Tired of cluttered countertops and juggling multiple appliances? Imagine a single device that can toast your bagels golden brown, bake a small batch of cookies, and reheat leftovers in a flash. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that dream might be closer than you think, thanks to the magic of the microwave toaster oven combo.
In today’s busy kitchens, space is often at a premium. You might love the convenience of a microwave but also crave the crispiness a toaster oven delivers. The problem? Finding the perfect blend of both can feel like a treasure hunt. With so many features and brands out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder which one will truly be your kitchen’s best friend.
But don’t worry! This post is here to guide you through the exciting world of microwave toaster oven combos. We’ll break down what makes these appliances so great, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to pick the one that best fits your cooking needs and kitchen style. Get ready to discover how one smart appliance can revolutionize your cooking routine!
Our Top 5 Microwave Toaster Oven Combo Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Toaster Oven Combo Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) A is an 8-in-1 countertop microwave that does more than just heat food. It can air fry, bake with convection, broil, and even has a special odor removal mode. Its sleek black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen. This microwave is designed to be a versatile kitchen helper.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and more.
- The healthy air fry feature lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output for quick cooking.
- The 12.4-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn and a mute function make it easy to use.
- A two-step child lock keeps little hands safe.
- The position memory turntable ensures your food cooks evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the child lock might be a bit tricky to follow at first.
- While it’s compact, some might wish for a larger interior capacity for very big meals.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven offers a lot of cooking options in one convenient appliance. It’s a great addition for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, your new kitchen sidekick! This countertop appliance is a true multitasker, handling everything from reheating leftovers to whipping up crispy fried treats. Its sleek stainless steel design fits right in on any counter. With 900 watts of power, it makes cooking quick and easy for busy families.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It’s not just a microwave! You can also air fry, grill, bake, and roast.
- Smart Cooking Options: It has 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and pizza, plus 11 air fry presets for things like chicken wings and fries.
- Easy to Use: Get cooking fast with a simple start button that cooks at full power for 30 seconds at a time.
- Safety First: The child-lock feature keeps curious little ones from changing settings.
- Compact Size: At 0.9 cubic feet, it’s great for smaller kitchens.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: With so many functions, it might take a little time to learn all the settings.
- Capacity: For larger families or big meals, the 0.9 cubic feet size might feel a bit small.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven offers a lot of cooking power and versatility in a compact package. It’s a great addition for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, your new kitchen hero! This silver appliance, model ML-EC42P(SS), is more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking powerhouse. It lets you microwave, air fry, use convection heat, or combine microwave and convection for amazing results. Imagine crispy, healthy fries or perfectly roasted chicken, all from one smart appliance.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: It’s a 4-in-1, so you can microwave, air fry, use convection, and even combine cooking methods.
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy your favorite fried foods with less fat, keeping that delicious taste.
- Better Food Texture: The combination of microwave and convection cooking helps create better textures, with helpful auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting.
- Large Capacity: The 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, perfect for families.
- Stylish and Easy to Clean: It has a sleek stainless steel finish and a stainless steel interior that’s simple to wipe down.
- Convenient Features: Enjoy one-touch popcorn, a memory function, speedy cooking, and a handy mute button to turn off the buzzer.
- Smart Sensor Menus: These pre-programmed menus help you get the best results for popular foods.
What Could Be Improved:
- External Dimensions: While it has a large interior, the external size might be a consideration for very small kitchens.
- Color Detail: The door frame is stainless steel, but the enclosure is black, which might not match all kitchen decors perfectly.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one stylish package.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the GE GCST10A1WSS, a 4-in-1 microwave that does so much more than just heat up leftovers. This stainless steel appliance is a game-changer for any kitchen, dorm room, or office. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a broiler, and a convection oven all rolled into one compact unit. With 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity, it’s designed to fit your space without sacrificing performance.
What We Like:
- Versatile Cooking: The built-in air fryer lets you make crispy foods faster and healthier. The convection mode cooks evenly with a special rack. The broiler sears and caramelizes food perfectly, just like a grill.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock feature keeps little hands from accidentally starting the oven. You can turn it off if you don’t need it.
- Easy to Use: Preset controls for popular items like fries and nuggets make cooking simple and precise.
- Space-Saving Design: It’s compact but powerful, making it ideal for dorm rooms, small kitchens, or even the office.
- Even Cooking: The glass turntable rotates your food, ensuring everything is cooked thoroughly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer about specific cooking times for less common items.
- While compact, the interior might feel a bit small for very large dishes.
This GE microwave is a fantastic addition for anyone seeking convenience and multiple cooking functions in a single appliance. It simplifies meal preparation and offers a wide range of cooking options.
5. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave
Rating: 9.1/10
The Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection Oven in Brushed Stainless Steel is a game-changer for your kitchen. This appliance does it all, from crisping up fries to baking delicious brownies and defrosting your favorite meals. It’s designed to make cooking easier and faster.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, and convection oven.
- The Element IQ system smartly directs power for perfect cooking results.
- Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen functions help you cook meals quickly.
- The Power Smoothing Inverter provides even power for precise cooking and reheating.
- Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost presets simplify cooking.
- It operates quietly with a soft-close door, making it less disruptive.
- Convenient shortcuts and one-touch auto settings are available.
- It comes with useful accessories like a Combi Crisp Pan and Trivet.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large capacity (1.1 cu.ft/32L) might take up significant counter space.
- While versatile, mastering all three functions might require some practice.
This Breville Combi Wave is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering incredible versatility and convenience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Next Kitchen Workhorse
So, you’re thinking about getting a microwave toaster oven combo? That’s a smart move! These gadgets pack a punch, giving you the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of a toaster oven. Let’s dive into what makes a good one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important things:
- Multiple Cooking Functions: The best combos don’t just microwave and toast. Look for convection bake, broil, and maybe even air fry. This means you can roast chicken, bake cookies, and get crispy fries all in one appliance.
- Capacity: How much food do you usually cook? Combos come in different sizes. A smaller one is great for singles or couples. A larger one can handle a whole chicken or a small pizza, perfect for families.
- Power (Wattage): Higher wattage usually means faster cooking. For microwaves, 1000 watts or more is good. For toaster ovens, higher wattage helps with browning and crisping.
- Ease of Cleaning: Nobody likes scrubbing. Look for non-stick interiors and removable crumb trays. Some even have self-cleaning features.
- User-Friendly Controls: Simple buttons and a clear display make life easier. Digital controls with presets for common foods are a big plus.
- Safety Features: Auto shut-off and cool-touch exteriors are important for peace of mind, especially if you have kids or pets.
Important Materials
The stuff your combo is made of matters for how well it works and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice for the interior and exterior. It’s durable, easy to clean, and looks good in any kitchen.
- Tempered Glass: The door window is usually made of tempered glass. It needs to be strong and able to handle heat.
- Non-Stick Coatings: Inside the oven, a good non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one combo stand out from another?
Things That Make It Better:
- Even Heating: A good combo heats your food evenly, whether you’re microwaving leftovers or toasting bread. Hot spots can be frustrating.
- Consistent Results: You want your toast to be the same shade every time, and your baked goods to cook through properly.
- Durability: A well-built appliance will last for years. Check reviews to see what other people say about how long their units lasted.
- Quiet Operation: Some microwaves can be noisy. A quieter model is a nice bonus.
Things That Can Make It Worse:
- Flimsy Construction: If the appliance feels cheap or wobbly, it might not last long.
- Difficult Controls: Overly complicated buttons or unclear settings can make using it a hassle.
- Poor Heating: If your food is still cold in the middle after microwaving or burnt on the outside while raw inside after toasting, the quality is low.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your combo.
Everyday Convenience:
These combos are perfect for reheating leftovers quickly. They also toast bread, bagels, and English muffins perfectly. You can even melt butter or warm up a mug of cocoa.
Beyond the Basics:
If your combo has convection, you can bake small batches of cookies or roast a few chicken wings. Broiling is great for melting cheese on toast or browning the top of a casserole. Some models can even handle small pizzas or frozen dinners.
Saving Space:
For smaller kitchens or dorm rooms, a combo unit is a lifesaver. It replaces two appliances, freeing up counter space.
Quick Meals:
Need a quick lunch? Pop a frozen burrito in the microwave, then crisp it up in the toaster oven setting. It’s faster than using two separate appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a microwave toaster oven combo?
A: It’s a kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a microwave oven and a toaster oven into one unit.
Q: Can I bake and microwave at the same time?
A: Generally, no. You’ll typically use one function at a time, but some advanced models might have dual cooking options.
Q: How do I clean a microwave toaster oven combo?
A: Most have removable crumb trays and non-stick interiors. Wipe down the inside with a damp cloth and mild soap. Always unplug the unit before cleaning.
Q: Are they energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than using separate appliances, especially if you’re only cooking small portions.
Q: What size should I get?
A: Consider how much food you typically prepare and how much counter space you have. Smaller units are for 1-2 people, larger ones for families.
Q: Do they cook food evenly?
A: Most good quality combos cook food evenly. Look for features like convection fans which help distribute heat for more even cooking.
Q: Can I put metal in the microwave part?
A: Never put metal in the microwave section. It can cause sparks and damage the appliance. You can use metal in the toaster oven or convection sections if the manual allows.
Q: What are the most common cooking functions?
A: Microwave, toast, bake, and broil are the most common. Many also include convection and sometimes air frying.
Q: Are they good for small kitchens?
A: Yes, they are excellent for small kitchens because they save counter space by combining two appliances into one.
Q: Where can I find reviews?
A: You can find reviews on retailer websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and also on product review blogs and YouTube channels.
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.