Best Microwave Convection Oven Combo
Microwave ovens make great kitchen aids, especially if you crave convenience and speed, but owning a microwave with a convection – that means microwave that broils, bakes and roasts – will mean that dinner time will never be the same again.
This article looks at the best microwave convection oven combos and reviews their key features so that those considering this appliance can make a well-informed purchase.
The Ten Best Microwave Convection Oven Combos
- Dimensions in inches: W 20.98 x H 14.57 x D 23.27
- Weight: 40.8 Lbs.
- Oven capacity: 1.2 cu. ft.
- 1000-watts of power
- Convection bake, roast, and crisp setting
- 3-year limited warranty
- Defrost by weight and time setting
- Dimensions in inches: W 21.8 x H 13 x D 21.5
- Weight: 44.8 Lbs.
- Oven capacity: 1.5 cu. ft.
- 1000-watts of power
- Auto menus for roasting, baking, and defrosting
- 13.6-inch turntable
- Sensor cooking and reheat function
- Dimensions in inches: W 23.9 x H 19.4 x D 14
- Weight: 37 Lbs.
- Oven capacity: 2.2 cu. ft.
- 1250-watts of high power
- 14 cook options
- Patented inverter technology delivers a seamless stream of power for even and faster cooking
- 16.5-inch turntable
- Dimensions in inches: W 19.7 x H !9.4 x D 12.6
- Weight: 39.6 Lbs.
- Oven capacity: 0.9 cu. ft.
- 900-watts of power
- Convection oven, grill, and air fryer
- 5 auto set menus
- 10 power levels
- Dimensions in inches: W 20.1 x H 12.8 x D 20.5
- Weight: 46.3 Lbs.
- Oven capacity: 1.0 cu. ft.
- 4 output options: Microwave 1000-Watts/Grill 1150-watts/convection 1500-watts, plus 9 settings for Healthy Air Fry feature
- Crisps, browns, bakes, and roasts
- Multi-stage cooking
- 10 power levels
- Dimensions in inches: W 20.2 x H 12.1 x D 16.9
- Weight: 29.9 Lbs.
- Oven capacity: 1.1 cu. ft.
- 8 auto menus for convenience
- Inverter precision cook technology for an even and faster bake
- 1100-watts of power
- Child safety lock
- Dimensions in inches: W 18.4 x H 10.9 x D 18.5
- Weight: 37 Lbs.
- Oven capacity: 2.2 cu. ft.
- 1250-watts of power
- 14 preset menus
- Inverter technology
- Smart sensor cooking
- Dimensions in inches: W 20.2 x H 12.2 x D 15.8
- Weight: 36.6 Lbs.
- Oven capacity: 1.0 cu. ft.
- 900-watts of power
- 5 auto cook menus
- Concave reflex system
- Convection oven setting
The Cuisinart is smaller than others in the list, but it doesn’t fail on performance. While it only has a 1.2 cu. ft.. oven space, it still delivers 1000-watts of power. Added to that power is the model’s multi-state cooking versatility: you can defrost a meal in this oven, then heat it up, and finally, grill the top for a crispy topping without taking it out of the microwave once!
This unit also has an impressive 3-year warranty, so Cuisinart is clearly confident that their microwave can go the distance. With 9 pre-set menus and multi-stage cooking, this microwave will become an irreplaceable aid in your kitchen.
Pros
- 3 function multi-stage cooking
- 9 pre-set menus
- 1000-watts of power
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Convection heat element at the top resulting in uneven cook
- Expensive compared to other similar brands
Toshiba is a firm favorite in the microwave world, so it’s no surprise that they make this list. This model boasts 1.5 cu. ft. of oven space along with a massive 13.6-inch glass plate, and with the convection oven setting this unit can reach temperatures of 425 degrees.
It may not be the smallest oven on the list, but it is one of the most reliable. Toshiba employs sensor cooking to ensure that food gets evenly cooked, and with auto menus for roasting, baking, and defrosting there shouldn’t be any scenario where the Toshiba doesn’t perform.
Pros
- One-touch start facility and easy clean feature
- Smart sensor cooking
- Auto bake and roast setting
- Super-size 13.6-inch turntable
Cons
- No mute setting
- Build quality issues
This Panasonic is part of a new wave of microwaves that use patented inverter technology to deliver fast and even heat, just like a convection oven.
Panasonic claim that because the stream of heat is seamless, it makes for a more balanced distribution. This thing has 125-watts of power, and with a 16.5-inch turntable, getting the largest pans to fit won’t be a problem.
Pros
- 16.5-inch turntable
- 1250-watts of power
- 2.2 cu. ft. of oven space
- Bakes, browns, broils, and roasts
Cons
- Unit is prone to failing after a couple of months
This Daewoo is very clever as it is a grill, microwave with a convection oven, and an airfryer all in one. It has 900-watts of power and 5 auto set menus for convenience, and with the airfrying facility, it’s going to deliver delicious and healthy fried food every time.
Pros
- 10 power settings
- Grill, convection oven, and airfryer
- Child safety lock
- Two way defrost
Cons
- Takes up a lot of space on the countertop
This Farberware Gourmet combo may only have 1.0 cu. ft. of oven space, but it is the first on the list to feature the healthy option of 9-setting Air Fry technology.
This means that with a drop of oil, you get perfectly crispy and fried food without the unhealthy elements. This oven is no slouch: it offers 1000-watts when used on the microwave setting, 1150-watts on the grill setting, and a massive 1500-watts when the convection oven is employed.It also has 10 power settings and multi-stage cooking. As a result, there shouldn’t be a dish out there that this Farberware cannot handle.
Pros
- Unique healthy Air Fry feature with 9 menu settings
- 1500-watt convection oven
- Multi-stage cooking
- 10 power settings
Cons
- Only 1.0 cu. ft. of oven space
- Complicated to use with all the different functions
- Noisy
This Farberware is another example of a microwave combo with a smaller oven capacity of only 1.1 cu. ft., but it comes packed with features:
The smart sensor cooking feature ensures that the steam inside the oven is regulated for a perfect temperature, and with the inverter technology, just like a convection oven, the heat is seamlessly distributed in the chamber for a faster and more even bake.
Pros
- Inverter technology
- 8 auto menus
- Sensor cooking for even distribution of temperature
- Child lock
Cons
- Smaller oven: 1.1 cu. ft.
- Some functions are slightly confusing
- Over fussy door meachanism
This is the second Panasonic included in this review, and it’s another microwave that features inverter technology. Panasonic claim that it is better than a convection oven because while it distributes the heat evenly, it doesn;t require a fan.
It packs a punch with 1250-watts of power, and with a 2.2 cu.ft capacity, even the largest of families will love this microwave.
Pros
- 2.2 cu ft
- 1250-watts of power
- Inverter technology
- 14 preset menus
Cons
- Door button sticks
- Customer services unhelpful
This Daewoo is a neat little microwave combo. It delivers 900-watts of power when microwaving, and 1250-watts when the grill and convection oven get used.
Daewoo also claims it uses Concave Reflex technology: A more efficient way of distributing the microwaves, ensuring that no part of the oven gets missed. It comes with 5 auto cook settings, as well as an auto cool feature. Couple that with the 10 power settings, and the sleek, minimalist design, this oven packs a decent punch. It’s less expensive too, retailing at less than $120.
Pros
- Concave reflex technology
- Convection and grill feature with 1250-watts of power
- Great price
- Great design
Cons
- Manual poorly translated into English
- The grill doesn’t brown evenly
Microwave Convection Oven Combo Buyer’s Guide
Choosing a microwave and convection oven combo gives you options in the kitchen. Having the freedom to use the convection oven to complement the conventional stove is a real bonus if the whole family is in town or you’re entertaining. You also get the benefits of a microwave and oven in one unit, which means you can switch between functions and save valuable time. So what do you look for in a microwave convection combo? Let’s look at some of the most important factors to consider.
Functions
Some microwaves have convection settings, but the heat doesn’t distribute evenly because of where the element is placed in conjunction with the fan. Think about the settings, the wattage, and most of all, consider what types of food the convection element will be handling. If you want a spare oven to do a Sunday roast, think about its roasting capabilities. If you’re going to bake, then the distribution of heat is a necessary consideration.
Power
Wattage is essential, especially with combo ovens, so look for both the microwave wattage and the convection oven wattage. What you’ll find is the grill or convection element need a much higher wattage; typically around 1300-watts. Some ovens need more, but that depends on the oven and the budget. And that’s a key thing; the money you spend will determine the quality of the product and the speed at which it cooks.
Styling
For your microwave combo to become your new best friend, it has to perform well and also look good while doing it. Microwaves often feature sleek, classic styling that fits most modern schemes. And if you want something bright and bold, there’s probably a microwave combo out there for you.
Clever Technology
Think of all the convenience functions that you’d want if you were designing a microwave combo. What would you include? Microwaves have come a long way in their short history, and today’s machines are bordering on smart appliances (some are already equipped to talk to other devices like your smartphone). Many models can detect when food is cooked and shut off without human interaction. They can also sense when heat needs to be distributed and adjust accordingly. All this technology aside, the best thing we’ve encountered is the ability of a microwave to become the one-stop appliance for all your cooking needs.
Product Warranty
Warranties don’t tend to be as generous when it comes to convection microwave combos. Most manufacturers offered a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor. Whatever the reason for this shortened coverage, it is important for you to check this warranty duration as some are notably longer. The best warranty we encountered was a 3-year limited warranty with Cuisinart.
Brand Reliability
Toshiba and Farberware are brands that we know and love. It doesn’t mean that other brands aren’t as good, but tried and tested brands are hard to beat. Take a look at your home and count the products you already have by these brands; it’ll be more than you think. Have they done a great job for you? If they have, then there’s no reason why that new convection microwave combo also made by this brand shouldn’t perform.
FAQ
Can you use the convection setting solely without ever using the microwave setting?
Answer: We don’t recommend it. The reason it’s called a combo is that it is expected that at some point you will use the microwave function. It also may render your warranty invalid if the machine doesn’t get used as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. If you want a convection oven, our advice is to buy one for that sole purpose.
Does the exterior get hot?
No. Microwave combos are well vented and insulated to avoid the outer skin of the machine getting hot. That said, make sure that you have the microwave in a setting that allows it to be adequately vented. Read the manufacturer’s guidelines before use to satisfy yourself that you aren’t invalidating the warranty. If the unit does get hot, unplug immediately and report it to the necessary brand or outlet where you purchased it.
What is a limited warranty?
A limited warranty is a guarantee that the manufacturer will replace or repair the microwave within a given timescale; usually 1-year. Check your warranty to see what it covers as some will only include parts and labor. The magnetron may have an extended warranty, so it’s worth checking again.
Final Thoughts
First came the oven, then the microwave, and finally the convection microwave combo. Microwaves are evolving all the time, and so is the way we cook. As life gathers pace and shows no sign of getting less stressful, the appliances we surround ourselves with reflect our lifestyles.
We demand speed and convenience, but on our terms. That’s where the combo microwave comes in, as it offers the traditional cooking of an oven with the space-age technology of a microwave. As an appliance, it is the best symbol to reflect modern life.
While all of the models included in our list are sure to perform well, we’ve picked out favorite as the Cuisinart CMW-200 for its budget, reliability, and functions. It does everything that more expensive brands do but at a fraction of the cost, and it has sold in the thousands on Amazon. It has a 1.2 cu. ft. capacity oven, a convection feature,,and it looks great, and best of all, it has a 3-year limited warranty for peace of mind. What the Cuisinart proves is that you can have big ideas, and expectations of what you can get, even if you have a smaller budget.
