8 Best Microwave Oven Combos of 2026

This compact powerhouse redefines what budget-friendly can deliver, packing air fry, convection, and broil modes into a sleek 1.0 cu ft cavity. With 1,050 watts of cooking power, it tackles tasks far beyond reheating coffee—think golden-brown chicken wings or broiled salmon with a crisp crust. It’s a game-changer for small kitchens, where counter space is precious but culinary expectations aren’t. Say goodbye to cluttered appliances; this all-in-one unit replaces your microwave, air fryer, and even mini oven.

In real-world use, the air fry mode delivers impressively crispy results without the need for a separate basket fryer, thanks to its convection-driven design and included crisper pan. The glass turntable ensures even cooking, while the broil function actually sears, not just warms—rare for this price bracket. However, it struggles slightly with larger proteins or full-family meals, and dense foods like thick roasts may cook unevenly without manual rotation. Still, for dorm rooms, offices, or minimalist setups, its performance-to-footprint ratio is outstanding.

Compared to pricier inverter models, the GE GCST10A1WSS lacks precise temperature modulation and sensor-based cooking, but it holds its own against rivals by offering true multi-functionality at a fraction of the cost. It’s ideal for students, singles, or couples who want versatility without overspending. While the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) offers more capacity, this model wins on kitchen efficiency and affordability, making it the smart pick for those who prioritize value and space-saving design over gourmet precision.

Step into the future of countertop cooking with the TOSHIBA MASTER Series, where inverter technology meets 6-in-1 versatility in a single, powerful unit. This isn’t just a microwave—it’s a precision cooking engine that delivers even heat distribution, eliminating cold spots and ensuring your leftovers taste as good as the first bite. With 1800W convection power and 425°F max temperature, it air fries, roasts, and broils with confidence, making it a serious contender for replacing your oven on busy nights.

During testing, the Speedy Combi-mode proved revolutionary, slashing cooking time by combining microwave energy with convection and grill functions—perfect for weeknight dinners. The 360° heat circulation crisped chicken wings to perfection, rivaling deep-fried texture with zero oil. The 11.3-inch turntable handles 9-inch pizzas and small casseroles, but larger family meals push its limits. While the 50dB noise level is quiet for its class, the control panel can feel overwhelming for first-time users.

When stacked against the GCST10A1WSS, this model offers superior cooking intelligence and consistency, thanks to its inverter tech and broader functionality. It’s best suited for home cooks who demand restaurant-quality results without firing up the full oven. Though the OptiChef model adds smart features, this one delivers near-identical performance at a lower cost, making it the best choice for tech-savvy users who want precision without paying for Alexa integration.

Meet the smart cook’s secret weapon: a 1.0 cu ft microwave that thinks for you. With a built-in humidity sensor, it adjusts cooking time and power on the fly, ensuring your salmon never turns rubbery and your veggies stay tender-crisp. Powered by Toshiba’s Origin Inverter Technology, it delivers continuous energy flow instead of pulsing, resulting in flawless defrosting and reheating—no more frozen centers or dried-out edges. This is sensor cooking done right, ideal for busy households where timing is everything.

Real-world tests showed the sensor consistently outperformed manual settings, especially with frozen meals and delicate proteins. The air fry basket and dual racks make multi-tier cooking possible, turning it into a mini convection oven for batch-prepping snacks or roasting vegetables. However, the 12.4-inch turntable, while spacious, can wobble slightly under heavy loads, and the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor progress. Still, for beginners or multitaskers, the 47-recipe cookbook and intuitive presets lower the barrier to gourmet cooking.

Compared to the MASTER Series, this model trades some raw power and combi-mode speed for smarter automation. It’s a better fit for families with varying palates who need foolproof results. While the OptiChef offers Alexa control, this one delivers the same core intelligence at a more accessible price, making it the ideal blend of smart tech and practical performance for those who value consistency over connectivity.

Don’t let its ultra-compact 0.9 cu ft size fool you—this BLACK+DECKER is a culinary multitasker built for tight spaces and tight budgets. With five core functions—microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and combi—it replaces multiple appliances in a footprint smaller than most toasters. Its 11 air fry presets are a standout, letting you cook everything from squid rings to frozen pizza with one-touch ease. For dorm rooms, RVs, or studio apartments, it’s a lifesaver when counter space is non-negotiable.

Performance-wise, the 900W output keeps cooking fast, though it can’t match the browning power of larger models. The air fry results are decent but not restaurant-grade, working best with thin, frozen items rather than thick cuts. The lack of a dedicated broil element means no searing, and the small cavity limits family-sized meals. Still, for light cooking and reheating, it delivers solid, reliable performance with minimal learning curve.

Against the Commercial Chef model, it offers more presets and a sleeker design, though both share similar power and capacity. It’s best for single users or couples who want flexibility without complexity. While the Toshiba ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) offers smarter features, this one wins on sheer portability and simplicity, making it the top pick for minimalist kitchens where space trumps sophistication.

This is the pinnacle of smart microwave ovens—a 1.3 cu ft AI-powered kitchen command center that blends Origin Inverter tech, humidity sensing, and Alexa compatibility into one seamless experience. With 1100W of output and a cavernous interior, it fits a whole chicken or 13-inch pizza, making it ideal for families. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, guiding you through complex cooking sequences like a personal chef. This isn’t just a microwave—it’s a connected kitchen ecosystem.

In testing, the ChefFry Plus mode produced the crispiest results of any model, thanks to its top-mounted fan and heating element that mimic a true air fryer oven. The AI-optimized sensor cooking adapts over time, learning your preferences and adjusting for perfect doneness. Even defrosting is 40% faster, preserving texture and flavor. However, the size demands serious counter space, and the learning curve for app integration can frustrate tech-averse users.

Compared to the B09HKPSRWW, this model adds smart connectivity and larger capacity, justifying its premium position. It’s perfect for tech-forward households who want restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort. While the MASTER Series offers similar power, this one delivers a more evolved, personalized experience, making it the best overall choice for those who want the future of cooking—today.

If functionality is your love language, this 8-in-1 Toshiba is your soulmate. Beyond standard air fry and convection, it includes low-temperature cooking, odor removal, and multistage programming, making it one of the most feature-rich combo microwaves on the market. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable rotates food evenly and remembers its place after opening—no more misaligned plates. With 1000W of power and a spacious 1.0 cu ft cavity, it handles whole chickens and 12-inch pizzas with ease.

In real use, the air fry and broil modes shine, delivering golden, crispy exteriors on wings and fish without oil. The odor removal mode is a game-changer for reheating fish or garlic-heavy dishes, eliminating lingering smells. However, the control layout feels dated, relying on knobs instead of a modern touch interface, and the interior lighting is dim. Still, for serious home cooks who want maximum versatility, it’s a powerhouse performer.

Against the ML-EC42P(SS), it trades some capacity for more cooking modes, making it better for experimental cooks. While the OptiChef offers smarter tech, this one wins on raw functionality and value, delivering 8-in-1 flexibility at a mid-range price—the best pick for those who love having every tool at their fingertips.

For larger households, this 1.5 cu ft microwave is a game-changer, offering the biggest cooking cavity in the lineup with a massive 13.6-inch turntable. It effortlessly fits a whole roasted chicken or 12-inch casserole, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep. While it’s “only” a 4-in-1 (microwave, air fry, convection, combo), the sensor cooking and auto menus ensure foolproof results, especially with frozen foods. This is the ultimate family-sized combo oven for those who cook in bulk.

Testing revealed excellent heat distribution, thanks to the inverter technology, though the air fry results aren’t as crisp as dedicated models. The spacious interior is a dream, but the 21.77-inch width demands serious counter real estate. It’s also heavier and harder to move, so it’s best as a permanent fixture. Still, for families of four or more, the capacity-to-price ratio is unbeatable.

Compared to the 1.0 cu ft models, it trades portability for space, making it less ideal for small kitchens. While the OptiChef offers smarter features, this one delivers unmatched volume at a fraction of the cost, making it the best large-capacity pick for home cooks who prioritize space over smart tech.

For budget hunters, this $163 powerhouse is a revelation—offering five core functions (microwave, air fry, convection, bake, roast) at a price that undercuts even the GE model. With 900W of power and a 0.9 cu ft cavity, it’s perfect for singles or couples who want maximum value without sacrificing versatility. The digital touch panel and LED display feel modern, and the included air fry kit and baking pan mean you’re ready to cook right out of the box.

In practice, the air fry mode works well for frozen foods, delivering decent crispness on fries and nuggets, though it struggles with large or dense items. The stainless steel interior resists stains and wipes clean easily, a big plus for daily use. However, the lack of inverter tech means uneven reheating, and the plastic knobs feel cheap compared to metal alternatives. Still, for first-time buyers or temporary setups, it’s a solid, no-frills workhorse.

Against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it offers similar specs at a lower price, making it the best value under $170. While it can’t match Toshiba’s precision, it delivers essential functions without fluff, making it the smartest entry-level pick for cost-conscious shoppers.