Tired of juggling multiple kitchen gadgets? Imagine crisping up your favorite frozen fries while simultaneously reheating last night’s delicious pasta, all in one machine. Sound like a dream? That’s the magic of a Combination Microwave, but finding the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze. You see terms like “convection,” “grill,” and “inverter,” and suddenly, your simple kitchen upgrade feels complicated.
Choosing the right combination microwave is tough because you want speed, power, and versatility without taking over your entire countertop. You worry about spending money on features you won’t use or getting a model that doesn’t cook evenly. We understand that frustration!
This guide cuts through the jargon. We will break down exactly what these features mean and show you how to pick a combination microwave that truly fits your cooking style and space. Get ready to unlock faster meals and a tidier kitchen.
Top Combination Microwave Recommendations
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- 8-in-1 Multifuntional Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi., low temp., odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Microwave Combo: Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*18.0*11.8 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH):14.0*13.2*9.5 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
- Advanced User Interface: Equipped with a 2.4-inch colorful screen with an intuitive user interface that is highly responsive and easy to operate, making complex cooking tasks simple and more accessible.
- ChefFry Plus: Features a top fan and heating element that replicates an air fryer oven, allowing for healthier cooking options.
- Intuitive Humidity Sensor: Built-in sensor ensures even heating and retains moisture for perfectly cooked dishes every time.
- Origin Inverter: Ensures even cooking, precise temperature control, better textures, juicier meats, and enhanced flavor preservation. It also reduces cooking time and energy consumption to get your meals on the dinner table more quickly.
- Dimensions: This 1.3 cubic foot microwave easily accommodates a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. Overall measurements (W x D x H): 21.8 x 19.4 x 12.8 inches; cavity dimensions (W x D x H): 14.5 x 16.4 x 9.3 inches. Delivers 1100W of output power, 1250 input power.
- 4-in-1 Multifuntional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance, with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus. Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Stainless steel finish (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with easy to clean stainless steel interior
- 5-in-1 Microwave Oven: Use this essential countertop appliance for cooking in five functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs.
- 10 Cooking Levels: Featuring a 900-watt output, this compact microwave has 7 auto menus, including settings for Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, and Frozen Pizza.
- Air Fry Presets: This small-but-mighty microwave has 11 preset air fry menus, including for cooking frozen French fries, steak fries, squid rings, chicken nuggets/wings/legs, fish sticks/fillets, cheese sticks, vegetables, and spring rolls with an easy-to-use operation.
- Speedy Cooking: Directly press the start button to cook food at 100% power for 30 seconds and press again for an additional 30 seconds.
- Child-Lock Setting: Press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the control panel to keep little hands from clicking buttons on the appliance.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
- 4-in-1 Multifuntional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance; with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus; Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more.
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Black Stainless steel finish with easy to clean stainless steel interior.
- 3-IN-1 APPLIANCE: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven and Microwave into one versatile kitchen appliance; Create French fries with Air Fry function; Enjoy chocolate brownies with Convection Oven function; Defrost delicious soup with Inverter Microwave
- ELEMENT IQ SYSTEM: Smart algorithms steer power where and when it's needed to create a specifically tailored cooking environment; Enjoy crispy golden results and delicious meals with Air Fry and Bake functions; Power: 1200 W - Convection Input Power
- FAST COMBI & COOK FROM FROZEN FUNCTIONS: Cook dishes faster than traditional ovens with Fast Combi, which combines Convection Oven, Grilling and Microwave; Cook from Frozen achieves precisely cooked results from frozen; All in one countertop appliance
- POWER SMOOTHING INVERTER: Automatically adjust intensity and deliver smooth, even power when you need more or less; Breville appliance reheats pizza slices, soup and lasagna with precision; Defrost meats and meals without overheating or drying out edges
- SMART COOK, SMART REHEAT & SMART DEFROST: 19 built-in smart presets put all the power at your fingertips; Smooth, low temperature delivers heat evenly without overheating and drying out, allowing you to cook, reheat and defrost your favorite dishes
- Ultimate Versatility: This multi-microwave with 10 power levels is your ultimate kitchen helper. The versatility as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster, toast function and yogurt making function make it your best countertop space-saver
- Inverter Microwave with Smart Sensor: Built-in humidity sensor intelligently adjusts power and cooking time, make sure your food is never undercooked or overcooked. Inverter Microwave technology also provides even cooking, reheating and defrosting with no cold spots, guarantee the maximum tender texture
- Less Fat and Crispier: With 360° rapid heat circulation technology, TOSHIBA Multi-Microwave with air fryer cuts down on calories by using no added oil while delivering crispier and golden fried food like chicken nuggets, fried fish and French fries. The supplied air fry basket, bake tray and two wire racks are used for optimal air fry results.
- Speed up Cooking with Combi-Modes: Despite powerful output of 1800W under Convection up to 425°F and 1000W under Grill, Combi-Modes speed up your cooking with combination of Microwave, convection and grill function, while delivering perfect dishes with crispy, browned outsides and tender texture insides.
- Discover Amazing Recipes: Comes with an original cookbook with 47 classic recipes. Also, the microwave itself has 6 Auto Menus, 10 Home Fry Menus, 5 Sensor Cook Presets and 6 Defrost Presets, so that novice can also make Michelin-star meals at home. External Dimension: 20.6"W x 16.3"D(18.7'' with handle) x 11.8"H with 12.4" turntable.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Combination Microwave
A combination microwave is a kitchen superstar. It does more than just reheat leftovers. It combines the speed of a microwave with the cooking power of a conventional oven or grill. This guide helps you pick the perfect one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features first. They decide how useful your new appliance will be.
1. Cooking Modes
- Microwave Only: This is standard for quick heating.
- Grill Function: This adds browning and crispiness, like a small broiler.
- Convection Oven: This circulates hot air, allowing you to bake cakes or roast small chickens. A good combi-microwave must have strong versions of all three modes.
2. Capacity and Size
Think about how much you cook. Small apartments need 20-25 liter models. Large families should look for 30 liters or more. Measure your counter space before you buy!
3. Power Levels (Wattage)
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Look for microwaves with at least 900W for the microwave function. The convection oven should have a decent heating element, usually around 1500W.
4. Inverter Technology
Inverter microwaves deliver steady, continuous power. This cooks food more evenly than older models that cycle power on and off. This is a big plus for defrosting delicate items.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect durability and cleaning. Good build quality means your investment lasts longer.
Interior Lining
- Stainless Steel: This is the best choice. It heats evenly, resists stains, and is very easy to wipe clean. Many high-quality models use this.
- Enamel/Painted Metal: These are cheaper but can scratch easily. Scratches can trap food and make cleaning harder.
Exterior Casing
Most exteriors are sturdy painted metal. Ensure the door hinges feel solid when you open and close them. Cheap hinges often fail first.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Small details separate a great combi-microwave from a frustrating one.
Quality Boosters
- Sensor Cooking: These features use humidity sensors to guess how long food needs to cook. They prevent overcooking, which greatly improves results.
- Pre-set Programs: Easy buttons for common items (like pizza or popcorn) save you time guessing settings.
- Easy-Clean Coatings: Some interiors have special coatings that resist grease buildup.
Quality Reducers
Avoid models with overly complicated touch screens if you prefer simplicity. Also, very thin metal casing often means the appliance vibrates loudly during use. Noise reduction is a sign of better engineering.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the microwave daily matters most.
The Busy Cook
If you need speed, focus on high wattage and good pre-set programs. You will use the microwave function often for reheating and defrosting.
The Baker/Small Household Cook
If you want to bake small items or roast vegetables, the convection function is crucial. Test how easily you can switch between microwave and convection modes. A model that lets you use both at the same time (speed-cooking) saves huge amounts of time when preparing full meals.
Cleaning Up
Look at the turntable mechanism. Some designs trap crumbs underneath. A flat-bottomed interior, while sometimes less common, makes wiping the whole surface very simple.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Combination Microwaves
Q: Can a combination microwave truly replace my regular oven?
A: Not entirely. It works great for smaller items like pizzas, casseroles, or baking muffins. For very large roasts or heavy holiday baking, a full-sized oven is still better. It replaces the need for a second, small toaster oven, though.
Q: How much electricity do they use compared to a regular microwave?
A: When using only the microwave function, the usage is similar. However, the convection or grill functions use more power, similar to a standard electric oven, because they need high heat.
Q: Are combi-microwaves harder to clean?
A: They can be slightly trickier because they have more functions (like heating elements). Choosing a stainless steel interior makes the job much easier, as grease wipes off the smooth surface better.
Q: What does “Speed Cooking” mean?
A: Speed cooking uses the microwave energy and the convection heat at the same time. This cooks food much faster than using the convection oven alone, but it still browns and crisps the food nicely.
Q: Do I need special dishes for combi-microwave cooking?
A: Yes. When using microwave modes, use only microwave-safe glass or ceramic dishes. When using the convection or grill modes, you must use oven-safe metal pans or baking dishes, just like a regular oven.
Q: How loud are combination microwaves when running the convection fan?
A: They are generally louder than standard microwaves. The fan that circulates hot air creates noise. Higher-end models usually include better insulation to keep the noise down.
Q: Is it safe to use metal racks inside a combi-microwave?
A: Yes, usually. Most models come with a metal rack specifically designed for use with the grill or convection setting. Never use metal racks when only running the microwave function!
Q: What is the difference between a grill and a convection oven?
A: A grill heats from the top only, perfect for browning cheese. A convection oven heats all around using a fan, cooking food evenly from all sides, which is what you use for baking.
Q: How long is the typical warranty for a good combi-microwave?
A: Most manufacturers offer a standard one-year warranty covering parts and labor. Some brands offer longer warranties (two to five years) on the magnetron (the part that makes the microwaves).
Q: Should I get a model with an electronic touchpad or physical dials?
A: This is personal preference. Touchpads look modern and offer precise time settings. Dials are often more reliable over many years and are easier to use if your hands are wet or greasy.