Imagine this: You want crispy roasted chicken but also need to quickly reheat leftovers. Do you need two separate appliances taking up precious counter space? Many home cooks face this exact dilemma. Modern kitchens demand flexibility, but often space is limited. Choosing between a dedicated microwave, a full-sized oven, or a combination unit can feel overwhelming.
These combination appliances promise the best of both worlds—speedy microwave reheating and powerful oven baking—but the sheer variety of models and features can cause confusion. How do you know which one cooks evenly? Which one saves the most energy? You want convenience without sacrificing cooking quality.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what a microwave-oven combination offers, explore the key features you must look for, and help you weigh the pros and cons. By the end, you will feel confident selecting the perfect appliance to streamline your kitchen tasks.
Top Microwave And Oven Combination 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- All-In-One Multi Oven Does The Work So You Don't Have To: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying family; 4-in-1 countertop oven creates easy, delicious meals by pairing with our Kitchen+ app to cook everything, from tender roasts to crisp and juicy air fry
- Mealtime Simplified, Powered by Our App: Pick your dish from the Panasonic Kitchen+ app, gather ingredients, and pair your phone with the oven; the built-in modes of microwave, broiler, airfryer, and convection oven automate to help you create perfectly-cooked meals with little effort
- Discover New Quick-and-Easy Family Favorites: You'll never be stuck in a rut when deciding what to make; scroll the Panasonic Kitchen+ App and bookmark recipes they'll love, so its always easy to find a meal everyone can agree on, and make it quickly
- Backed by Legendary Panasonic Quality: Reliable performance, made with your family's needs in mind; Inverter technology for even defrosting, reheating, cooking, & warming; Genius technology prevents over-or under-cooking; Turbo Defrost, and more
- Sleek, Space Saving Design: Large capacity, small overall footprint - 22”W x 13.4”H x 17.7”D with 14.2” turntable; place on countertop or make it a built in microwave oven with optional trim kit (NN-TK81KCS)"
- 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.
- Multi functionality: BAKE, ROAST, MICROWAVE, CONVECTION OVEN
- 5 ONE TOUCH COOK MENUS: POTATO, POPCORN, BEVERAGE, REHEAT, FROZEN DINNER
- Air fryer: Up to 70% less fat than traditional frying methods
- SPECIAL PROGRAM: DEFROST/TIME/WEIGHT; 1000W power
- 10 POWER LEVELS
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Microwave and Oven Combination
A microwave and oven combination unit offers the best of both worlds. You get the speedy heating of a microwave and the traditional baking power of an oven, all in one compact appliance. Choosing the right one needs a little know-how. This guide will help you pick the perfect model for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at these important features:
- Combination Modes: Check how the unit combines functions. Some units let you microwave and grill at the same time for faster cooking. Others offer convection baking plus microwave power.
- Capacity and Size: Measure your space first! Combinations come in various sizes. A larger capacity is great for families, but a smaller unit saves counter space.
- Convection Heating: True combination units should have a convection fan. This fan circulates hot air, making food cook more evenly, just like a regular oven.
- Inverter Technology: Some microwaves use inverter technology. This delivers steady, continuous power, which prevents food from getting tough edges while the center stays cold.
- Pre-set Programs: Look for auto-cook menus. These buttons take the guesswork out of cooking common items like popcorn or frozen dinners.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your appliance lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Interior Construction
Most quality units use stainless steel interiors. Stainless steel cleans up easily and handles high oven temperatures well. Plastic interiors are cheaper but can stain or warp over time, especially with heavy oven use. A smooth, non-porous surface is always better.
Exterior Finish
The outside usually features stainless steel or durable painted metal. Fingerprint-resistant finishes are a big plus if you dislike wiping down appliances constantly. Ensure the door hinges feel sturdy when you open and close them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few details really separate a great combination unit from an average one.
Quality Boosters:
- Powerful Wattage (Microwave): Higher wattage (1000W or more) means faster reheating.
- Precise Temperature Control (Oven): Good models allow you to set the oven temperature in small increments (like 5-degree steps).
- Good Insulation: Excellent insulation keeps the outside of the unit cooler when the oven is running hot. This is safer and saves energy.
Quality Reducers:
Cheaply made units often feature flimsy control panels. If the buttons feel mushy or the screen is hard to read in bright light, the overall quality might suffer. Overly complicated programming interfaces also reduce the user experience significantly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use this appliance every day.
For Small Kitchens:
If you live in an apartment or have limited counter space, a combination unit is fantastic. You can bake cookies, roast a small chicken, and quickly reheat leftovers without needing two separate large appliances.
For Busy Cooks:
If you often need to cook things quickly, look for models that allow you to use the microwave function while the convection oven is preheating. This saves valuable minutes during weeknight dinners. Many users love the “speed defrost” feature that uses microwave power gently.
Remember, testing the controls before buying helps you gauge the real-world user experience. Does the interface make sense to you?
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Microwave Oven Combinations
Q: Can I use metal racks inside when using the microwave function?
A: Generally, no. Metal racks should only be used when operating the unit as a convection or grill oven. Always check the manual; using metal in the microwave setting can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q: How much counter space do these units take up?
A: They take up about the same space as a large standard microwave. However, since they are often taller to accommodate the oven cavity, ensure you have enough vertical clearance.
Q: Are combination ovens as good as full-sized ovens?
A: For everyday baking and roasting small-to-medium meals, yes, they perform very well due to the convection feature. They are not ideal for cooking several large trays of food at once.
Q: What is the difference between a combination oven and a microwave with a grill?
A: A unit with just a grill heats from the top element, great for browning cheese. A true combination oven usually includes convection (a fan) plus microwave power, offering much more versatile cooking.
Q: How loud are these appliances when running?
A: The microwave function is usually similar to a standard microwave. The convection fan in the oven mode can be slightly louder, similar to a standard toaster oven.
Q: Is cleaning the interior difficult?
A: If the interior is stainless steel, cleaning is fairly simple with a damp cloth. Food baked onto the element areas in convection mode might require more scrubbing.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a combination unit?
A: With regular care, a good quality combination unit should last between 8 to 12 years, similar to a standard full-sized oven.
Q: Do these units need special installation?
A: Most models are designed to sit on a countertop. Some larger, built-in models require professional installation into cabinetry, so check the model specifications carefully.
Q: Can I defrost meat using the oven setting?
A: You should use the dedicated microwave defrost setting. Using the oven setting will cook the outside of the meat before the inside thaws properly.
Q: Are they energy efficient?
A: Using the microwave function is very energy efficient. When using the convection oven, they generally use less energy than heating up a very large, full-sized oven for small meals.