Imagine whipping up crispy roasted chicken or perfectly baked cookies with just one appliance! Sounds amazing, right? But when you start looking, the world of convection microwave ovens can feel a little overwhelming. So many buttons, so many features – how do you pick the one that’s truly right for your kitchen and your cooking style?
Choosing the wrong convection microwave can mean wasted money or a gadget that just sits on your counter. You want an oven that makes cooking easier, not harder! That’s where this guide comes in. We’re here to break down all the confusing jargon and show you exactly what to look for.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident knowing the key features that matter. You’ll understand how convection cooking works and what makes it different from a regular microwave. Get ready to discover how a convection microwave can become your new favorite kitchen helper, transforming weeknight dinners and weekend baking projects.
Our Top 5 Convection Microwave Oven Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Convection Microwave Oven Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen multitasker! This black stainless steel beauty isn’t just a microwave; it’s an air fryer, a convection oven, and a broiler all rolled into one. It’s designed to make cooking easier and healthier, fitting right on your countertop without taking up too much space.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 wonder, handling microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more.
- Enjoy healthier “fried” foods with the air fryer function.
- It’s powerful with 1000 watts of microwave cooking power.
- The 12.4-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Safety first with a two-step child lock feature.
- Convenience is key with one-touch popcorn and a handy kitchen timer.
- The classic black stainless steel looks great in any kitchen.
- An odor removal mode keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock might need a closer look.
- While compact, its 1.0 Cu.Ft. capacity might not be enough for very large families.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven offers fantastic versatility and convenience for everyday cooking needs. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen looking for a multi-functional appliance.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.6/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen game-changer. This countertop appliance does more than just heat up leftovers. It can also air fry, combi cook, bake, and roast your favorite foods. Its sleek stainless steel design looks great in any kitchen. With 900 watts of power, it cooks food quickly and efficiently. Plus, a handy child-lock feature keeps little ones safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can cook in many ways: microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for popular foods like fries and chicken wings.
- You can start cooking at 100% power for 30 seconds with a single button press.
- The child-lock feature adds extra safety for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be small for cooking large meals or for bigger families.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a versatile tool that can handle many cooking tasks. It’s a good choice for those who want a compact appliance that can do it all.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(SS) is a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just heat up leftovers. It combines four cooking functions into one sleek appliance: microwave, air fry, convection, and a combination of microwave and convection. This means you can easily make crispy fries, bake a cake, or quickly reheat your dinner, all from the same countertop machine. Its smart sensor technology helps ensure your food is cooked perfectly every time, while the large capacity is great for family meals.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, saving counter space.
- The air fryer function lets you enjoy fried foods with less oil.
- It has a large 1.5 cubic foot capacity, fitting big meals.
- The stylish stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- You can mute the annoying buzzer sound with the press of a button.
- The position memory turntable makes sure your food is centered.
- It comes with helpful accessories like a grill rack and tray.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior door frame is stainless steel, but the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen styles perfectly.
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning all the functions a bit complex.
This Toshiba microwave oven offers a lot of cooking power and convenience in one package. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super handy appliance that does more than just reheat leftovers. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a broiler, and a convection oven all rolled into one! This stainless steel beauty is perfect for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or even your office. It’s compact at 1.0 cubic feet but packs a powerful 1,050 watts, so it cooks food quickly.
What We Like:
- The built-in air fryer lets you make crispy, healthier snacks and meals without a separate appliance.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly and gives it a nice golden-brown finish, just like a regular oven.
- The broiler function is awesome for searing meats or getting that perfect caramelized topping on your food.
- It has easy preset buttons for common foods like fries and nuggets, making cooking simple.
- Safety is a priority with the two-step child lock feature, which is great for families.
- The glass turntable rotates your food for even cooking every time.
- It’s a great space-saver, fitting easily on countertops or in tight spaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has multiple functions, the cooking capacity is limited to 1.0 cubic feet, which might not be enough for large families or big meals.
- Learning to use all four cooking modes effectively might take a little practice for some users.
This GE microwave is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy people who want versatile cooking options without taking up too much space. It’s a smart addition to any kitchen or dorm room.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo, a kitchen powerhouse that does it all! This 4-in-1 countertop wonder combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combination cooking mode. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and healthier, giving you delicious meals with less fat. Plus, its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, use convection, or combine microwave and convection cooking.
- Enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fryer feature – less oil, same great taste!
- The convection and microwave combo cooks food better, giving it a great texture.
- It has smart sensor menus that help you cook popular foods perfectly.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- You can mute the annoying buzzer sound by holding down the “8” button.
- It has useful features like speedy cooking, multistage cooking, and a memory function.
- The black stainless steel exterior is stylish and the interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for all the functions a bit challenging.
- While it offers many functions, the overall footprint might be larger than a standard microwave.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience for busy households. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine and enjoy a wider variety of delicious meals.
Your Convection Microwave Oven Buying Guide
Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen game? A convection microwave oven can be your new best friend. It’s like having a regular microwave, a toaster oven, and a regular oven all rolled into one! This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
What to Look for: Key Features
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features:
- Capacity: Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. Small kitchens might need a 0.7 to 1.0 cubic foot model. For families or bigger meals, look for 1.0 to 2.0 cubic feet or more.
- Wattage: This tells you how powerful your microwave is. Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most convection microwaves are between 800 and 1200 watts.
- Convection Settings: This is the star of the show! Make sure it has good convection options. You want settings for baking, roasting, and broiling. Some even have special presets for things like pizza or chicken.
- Turntable: A spinning plate cooks food more evenly. Most microwaves have this, but check if it’s removable for cleaning or for cooking larger dishes.
- Control Panel: Is it easy to use? Some have simple buttons, while others have touch screens. Digital displays are usually clearer.
- Safety Features: Look for child lock features to keep little hands safe. Auto shut-off is also a good safety measure.
What’s Inside Matters: Important Materials
The inside of your convection microwave is important for cooking and cleaning.
- Cavity Material: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. They also help reflect heat for better cooking. Some have ceramic or enamel coatings, which are also easy to wipe down.
- Door: A glass door lets you peek at your food without opening the oven. Look for doors that are well-sealed to keep heat inside.
Quality Matters: What Makes a Good Oven?
Not all convection microwaves are created equal. Here’s what can make a difference:
- Even Heating: The best convection microwaves cook and bake food evenly. This means no more hot spots or cold spots. Good airflow design helps with this.
- Durability: A well-built oven will last longer. Check reviews to see if people report issues with buttons or heating elements failing.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes scrubbing. Non-stick interiors and removable parts make cleaning a breeze.
- Noise Level: Some ovens can be quite loud. If you’re sensitive to noise, look for models that are quieter.
Making Your Life Easier: User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your convection microwave.
- Quick Meals: For busy weeknights, the microwave function is perfect for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals fast.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature lets you bake cookies, roast chicken, or even make a small pizza. It’s great for smaller batches or when you don’t want to heat up your big oven.
- Toasting and Broiling: Some models can toast bread or give your dishes a crispy top. This adds even more versatility.
- Space Saving: If you have a small kitchen, a convection microwave is a fantastic way to get multiple cooking functions without taking up too much counter space.
Your Convection Microwave Oven Questions Answered
Q: What is a convection microwave oven?
A: A convection microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that can microwave food, but also has a fan and heating element to circulate hot air. This allows it to bake, roast, and broil food like a regular oven.
Q: Can I bake a cake in a convection microwave?
A: Yes! The convection feature is designed for baking. You can bake cakes, cookies, muffins, and more. Just follow recipes made for convection ovens or adjust cooking times and temperatures from regular oven recipes.
Q: How is it different from a regular microwave?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave uses both microwaves and hot air circulation for more even cooking and browning, similar to a traditional oven.
Q: Is it hard to use the convection settings?
A: Most convection microwaves have easy-to-use control panels. You simply select the convection mode and then choose your cooking function (bake, roast, etc.) and set the temperature and time.
Q: Do I need special cookware for convection cooking?
A: You can use oven-safe cookware like glass, ceramic, and metal pans. However, avoid using plastic or paper in convection mode, as they can melt or catch fire.
Q: How do I clean a convection microwave?
A: For the interior, use a damp cloth with mild soap. Wipe down the turntable and any removable racks. Stainless steel interiors are usually easy to wipe clean.
Q: Are convection microwaves energy efficient?
A: Yes, they can be. Because they heat up faster and cook food more evenly, they often use less energy than a full-sized oven for smaller cooking tasks.
Q: What is the difference between broil and bake in a convection microwave?
A: Baking uses the heating elements to cook food evenly from all sides. Broiling uses direct heat from the top element to brown and crisp the surface of food.
Q: How long do convection microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care, a good quality convection microwave can last between 7 to 10 years.
Q: Can I use the microwave and convection functions at the same time?
A: Many convection microwaves allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This speeds up cooking time while still allowing for browning and crisping.
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.