Imagine a kitchen where one appliance does the job of three! Does that sound like a dream in your busy life? Many of us juggle a microwave for quick heating, a toaster for crunchy bread, and a regular oven for baking or roasting. That means more counter space taken up and more appliances to clean. It can feel like a real kitchen puzzle!
Choosing a combination microwave toaster oven seems simple, but it’s not! You want speed, crispiness, and space, but finding the perfect mix can be tricky. Will it toast well? Will it microwave evenly? These are the questions that keep people up at night when shopping. We understand the struggle to find the best all-in-one helper.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in these fantastic hybrid machines. You will learn the key features that matter most so you can buy with confidence. Get ready to reclaim your counter space and simplify your cooking routine!
Top Combination Microwave Toaster Oven 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.
- 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.
- 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
- POWERFUL 1000-WATT OVEN: This microwave packs a powerful punch with its 1000-watt oven, ensuring your meals are ready in no time.
- 1.1 CU FT CAPACITY: With a compact 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, you can easily fit a variety of dishes for reheating, cooking, or defrosting.
- ROTATING GLASS CAROUSEL: The rotating glass carousel ensures that your food is evenly heated, guaranteeing a delicious, consistent result every time.
- 8 AUTO COOK PROGRAMS & EXPRESS COOKING: Select an auto cook program covering 8 food types. The express cooking feature lets you whip up your meal in a flash.
- REHEAT & DEFROST PROGRAMS: Choose to quickly reheat a dish or defrost frozen food by weight or time for all your cooking needs.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- NO MORE SOGGY MICROWAVE FOOD: Reheat leftovers with a crispy crunch! Unlike other microwave ovens, the MicroCrisp features a convection crisper for integrated air fryer functions: perfect for crispy fries or to fully cook raw poultry.
- POWER COMBO COOKING: The unique micro-and-crisp function offers phase cooking options, with the same results from microwave ovens and air fryers but all in one appliance. Heat up leftover fried chicken, then crisp it with convection heat!
- STREAMLINED SETUP: The user-guided touch control panel on our MicroCrisp countertop microwave oven helps you choose the perfect cooking time, power level, and function for the results you want without any of the guesswork.
- GUESS-FREE PRESETS: With 6 guided preset menus, you don't have to guess how long to cook your favorites. Simply choose your food and your convection microwave will do the rest, making it the perfect microwave popcorn popper!
- KEEP IT QUIET: The alarm mute option silences all microwave cooker alarms. Allow your baby to sleep soundly in the middle of the day, or for early risers or night owls, keep your noise to a minimum while the rest of the house sleeps.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Combination Microwave Toaster Oven
A combination microwave toaster oven is a fantastic kitchen helper. It saves space by putting two useful appliances into one machine. This guide will help you pick the best one for your cooking needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features first. They make a big difference in how well the appliance works for you.
1. Cooking Modes and Versatility
- Combination Cooking: This lets you use the microwave and the convection/toaster oven parts at the same time. This cooks food faster and makes it crispy.
- Dedicated Modes: Make sure it has separate, easy-to-use settings for just microwaving, just toasting, and just baking/broiling.
- Pre-set Programs: Some models have buttons for common foods like pizza or popcorn. This takes the guesswork out of cooking times.
2. Size and Capacity
Measure your counter space! Combination units can be bulky.
- Interior Size: Look at the capacity, usually measured in liters or cubic feet. A larger interior lets you cook a small chicken or fit a standard 9×13 baking dish.
- Footprint: Check the outside dimensions so it fits under your cabinets comfortably.
3. Power and Performance
- Microwave Wattage: Higher wattage (usually 900W to 1200W) means faster reheating.
- Oven Temperature Range: Good toaster ovens should reach at least 450°F (232°C) for proper browning and roasting.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your appliance lasts and how safe it is to use.
Interior Construction
Stainless steel interiors are the best choice. They clean up easily and handle high oven temperatures well. Plastic interiors might warp or stain quickly, especially near the heating elements.
Exterior and Door
Look for a sturdy exterior casing, often stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic. The door handle should feel solid, not flimsy. Ensure the door seals tightly when closed; a poor seal lets heat escape, wasting energy.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good design makes daily use much smoother. Poor design causes frustration.
Quality Boosters:
- Inverter Technology (Microwave): This delivers steady power instead of blasting it on and off. Food heats more evenly.
- Convection Fan: A strong, quiet fan circulates hot air, which is essential for true baking performance in a toaster oven format.
- Easy Controls: Digital touchpads are generally easier to clean than mechanical knobs, especially if they have clear labels.
Quality Reducers:
- Flimsy Racks/Trays: Thin metal racks that bend easily reduce the oven’s usefulness.
- Difficult Cleaning: If the inside has many hard-to-reach corners, cleaning will be a chore.
- Loud Operation: A very loud microwave beep or a noisy convection fan can annoy everyone in the kitchen.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use this machine every day.
Who Needs This Appliance?
- Small Apartment Dwellers: If you have limited counter space, this single unit replaces two appliances.
- Busy Families: The combination mode speeds up meal prep. You can defrost and cook a casserole quickly.
- Secondary Kitchens: It works great in basements or guest houses where a full oven might be overkill.
Daily Use Tips
Use the microwave function for leftovers and quick drinks. Use the toaster/convection function for baking cookies, roasting small vegetables, or crisping up frozen foods that a microwave ruins. Experimenting with the combination mode is key to saving time on weeknight dinners.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Combination Microwave Toaster Ovens
Q: Can I toast bread evenly in this machine?
A: Yes, most modern units have dedicated toast settings. Look for models with top heating elements positioned close to the rack for the best browning.
Q: How do I clean the inside?
A: Always unplug the unit first. Wipe down the interior with a damp sponge and mild dish soap. For tough stains, place a bowl of water and lemon slices inside and run the microwave for a few minutes to steam the grime loose.
Q: Is it difficult to switch between microwave and oven modes?
A: Generally, no. Good models have a mode selector button. You press it until the correct symbol (like a wave for microwave or a fan for convection) lights up.
Q: Do I need special dishes for this appliance?
A: Yes. For microwave cooking, use glass or microwave-safe plastic. For oven/convection cooking, use metal baking pans or oven-safe glass dishes, just like a regular oven.
Q: Will the outside get very hot during oven use?
A: Some heat transfer is normal, especially near the vents. Always use caution and keep flammable items away. Check user reviews to see if the exterior stays cooler than average.
Q: Does the convection feature work well, or is it just a gimmick?
A: When the convection fan is powerful, it works very well! It circulates air, which cooks food more evenly and makes things crispier than a standard microwave.
Q: What is the difference between a standard combination unit and an inverter model?
A: A standard microwave pulses power on and off. An inverter model sends constant, lower power, which heats food gently and consistently, preventing hot spots.
Q: Are these units energy efficient?
A: They are often more efficient than running a large, full-sized oven for small tasks. They heat up much faster, saving electricity.
Q: Can I use the microwave and the toaster oven at the same time?
A: Yes, that is the main benefit! This “combination mode” cooks food quickly while the oven element browns the top surface.
Q: What size pizza can typically fit inside?
A: This depends heavily on the interior size. Smaller units might fit 9-inch pizzas, while larger models often accommodate 12-inch pizzas.