8 Best Countertop Microwave Convection Ovens 2026

Game-changing smart integration meets professional-grade cooking performance in the Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA, a microwave that redefines what’s possible on your countertop. With Power Convection technology, this unit circulates hot air up to 30% faster than standard models, drastically reducing cook times while ensuring even browning—ideal for busy households tired of soggy leftovers or unevenly baked dishes. The standout PowerGrill Duo feature delivers intense top-down heat, allowing you to sear steaks and crisp chicken skin without drying out the interior, solving a common flaw in combo microwaves. Add Air Fry mode, and you’ve eliminated the need for a second appliance, making this a true all-in-one powerhouse.

In real-world testing, the 1.2 cu. ft. cavity handled a 12-inch pizza with room to spare and roasted a whole chicken in under 45 minutes using convection mode—results were impressively golden and juicy. The SmartThings Food integration is where this model truly shines: scanning a barcode or selecting a recipe in the app auto-sets time, power, and mode, taking the guesswork out of cooking. During air frying, the fan and heating elements worked in harmony to produce crispy fries with zero oil, though dense foods like thick chicken breasts required an extra few minutes. It’s worth noting that the glass turntable limits basket placement, making it slightly less flexible than basket-based air fryers.

Positioned above basic combos but below full wall ovens, the Samsung competes most directly with the Toshiba ML2-STC13SAIT and Panasonic NN-CV87QS. While it lacks the Panasonic’s automated meal syncing, it offers superior grilling capability and deeper SmartThings ecosystem integration. It’s perfect for tech-savvy users who want voice-controlled, app-guided cooking without sacrificing convection performance. Compared to the Toshiba OptiChef, it trades some sensor precision for better browning and seamless Samsung ecosystem synergy.

Revolutionary inverter intelligence and cloud-powered AI cooking make the Toshiba OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT a top contender for the best overall countertop microwave convection oven. Its Origin Inverter technology ensures microwave energy is delivered continuously—not in bursts—resulting in juicier meats, fluffier rice, and zero cold spots, a persistent issue in budget models. The ChefFry Plus system uses a dedicated top fan and heating element to mimic a standalone air fryer, producing crispy wings and golden fries with up to 80% less oil. With a 1.3 cu. ft. interior, it fits a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken, making it ideal for families tired of cooking in batches.

During daily use, the AI-Chef Smart Microwave system consistently outperformed expectations: reheating pizza without sogginess, air frying frozen fries to perfection in 18 minutes, and baking moist salmon with convection. The intuitive humidity sensor adjusted cooking time dynamically, preventing overcooking even with variable food densities. Using the TSmartLife app, we launched recipes remotely and received firmware updates that added new presets—something unheard of in most appliances. However, the voice control response was occasionally delayed, and the app, while powerful, has a learning curve for less tech-inclined users.

When compared to the Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA, the OptiChef offers superior moisture retention and larger capacity, but lacks the Samsung’s intense grilling capability. Against the Panasonic NN-CV87QS, it delivers more responsive inverter cooking and better sensor accuracy, though with slightly less polished app automation. This is the ultimate pick for families who want smart, adaptive cooking with minimal effort. It delivers higher culinary precision than the Panasonic while offering more capacity and smarter sensors than the Samsung.

Unbeatable value packed into a compact frame, the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA proves you don’t need to spend big for versatile, multi-mode cooking. This 5-in-1 microwave combines microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast functions in a sleek 0.9 cu. ft. body, making it perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or anyone upgrading from a basic microwave. With 900 watts of power and 11 preset air fry menus, it crisps frozen nuggets and fries in under 20 minutes—no preheating needed. The Speedy Cooking feature, which adds 30 seconds with a single press, is a small but life-changing convenience for coffee reheats or quick snacks.

In testing, the air fry results were impressively crispy for a unit at this price—fries achieved a satisfying crunch, though thicker cuts like chicken thighs needed a flip midway. The combi mode (microwave + convection) reduced cooking time significantly: a frozen pizza cooked in 12 minutes with a crisp base and melted cheese. However, the small turntable (11.8″) limits larger dishes, and the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food without opening the door. While it lacks smart features or sensors, its 10 power levels and 7 auto menus offer surprising control for budget users.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers more cooking modes and better air fry presets, though with slightly less power. Against the Chefman MicroCrisp, it trades integrated crisping tech for broader versatility. This is the go-to for budget-conscious buyers who want maximum functionality under $200. It delivers more features than the GE and better preset variety than the Chefman, all in a compact, child-safe design.

Compact brilliance meets serious cooking power in the GE GCST10A1WSS, a budget-friendly convection microwave that punches far above its weight. With 1,050 watts and a 1.0 cu. ft. cavity, it delivers faster cooking than most entry-level models, making it ideal for singles, couples, or office kitchens. The air fry mode produces golden, low-oil results—fries and nuggets come out crispy without a separate appliance—while the built-in broiler adds a rare high-heat finish for searing fish or melting cheese. The elevated rack ensures hot air circulates evenly in convection mode, eliminating hotspots that plague cheaper models.

Real-world use confirmed its reliability: a frozen burrito heated evenly in 2 minutes, and air-fried mozzarella sticks achieved a perfect melt with a crunchy shell. The preset controls for Fries and Nuggets simplify cooking, though manual adjustments are sometimes needed for optimal results. The glass turntable promotes even cooking but limits basket-style air frying, and the broil mode takes longer than a full oven. Still, for its size and price, it handles most tasks with surprising competence.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it offers stronger broiling and better build quality, but fewer cooking modes. Against the Chefman MicroCrisp, it lacks a dedicated crisping function but wins on simplicity and durability. This is the best choice for those who want air fry and convection in a compact, no-frills design. It provides better broiling than the BLACK+DECKER and more consistent results than the Chefman, all at a competitive price.

Intelligent cooking intelligence takes center stage in the Toshiba B09HKPSRWW, a microwave that blends sensor precision with multi-functional versatility to deliver restaurant-quality results at home. Its Inverter technology ensures even defrosting and reheating, eliminating the rubbery edges and icy centers common in cheaper models. The built-in humidity sensor dynamically adjusts cooking time and power, so dishes like lasagna or chicken breast come out perfectly every time—no monitoring required. With 360° rapid heat circulation, the air fry mode produces golden, low-fat results rivaling standalone units.

In testing, the Speedy Combi mode (microwave + convection + grill) cut cooking time by nearly half: a frozen pizza was ready in 10 minutes with a crisp base and browned toppings. The 47-recipe cookbook and 27 auto menus made it easy for beginners to create gourmet meals, while the mute function kept nighttime use quiet. The 1.0 cu. ft. cavity fits most dishes, though large roasts required turntable removal. While the app connectivity is limited, the onboard AI more than compensates.

Compared to the Panasonic NN-CV87QS, it offers better sensor cooking and more manual control, though less app automation. Against the Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA, it lacks Wi-Fi voice control but delivers superior moisture retention. This is ideal for home chefs who want smart, sensor-driven cooking without ecosystem lock-in. It provides more precise cooking than the Panasonic and better texture control than the Samsung, all with a robust preset library.

Seamless app integration transforms the Panasonic NN-CV87QS into a true smart kitchen hub, where automated meal prep replaces guesswork with gourmet results. The Kitchen+ app offers hundreds of guided recipes that sync directly to the oven, automatically setting time, power, and cooking mode—ideal for users who want set-and-forget convenience. With FlashXpress Broiler, it delivers intense top heat in seconds, perfect for finishing casseroles or browning gratins, while the 1.2 cu. ft. cavity accommodates family-sized dishes. The Inverter technology ensures even cooking, and Genius sensors prevent overcooking, making it a reliable daily driver.

In practice, the app-guided meals were impressively accurate: a salmon fillet cooked to flaky perfection, and air-fried tofu came out crisp without drying. The Turbo Defrost function thawed chicken in under 5 minutes with no edge cooking. However, the app requires strong Wi-Fi, and offline use feels limited without full manual presets. The broil mode is fast but uneven on large items, and the turntable restricts pan size.

Compared to the Toshiba ML2-STC13SAIT, it offers better app automation but less AI adaptability. Against the Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA, it lacks voice control but excels in meal-guided precision. This is the top pick for families who want hands-off, app-driven cooking. It delivers more automated recipes than the Toshiba and smoother app sync than the Samsung, all with trusted Panasonic reliability.

Crispy results on demand define the Chefman MicroCrisp B0D5G3JYRK, a compact microwave engineered to eliminate soggy leftovers with its integrated convection crisper. Unlike standard models that rely on turntables and microwaves alone, this unit uses phase cooking—first heating with microwave energy, then crisping with 1800W convection heat—to revive fried chicken or cook raw poultry with a golden finish. The guided touchscreen interface simplifies operation, offering 6 preset menus that adjust time and power automatically, making it perfect for beginners or late-night snackers.

In real use, the micro-and-crisp function delivered on its promise: leftover pizza emerged with a crisp crust and melted cheese, and raw chicken wings cooked through with a satisfying crunch. The mute function is a standout for quiet homes, silencing alerts without losing functionality. However, the 0.8 cu. ft. cavity is tight—fitting only a 10-inch pizza—and the eco mode reduces power, slowing cooking. It lacks sensors or app support, limiting adaptability.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers better crisping but less capacity. Against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it wins on texture but loses on versatility. This is best for singles or couples who prioritize crispiness over size. It delivers crisper results than the GE and faster crisping than the BLACK+DECKER, all in a sleek, compact form.

Spacious performance defines the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), the largest-capacity model in this lineup, offering a 1.5 cu. ft. cavity and 13.6-inch position memory turntable that fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza with ease. This 4-in-1 microwave combines microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking seamlessly, making it a powerhouse for families or entertainers. The smart sensor menu auto-adjusts cooking for frozen pizza, veggies, and more, while pre-programmed auto roast and bake modes take the guesswork out of complex dishes. The stainless steel interior is easy to clean and resists stains.

During testing, it handled large meals effortlessly: a family-sized casserole cooked evenly in convection mode, and air-fried wings achieved uniform crispness. The memory function saved custom settings, and multi-stage cooking allowed defrost-to-cook sequences. However, its 21.77-inch width demands significant counter space, and the air fry results lag slightly behind basket-based units in crispness. The lack of app connectivity also limits smart functionality.

Compared to the Toshiba ML2-STC13SAIT, it offers larger capacity but less AI intelligence. Against the Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA, it wins on space but loses on grilling power. This is the top pick for large households needing maximum cooking volume. It provides more space than the OptiChef and better family scaling than the Samsung, all with reliable sensor cooking.