Ever feel like your kitchen is missing a magic wand? A tool that can toast your bagel, reheat last night’s pizza, and even bake a small batch of cookies, all without heating up the whole house? If you’re nodding along, then you’re probably dreaming of a countertop microwave convection oven.
But let’s be honest, diving into the world of these versatile appliances can feel a bit overwhelming. You see words like “inverter technology,” “wattage,” and “convection settings,” and suddenly, what seemed like a simple solution becomes a puzzle. It’s tough to know which one will actually live up to its promises and fit perfectly on your counter without taking over your entire kitchen.
That’s where we come in. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a *great* countertop microwave convection oven. We’ll break down the features that matter, highlight top-rated models, and help you find the appliance that will truly transform your cooking. Get ready to say goodbye to kitchen indecision and hello to delicious, effortless meals!
Our Top 5 Rated Countertop Microwave Convection Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Countertop Microwave Convection Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a kitchen powerhouse that simplifies cooking. It’s a black stainless steel beauty that does more than just reheat your leftovers. This appliance combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, and more into one sleek unit, making it a fantastic addition to any kitchen looking for versatility and style.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost all in one!
- Enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fryer function that uses less fat.
- It’s powerful with 1000 watts of microwave power.
- Despite its compact size, it has a large 1.0 cu.ft capacity, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable is clever; it remembers where your food was before it stopped.
- Safety first! It has a two-step child lock to keep little hands out.
- Convenient one-touch popcorn button and easy-to-use knobs make cooking a breeze.
- The classic black stainless steel finish looks super stylish.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock might need careful review to ensure proper activation.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a smart choice for busy households seeking convenience and healthy cooking options. It truly brings multiple cooking methods together in a single, attractive appliance.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, a countertop appliance that does it all! This sleek stainless steel microwave offers a compact 0.9 cu. ft. capacity, perfect for any kitchen. With 900 watts of power, it’s ready to tackle all your cooking needs, from simple reheating to more complex meals. Plus, it comes with handy features like a child lock for safety.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, meaning you can microwave, air fry, grill with convection, bake, and roast. This covers almost any meal you want to make.
- Smart Cooking Options: It has 7 auto menus for things like popcorn and pizza, plus 11 air fry presets for popular foods like fries and chicken wings. This makes cooking easy.
- Quick Start: You can start cooking at full power instantly with a single button press. It even adds 30 seconds each time you press it.
- Safety First: The child-lock feature prevents accidental button presses, keeping your little ones safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- Capacity: At 0.9 cu. ft., it might be a bit small for cooking large meals for a family.
- Convection Power: While it offers convection, its effectiveness compared to a dedicated convection oven might vary.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a great addition to any kitchen looking for versatility and convenience. It simplifies cooking with its multiple functions and preset menus.
3. Nuwave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The NuWave Bravo Air Fryer Toaster Smart Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that does it all. This 12-in-1 countertop convection oven boasts a huge 30-quart capacity and can cook anything from 50°F to a scorching 500°F. You can even control the top and bottom heaters separately, from 0% to 100%, for perfect cooking every time. Plus, its stylish brushed stainless steel look will look great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- You can change the cooking time and temperature while it’s cooking without starting over.
- The digital temperature probe makes sure your food is cooked perfectly, so no more under or overcooking.
- It has 112 cooking presets, including grilling, air frying, baking, and dehydrating, plus 50 slots for your own favorite recipes.
- Linear T Technology keeps the temperature exactly where you set it, second by second, for amazing results.
- It’s built with high-quality materials like tempered glass and heavy-duty racks for durability.
What Could Be Improved:
- The oven is quite large, so it might take up a lot of counter space.
- With so many features, there might be a slight learning curve to use all of its capabilities.
The NuWave Bravo XL is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options and precise control. It makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(SS). This kitchen helper does more than just reheat your leftovers. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and even a combination cooker all in one. This means you can make crispy fried foods without all the oil, bake cakes, and roast meats with ease. It’s designed to make cooking simpler and healthier for your family.
What We Like:
- Versatile 4-in-1 functionality: microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking.
- Healthy air frying option for guilt-free crispy foods.
- Combines microwave and convection for better textures and faster cooking.
- Large 1.5 cu ft capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable fits family-sized meals.
- Stylish stainless steel finish looks great on any counter.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and mute option.
- Powerful 1000W microwave for quick cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “enclosure is black” while the “door frame is stainless steel” might not match all kitchen decors perfectly.
- Some users might find learning all the functions takes a little time.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options and convenience.
5. Commercial Chef 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the Commercial Chef 1.7 Cu. Ft. Over-The-Range Convection Microwave Oven. This versatile appliance is more than just a microwave; it’s a powerful convection oven and an air fryer, all in one sleek stainless steel package. It’s designed to make cooking easier and faster for busy families.
What We Like:
- It offers multiple cooking functions, including convection and air frying, making it very versatile.
- Preset cooking options for popcorn, potatoes, and more take the guesswork out of meal prep.
- The 1000-watt microwave power and 1400-watt convection oven ensure quick and efficient cooking.
- User-friendly touch controls with an LED display and one-touch menus are easy to navigate.
- The built-in 300 CFM hood fan with three speeds effectively removes smoke and odors from your stovetop.
- It includes special “Kids meals” auto-cook options, a thoughtful feature for families.
- The large 1.1 cu. ft. capacity and 12.4” turntable fit many dishes.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product description mentions a 1.7 cu. ft. capacity in the title but then states 1.1 cu. ft. capacity in the features, which can be confusing.
- While it has many features, the learning curve for all the functions might be a bit steep for some users.
Overall, this Commercial Chef microwave oven is a feature-packed addition to any kitchen. It combines convenience and performance, making it a solid choice for those looking to simplify their cooking routine.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Countertop Microwave Convection Oven
Are you looking for a kitchen helper that can do more than just reheat leftovers? A countertop microwave convection oven might be exactly what you need. This handy appliance combines the speed of a microwave with the browning and crisping power of a convection oven. Let’s dive into what makes a great one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for good performance.
- Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. Smaller ones are good for one or two people. Larger ones are better for families or if you like to cook bigger dishes.
- Convection Settings: Does it have a good range of convection temperatures? Can you set it to bake, roast, or broil? These options give you more cooking choices.
- Pre-set Cooking Options: Many ovens have buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. These can be very helpful.
- Turntable: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Make sure it’s easy to remove for cleaning.
- Interior Light: A light inside lets you see your food as it cooks without opening the door.
Important Materials
The materials used in your microwave convection oven affect its durability and how it cooks.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a great choice. It’s strong, easy to clean, and can handle high heat. It also looks nice.
- Ceramic or Porcelain Enamel Interior: These are also good options for cleaning. They are usually a bit less expensive than stainless steel.
- Glass Turntable: Most turntables are made of glass. This is safe for food and easy to wipe down.
- Exterior Casing: Most are made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel is more durable and looks more modern, but plastic is often more affordable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave convection oven better, and others can make it worse.
- Build Quality: A well-built oven feels sturdy. The door should open and close smoothly. Buttons should feel responsive. A flimsy feel can mean it won’t last long.
- Even Cooking: This is super important. Does it cook food evenly in both microwave and convection modes? Poorly designed ovens might have hot spots.
- Ease of Cleaning: Can you easily wipe down the inside and outside? Removable turntables and non-stick interiors help a lot.
- Noise Level: Some ovens are louder than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for this.
- User Interface: Is it easy to understand and use the controls? Confusing buttons can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your new appliance.
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave function for fast reheating or cooking frozen meals.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature is perfect for baking cookies, roasting chicken, or making crispy fries. You can even toast bread.
- Combination Cooking: Some ovens let you use both microwave and convection at the same time. This can speed up cooking and give you great results. For example, you can cook a chicken faster and have it browned.
- Small Kitchens: A countertop model saves space. It can replace a separate microwave and a small toaster oven.
- Busy People: If you’re often on the go, the convenience of a microwave and the versatility of convection can be a lifesaver.
Choosing the right countertop microwave convection oven means looking at its features, materials, and how it will fit into your daily life. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the difference between a microwave and a convection oven?
A: A microwave uses invisible waves to heat food quickly. A convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air, which cooks food evenly and makes it brown and crispy.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a microwave convection oven?
A: Yes, you can! The convection setting allows you to bake cakes, cookies, and other pastries just like you would in a regular oven.
Q: How do I clean my microwave convection oven?
A: Always unplug the oven before cleaning. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. The glass turntable can usually be washed in the dishwasher. Wipe the exterior with a soft cloth.
Q: Is a stainless steel interior better than a ceramic one?
A: Stainless steel is very durable and easy to clean. Ceramic interiors are also easy to clean and can be a good option. Both are good choices.
Q: What is wattage, and why is it important?
A: Wattage measures the oven’s power. Higher wattage means it can cook food faster.
Q: Do I need to use special cookware with a convection oven?
A: For the convection setting, you should use oven-safe cookware like glass, ceramic, or metal baking pans. For the microwave setting, avoid metal unless the manual says it’s okay for specific functions.
Q: How large of a turkey can I cook in these ovens?
A: It depends on the oven’s capacity. Smaller models are best for smaller poultry like chickens or Cornish hens. Larger models might fit a small turkey, but always check the oven’s dimensions and your desired turkey size.
Q: Can I use the microwave and convection features at the same time?
A: Many models offer combination cooking. This can speed up cooking times and give you browned, crispy results faster.
Q: Are these ovens energy efficient?
A: Convection ovens can be more energy efficient than traditional ovens because they heat up faster and cook food more quickly. However, using the microwave function is generally the most energy-efficient way to heat food.
Q: What is a good capacity size for a family of four?
A: For a family of four, a capacity of 1.5 to 2.0 cubic feet is usually a good size. This gives you enough room to cook meals and reheat leftovers.
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!