Imagine a kitchen gadget that could toast your bagels, crisp your fries, and reheat leftovers perfectly, all without taking up tons of counter space. Sounds like a dream, right? But with so many different microwave air fryer combo models out there, finding the one that fits your needs can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want delicious, crispy food, but you also need a microwave for quick meals. It’s tough to know where to start when you’re faced with all the buttons, features, and prices.
That’s where this guide comes in! We’re here to cut through the confusion and help you understand exactly what to look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear picture of how these amazing appliances work, what makes them different, and how to pick the best one for your kitchen. Get ready to discover how a microwave air fryer combo can change the way you cook and eat!
Our Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Combo 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 kitchen all-star. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking machine that can air fry, bake, broil, and more. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. This oven is built for families with safety features like a child lock. It’s a great choice for busy households that want convenience and healthy cooking options.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, and do low-temperature cooking.
- The healthy air fry option lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output.
- The 12.4-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The position memory turntable remembers where your food was when you open the door.
- Convenience features include one-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a mute function.
- The two-step child lock keeps little hands safe.
- Its compact size makes it a good fit for most kitchens.
- The black stainless steel exterior and stainless steel interior are stylish and easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction for the two-step child lock could be clearer.
- While compact, the internal capacity might not be enough for very large meals for a big family.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven offers a lot of cooking options in one convenient package. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for versatility and healthy cooking.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It can do more than just heat up leftovers. This appliance can microwave, air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast. It fits nicely on your countertop and has a sleek stainless steel look. Its 900 watts provide good cooking power.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast. This means you can cook many different kinds of food.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for popular items like chicken wings and French fries. It’s easy to use.
- Cooking is fast. You can get 30 seconds of cooking at full power with one button press.
- The child-lock feature keeps kids from accidentally starting or changing the settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cubic foot size might be a little small for very large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- Some users might prefer more advanced features or a larger capacity for heavy cooking.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave offers a lot of cooking options in one compact unit. It’s a smart choice for busy kitchens that need flexibility.
3. GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven w/ 1
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the GE® 4-in-1 Countertop Convection Microwave Oven, a kitchen superhero in stainless steel! This appliance isn’t just a microwave; it’s your new best friend for quick meals and crispy snacks. It’s compact enough for any spot in your home, from a dorm room to a busy kitchen, and it packs a punch with 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity. Plus, it’s built with your family’s safety in mind, featuring a two-step child lock.
What We Like:
- Four Appliances in One: It’s a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and broiler all rolled into one!
- Healthier Cooking: The air fry mode lets you make your favorite fried foods crispy and delicious without all the oil.
- Even Cooking: The convection mode and glass turntable ensure your food cooks evenly and gets perfectly golden brown.
- Easy to Use: Preset controls for things like fries and nuggets make cooking simple and fast.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock keeps little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Space Saver: Its compact size fits easily on countertops, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
- Sleek Look: The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: With so many functions, it might take a little time to learn all its features.
- Capacity Limit: While 1.0 cu. ft. is good for many, larger families might need a bigger oven.
This GE® 4-in-1 oven is a fantastic addition to any home, offering versatility and convenience for delicious meals. It simplifies cooking and makes it more fun.
4. FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave
Rating: 9.0/10
The FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish is a kitchen powerhouse. It can do so many things! You can bake, roast, microwave, and use it as a convection oven. It even has special buttons for potatoes, popcorn, drinks, reheating, and frozen meals. Plus, its air fryer function helps you enjoy your favorite fried foods with up to 70% less fat.
What We Like:
- Super versatile: It bakes, roasts, microwaves, and air fries.
- Healthy cooking option: The air fryer uses much less fat.
- Convenient one-touch menus: Easy for common foods like potatoes and popcorn.
- Powerful cooking: It has strong wattage for both microwave and oven functions.
- Spacious interior: The 1.2 cu ft capacity is great for families.
- Stylish look: The stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning curve: With so many functions, it might take a little time to learn them all.
- Countertop space: It’s a bit larger, so it needs a good spot in your kitchen.
This Frigidaire appliance is an excellent all-in-one solution for busy kitchens. It offers a wide range of cooking options to make meal prep faster and healthier.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(BS), is a versatile kitchen helper. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and combination cooking into one sleek black stainless steel appliance. This means you can microwave your leftovers, air fry crispy chicken wings, bake a cake, or use both microwave and convection for faster cooking. It’s designed to make your cooking experience easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so you get a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and combination cooking all in one.
- You can enjoy healthier fried foods with less fat thanks to the air fry function.
- It cooks food with better texture by combining microwave and convection cooking.
- It has auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting, plus a sensor menu for popular foods like pizza and vegetables.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying buzzer.
- It has a convenient memory function to save your favorite cooking settings.
- The black stainless steel finish looks stylish on any countertop.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many functions, learning to use all of them might take a little practice.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
This Toshiba oven is a great addition to any kitchen, offering a lot of cooking options in one convenient package. It’s a smart choice for busy families who want healthy and delicious meals without a lot of fuss.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Microwave Air Fryer Combo Companion
Are you tired of juggling multiple kitchen appliances? Do you dream of crispy fries and perfectly reheated leftovers from one amazing gadget? Then a microwave air fryer combo might be your next kitchen hero! This handy appliance combines the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer, offering a versatile solution for busy cooks. Let’s dive into what makes a good one and how to choose the best for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Capacity: How much food can it hold? Combos come in different sizes. A family might need a larger one, while a single person might be fine with a smaller model. Look for liters or cubic feet to get an idea.
- Power Levels: A good combo has various power settings for both microwave and air frying. This lets you cook different foods just right.
- Preset Cooking Modes: Many combos have buttons for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, or chicken. These make cooking easy.
- Turntable or Convection Fan: A turntable helps food cook evenly in microwave mode. An air fryer needs a good fan to circulate hot air for crispy results. Some have both!
- Ease of Cleaning: Removable racks and non-stick interiors make cleanup a breeze. Nobody likes scrubbing tough messes.
- Safety Features: Look for auto-shutoff and cool-touch exteriors. These keep you and your family safe.
- Digital Display and Controls: A clear digital screen and simple buttons make it easy to set cooking times and temperatures.
Important Materials
The materials used in your combo matter for durability and cooking performance.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a popular choice. It’s durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t absorb odors.
- Non-stick Coatings: Many air fryer baskets and racks have non-stick surfaces. This prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning easier. Make sure these coatings are high-quality and PFOA-free for health.
- Durable Exterior Plastics: The outer casing should be made of sturdy plastic that can withstand heat and everyday use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all combos are created equal. Here’s what separates the good from the not-so-good:
- Improved Quality:
- Even Heating: A good combo heats food evenly, whether microwaving or air frying. No more cold spots in your leftovers!
- Powerful Air Frying: The air fryer function should get hot enough and have a strong enough fan to make food truly crispy.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and settings make using the appliance a joy.
- Quiet Operation: Some appliances are noisy. A quieter model is a big plus.
- Reduced Quality:
- Uneven Cooking: If your food is cooked more on one side than the other, it’s a sign of poor heating.
- Weak Air Frying: If your “air-fried” food is just warm and a little dry, the air fryer function isn’t working well.
- Complicated Controls: Confusing buttons and unclear instructions can lead to frustration.
- Cheap Materials: Flimsy plastic or easily scratched interiors can shorten the appliance’s lifespan.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your microwave air fryer combo? Think about your daily routine.
- Quick Meals: Reheat leftovers in minutes with the microwave, then give them a crispy finish with the air fryer.
- Healthy Snacking: Make healthier versions of fried snacks like chicken wings, fries, or onion rings.
- Busy Mornings: Quickly toast bagels or heat up breakfast items.
- Small Kitchens: This combo saves counter space by doing the job of two appliances.
- Experimentation: Try new recipes! You can bake small cakes, roast vegetables, or even cook a whole chicken in some larger models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a microwave air fryer combo?
A: It’s a kitchen appliance that can microwave food and also air fry food, all in one unit.
Q: Can I air fry and microwave at the same time?
A: Some models allow you to do this. It can speed up cooking. Check the product details.
Q: How big is a typical microwave air fryer combo?
A: They come in various sizes, usually from around 0.7 cubic feet to over 1.0 cubic feet.
Q: Is air frying healthier than deep frying?
A: Yes, air frying uses much less oil, making your food healthier.
Q: How do I clean a microwave air fryer combo?
A: Most have removable baskets or racks that you can wash. The interior is usually wiped down with a damp cloth.
Q: What kind of food can I cook in it?
A: You can cook almost anything! From reheating pizza to making crispy fries, chicken, vegetables, and even baking small items.
Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer part?
A: Yes, most air fryer functions require preheating to get the best crispy results.
Q: How long do these appliances usually last?
A: With proper care, a good quality microwave air fryer combo can last for 5-10 years.
Q: Are they noisy?
A: Some can be a bit noisy due to the fan. Reading reviews can help you find quieter models.
Q: Can I use regular metal pans in the air fryer part?
A: It’s best to use the racks or baskets that come with the appliance. Some microwaves don’t allow metal, so always check your manual.
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.