smart Features: Some ovens have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control them with your smartphone or access a library of recipes.
Important Materials
The materials used in a combi oven affect its durability and performance:
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is the best choice. It’s durable, easy to clean, and resists rust and corrosion. It also heats evenly.
- Tempered Glass Door: A good quality tempered glass door allows you to monitor your food without opening the oven and losing heat. Look for double or triple-paned glass for better insulation.
- Exterior Casing: Stainless steel exteriors look sleek and are durable. Plastic exteriors can be found on more budget-friendly models, but they may not be as long-lasting.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a combi oven better or worse:
- Heating Elements: Multiple heating elements provide more even cooking. A good combi oven will have elements at the top, bottom, and back.
- Fan System: A powerful convection fan circulates air effectively, ensuring consistent cooking results.
- Steam Generation: How quickly and efficiently the oven generates steam impacts its performance. Look for models with fast heat-up times for steam.
- Build Quality: A solid, well-built oven feels sturdy and operates smoothly. Wobbly parts or flimsy knobs can indicate lower quality.
- Control Interface: An intuitive and easy-to-use control panel makes a big difference in user experience. Digital displays are generally preferred over manual dials.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a combi oven is a rewarding experience. You can:
- Roast meats to perfection: Achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Bake bread and pastries: Get a beautiful crust and light, airy crumb.
- Steam vegetables and fish: Retain nutrients and vibrant colors.
- Reheat leftovers: Bring food back to life without drying it out.
- Cook multiple dishes at once: Some ovens allow you to set different temperatures and times for different racks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a combi oven?
A: A combi oven is a kitchen appliance that uses convection, steam, and sometimes microwave heat to cook food. It offers versatile cooking options in one unit.
Q: Are countertop combi ovens hard to use?
A: Most modern combi ovens have user-friendly controls. Many come with pre-set programs for common dishes, making them easy to operate.
Q: Do I need a water line for a combi oven?
A: Not all combi ovens require a direct water line. Many have a removable water tank that you fill manually.
Q: How do I clean a combi oven?
A: Cleaning methods vary by model. Some have self-cleaning functions, while others require manual cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Q: Can I cook a whole turkey in a countertop combi oven?
A: It depends on the size of the oven. Larger countertop models might accommodate a smaller turkey, but always check the oven’s capacity and dimensions.
Q: Is a combi oven worth the cost?
A: For many home cooks, the versatility and superior cooking results make a combi oven a worthwhile investment.
Q: How much counter space does a combi oven take up?
A: Countertop combi ovens vary in size, but they are generally designed to fit on standard kitchen countertops. Check the product dimensions before purchasing.
Q: Can I use regular baking pans in a combi oven?
A: Yes, you can typically use most standard oven-safe bakeware. However, avoid materials that could be damaged by steam, like some plastics.
Q: What is the difference between a combi oven and a regular oven?
A: A regular oven primarily uses dry heat. A combi oven adds steam to the cooking process, which helps retain moisture and improve texture.
Q: Can I bake and steam at the same time?
A: Yes, that is the main advantage of a combi oven! You can combine convection heat with steam for perfectly cooked breads, roasts, and 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!