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So, you’re in the market for a new microwave oven combo, huh? We get it, your old microwave just isn’t cutting it anymore, and you want an all-in-one appliance that can reheat leftovers, cook meals, and look good in your kitchen. The options out there can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you. We reviewed dozens of the most popular microwave oven combos across every budget to find the top picks.
Whether you just need a basic model to quickly heat up snacks or you’re looking for a high-tech option with convection cooking, we’ve rounded up the best of the best so you can find your perfect match. Read on for our recommendations and everything you need to know to choose a microwave oven combo you’ll love for years to come.
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Microwave Oven Combos: The Convenient 2-in-1 Appliance
Microwave oven combos, also known as microwave convection ovens, are the ultimate 2-in-1 kitchen appliance. They combine a microwave with either a convection oven or air fryer, giving you double the cooking convenience in one compact device.
Convection Cooking Power
Convection microwave ovens use a fan to circulate hot air around the inside of the oven, cooking foods quickly and evenly. This allows you to bake, roast, and broil in addition to microwaving. Convection cooking is ideal for crisping up foods like chicken wings, french fries, and pizza. Many models offer multiple convection fan speeds, so you can choose maximum crispness or a lighter convection assist.
Air Fryer Capability
Some microwave oven combos come with a built-in air fryer basket, which allows you to make fried favorites like french fries, onion rings, and fried chicken without all the oil. Air frying uses high-speed hot air circulation to make foods crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Look for a model with multiple air fry presets to easily make everything from fries and wings to fish filets and veggie chips.
Additional Features to Consider
Other useful features to consider include:
- Grill settings: great for making paninis, quesadillas, and grilled sandwiches.
- Rotisserie spit: allows you to roast whole chickens, pork roasts, and more.
- Sensor cooking: automatically adjusts time and temperature for optimal results. Useful for reheating, defrosting, and popping popcorn.
- Programmable memory settings: save your favorite recipes and cook with the touch of a button.
- Interior oven light: this makes it easy to check on your food without opening the door.
- Digital display with clock: Clearly shows cooking time, temperature, and cooking functions selected.
With a microwave oven combo, you’ll have a powerful and versatile cooking tool that can handle an entire meal from start to finish. No more juggling multiple small appliances—just one convenient device for all your cooking needs!
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Key Features to Look for When Buying a Microwave Oven Combo
When shopping for a microwave oven combo, there are a few key features you’ll want to consider to find the right one for your needs.
Size
Choosing the right size microwave oven combo depends on how much counter space you have and what you’ll be using it for. For basic reheating and popcorn popping, a compact 0.7- to 1.2-cubic-foot model
should work great. If you’ll be cooking full meals or baking, go for at least 1.5 cubic feet. And for families or frequent use, a 2-cubic-foot model is ideal.
Power
Higher wattage means more power, which results in faster cooking times. For most needs, 1000 to 1200 watts is sufficient. If you’ll be cooking large meals, baking, or making microwave popcorn, get a minimum of 1100 watts. For commercial use or extra speed, consider a model with 1300 watts or more.
Convection Capability
A convection microwave has a built-in fan that circulates hot air to cook food quickly and evenly. If you do a lot of baking, roasting, or browning, a convection microwave is a must-have. Convection also allows for simultaneous cooking on multiple racks, saving you time.
Additional Features
Other useful features to consider include:
- Grill: for browning and searing meat, fish, or veggies. Great for quesadillas, paninis, and more.
- Steam cleaning is an easy way to keep your microwave oven clean with the press of a button.
- Sensor reheat: uses built-in sensors to automatically determine the optimal reheating time based on the amount of food and its starting temperature.
- Defrost by weight: enter the weight of the food item, and the microwave determines the proper defrosting time and power level.
- Child Lock: prevents little hands from accidentally starting the microwave. An important safety feature, especially if you have small children.
With so many options available, deciding on the perfect microwave oven combo for you may seem overwhelming. But by focusing on size, power, convection capability, and key features that match your needs, you’ll find an affordable model that serves you well for years to come.
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Our Top Pick: The Samsung MG14H3020CM 1.4 Cu. Ft. Countertop Grill Microwave Oven
The Samsung MG14H3020CM is our top pick for the best microwave oven combo. This 1.4 cubic foot over-the-range microwave offers the best value for your money with its stylish design and useful features.
Spacious yet compact
The MG14H3020CM provides ample cooking space for most families in its 1.4 cubic foot interior, yet its compact size means it won’t take up too much space above your stovetop. The ceramic enamel interior is easy to clean and resists scratches.
Convenient Cooking Options
This Samsung microwave makes cooking convenient with options like Sensor Reheat, which automatically adjusts power levels and cooking time for reheating leftovers. Auto Defrost lets you simply enter the weight of the food, and the microwave selects the optimal defrosting power level and time.
Stylish and High-Tech
With its black stainless steel finish and minimal handle design, the MG14H3020CM will complement any modern kitchen. It also includes useful
technology like Samsung’s Power Convection, which combines a convection fan to circulate hot air with microwave energy for fast, even cooking. The LED touch display is intuitive to use and includes 10 power levels as well as shortcuts for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, and beverages.
Safety Features
The MG14H3020CM includes safety features like a child safety lock to prevent little ones from operating the microwave and a sensor that shuts off the microwave if it overheats or detects smoke. An exhaust fan and charcoal filter help remove steam, grease, and odors from the stovetop below.
For a high-quality, full-featured over-the-range microwave at an affordable price, the Samsung MG14H3020CM is a fantastic choice. With its spacious interior, useful cooking options, and stylish design, this microwave combo will make a great addition to your kitchen.
Best Budget Microwave Oven Combo: Toshiba EM131A5C-BS
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a microwave oven combo that can handle most of your cooking needs, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS is a great option for under $160. This compact countertop model includes a 0.9 cubic foot microwave oven and a 1300-watt convection oven, giving you the best of both worlds at an affordable price.
Microwave Oven
The microwave oven has 10 power levels up to 900 watts, so you can gently reheat leftovers or quickly cook frozen dinners. The turntable ensures the even heating of your food. Ten auto-cook menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and more.
Convection Oven
The convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air around your food for fast, even cooking. It has temperature settings from 170 to 450 F, ideal for baking, broiling, roasting, and toasting. The nonstick interior makes cleanup a breeze. Use the 60-minute timer to automatically shut off the oven once it’s done cooking.
Other Features
This space-saving combo unit includes a child safety lock, an interior oven light, and a removable crumb tray. The control panel has an easy-to-read LED display with a clock and kitchen timer. The stainless steel exterior will look great in any kitchen.
For basic cooking and reheating needs on a budget, the Toshiba EM131A5C-BS microwave oven combo is very affordable and capable. If you want more high-tech features like convection crisping, sensor reheat, or smart connectivity, you’ll need to spend more. But for quickly and conveniently cooking meals for a small family or couple, this Toshiba model should work great without breaking the bank.
Best Mid-Range Option: Frigidaire FFMV162LS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
If you’re looking for a solid mid-range microwave oven combo, the Frigidaire FFMV162LS is an excellent choice. This 1.6 cubic foot over-the-range microwave offers great value for the price.
Size and Power
The FFMV162LS provides ample cooking space for families, with its 1.6 cubic foot interior. It has 1000 watts of power, so it can quickly heat up and cook most foods. The turntable is large enough for a standard dinner plate, ensuring even cooking.
Convenience Features
This Frigidaire model comes with useful features to make cooking more convenient. It has sensor cooking options for popcorn, beverages, and reheating. Just select the type of food, and the microwave will automatically adjust the time and power level. It also has one-touch options for melting butter, softening ice cream, and cooking frozen dinners.
The FFMV162LS includes a built-in exhaust fan and charcoal filter to remove smoke, odors, and steam from the stovetop below. You can choose from two fan speeds to suit your needs. When the fan is on, an indicator light lets you know it’s working.
Design
This microwave has an attractive black stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints and is easy to wipe clean. The glass turntable is also simple to remove and dishwasher safe. The control panel features an LED display with a kitchen timer, clock, and child safety lock.
Value
For a mid-range model, the Frigidaire FFMV162LS is a fantastic value. It provides solid performance, useful features, and a stylish design at an affordable price point. For most home cooks and families looking to upgrade from a basic microwave, this Frigidaire over-the-range model is a great choice that won’t break the bank.
Overall, with its ideal size, power, and useful features, the Frigidaire FFMV162LS 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave is our top pick for a mid-range microwave oven combo. It’s a perfect blend of value, performance, and style.
Best High-End Microwave Oven Combo: GE Profile PVM9179SFSS
The GE Profile PVM9179SFSS is our top pick for a high-end microwave oven combo. If you’re looking for a stylish, powerful model with all the bells and whistles, this GE Profile microwave delivers.
Spacious Cavity
This 1.7 cubic foot oven provides plenty of space to heat up large casserole dishes or cook an entire meal for a family. The interior is made of durable stainless steel that is easy to wipe clean.
Convection Cooking
A convection fan circulates the hot air in the oven for fast, even cooking. Use the convection setting to roast a chicken, bake cookies, or cook a pizza. Convection cooking browns and crisps foods better than a standard microwave.
Sensor Cooking Controls
GE’s sensor cooking controls automatically adjust the time and power level for cooking foods like potatoes, popcorn, rice, and reheating. The built-in sensors detect the amount of steam rising from the food and turn off the oven when the food is cooked to perfection. No more burnt popcorn or dried-out leftovers!
Customizable Controls
With 10 power levels, convection capabilities, and defrost, melt, and reheat options, you have maximum control over your cooking. The large, easy-to-read display lets you choose cooking times from 10 seconds up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds. Program up to three favorite time/power combinations for one-touch cooking.
Stylish Design
The stainless steel exterior, glass door, and LED display give this microwave an upscale, modern look that complements GE Profile kitchen appliances. The included trim kit allows you to install the microwave flush with your cabinets for a custom, built-in appearance.
For high-powered cooking, smart sensors, and a sleek design, the GE Profile PVM9179SFSS combination microwave oven is a great choice for any kitchen. If you want pro-level performance and style, this GE Profile microwave delivers.
Choosing the Right Size Microwave Oven Combo for Your Space
Now that you’ve narrowed down the options, it’s time to choose a microwave oven combo size that will work well in your kitchen. The size you need depends on how much counter space you have available and how many people you regularly cook for.
Counter space
Do you have limited counter space? If so, you’ll want to consider a compact microwave oven combo. These take up minimal room but can still handle the needs of 1-2 people. Popular compact sizes are 0.5 to 0.9 cubic feet.
For average-sized kitchens, a mid-sized 1.1- to 1.5-cubic-foot model should work great for a couple or small family. These provide more internal capacity, so you can cook larger dishes or make meals for more people, but they still don’t dominate your counter space.
If you have a spacious kitchen and cook for a crowd, a large 1.6 cubic foot or bigger microwave oven combo is ideal. These jumbo models can handle anything from cooking a whole chicken to making a tray of lasagna. Just make sure you have enough clearance on all sides for the vents and that you have strong enough counters to support the weight.
Number of people
Are you cooking for yourself or an entire family? Choose a size based on how many servings you need to make at once. A single person or couple will do fine with a compact model, while a mid-sized option can work for a family of 3–4. For bigger families or if you frequently entertain or meal prep, go with a large capacity so you can make more food at the same time.
In the end, you want a microwave oven combo size that is proportional to your needs and space. As with many appliances, bigger isn’t always better and can be overkill. Think about how much you actually cook now and how much capacity that requires, so you end up with a microwave oven combo that is perfectly sized for your lifestyle.
2024 Microwave Oven Combos: Final Thoughts
After reviewing the top 5 microwave oven combos, you’ve got a good sense of what’s out there for any budget. Whether you want a basic model just for reheating leftovers or a high-tech multi-purpose appliance, there are great options to choose from.
Overall, microwave oven combos provide convenience and versatility in one space-saving device. They can steam, bake, roast, broil, and, of course, microwave, allowing you to make entire meals with just one appliance. For small kitchens or RVs, they’re ideal since they consolidate multiple tools into a single unit.
When deciding which model is right for your needs, consider how much cooking and what types of cooking you do. If you mostly just reheat and make popcorn, a simple microwave will work great. However, if you frequently cook full meals, a more advanced convection microwave oven combo would be useful. Factor in your available counter space and budget as well.
We hope our reviews have helped shed light on what’s available in 2023 and made the shopping process easier. Whichever model you choose, be sure to read the instructions fully to become familiar with all the settings and functions. Start with simple recipes to build up your confidence before moving on to more complex dishes.
A few final tips:
- For the best results, choose recipes specifically designed for microwave oven combos. Regular recipes may need adjustments.
- Don’t overload the unit, which can prevent even cooking.
- Arrange food evenly in a circular pattern for optimal heat circulation.
- Use microwave-safe containers and avoid metal pans, which can damage the unit.
- Clean the unit regularly to prevent built-up grime and ensure it lasts.
- If you have any issues, check the troubleshooting section in the manual or contact customer support.
With the right care and technique, a microwave oven combo can become your trusted kitchen companion for years to come. Happy cooking, and bon appetit!
