Imagine a kitchen gadget that could toast your bagel, reheat leftovers, and crisp up your fries – all in one compact device. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that dream is becoming a reality with the rise of microwave air fryer combination ovens. But navigating the world of these versatile appliances can feel like a maze. So many brands, so many features, and the big question: is it really worth it?
We all want to save space and time in our busy lives, and the idea of a single appliance doing the job of two is incredibly appealing. However, choosing the *right* microwave air fryer combo can be tricky. You might worry about sacrificing performance in one function for the sake of another, or wonder if it can truly replace your existing microwave and air fryer. The confusion is real, and making the wrong choice can lead to a countertop clutter and buyer’s regret.
That’s where we come in. This post will cut through the noise and give you the clear, simple information you need. We’ll explore what makes these machines tick, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to get the most out of your new kitchen powerhouse. Get ready to discover how a microwave air fryer combo can revolutionize your cooking and simplify your kitchen.
Our Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Combination Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Combination Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, a kitchen superhero ready to tackle all your cooking adventures! This handy countertop appliance isn’t just a microwave; it’s a multi-talented chef. You can microwave, air fry, combi cook (that’s grill and convection combined!), bake, and roast with just one machine. Its sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and at 0.9 cubic feet, it’s a good size for many households.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 wonder, so you can do so many different kinds of cooking.
- The air fryer has 11 special settings to make your favorite fried foods crispy.
- You can cook food super fast with the quick 30-second start button.
- The child-lock feature keeps curious little hands out of trouble.
- It has 7 auto menus for easy cooking of common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for cooking large meals for a big family.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen for its versatility and convenience. It makes cooking a variety of meals easier and faster.
2. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
Tired of a cluttered countertop? The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is your all-in-one solution! It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and a combination cooker. This means you can microwave your leftovers, air fry crispy fries, bake a cake, or even combine microwave and convection cooking for faster, tastier results. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s a true 4-in-1 appliance, saving you space and money.
- The air fryer function lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- The convection and microwave combo cooks food faster and gives it a better texture.
- It has auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting, taking the guesswork out of cooking.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and a mute option add to its ease of use.
- The mute function is a nice touch for late-night snacks without disturbing others.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While the interior is stainless steel, the door frame is stainless steel and the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen aesthetics perfectly.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience for busy households.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen superhero! It’s a microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection oven all in one. This stainless steel appliance is perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms or busy kitchens. It’s powerful with 1,050 watts and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, so it can handle all your cooking needs.
What We Like:
- It has an air fry mode. You can make fries and chicken wings super crispy and healthier.
- The convection mode cooks food evenly. A special rack helps hot air go all around your food.
- You can broil food in it. This gives your food a nice seared or caramelized finish, just like a grill.
- It has a two-step child lock. This keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Preset controls make cooking easy. Just pick what you want, like fries or nuggets, and it cooks perfectly.
- It’s compact but powerful. It fits anywhere but still cooks fast and well.
- The glass turntable spins your food. This makes sure everything cooks evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer. Some people found it a little hard to understand all the features at first.
- The air fry basket is a bit small. You might not be able to air fry large batches of food at once.
This GE microwave is a fantastic all-in-one appliance that saves counter space. It’s a great addition to any kitchen or dorm room looking for versatility.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen gadget that does more than just heat food. It can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, and even combine these functions. This means you can enjoy healthier fried foods with less oil, and get perfectly cooked meals with its smart sensor and pre-programmed menus.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, saving counter space by combining a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven.
- You can make healthier “fried” foods with the air fryer function.
- The convection cooking and microwave work together for better food texture and taste.
- It has helpful auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting popular foods.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It looks stylish with its black stainless steel finish and is easy to clean inside.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and a mute option make it user-friendly.
- The mute function lets you turn off the buzzer, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- It has 1000 watts of power for fast cooking and 10 power settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, learning all the functions might take some time.
- The external dimensions are a bit large, so measure your counter space carefully.
This Toshiba appliance is a great choice for busy families who want a convenient and healthier way to cook a variety of meals.
5. Uten 8-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Combo – Large 25.4QT
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of a cluttered kitchen counter? The Uten 8-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Combo is your new best friend! This amazing appliance does the job of two machines, an air fryer and a microwave, all in one sleek black unit. It’s powerful, easy to use, and has a big capacity, making it perfect for busy families and anyone who loves to cook.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 powerhouse, saving you counter space by combining an air fryer and a microwave.
- The large 25.4-quart capacity is great for cooking big meals for everyone.
- You can customize your cooking with 8 presets and your own settings.
- It heats up super fast thanks to its 1800W power, cooking food much quicker.
- Cleaning is a breeze because the inside is made of stainless steel.
What Could Be Improved:
- The child lock feature can be a bit tricky to disengage if you don’t know how.
This Uten Air Fryer Microwave Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and speed. It’s a smart choice for making delicious meals faster and easier.
Your Guide to Microwave Air Fryer Combos
Why Choose a Microwave Air Fryer Combo?
Tired of a cluttered kitchen counter? A microwave air fryer combo is a fantastic solution. It gives you the speed of a microwave and the crisping power of an air fryer. This means you can reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, and get wonderfully crispy fries or chicken wings, all in one appliance. It saves space and time.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity
Think about how much food you usually cook. Combos come in different sizes. Smaller ones are good for one or two people. Larger ones work well for families. A typical capacity might be around 0.8 to 1.1 cubic feet. This is usually enough for a whole chicken or a large pizza.
2. Power (Wattage)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Microwaves often range from 900 to 1200 watts. Air fryers have their own power ratings, usually around 1500 watts. A good combo will have strong power for both functions.
3. Air Frying Technology
Look for models with good air circulation. This is what makes food crispy. Some have special fans or heating elements designed for air frying. Features like pre-set air fry functions for popular foods (fries, chicken, fish) are helpful.
4. Cooking Presets and Smart Features
Many combos have buttons for common tasks. These can be for popcorn, defrosting, or specific air fry settings. Some advanced models have smart features. They might connect to Wi-Fi or have touchscreens with recipes.
5. Ease of Cleaning
This is a big one! Look for non-stick interior coatings. Removable racks and drip trays make cleaning much easier. Some parts might be dishwasher safe.
Important Materials
The exterior is usually stainless steel or high-quality plastic. Stainless steel looks sleek and is durable. The interior is often ceramic or enamel. These materials are easy to wipe down. The air fryer basket and racks are typically made of metal. Make sure they feel sturdy.
Factors That Affect Quality
What Improves Quality:
- Even Heating: A good combo heats food evenly. This means no cold spots in your microwaved food and consistently crispy results from the air fryer.
- Durable Build: Sturdy construction means the appliance will last longer. The door should open and close smoothly.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and settings make using the appliance a breeze.
- Effective Airflow: For air frying, strong and well-directed airflow is crucial for crispiness.
What Reduces Quality:
- Uneven Cooking: If food is cooked unevenly, it’s frustrating.
- Flimsy Parts: Cheaply made racks or baskets can break or warp.
- Difficult Cleaning: If it’s hard to clean, you might avoid using it.
- Loud Operation: Some appliances can be quite noisy, which can be annoying.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a microwave air fryer combo is generally straightforward. You select the function you want – microwave or air fryer. Then, you choose your cooking time and temperature. It’s great for busy weeknights. You can quickly cook frozen foods like chicken nuggets or fish sticks to a crispy perfection. Reheating pizza is another win; no more soggy crusts! You can also bake small items like muffins or roast vegetables. It’s a versatile tool for any kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use the microwave and air fryer functions at the same time?
A: Most models do not allow simultaneous use. You typically choose either the microwave function or the air fryer function.
Q: How do I clean my microwave air fryer combo?
A: Always unplug the appliance first. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Removable parts like racks and baskets can usually be washed with soap and water, or some are dishwasher safe.
Q: Will an air fryer combo make my food as crispy as a standalone air fryer?
A: Most good combos do an excellent job of crisping food. The effectiveness can vary by model, but they are designed to deliver crispy results.
Q: What is the difference between convection and air frying in these combos?
A: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air for even cooking. Air frying is a more intense form of convection, with higher heat and faster airflow specifically designed to create a crispy exterior.
Q: Are these appliances energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than using a large oven for small meals. The microwave function is very efficient for reheating. The air fryer uses less energy than a full-size oven for similar tasks.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave air fryer combo?
A: You can use microwave-safe metal racks when using the air fryer or convection functions. However, you should never put metal in the microwave function itself, as it can cause sparks.
Q: What kind of cookware can I use?
A: For microwaving, use microwave-safe glass or ceramic dishes. For air frying and convection, you can often use metal baking pans or the included racks and baskets.
Q: How much space does a microwave air fryer combo take up?
A: They are designed to take up less space than having a separate microwave and air fryer. Check the dimensions of the model you are interested in.
Q: Can I bake in a microwave air fryer combo?
A: Yes, many models have baking functions, allowing you to bake small cakes, muffins, or cookies.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Like most kitchen appliances, they can make some noise, especially the air fryer function due to the fan. However, the noise level varies by model.
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!