Tired of juggling multiple kitchen appliances? Imagine a single device that can toast your bread, bake a cake, and reheat leftovers in a flash. That’s the magic of a convection microwave! But with so many models out there, choosing the perfect one can feel like navigating a maze. You want something that cooks food evenly, saves you time, and fits your budget, but figuring out which convection microwave actually does all that is tough.
In this post, we’re diving deep into the world of convection microwaves. We’ll break down what makes them special, what features really matter, and how to avoid common pitfalls when shopping. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for, making your decision much easier and helping you find a kitchen helper that will transform your cooking.
Let’s explore how a convection microwave can upgrade your kitchen and simplify your life!
Our Top 5 Convection Microwave Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Convection Microwave Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML2-EC10SA(BS) A, is a versatile kitchen appliance that offers a lot of cooking options in one compact unit. It’s designed to fit easily on your countertop while providing the power and features you need for everyday meals and more adventurous cooking.
What We Like:
- 8-in-1 Versatility: It’s not just a microwave; it can also air fry, bake with convection, broil, and has special modes for low-temperature cooking and odor removal. This means you can make many different types of food.
- Healthy Air Frying: You can enjoy crispy, fried foods with less oil, making your meals healthier.
- Powerful Performance: With 1000 watts of microwave power, it heats and cooks food quickly.
- Smart Design: The 12.4-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. It also has a position memory feature so your food always lands in the right spot when it stops.
- User-Friendly Features: It includes one-touch buttons for popcorn, easy-to-use knobs, and a clock and timer. The mute function is a nice touch.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock prevents accidental use, keeping your little ones safe.
- Stylish Look: The black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen, and the stainless steel interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: With so many functions, it might take a little time to learn how to use all of them perfectly.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a blend of convenience, healthy cooking options, and a stylish design.
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 do more than just heat up leftovers. This countertop appliance can air fry, grill, bake, roast, and microwave your food. Its stainless steel finish looks nice on any counter. It’s also a compact 0.9 cubic feet, so it won’t take up too much space. This microwave has 900 watts of power, which means it cooks quickly.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can cook in many ways.
- It has 10 cooking levels, including helpful auto menus for things like popcorn and pizza.
- The air fryer has 11 presets for easy cooking of popular foods like fries and chicken wings.
- It cooks food fast with a simple start button.
- The child-lock feature keeps little ones from changing settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be too small for larger families or big meals.
- While it has many functions, learning all the different cooking modes could take some time.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a great addition to any kitchen for its many cooking options and user-friendly features. It makes preparing a variety of meals much easier.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave oven that’s ready to tackle your kitchen needs. It’s a powerful 1,050-watt appliance with a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, all wrapped up in a sleek stainless steel finish. This versatile machine isn’t just a microwave; it’s also an air fryer, broiler, and convection oven, making it a true kitchen multitasker.
What We Like:
- Air Fry Mode: Enjoy healthier, crispy foods cooked faster.
- Convection Mode: Get perfectly golden-brown results with even heat circulation.
- Broil Mode: Sear and caramelize food like a pro, right in your microwave.
- Preset Controls: Easily cook popular items like fries and nuggets with simple touch controls.
- Compact Yet Powerful: It fits easily on countertops or in dorm rooms without sacrificing power.
- Two-Step Child Lock: Keep little hands safe with this important safety feature.
- Glass Turntable: Ensures your food cooks evenly every time.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be more detailed for advanced cooking modes.
- While compact, the 1.0 cu. ft. capacity might be limiting for very large meals.
This GE microwave oven offers a fantastic range of cooking options in one convenient package. It’s a smart addition for anyone looking to expand their cooking capabilities with a single, reliable appliance.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven. This kitchen helper is more than just a microwave. It can also air fry, bake with convection, and even combine microwave and convection cooking. This means you can cook a lot of different foods with just one appliance. It’s designed to make cooking healthier and easier for your family.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combination cooking. This makes it super versatile.
- You can enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fryer function. It uses less fat to give you that classic fried taste.
- The convection cooking and microwave work together for better food texture. It has auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting, plus sensor menus for popular foods like pizza and veggies.
- It has a large capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable. This is big enough to fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- The black stainless steel finish looks stylish on any countertop. The inside is also stainless steel, which is easy to clean.
- It comes with helpful features like one-touch popcorn, a memory function, speedy cooking, and a kitchen timer.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying buzzer by holding the “8” button.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
- While it has many features, learning to use all the combination cooking options might take a little practice.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo offers a lot of cooking power and convenience in one sleek package. It’s a solid choice for busy households looking to simplify meal preparation.
5. TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo
Rating: 9.1/10
Say hello to the TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, your new kitchen superhero! This 1.0 cu.ft appliance does it all, from microwaving and air frying to convection baking and broiling. It’s designed to save space and make cooking easier for everyone.
What We Like:
- Super versatile: It’s a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster, toaster, and even makes yogurt.
- Smart cooking: The humidity sensor and inverter technology ensure your food cooks evenly without cold spots.
- Healthier frying: Enjoy crispy foods with less oil thanks to the 360° rapid heat circulation.
- Fast cooking: Speedy Combi-modes combine microwave, convection, and grill power to save you time.
- Easy to cook: Comes with a recipe book and plenty of auto menus to help you make delicious meals.
- Quiet operation: The mute function lets you cook without the noise.
What Could Be Improved:
- The external dimensions might be a bit large for very small countertops.
- Learning all the functions might take a little practice for some users.
This TOSHIBA microwave combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one convenient appliance. It’s a great way to simplify your cooking and enjoy delicious, healthier meals.
Convection Microwaves: Your Kitchen’s New Best Friend
Are you tired of a microwave that only heats up leftovers? A convection microwave can do so much more! It’s like having a mini oven built right into your microwave. This guide will help you pick the best one for your kitchen.
What Makes a Convection Microwave Special?
A convection microwave has a fan. This fan blows hot air around. It cooks food evenly and makes it crispy. Regular microwaves use invisible waves to cook. Convection microwaves use both waves and hot air. This means you can bake, roast, and grill with it!
Key Features to Look For
1. Capacity
- Think about how much food you cook.
- Small families might need 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet.
- Larger families or those who entertain might want 1.5 cubic feet or more.
2. Wattage
- Higher wattage means faster cooking.
- Most convection microwaves range from 900 to 1200 watts.
- Look for at least 1000 watts for good performance.
3. Convection Settings
- Check for different temperature options.
- Some have pre-set cooking programs for common foods.
- Variable fan speeds can also be helpful.
4. Grill Function
- A grill feature adds browning and crispiness to food.
- It’s great for making grilled cheese or toasting.
5. Turntable or No Turntable
- Most have a turntable that spins food. This cooks it evenly.
- Some newer models have flatbeds. These give you more space and are easier to clean.
6. Ease of Use and Cleaning
- Look for clear buttons and a simple display.
- A stainless steel interior is usually easier to wipe clean than plastic.
- Some have a self-cleaning function.
Important Materials
Most convection microwaves have an outer casing made of painted steel. The inside is often stainless steel. This helps with durability and heat distribution. Some models might have glass doors with a stainless steel trim. A good quality glass door is important for seeing your food as it cooks.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Convection Microwave Better?
- Build Quality: A sturdy build means it will last longer.
- Even Cooking: The fan should circulate air well.
- User Interface: Easy-to-use controls make cooking simple.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have better customer service and product reliability.
What Can Make it Less Good?
- Cheap Materials: Plastic parts can break easily.
- Poor Air Circulation: This leads to uneven cooking.
- Complicated Controls: Frustrating to use.
- Lack of Features: Not enough cooking options.
User Experience and Use Cases
A convection microwave is a versatile appliance. You can use it for everyday tasks like reheating. But it also shines when you want to bake cookies, roast a chicken, or toast bread. It’s perfect for small kitchens where a full oven might not fit. It’s also great for dorm rooms or apartments. You can cook a whole meal in one appliance.
Imagine baking a cake, then using the microwave function to reheat pizza. Or roasting vegetables until they are perfectly tender. This appliance makes cooking faster and more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a microwave and a convection microwave?
A: A regular microwave uses microwaves to heat food. A convection microwave also has a fan that blows hot air, like a small oven. This allows it to bake, roast, and grill food.
Q: Can I bake cakes in a convection microwave?
A: Yes! The convection feature allows you to bake cakes, cookies, and other baked goods evenly.
Q: Is a convection microwave energy efficient?
A: Yes, they can be more energy efficient than a full-sized oven for smaller tasks. They heat up faster and cook food quicker.
Q: How do I clean a convection microwave?
A: You can usually wipe the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Stainless steel interiors are easy to clean. Always unplug the appliance before cleaning.
Q: What size convection microwave do I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for. Smaller households might be fine with a smaller capacity, while larger families will need a bigger one.
Q: Do I need to use special cookware?
A: For the microwave function, use microwave-safe dishes. For the convection function, you can use oven-safe cookware like glass, ceramic, or metal pans.
Q: Can I use both microwave and convection at the same time?
A: Some models offer combination cooking. This means you can use both functions together for faster, crispier results.
Q: Are convection microwaves safe?
A: Yes, they are safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the door is properly closed before operating.
Q: How long do convection microwaves typically last?
A: With proper care, a good quality convection microwave can last 5-10 years or even longer.
Q: What are some common foods to cook in a convection microwave?
A: You can reheat leftovers, bake cookies, roast chicken or vegetables, grill sandwiches, and toast bread.
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.