Imagine a kitchen appliance that could not only reheat leftovers in a flash but also bake a cake or roast a chicken to golden perfection. Sounds like a dream, right? For many of us, the microwave is a go-to for quick meals, but the thought of tackling more complex cooking tasks can feel daunting. This is where the magic of a microwave with convection truly shines.
Choosing the right microwave with convection can feel like navigating a maze. You want the convenience of a microwave, but you also crave the versatility of a traditional oven. The confusion over features, sizes, and power levels can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure if you’re making the best choice for your kitchen and your cooking style. You might be wondering if it’s truly worth the investment or if it will just take up valuable counter space.
But fear not! By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what a microwave with convection can do for you. We’ll break down the key benefits, explain how it works in simple terms, and help you identify the features that matter most. Get ready to unlock a whole new world of faster, more delicious cooking possibilities!
Our Top 5 Microwave With Convection Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave With Convection Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It’s not just a microwave; it also air fries, bakes, broils, and more. This oven makes cooking easier and healthier. Its sleek black stainless steel design looks great on any countertop.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can do many cooking tasks like microwave, air fry, bake, and broil.
- The healthy air fryer function lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output, cooking food quickly.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough to fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn and a kitchen timer make cooking simple.
- The child lock feature adds extra safety for families with young children.
- Its classic black stainless steel finish is stylish and easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock might need clearer visuals.
- While it has a compact footprint, the overall size might still be a consideration for very small kitchens.
This Toshiba microwave oven offers a lot of cooking power and versatility in a stylish package. It’s a great addition for anyone looking to simplify their kitchen tasks.
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 countertop appliance that can do more than just heat up leftovers. It’s designed to handle all your cooking needs with its multiple functions, making it a handy addition to any kitchen. This stainless steel microwave offers a 0.9 cubic foot capacity and 900 watts of power, fitting easily on your counter.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, meaning you can microwave, air fry, combi cook (grill/convection), bake, and roast.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking of popular items like popcorn and pizza.
- The air fryer function comes with 11 presets for foods like chicken wings and french fries, making air frying simple.
- You can start cooking instantly at full power for 30 seconds with a single button press.
- A child-lock setting prevents little ones from accidentally changing the settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While versatile, mastering all five cooking functions might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers a lot of cooking options in one compact unit. It’s a great choice for saving counter space while expanding your cooking abilities.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(SS). This machine is a true kitchen multitasker, combining microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and healthier. You can enjoy crispy, fried foods with less oil. Plus, it offers great textures for baking and roasting.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, saving you counter space.
- The air fryer feature lets you make healthier versions of your favorite fried foods.
- It has a large 1.5 cu ft capacity, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The stylish stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn and a mute function add to its ease of use.
- The position memory turntable ensures food cooks evenly.
- It comes with useful accessories like a grill rack and grill tray.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space.
- While the stainless steel interior is easy to clean, the black enclosure might show smudges.
This Toshiba microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience. It’s a smart choice for busy families who want healthy and delicious meals.
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 not just a microwave; it’s also an air fryer, broiler, and convection oven. This makes it great for cooking all sorts of meals. Its stainless steel finish looks nice on any countertop or in a dorm room. It’s compact but still powerful with 1,050 watts of cooking power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity. Plus, it has safety features like a child lock.
What We Like:
- It cooks food faster and makes it crispier with the air fry mode.
- The convection mode helps food cook evenly and get golden brown.
- You can broil food to perfection, just like on a grill.
- Preset buttons make cooking simple for common foods like fries and nuggets.
- The two-step child lock keeps little ones safe.
- It’s a compact size that fits easily in small spaces like dorms or apartments.
- The glass turntable ensures food cooks evenly all the way around.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer for some of the advanced functions.
- While it has many functions, some users might find it takes time to learn them all.
Overall, this GE microwave is a fantastic all-in-one appliance. It offers a lot of cooking options in a small package, making it a smart addition to any kitchen or dorm.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combination cooking mode. This means you can do a lot more with just one appliance. It’s great for making healthier versions of fried foods and cooking dishes with perfect textures.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so it does the job of four different machines.
- You can enjoy fried foods with less fat using the healthy air fry feature.
- It cooks food evenly with microwave and convection combined, and has smart menus for popular foods.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity, with a 13.6-inch turntable, fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It looks stylish in black stainless steel and is easy to clean inside.
- Convenient features like a mute button, memory function, and quick cook options make it easy to use.
- The mute function is really handy for quiet kitchens.
- It has a powerful 1000W microwave with 10 power levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all the functions a little tricky.
- While stylish, the black stainless steel finish could potentially show fingerprints more easily than other materials.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a great addition to any kitchen, offering many cooking options in one convenient appliance. It’s a solid choice for busy families and anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
Your Guide to Buying a Microwave with Convection
What is a Microwave with Convection?
A microwave with convection is a kitchen appliance that does more than just reheat food. It also has a heating element and a fan. This combination lets it bake, roast, and broil food, just like a regular oven. You get the speed of a microwave and the cooking power of an oven all in one machine.
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity (Size)
Microwaves come in different sizes. The capacity is measured in cubic feet. Small ones are great for small kitchens or single people. Large ones are better for families or when you want to cook bigger dishes.
- Small (under 1.0 cu ft): Good for simple tasks like heating leftovers.
- Medium (1.0 – 1.8 cu ft): A good all-around size for most households.
- Large (over 1.8 cu ft): Ideal for cooking full meals or multiple items.
2. Wattage
Wattage tells you how powerful the microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves have between 700 and 1200 watts. For convection cooking, look for models with higher wattage for better results.
3. Convection Settings and Features
Some convection microwaves have many cooking presets. These can be for specific foods like pizza or chicken. Others let you set the temperature and time yourself. A grill function is also a nice addition for browning food.
4. Turntable or No Turntable
A turntable spins your food. This helps it cook evenly. Some newer models have flat bottoms and use air circulation to cook evenly without a turntable. A turntable is usually standard, but a flatbed can be easier to clean.
5. Smart Features
Some advanced models connect to Wi-Fi. You can control them with your phone or use voice commands. They might also have recipe apps built-in.
Important Materials
The inside of your microwave is usually made of stainless steel or enamel-coated metal. Stainless steel is durable and looks nice. Enamel is easier to clean but can chip over time. The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel looks more high-end.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Improves Quality:
- Even Cooking: A good convection fan distributes heat well. This makes sure your food cooks evenly without hot or cold spots.
- Durable Build: Sturdy construction means the appliance will last longer.
- Easy Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make it easy to use.
- Good Insulation: This helps keep the heat inside and the outside of the microwave cooler.
What Reduces Quality:
- Uneven Heating: A weak fan or poor design leads to food not cooking properly.
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels light or unstable might not last long.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a hard-to-read screen can be frustrating.
- Loud Operation: Some microwaves can be very noisy when running.
User Experience and Use Cases
A convection microwave is a versatile tool. You can use it for quick reheating, just like a regular microwave. But you can also bake cookies, roast a small chicken, or toast bread. It’s perfect for small apartments where you don’t have much space for multiple appliances. Families can use it to cook side dishes while the main course is in the regular oven. It’s also great for people who like to bake but don’t want to heat up a large oven for small batches.
Imagine you want to bake some muffins. You can preheat the convection microwave quickly. Then, you bake your muffins. They come out golden brown and perfectly cooked. Later, you can reheat your dinner in minutes. This appliance saves you time and energy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I bake in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can bake in a convection microwave. The convection feature circulates hot air, which helps food bake and brown like in a regular oven.
Q: Is a convection microwave better than a regular microwave?
A: A convection microwave is more versatile. It can do everything a regular microwave can, plus bake, roast, and broil. This means you might not need a separate oven.
Q: How do I clean a convection microwave?
A: You clean the inside like a regular microwave. Use a damp cloth and mild soap. For the convection fan, check your manual. Some have removable parts for cleaning.
Q: Are convection microwaves energy efficient?
A: Yes, they can be more energy efficient than a full-sized oven. They preheat faster and cook some foods quicker, using less electricity.
Q: What is the difference between convection and grill functions?
A: Convection cooks with hot air circulation for baking and roasting. Grill functions use a heating element to brown and crisp food from the top.
Q: Can I use metal pans in a convection microwave?
A: Yes, you can use metal pans and racks when using the convection or grill settings. However, never use metal in microwave-only mode.
Q: How long do convection microwaves last?
A: With good care, a convection microwave can last 5 to 10 years or even longer.
Q: What is the ideal wattage for a convection microwave?
A: For good performance in both microwave and convection modes, look for 1000 watts or higher.
Q: Can I use convection and microwave functions at the same time?
A: Many models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This speeds up cooking while still achieving browning and crisping.
Q: Are convection microwaves noisy?
A: They can be a bit noisier than regular microwaves due to the fan. However, newer models are designed to be quieter.
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!