8 Best Countertop Microwave Convection Oven Combos 2026

This Toshiba Combi Microwave redefines versatility with its 10 power levels, humidity-sensing smart tech, and 360° rapid heat circulation—a triple threat for home chefs tired of juggling appliances. What sets it apart is the Speedy Combi mode, which fuses microwave speed with convection browning, slashing cook time while delivering crispy exteriors and juicy interiors—perfect for weeknight chicken wings or frozen fries. The Inverter technology eliminates cold spots, solving the age-old microwave problem of uneven reheating, making it a reliable workhorse for both defrosting delicate fish and crisping up last night’s pizza.

In real-world testing, the 1800W convection power reaches up to 425°F, allowing it to roast vegetables with restaurant-level char and bake small casseroles evenly. The air fry basket and dual wire racks maximize airflow, ensuring golden, oil-free results across multiple layers—ideal for families. However, the 1.0 cu.ft. capacity can feel snug when trying to fit a full-sized casserole dish or large roast, and the turntable must be removed for convection use, which interrupts workflow. While it handles most tasks admirably, dense baked goods like loaves sometimes brown too quickly on the edges before fully cooking through.

Compared to the compact BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this Toshiba model offers superior heat control, better air frying performance, and more presets, making it a stronger contender for serious home cooking. It splits the difference between budget simplicity and high-end smarts, positioning itself as the best value premium pick for those who want pro-level results without the smart app clutter. It delivers near-luxury performance at a fraction of the cost of connected models like the Panasonic or Samsung.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA punches above its weight with five cooking modes packed into one of the most compact footprints in the category—ideal for dorms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens. Its 11 air fry presets are a standout, offering one-touch precision for everything from frozen squid rings to spring rolls, eliminating guesswork for beginners. The 900W inverter-powered microwave ensures even heating, while the combi mode cleverly blends convection and grill heat to deliver surprisingly crispy results without requiring a separate oven.

During testing, the 0.9 cu.ft. cavity proved just large enough for a 9-inch pizza or family-sized batch of fries, though it struggled with anything over two servings. The direct 30-second start feature is a small but brilliant touch for reheating coffee or snacks quickly—no menu diving. However, the lower wattage means longer cook times for dense foods, and the grill function lacks intensity, resulting in pale browning on chicken skin. While it handles air frying decently, it can’t match the crisp retention of higher-powered Toshiba or Samsung units.

When stacked against the GE GCST10A1WSS, this BLACK+DECKER model offers more presets and a smaller footprint, but lags slightly in power and browning capability. It’s the best compact design for those prioritizing space-saving over raw performance. For singles or couples who want air frying and basic baking in a tiny package, it’s a smart, no-frills solution that outperforms most budget microwaves—though it won’t replace a full oven for serious cooking.

This Toshiba OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT isn’t just a microwave—it’s a smart kitchen command center with AI-driven cooking, Alexa compatibility, and cloud-updated recipes, making it the most technologically advanced combo oven on the market. Its 1.3 cu.ft. cavity and 1100W output deliver ample space and power, effortlessly roasting a whole chicken or baking a 13-inch pizza with even browning and retained moisture thanks to the Origin Inverter technology. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is highly responsive, turning complex multi-mode cooking into a few taps—ideal for tech-savvy users who want precision without the learning curve.

In daily use, the ChefFry Plus system delivers crisp, oil-free fries and wings rivaling standalone air fryers, while the AI-optimized sensor cooking adapts to food density and moisture in real time, preventing overcooking. The Chef Defrost function is a game-changer—defrosting meat up to 40% faster while preserving texture, a major win over traditional microwaves. However, the smart app occasionally lags, and voice commands through Alexa can be hit-or-miss, especially with ambient kitchen noise. While it excels in convection and air frying, microwave-only reheating is slightly slower than expected for its class.

Compared to the Panasonic NN-CV87QS, this Toshiba model offers better AI integration, faster defrosting, and a larger cavity, though Panasonic’s Kitchen+ app has a more polished recipe library. It earns the best overall title by balancing high-end performance, smart features, and family-sized capacity in one cohesive package. It outperforms the Toshiba B089WC2P2K in intelligence and control, making it the top-tier choice for those who want both brains and brawn.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is the undisputed king of capacity, boasting a massive 1.5 cu.ft. interior and a 13.6-inch position-memory turntable—big enough to fit a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza with room to spare. This makes it the best large capacity option for families or meal preppers who regularly cook in bulk. The 4-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking—delivers consistent results, while the smart sensor menus automate everything from frozen pizza to roasted veggies, reducing guesswork. The stainless steel interior is both durable and easy to wipe clean after messy air frying sessions.

In performance tests, the convection mode produced evenly browned meats and crisp-topped casseroles, though the air frying lacked the intense sear of higher-wattage models like the Samsung. The position-memory turntable is a thoughtful touch—automatically returning to the correct angle after opening, so food doesn’t get misaligned. However, the 1000W microwave power feels underwhelming for such a large cavity, leading to longer reheating times for big dishes. Also, the control panel is cluttered, making it harder to navigate than touchscreen models.

When compared to the Toshiba B09HKPSRWW, this model offers more space but fewer smart features and lower convection wattage. It’s ideal for those who prioritize family-sized meals over high-tech automation. While it doesn’t have the humidity sensor or combi-speed of other Toshiba models, it delivers unmatched volume at a mid-range price—making it a practical powerhouse for large households.

The Panasonic NN-CV87QS is built for the connected kitchen, where app-driven automation takes center stage. Its Kitchen+ app transforms cooking into a guided experience—select a recipe, and the microwave automatically sequences microwave, air fry, broil, and convection modes for flawless results, making it perfect for busy parents or cooking novices. The FlashXpress Broiler delivers rapid browning and searing, outperforming most combo ovens in crisping chicken skin or melting cheese without drying out food. With Inverter technology and Genius Sensor, it reheats leftovers evenly and prevents overcooking, a hallmark of Panasonic’s engineering.

Real-world use shows the 1.2 cu.ft. cavity fits a 14.2-inch turntable, accommodating large dishes with ease, and the Turbo Defrost thaws meat faster than standard settings. However, the air frying is inconsistent—sometimes too dry, other times under-crisped—likely due to app-dependent mode transitions. The optional trim kit allows for built-in installation, a rare perk in this category, but the app requires constant phone pairing, which can frustrate users who prefer manual control. While it excels in automation, manual fine-tuning is limited, making it less ideal for experienced cooks.

Against the Toshiba OptiChef, this Panasonic model offers a more polished app and built-in option, but lacks AI learning and voice control. It earns best smart connectivity by focusing on automated meal prep, not just remote control. For families who want hands-off cooking with reliable results, it’s unmatched—though its performance lags slightly behind Toshiba’s best in pure speed and crispness.

The Toshiba MASTER Series B0BR566XBB is engineered for culinary perfectionists who demand flawless texture and even cooking—earning its title as best for even cooking. Its ORIGIN Inverter Technology ensures uniform heat distribution, eliminating hot spots and delivering tender, moist results every time, whether reheating lasagna or roasting vegetables. The 50dB noise level makes it one of the quietest high-power microwaves available, ideal for open-plan kitchens or late-night snacks without disturbing others. With 6-in-1 versatility, including Speedy Combi and broil modes, it handles everything from yogurt-making to crispy air-fried fish with precision.

Testing revealed that the 1800W convection system reaches 425°F quickly, producing golden, restaurant-quality fries and well-browned casseroles. The 360° heat circulation ensures all sides crisp evenly, even with multiple racks. However, the 11.3-inch turntable limits large dish compatibility, and the manual air fry note—requiring users to use convection mode for custom settings—can confuse beginners. While it performs exceptionally, it lacks smart features or app connectivity, making it less appealing to tech-focused users.

Compared to the Toshiba B09HKPSRWW, this model offers quieter operation and better heat consistency, but sacrifices the 47-recipe cookbook and humidity sensor. It’s the top pick for texture and quiet performance, ideal for users who value culinary precision over digital bells and whistles. It delivers pro-level evenness that outshines even higher-priced competitors in texture control.

The Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA is a high-end powerhouse built for those who want restaurant-grade performance in a countertop package. Its Power Convection technology circulates heat 30% faster than standard models, drastically reducing cook times—roasting a whole chicken in under 45 minutes with crisp skin and juicy meat. The POWERGRILL DUO delivers intense, even browning, mimicking a real grill by searing steaks and caramelizing vegetables without drying them out—something most combo ovens fail to achieve. With SmartThings Food integration, it offers guided cooking and recipe suggestions, turning complex dishes into foolproof experiences.

In real use, the Wi-Fi and voice control (via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby) work seamlessly, allowing remote monitoring and adjustments—perfect for multitaskers. The 1.2 cu.ft. cavity handles family-sized meals with ease, and the black glass design adds a sleek, modern touch. However, the air fry results, while good, don’t quite match the crisp retention of dedicated air fryers, and the learning curve for app features can be steep for less tech-savvy users. At its price point, it’s a luxury investment, but one that justifies itself through speed and browning excellence.

Versus the Panasonic NN-CV87QS, this Samsung model offers faster convection, better grilling, and broader voice assistant support, though Panasonic’s app is more intuitive. It stands as the best high-end performance pick—ideal for users who want oven-like results without compromise. It outperforms all others in heat intensity and speed, making it the premium choice for serious home chefs.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is the affordable all-rounder that punches well above its price, earning the best budget-friendly title with its 1050W power and full convection + air fry + broil trio. Its compact 1.0 cu.ft. design fits neatly on small countertops, yet it delivers crisp, golden results thanks to the elevated rack and crisper pan, which promote airflow and browning. The built-in broil mode uses direct radiant heat to sear and caramelize—perfect for finishing off mac and cheese or grilled cheese—something rare at this price point.

In testing, the air fry mode produced crispy fries and nuggets in under 20 minutes, though slightly softer than higher-end models. The preset controls for fries and nuggets make it beginner-friendly, and the two-step child lock adds safety without complicating use. However, the convection fan is noisy, and larger dishes bump against the turntable, limiting versatility. While it lacks smart features or inverter tech, it nails the essentials with reliability.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this GE model offers more power, better broiling, and a crisper pan, making it a superior value. It’s the best entry point for those wanting full combo functionality without overspending. It delivers 80% of the performance of premium models at less than half the cost, making it the smartest budget buy.