Imagine whipping up a crispy roasted chicken in the morning and then quickly reheating leftovers for lunch without switching appliances. Sounds amazing, right? But for many of us, the thought of picking out the perfect oven microwave can feel overwhelming. So many buttons, so many features – how do you know which one is truly the best fit for your kitchen and your cooking style?
Choosing the right oven microwave isn’t just about having another gadget; it’s about saving time, energy, and creating delicious meals with ease. The confusion of comparing different models, understanding wattage, and figuring out if you really need convection can leave you feeling stuck. You want a kitchen helper that makes cooking easier, not harder.
In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about oven microwaves. We’ll explore the different types available, what features are actually useful, and how to find one that fits your budget and your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to unlock a world of faster, tastier cooking.
Our Top 5 Oven Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Oven Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft
Rating: 9.0/10
The TOSHIBA EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave is a 1.2 cubic foot appliance that makes cooking and reheating easy. It’s designed for everyday use and offers smart features to help you get perfect results. Its sleek black color fits well in most kitchens.
What We Like:
- The Smart Humidity Sensor is a game-changer. It automatically figures out the best cooking time and power, so your food is never overcooked or undercooked.
- It has 6 preset menus for popular foods like pizza and vegetables, making quick meals even faster.
- You get 10 different power levels. This gives you lots of control for all your cooking needs, from defrosting to boiling.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start features are super convenient. You can defrost by weight or time, and start cooking for up to 6 minutes with just one button.
- The Mute Mode is a thoughtful addition. You can turn off the annoying buzzer by holding down the “8” button.
- It comes with a large 12.4-inch glass turntable that is removable for easy cleaning.
- The ECO Mode helps save energy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has 6 preset menus, some users might wish for a few more options for a wider variety of foods.
- The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than the output power of 1000 watts. This is typical for microwaves, but it’s good to be aware of.
This Toshiba microwave offers smart technology and user-friendly features that simplify your cooking routine. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient countertop microwave.
2. Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft.
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven – your new kitchen helper! This compact microwave is perfect for quick meals and snacks. It’s black and looks great on any counter. It’s easy to use and has lots of helpful features.
What We Like:
- Extra-Quick Cooking: Six handy presets make cooking popcorn, pizza, or veggies a breeze. You can also just punch in the minutes you need!
- Low to High Power: With 700 watts and 10 power levels, you can melt butter gently or cook food super fast.
- Digital Controls: Setting the time and power is simple. The +30 seconds button is great for adding a little more cooking time.
- Memory Function: Save your favorite cooking settings for one-touch cooking. Your go-to meals are now even easier to make.
- Safety First: The child safety lock keeps the door shut tight. You can also lock the control panel so little hands can’t change settings.
- Mute Option: Turn off the beeping sounds with the mute button. This is perfect for quiet mornings or late-night snacks.
- Modern Design: Its sleek black finish and small size fit in with any kitchen style.
- Eco Mode: Save energy and turn off the display when you’re not using it.
- Easy to Clean: The outside wipes clean easily. The glass turntable can even go in the dishwasher!
- Trusted Quality: This microwave is cETL approved and comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cubic feet capacity might be a bit small for very large dishes or multiple servings.
- While it has many presets, some users might want even more specialized cooking options.
This Chefman microwave is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and user-friendly appliance. It brings convenience and modern features to your kitchen.
3. COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off
Rating: 8.5/10
The COMFEE EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven is a great addition to any kitchen. This compact microwave offers a 0.7 cubic foot capacity, fitting easily on your countertop. It comes in a sleek black finish and boasts user-friendly features like one-touch buttons and a bright digital display. Plus, it’s designed for convenience with options like a mute function and energy-saving modes.
What We Like:
- The mute function is a lifesaver for quiet kitchens or late-night snacks.
- ECO Mode significantly reduces standby power, saving energy.
- One-touch express cooking and easy auto-cook buttons make meal prep a breeze.
- The child safety lock provides peace of mind for families.
- The 10-inch glass turntable handles most standard dishes.
- It includes helpful features like a clock and kitchen timer.
- The interior light makes it easy to see your food cooking.
- It comes with a one-year limited warranty for added confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.7 cu ft capacity might be too small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While it has defrost settings, more advanced cooking presets could be beneficial for some users.
This COMFEE microwave is a solid choice for those seeking a simple, efficient, and quiet kitchen appliance. Its smart features and compact design make it a practical option for everyday use.
4. TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven with 6 Auto Menus
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of noisy kitchen appliances? The TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) Small Microwave Oven offers a quiet and convenient way to heat your meals. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any apartment kitchen. This 0.9 cubic foot microwave is packed with features to make cooking easy.
What We Like:
- The Mute Mode is a lifesaver for those who prefer a quiet kitchen. You can easily turn off the beeping sound.
- Safety is a priority with the Two-Step Child Lock feature. It keeps little hands from accidentally starting the microwave.
- With 6 Auto Menus, cooking popular foods like popcorn and potatoes is a breeze. Just press a button!
- You get great control with 11 Power Levels. This lets you adjust the cooking power for different foods.
- The Easy Defrost and One-Touch Start options make quick work of frozen items and simple reheating.
- A bright LED light illuminates the interior, so you can easily see your food.
- The 10.6-inch removable glass turntable ensures even cooking for most dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very tiny kitchens, so measure your space carefully.
- While it has many features, some users might find the user interface a little less intuitive than simpler models.
Overall, the TOSHIBA ML-EM09PA(BS) is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a compact and feature-rich microwave. Its quiet operation and safety features make it a smart addition to any home.
5. TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and Position Memory Turntable
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven. This powerful 1200-watt microwave boasts a generous 1.6 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for family-sized meals. Its sleek black stainless-steel finish adds a touch of modern style to any countertop. Get ready for perfectly cooked food thanks to its smart sensor technology and convenient features.
What We Like:
- The smart sensor menus take the guesswork out of cooking. Just select your food type, and the microwave does the rest for better texture.
- Its large 1.6 cu. ft. capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit a 13-inch pizza easily, making it great for families.
- The innovative position memory turntable always returns to its starting spot, making it safer and easier to use.
- Convenience is key with features like auto defrost, fast cooking, and a child safety lock.
- You can turn off the annoying buzzer by holding down the “8” button, which is great for quiet kitchens.
- The stylish black stainless-steel design looks fantastic in any kitchen.
- It’s easy to set up; just remember to peel off the protective film from the keypad before you start.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, some might find the 1200W a bit standard compared to higher-end models.
- The internal dimensions, while fitting a large pizza, might feel a little less spacious for very tall or oddly shaped dishes compared to some other large microwaves.
This TOSHIBA microwave offers a great blend of power, capacity, and smart features. It’s an excellent choice for busy households looking for a reliable and stylish kitchen appliance.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Oven Microwave
What is an Oven Microwave?
An oven microwave is a kitchen appliance that combines the speed of a microwave with the cooking power of a traditional oven. It’s a versatile tool that can bake, roast, broil, and reheat food. This makes it a great option for smaller kitchens or for people who want to save space and time.
Key Features to Look For
- Capacity: This tells you how much food the microwave can hold. Look for a size that fits your needs. A small family might be fine with a smaller capacity, while a larger family might need a bigger one.
- Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves have between 700 and 1200 watts. More watts cook food quicker.
- Cooking Functions: Beyond basic microwaving, look for features like convection (for baking and roasting), grilling, and special settings for popcorn or defrosting.
- Turntable: A rotating plate helps food cook evenly. Most oven microwaves have this feature.
- Interior Light: This lets you see your food as it cooks without opening the door.
- Preset Cooking Programs: Some microwaves have buttons for common foods like pizza or potatoes. This makes cooking easier.
Important Materials
The inside of an oven microwave is usually made of stainless steel or a special enamel coating. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Enamel is also easy to wipe down. The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel looks sleek and lasts a long time. Plastic is lighter and often less expensive.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes an oven microwave better?
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built appliance feels solid and lasts longer.
- Even Heating: The best oven microwaves heat food evenly without hot spots.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: Simple buttons and clear displays make cooking a breeze.
- Quiet Operation: A noisy microwave can be annoying.
- Good Ventilation: Proper airflow prevents the appliance from overheating.
What can make an oven microwave less good?
- Flimsy Parts: Cheap plastic or thin metal can break easily.
- Uneven Cooking: Some microwaves leave parts of your food cold while others are overcooked.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or a complicated menu can be frustrating.
- Loud Noises: A loud fan or rattling can be a sign of poor quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
An oven microwave is perfect for busy people. You can quickly reheat leftovers or cook a frozen meal in minutes. The oven function allows you to bake cookies, roast chicken, or toast bread. It’s a great tool for making quick snacks, simple dinners, or even more elaborate meals. For example, you can use the microwave to defrost chicken, then switch to the convection oven setting to roast it to perfection. It saves you from using multiple appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How big should my oven microwave be?
A: Consider how much food you usually cook. For one or two people, a smaller capacity (around 0.7-1.0 cubic feet) is often enough. Families might need a larger one (1.2 cubic feet or more).
Q: Is higher wattage always better?
A: Higher wattage cooks food faster, but it’s not the only factor. Look for a good balance of wattage and even cooking performance.
Q: What’s the difference between microwave and convection cooking?
A: Microwave cooking uses electromagnetic waves to heat food. Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air, like a regular oven, making food crispier.
Q: Can I bake cakes in an oven microwave?
A: Yes, if it has a convection oven setting. This setting allows for baking and roasting, giving you oven-like results.
Q: How do I clean my oven microwave?
A: Most interiors can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough stains, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice inside for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
Q: Are oven microwaves energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than a large, traditional oven for smaller cooking tasks because they heat up faster and cook quicker.
Q: Can I put metal in my oven microwave?
A: Never put metal in the microwave part. However, some oven microwave models allow metal racks or trays when using the oven or convection settings.
Q: What kind of cookware can I use?
A: For microwave cooking, use glass, ceramic, or microwave-safe plastic. For convection cooking, you can use metal bakeware like you would in a regular oven.
Q: How long do oven microwaves usually last?
A: With proper care, an oven microwave can last for many years, often between 7 to 10 years.
Q: Are there different types of oven microwaves?
A: Yes, there are countertop models, over-the-range models, and built-in models, each fitting different kitchen setups.
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!