Imagine a kitchen gadget that can bake your favorite cookies to golden perfection, roast a chicken until it’s juicy, and still reheat your leftovers in a flash. Sounds like magic, right? Well, it’s not! It’s the amazing power of a Rated Convection Microwave, and if you’re looking to upgrade your cooking game, this is the appliance you need.
But let’s be honest, choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. So many brands, so many features, and trying to figure out what “rated convection” actually means can leave you scratching your head. You want something that cooks well, is easy to use, and fits your budget, but sifting through all the information can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’re here! This post will break down exactly what makes a convection microwave “rated” and guide you through the important things to look for. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect and feel confident picking the perfect convection microwave for your kitchen adventures.
Our Top 5 Rated Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Convection Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven. This sleek black stainless steel appliance is more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking powerhouse. It can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and even has special modes for low temperature cooking and odor removal. Its compact size fits easily on your counter, but it boasts a generous 1.0 cu.ft. capacity, fitting a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. Plus, the 12.4-inch position memory turntable ensures your food cooks evenly every time.
What We Like:
- 8-in-1 functionality: It does so much more than just microwave! You can air fry for healthier meals, bake with convection, or broil for that perfect crisp.
- Healthy Air Fryer: Enjoy guilt-free “fried” foods that taste great but use less fat.
- Compact yet spacious: It doesn’t take up too much counter space but can still fit large items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Position Memory Turntable: This smart feature remembers where your food was on the plate, so it stays put when the turntable stops.
- Child Lock: A great safety feature to keep little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Stylish design: The black stainless steel looks modern and is easy to clean inside and out.
- Convenience features: One-touch popcorn, easy knobs, and a mute function make cooking simple and user-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Two-Step Child Lock” requires following specific steps to open, which might be a small learning curve initially.
This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both convenience and healthy cooking options. It’s a smart choice for busy households 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 versatile kitchen helper. It can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and even use convection cooking. This countertop appliance is made of stainless steel and has a 0.9 cubic foot capacity. It’s powered by 900 watts and includes a child lock for safety.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can cook in many ways.
- 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 full power instantly for 30 seconds.
- The child lock feature keeps little ones from accidentally changing settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cubic foot size might be a bit small for larger families or big meals.
- Some users might find the 11 air fry presets a little limited if they cook unusual items.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers a lot of cooking options in one compact machine. It’s a great way to save counter space and try new cooking methods.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven is a versatile countertop appliance that packs a lot of cooking power into a compact stainless steel design. It’s ideal for smaller spaces like dorm rooms or offices, but it doesn’t skimp on features. This microwave can handle everything from reheating leftovers to air frying your favorite snacks.
What We Like:
- It’s compact but still offers a good 1.0 cubic foot capacity, perfect for small kitchens or dorms.
- The 1050-watt power makes cooking fast and efficient.
- The air fry mode lets you make crispy, healthier versions of foods.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly with its circulating hot air.
- The broil mode adds a nice char and finish to foods, just like a grill.
- Preset controls for things like fries and nuggets make cooking simple.
- The glass turntable ensures your food cooks evenly all the way through.
- The child lock feature is a great safety addition for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many functions, some users might find the learning curve for all the modes a bit steep.
- The crisper pan is included, but a separate accessory might be needed for optimal air frying results for some recipes.
This GE microwave oven is a fantastic all-in-one solution for anyone looking to save space without sacrificing cooking versatility. It truly offers a lot of bang for your buck.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(SS) is a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, and a combination cooker all in one! This means you can cook healthier fried foods, bake cakes, roast chicken, and even use smart sensor menus for perfect results on your favorite meals. Its large capacity and stylish stainless steel finish make it a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and better food textures.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combo cooking.
- You can make healthier “fried” foods with less fat.
- It offers better food textures with microwave and convection combined.
- It has auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting, plus sensor menus for popular foods.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It has a stylish stainless steel look.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying buzzer.
- It has helpful features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and speedy cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The enclosure is black, even though the door frame is stainless steel, which might not match all kitchens.
This Toshiba air fryer microwave combo is a fantastic appliance for busy families who want healthier, tastier meals with less fuss.
5. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 9.0/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection, and Bake Modes is a versatile kitchen helper. It offers a lot of cooking options in one appliance. This stainless steel microwave can handle big meals with its 1.5 cubic feet of space. It’s designed to make cooking easier and more fun.
What We Like:
- It’s a 6-in-1 oven, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and more. This gives you many ways to cook your food.
- The air fry mode lets you cook crispy foods with less oil, making them healthier.
- Its large 1.5 cubic feet capacity fits big dishes and has a 13.6-inch turntable.
- The sensor reheat mode keeps leftovers tasting fresh.
- The 300 CFM vent fan is strong and has two speeds to clear smoke and smells from your kitchen.
- An LED light shines on your stovetop for better visibility.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the 900 watts of power slightly less powerful than other high-end microwaves.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great addition to any kitchen. It offers many cooking features in one convenient unit.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Convection Microwave
A convection microwave is a kitchen superhero. It can bake, roast, and microwave food. This makes it a super versatile appliance. Let’s find the perfect one for your kitchen!
Why Choose a Convection Microwave?
Unlike regular microwaves that just heat food with waves, convection microwaves have a fan. This fan circulates hot air. This cooks food evenly and gives it a crispy texture. You can roast chicken, bake cookies, and reheat leftovers all in one machine.
Key Features to Look For
1. Convection Cooking Power
This is the most important part. Look for a microwave with at least 1000 watts for microwave power. For convection, check the temperature range. Most convection microwaves go up to 400-450°F (200-230°C). A wider range is better for more cooking options.
2. Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Small ones are good for one or two people. Larger ones work well for families or if you like to cook bigger meals. Think about how much food you usually make.
3. Size and Dimensions
Measure your counter space before you buy. Make sure the microwave will fit. Also, check the interior space. Will your favorite baking dish fit inside?
4. Special Cooking Modes
Many convection microwaves have special buttons. These can be for things like popcorn, pizza, or defrosting. Some even have pre-programmed recipes. These make cooking easier.
5. Turntable or No Turntable
A turntable helps cook food evenly. Most microwaves have one. Some newer models have a flat bottom. This gives you more usable space for larger dishes.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Look for a microwave with a non-stick interior. This makes wiping up spills much easier. Removable turntables are also helpful for cleaning.
Important Materials
The inside of a convection microwave is usually made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is durable and looks sleek. Painted metal is more affordable. The outside can be stainless steel, plastic, or a mix. Stainless steel is generally more robust.
What Makes a Convection Microwave Great (or Not So Great)?
Quality Boosters:
- Even Heating: A good convection fan circulates air well. This ensures your food cooks evenly.
- Precise Temperature Control: Being able to set exact temperatures for baking is a big plus.
- Durable Build: Sturdy materials and a well-made door contribute to longevity.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and a clear display make using the microwave simple.
Quality Reducers:
- Uneven Cooking: If the fan isn’t strong or the design is poor, hot spots can form.
- Flimsy Construction: Thin metal or cheap plastic parts can break easily.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or a hard-to-read screen can be frustrating.
- Poor Insulation: If the outside of the microwave gets too hot during convection cooking, it’s a safety concern.
User Experience and Use Cases
A convection microwave is perfect for busy people. You can make a quick microwave meal one minute and bake a cake the next. It’s great for small kitchens where you don’t have room for a separate oven and microwave. Families can use it for weeknight dinners and weekend baking projects. Students can enjoy healthier, home-cooked meals instead of just instant noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave uses microwaves AND a fan to circulate hot air, which bakes and roasts food.
Q: Can I bake in a convection microwave?
A: Yes! Convection microwaves are excellent for baking cakes, cookies, and pastries.
Q: How do I clean a convection microwave?
A: Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Most turntables are dishwasher safe. Always unplug the microwave before cleaning.
Q: Is convection cooking faster than a regular oven?
A: Often, yes! The circulating hot air cooks food more quickly and evenly.
Q: What size convection microwave do I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for and what types of dishes you make. Small families might need 1.0-1.5 cubic feet, while larger families or entertainers might prefer 2.0 cubic feet or more.
Q: Do I need to use special cookware in a convection microwave?
A: For microwave cooking, use microwave-safe dishes. For convection cooking, you can use oven-safe dishes like glass, ceramic, and metal pans, similar to a regular oven.
Q: How hot does the outside of the microwave get?
A: The outside can get warm, especially during convection cooking. However, it should not be so hot that you can’t touch it briefly.
Q: Are convection microwaves energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy-efficient than a large, traditional oven for smaller cooking tasks because they heat up faster and cook more quickly.
Q: Can I use both microwave and convection functions at the same time?
A: Some models allow you to combine microwave and convection cooking. This can speed up cooking times even further.
Q: What is the warranty typically like for a convection microwave?
A: Warranties vary by brand and model, but typically range from one to two years for parts and labor.
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.