Imagine this: you want to bake crispy cookies, reheat leftovers quickly, or even roast a chicken to perfection. But your kitchen counter is already packed with appliances. Sound familiar? Many of us face this very dilemma, wishing for a way to have it all without sacrificing precious space.
That’s where the magic of a microwave and convection oven combo comes in! These clever appliances promise the speed of a microwave with the browning and baking power of a convection oven. But with so many models boasting different features, sizes, and price tags, how do you pick the one that’s perfect for your needs? It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which one will truly make your cooking life easier.
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore what makes these combo ovens so great, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to use them to unlock their full potential. Get ready to discover how one appliance can become your new kitchen workhorse, saving you time, space, and a whole lot of cooking stress!
Our Top 5 Microwave And Convection Oven Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave And Convection Oven Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML2-EC10SA(BS) A, is a versatile kitchen appliance that does more than just heat food. It’s designed to be your go-to for a variety of cooking needs, from quick microwave meals to healthier air-fried snacks and even baking with its convection feature.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more, offering lots of cooking options.
- The healthy air fry feature lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output for quick cooking.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenient one-touch buttons for popcorn and other settings make cooking easy.
- The stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- A two-step child lock adds an extra layer of safety for families.
- The position memory turntable helps food cook evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the learning curve for all the different cooking functions a bit steep.
- While compact, the 1.0 Cu.Ft capacity might not be enough for very large families or frequent entertaining.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic option for anyone looking to save space and expand their cooking abilities with one smart appliance.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of a cluttered kitchen counter? The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is here to help! This versatile appliance does it all, from heating up leftovers to making crispy fries. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, and even has settings for baking, roasting, and convection cooking. With a sleek stainless steel finish and a compact 0.9 cu. ft. size, it fits perfectly on most countertops. It’s a fantastic way to simplify your cooking and save space.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking.
- The air fryer has 11 preset menus for popular foods like fries and chicken.
- You can start cooking instantly at 100% power.
- A child-lock setting keeps little ones safe.
- It has a powerful 900-watt output for quick cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- The combi function, which combines grill and convection, might have a learning curve for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a true kitchen workhorse. It offers a lot of cooking options in one convenient package.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave that does more than just heat up leftovers. This stainless steel appliance packs a punch with its 1,050 watts of power and 1.0 cubic foot capacity, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen, dorm room, or office. It’s designed to be compact yet incredibly versatile, offering a range of cooking options beyond traditional microwaving.
What We Like:
- The built-in air fryer cooks food to a crispy perfection, offering a healthier way to enjoy your favorites.
- Convection mode, complete with a special rack, ensures food is cooked evenly and gets a nice golden-brown finish.
- Broil mode lets you achieve that delicious seared or caramelized taste, just like a grill.
- Preset controls simplify cooking, making it easy to prepare popular items like fries and nuggets.
- The two-step child lock feature adds a layer of safety, preventing accidental use by little ones.
- Its 1.0 cubic foot size is perfect for smaller spaces, but it still delivers powerful 1,050-watt performance.
- The glass turntable rotates food for even cooking every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many functions, some users might find the learning curve for all the modes a bit steep initially.
- The compact size, while a pro for space-saving, might limit the size of dishes you can cook in convection or broil mode.
This GE microwave oven is a truly multi-functional appliance that can simplify your cooking routine. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking for convenience and versatility in one compact package.
4. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen workhorse. It does more than just microwave food. You can also air fry, bake, broil, and even use it for low-temperature cooking. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. Plus, it has a handy mute function so you won’t be bothered by beeps.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, so it can do a lot of different cooking jobs.
- You can air fry your favorite foods with less oil for a healthier meal.
- The large 1.0 cu.ft capacity fits big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable is a neat feature that keeps your food from spinning off the plate.
- It’s easy to use with a bright LED screen and simple controls.
- The odor removal feature helps keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- The internal dimensions are a bit smaller than the external ones, so “actual capacity for holding food is less.”
This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a versatile and stylish addition to any kitchen. It offers a lot of cooking options in one convenient appliance.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just reheat leftovers. This black stainless steel appliance is designed to be your go-to for a variety of cooking needs, from quick microwave meals to healthier fried snacks and even roasted dishes.
What We Like:
- Four cooking functions in one: It’s a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a combination cooker, giving you lots of cooking options.
- Healthier frying: Enjoy crispy, “fried” foods with less oil, making your meals healthier.
- Smart cooking presets: It has auto bake, defrost, and roast menus, plus sensor menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- Large capacity: The 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, perfect for families.
- Stylish and practical: The black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter, and the interior is easy to clean.
- Convenient features: One-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, and a mute button for quiet operation are included.
- Quiet operation: You can easily mute the buzzer by holding down the “8” button.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While it offers many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthy cooking options in one stylish package.
Your Guide to Microwave and Convection Oven Combos
Are you looking for a kitchen helper that can do more than just reheat leftovers? A microwave and convection oven combo might be your perfect match! These handy appliances combine the speed of a microwave with the baking and roasting power of a convection oven. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity
Think about how much food you usually cook. Combos come in different sizes. Small ones are good for one or two people. Larger ones are better for families or if you like to entertain. Most are around 1.0 to 2.0 cubic feet.
2. Power Levels
Microwave power is measured in watts. Higher watts mean faster cooking. Look for at least 1000 watts for good performance. Convection ovens also have different temperature settings. A good range is 100°F to 400°F.
3. Cooking Functions
Beyond basic microwave and convection, check for special features. Many have preset cooking options for things like pizza, popcorn, or roasting chicken. Some even have air fry or grill functions!
4. Interior Design
A turntable helps food cook evenly in microwave mode. For convection, look for good air circulation. Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Some have interior lights so you can see your food.
5. Controls and Display
Digital controls are usually easier to use and more precise than dial controls. A clear display makes it simple to select settings and monitor cooking time.
Important Materials
Most microwave and convection oven combos have an outer casing made of durable stainless steel or coated metal. The interior is often made of stainless steel, which can handle high heat and is easy to wipe clean. Turntables are usually made of glass.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often mean better quality and customer service.
- Build Quality: A sturdy feel, smooth door operation, and well-made controls suggest a durable appliance.
- Even Cooking: Test how well it cooks and browns food in both microwave and convection modes.
- Ease of Cleaning: Non-stick interiors and removable turntables make cleanup a breeze.
Quality Reducers:
- Plastic Components: Too much plastic, especially on the door or control panel, can feel cheap and break easily.
- Uneven Heating: If your food cooks unevenly or has cold spots, the heating element or fan might not be working well.
- Noisy Operation: A very loud fan or turntable can be annoying.
- Confusing Controls: If the buttons and settings are hard to figure out, it will be frustrating to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
These combos are great for small kitchens or people who want to save space. They are perfect for busy individuals or families who need to cook meals quickly but also want the option to bake or roast. You can use the microwave function for reheating, defrosting, and steaming vegetables. Use the convection function to bake cookies, roast chicken, or cook pizza. Many people find them very convenient for making a quick snack or a full meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and a convection oven?
A: A microwave uses electromagnetic waves to heat food quickly. A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air, which cooks food more evenly and allows for baking and roasting.
Q: Can I bake and roast in a microwave and convection oven combo?
A: Yes! That’s the main benefit. The convection feature allows you to bake, roast, and brown food just like a regular oven.
Q: How do I clean a microwave and convection oven combo?
A: Always unplug the appliance first. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For tough stains, you can use a paste of baking soda and water. The turntable is usually dishwasher safe.
Q: Are microwave and convection oven combos energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient for smaller tasks than a full-sized oven because they heat up faster and use less energy. However, running the convection feature for a long time will use more energy than just the microwave.
Q: What size combo should I buy?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and the types of meals you prepare. Smaller families might be fine with a 1.0 to 1.5 cubic foot model, while larger families or those who entertain might need 1.6 cubic feet or more.
Q: How long do these appliances typically last?
A: With proper care and maintenance, a good quality microwave and convection oven combo can last between 7 to 10 years.
Q: Do I need special cookware for the convection function?
A: Yes. You should use oven-safe cookware like glass, ceramic, or metal pans. Avoid using plastic or paper products in convection mode.
Q: What is the advantage of having a turntable?
A: A turntable rotates your food as it cooks in microwave mode. This helps to ensure that your food heats up evenly and prevents cold spots.
Q: Can I use both microwave and convection at the same time?
A: Some models offer a “combination” cooking mode. This allows you to use both functions together to speed up cooking while still getting some browning or crisping results.
Q: Is it worth buying a combo appliance?
A: If you have limited kitchen space or want the convenience of both microwave and oven functions in one appliance, it can be a great investment. It saves counter space and offers versatility.
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!