Imagine a kitchen gadget that can reheat your leftovers perfectly, bake a batch of cookies, and even crisp up a roast chicken. Sounds like a dream, right? That magical appliance is the microwave convection oven, and it’s changing the way we cook.
But with so many different models out there, picking the best one can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering if it’s worth the extra cost compared to a regular microwave, or if it can really replace your traditional oven. We get it – the choices can be confusing, and you want to make sure you’re getting a smart buy that fits your needs.
In this post, we’ll cut through the noise. We’ll explain exactly what a microwave convection oven is, what makes it special, and what features truly matter. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture and feel confident about choosing an oven that will make your kitchen tasks easier and your meals more delicious.
Our Top 5 Microwave Convection Ovens Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Convection Ovens Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse that does more than just heat food. It’s designed to be your go-to appliance for a variety of cooking needs, from quick reheating to healthier frying and even baking.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, and more. This saves counter space.
- The healthy air fryer function lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output, so it heats food quickly.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable remembers where your food started, so it always returns to the same spot.
- The child lock feature adds an extra layer of safety for families.
- It looks great with its classic black stainless steel finish.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn and a mute function make it easy to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock might require careful reading to ensure it’s used correctly.
- While it’s compact, the 1.0 cubic foot capacity is a standard size and might not be enough for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers great versatility and style for your kitchen. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
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 offers five cooking functions: microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast. This makes it great for all sorts of meals. Its stainless steel finish looks nice on any countertop. The 0.9 cubic foot size is just right for smaller kitchens.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can do many different kinds of cooking.
- It has 7 auto menus for easy cooking of common foods like pizza and popcorn.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for popular items like chicken wings and French fries.
- You can quickly start cooking at full power for 30-second bursts.
- The child-lock feature keeps little ones from accidentally changing settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a smart buy for its many cooking options. It can handle most of your daily cooking needs with ease.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(SS) is a kitchen game-changer. This appliance is more than just a microwave; it’s a 4-in-1 wonder that can microwave, air fry, convection cook, and even combine microwave and convection cooking. This means you can make all sorts of delicious meals with less fat and better textures. It’s designed to be a healthy and convenient addition to any kitchen, saving you space and effort.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking.
- You can enjoy fried foods with less fat thanks to the healthy air fryer feature.
- It offers better food textures with auto bake, defrosting, and roast menus.
- The smart sensor menu makes cooking popular foods like pizza and vegetables easy.
- Its large 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stainless steel finish looks stylish and is easy to clean.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and speedy cooking are included.
- The mute function lets you turn off the buzzer for quiet operation.
- It has a powerful 1000W microwave with 10 power settings.
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 decors perfectly.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a versatile and smart choice for busy families looking for healthy and convenient cooking options. It simplifies meal preparation while delivering great results.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s more than just a microwave; it also air fries, broils, and uses convection cooking. This stainless steel appliance is compact, fitting easily on your countertop or in a dorm room. It boasts 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity.
What We Like:
- It has an air fry mode that cooks food to be crispy and healthier.
- The convection mode cooks food evenly with a special rack.
- You can broil food right in the microwave for a grilled effect.
- Preset controls make cooking popular foods like fries super easy.
- The two-step child lock feature keeps little hands safe.
- It’s powerful yet compact, perfect for small spaces.
- The glass turntable ensures food cooks all the way through.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer for some features.
- The exterior can show fingerprints easily.
This GE microwave oven offers many cooking options in one convenient appliance. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to save space and cook a variety of delicious meals.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.9/10
The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a small microwave oven packed with useful features. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any apartment kitchen. This 0.9 cubic foot microwave is perfect for small spaces and busy lives. It offers 900 watts of cooking power for quick meals.
What We Like:
- It has a handy Child Lock feature to keep little ones safe.
- Six preset menus make cooking popular foods super easy.
- You can choose from 11 different power levels for more control.
- The Mute Mode lets you turn off the beeping sound.
- A bright LED light inside helps you see your food.
- The defrost function works by weight or time.
- One-touch start lets you cook for up to 6 minutes at full power.
- The removable 10.6-inch turntable is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are a bit larger than some other compact microwaves.
- Learning to activate the Child Lock requires following specific steps.
This TOSHIBA microwave is a smart choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich appliance for their apartment. It balances convenience with safety for a great cooking experience.
Convection Microwave Ovens: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
A convection microwave oven is a kitchen superhero. It can do more than just reheat leftovers. It can bake, roast, and grill too! This guide helps you pick the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
1. Convection Cooking Power
This is the most important feature. It uses a fan to circulate hot air. This cooks food evenly and makes it crispy. Look for a convection wattage of at least 1200 watts. Higher wattage means faster cooking.
2. Microwave Wattage
This is for regular microwave tasks. Most ovens offer between 700 and 1200 watts. More watts cook food quicker. For most families, 900-1000 watts is a good choice.
3. Capacity and Size
How much food do you cook? Ovens come in different sizes. Small ovens are good for one or two people. Larger ovens work for families or when you entertain. Measure your counter space before you buy.
4. Preset Cooking Modes
Many ovens have special buttons. These are for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or vegetables. They take the guesswork out of cooking. Some have auto-defrost too.
5. Turntable or Rack System
A turntable spins food for even heating. Some larger models have racks. Racks let you cook multiple items at once. Think about what works best for your cooking style.
6. Control Panel and Display
Look for an easy-to-use control panel. A clear display helps you see settings. Digital controls are common. Some have touch screens for a modern feel.
Important Materials
The inside of the oven is usually stainless steel. This material is durable. It’s also easy to clean. The outside can be stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel looks nice and lasts longer. Plastic is lighter and often cheaper.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Boosters:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often make reliable ovens.
- Build Quality: A sturdy oven feels solid. Check the door hinge and controls.
- Even Heating: Test the oven with a plate of cookies. Are they all cooked the same?
Quality Reducers:
- Hot Spots: If some parts of your food cook faster than others, it’s a problem.
- Noise: Some ovens are louder than others. A quiet oven is nice.
- Short Lifespan: A cheap oven might break down quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
A convection microwave is very versatile. You can use it for quick meals. Reheat pizza or cook frozen dinners. But it’s also great for baking cookies. You can roast a small chicken. It’s perfect for small kitchens. It saves space because it does the job of two appliances.
Busy families love them. Students can cook simple meals. Anyone who wants to save time in the kitchen will enjoy a convection microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave heats food with microwaves. A convection microwave adds a fan and a heating element. This allows it to bake and roast like a regular oven.
Q: Can I bake cakes in a convection microwave?
A: Yes! Convection microwaves are excellent for baking cakes, cookies, and muffins. The circulating hot air helps them cook evenly and brown nicely.
Q: How do I clean a convection microwave?
A: You can clean the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tougher spots, use a baking soda paste. Always unplug the oven before cleaning.
Q: Are convection microwaves energy efficient?
A: They can be. Because they cook food faster, they often use less energy than a full-sized oven for smaller tasks. However, the convection feature uses more energy than just microwaving.
Q: What size convection microwave do I need?
A: For one or two people, a 0.7 to 1.0 cubic foot oven is usually enough. For families, look for 1.5 cubic feet or larger.
Q: Can I use metal in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can use oven-safe metal cookware in convection mode. However, never use metal in microwave-only mode, as it can cause sparks.
Q: How long do convection microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care, a good convection microwave can last 5 to 10 years.
Q: Is a convection microwave worth the extra cost?
A: For most people, yes. The added versatility of baking and roasting makes it a great value and a space-saver.
Q: What is the difference between convection bake and convection roast?
A: Convection bake uses a fan to circulate air for even baking. Convection roast uses the fan and a higher temperature to cook meats and vegetables, creating a crispy exterior.
Q: Can I use both microwave and convection at the same time?
A: Many models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This speeds up cooking time while still allowing browning and crisping.
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!