Imagine a kitchen where one appliance can toast your bagels to golden perfection, crisp up your pizza slices, and even reheat your leftovers in a flash. Sounds like a dream, right? For many of us, our countertops are already packed, and finding space for multiple gadgets feels like a magic trick. That’s where the humble, yet mighty, microwave toaster oven combo steps in, promising to be the ultimate space-saving hero.
But navigating the world of these versatile machines can feel a bit like a treasure hunt with no map. Do you need more toasting power or faster reheating? What features truly matter, and which ones are just fancy extras? We get it – the choices can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering if you’re making the best decision for your kitchen and your meals.
Fear not! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a great microwave toaster oven combo. We’ll break down the key features, explore different types, and help you pinpoint the perfect appliance that fits your cooking style and budget. Get ready to unlock a world of culinary convenience right on your countertop.
Our Top 5 Microwave Toaster Oven Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Toaster Oven Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s a microwave, but it also air fries, bakes, broils, and more! Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This oven is designed for busy families, offering convenience and healthy cooking options.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 machine: You can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and use other special modes like low temp and odor removal. This means you can cook many different kinds of food with just one appliance.
- Healthy air frying: You can enjoy crispy fried foods with less fat. It tastes great without being unhealthy.
- Powerful cooking: With 1000 watts of microwave power, it cooks food quickly.
- Spacious interior: The 1.0 cu.ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Safety first: The two-step child lock feature keeps little ones safe from accidentally turning it on.
- Easy to use: It has simple knobs and one-touch buttons for things like popcorn. The position memory turntable is also a neat feature.
- Stylish design: The black stainless steel looks modern and is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the child lock are shown in a figure, which might not be clear for everyone.
- While it’s compact on the outside, some users might prefer a larger interior capacity for bigger meals.
This TOSHIBA oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking functions in one stylish appliance.
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 kitchen powerhouse. It tackles five cooking jobs: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast. This countertop appliance is perfect for busy kitchens. Its stainless steel finish looks great on any counter.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can cook in many ways.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking.
- The air fryer has 11 preset menus for popular foods.
- Speedy cooking is simple with the “start” button.
- The child-lock feature keeps kids safe.
- It has 900 watts of power for quick cooking.
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size fits well on most countertops.
What Could Be Improved:
- The combi function might take some practice to master for beginners.
- While it has many presets, some users might prefer more manual control options.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It offers a lot of cooking options in one compact unit.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a true kitchen multitasker. It’s not just a microwave; it also air fries, bakes with convection, and even combines microwave and convection cooking. This means you can enjoy crispy, healthier fried foods without all the oil. Plus, it has smart sensor menus that help you cook popular foods perfectly. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and your meals tastier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, saving you counter space.
- You can make healthier fried foods with the air fryer feature.
- The convection and microwave combination cooks food evenly and quickly.
- It has a large 1.5 cubic foot capacity, perfect for family meals.
- The 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stainless steel interior is stylish and easy to clean.
- It has a mute function so you can turn off the annoying beeping sounds.
- The memory function remembers your favorite cooking settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While the stainless steel finish looks good, the door frame is stainless steel but the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen decors.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo oven is a smart addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience for busy households.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super handy kitchen helper! It does more than just heat up leftovers. This stainless steel appliance packs a punch with its 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity. It’s compact enough for countertops, dorm rooms, or small kitchens, but still powerful enough for all your cooking needs. Plus, it comes with a special child lock to keep little hands safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection oven all in one!
- The Air Fry mode lets you make crispy, healthier snacks and meals without a separate appliance.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly and gives it a delicious golden-brown finish, just like a regular oven.
- Broil mode lets you perfectly sear and caramelize foods, giving them that grilled look and taste.
- Preset controls for popular foods like fries and nuggets make cooking super easy and quick.
- The compact size is perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms or apartments.
- The glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly all the way through.
- The two-step child lock adds an extra layer of safety for families with young children.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a broiler, it might not get as hot or provide the same char as a full-sized oven broiler.
- The cooking times for the air fryer and convection modes might require some experimentation to get perfect results.
This GE microwave is a fantastic all-in-one solution for anyone looking for versatility and convenience in their kitchen. It’s a great addition for quick meals, crispy snacks, and a variety of cooking styles.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen game-changer. It’s not just a microwave; it’s a versatile appliance that can air fry, convection bake, and even combine cooking methods. This means you can enjoy crispy, healthy fried foods without all the oil, and bake delicious treats with even results. Its large capacity is perfect for family meals, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combination cooking. This offers many ways to cook.
- You can make healthier fried foods with the air fryer function. It uses less fat but keeps the original taste.
- The convection feature helps food cook better, giving it a great texture.
- It has helpful pre-programmed menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity and 13.6-inch turntable are great for cooking for a family.
- The mute function is a nice touch. You can turn off the beeping sound if you don’t want it.
- It has a stylish black stainless steel finish that looks good in any kitchen.
- The 1000-watt microwave power cooks food quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many functions, learning to use all of them might take some time.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo microwave oven is an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and versatility for all your cooking needs.
Choosing Your Perfect Microwave Toaster Oven Combo
Are you tired of juggling multiple appliances in your kitchen? A microwave toaster oven combo can be a game-changer! It combines the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of a toaster oven. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep an eye out for these important features.
- Capacity: How much food do you usually cook? Combos come in different sizes. A small one is good for one or two people. A larger one works for families.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 800-1000 watts for good performance.
- Cooking Functions: Does it just microwave and toast? Or does it also bake, broil, or air fry? More functions mean more cooking options.
- Convection Feature: This uses a fan to circulate hot air. It helps food cook more evenly and get crispier, just like a regular oven.
- Turntable: Most microwaves have a rotating plate. This ensures your food heats up evenly. Some toaster oven functions might work better without one.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for non-stick interiors or removable crumb trays. Cleaning can be a chore, so make it easy!
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital screen makes it simple to set cooking times and temperatures. Easy-to-use buttons are a plus.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and how well the appliance cooks.
- Stainless Steel: This is a strong and popular material for the exterior. It looks good and is easy to wipe clean.
- Tempered Glass: The door is usually made of this strong glass. It lets you see your food cooking. The glass needs to be heat-resistant.
- Non-stick Interior: Many combos have a non-stick coating inside. This makes cleaning up spills and splatters much simpler.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a combo great, while others can be a letdown.
- Build Quality: A sturdy appliance will last longer. Check if the door closes tightly and the buttons feel solid.
- Even Cooking: Does it heat food evenly in microwave mode? Does it toast bread to a nice golden brown? Read reviews to see what others say.
- Noise Level: Some appliances can be quite loud. If you prefer a quiet kitchen, look for models that are known to be quieter.
- Durability of Accessories: If it comes with baking pans or racks, check if they feel well-made. Cheap accessories can break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your combo.
- Small Kitchens: These are perfect for saving space. You get two or more appliances in one unit.
- Dorm Rooms or Offices: They offer a way to heat up leftovers or make quick snacks without a full kitchen.
- Busy Individuals or Families: You can microwave a meal quickly or toast some bagels for breakfast. Some models can even bake a small pizza.
- Easy Meal Prep: Use the microwave to defrost or reheat, then use the toaster oven to crisp things up. It makes preparing meals faster.
A microwave toaster oven combo can be a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen. By considering these features, materials, quality factors, and your own needs, you can find the perfect appliance for your cooking adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and a toaster oven combo and just a regular microwave?
A: A regular microwave only heats food using microwaves. A combo also has a heating element like a toaster oven, so it can bake, toast, and broil food, giving you more cooking options.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a microwave toaster oven combo?
A: Yes, most combos with a bake or convection function can bake small cakes or muffins. Check the oven’s capacity to make sure your cake pan fits.
Q: How do I clean a microwave toaster oven combo?
A: Always unplug the appliance first. For the microwave part, wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. For the toaster oven part, remove crumbs from the tray and wipe down racks and the interior with a damp cloth.
Q: Are microwave toaster oven combos energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than using a large oven for small tasks. Microwaving is generally energy efficient. Using the toaster oven for small items saves energy compared to a full-sized oven.
Q: How long do these combos typically last?
A: With proper care and use, a good quality microwave toaster oven combo can last between 5 to 10 years.
Q: What is “convection” in a microwave toaster oven combo?
A: Convection means the oven has a fan that circulates hot air. This helps food cook faster and more evenly, and makes things like chicken skin or roasted vegetables nice and crispy.
Q: Can I put metal in a microwave toaster oven combo?
A: You can put metal in the toaster oven part for baking or toasting. However, you should NEVER put metal in the microwave part, as it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: Are there any safety concerns I should know about?
A: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the appliance is on a stable surface. Never operate it with the door open. Be careful of hot surfaces when removing food.
Q: Which is better: a combo or separate microwave and toaster oven?
A: A combo saves counter space and can be more affordable. Separate appliances might offer more specialized features or larger capacities for each function.
Q: What is the typical price range for a good microwave toaster oven combo?
A: Prices can vary widely, but a decent, reliable model usually ranges from $150 to $400. High-end models with many features might cost 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!