7 Best Combination Microwave Convection Ovens 2026

The GE GCST10A1WSS punches well above its weight, delivering a trio of high-impact cooking modes—air fry, convection, and broil—in a compact stainless steel body that fits snugly on cramped countertops. With 1,050 watts of power and a full cubic foot of cavity space, it’s engineered for efficiency without sacrificing performance, making it a game-changer for dorm dwellers and small kitchens where counter real estate is at a premium. Its standout built-in broiler uses direct radiant heat to caramelize meats and finish off casseroles with a golden crust—something most budget combos skip entirely—while the included crisper pan enhances air fry results, turning frozen nuggets into crispy delights with minimal oil.

In real-world testing, the microwave excels at batch cooking small meals, crisping fries in air fry mode and baking mini pizzas in convection with surprisingly even browning thanks to the elevated rack and glass turntable. However, the lack of sensor cooking or inverter tech means it can struggle with delicate tasks like reheating lasagna without drying out edges or defrosting meat evenly. While the preset controls for fries and nuggets streamline daily use, power users may find the menu limited compared to higher-end models—especially when juggling multi-stage recipes or trying to fine-tune temperature curves.

Positioned as the most budget-friendly combo microwave in the lineup, the GE GCST10A1WSS trades advanced smarts for essential functionality, making it a smarter pick than the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA for those who want broiling capability and better browning without overspending. It doesn’t offer app control or voice commands like the Panasonic or Toshiba OptiChef, but for cooks prioritizing crispiness, simplicity, and space savings, this model delivers where it counts—turning modest meals into satisfying, restaurant-style dishes with minimal effort.

The TOSHIBA B09HKPSRWW is a versatility powerhouse, seamlessly blending microwave, air fryer, convection, broil, and even yogurt-making functions into one smartly engineered appliance. Armed with Inverter technology and a humidity sensor, it maintains consistent power during defrost and reheat cycles, eliminating the cold spots that plague conventional microwaves—making it a lifesaver for busy households juggling school lunches and weeknight dinners. The 360° rapid heat circulation in air fry mode produces golden, crispy textures on wings and fries using little to no oil, while the combi-modes (like Microwave + Grill) cut cooking time dramatically by up to 40%, ideal for impatient home chefs craving fast, flavorful results.

During testing, this microwave proved exceptionally capable across diverse tasks: reheating pizza without sogginess, air frying frozen fish sticks to perfection, and baking moist muffins using convection heat up to 425°F. The dual wire racks and air fry basket allow for multi-level cooking, a rare perk in this class, and the 47-recipe cookbook helps beginners build confidence quickly. That said, the 1.0 cu.ft. cavity can feel tight when roasting a whole chicken or fitting large casserole dishes, and the sensor cook presets are less adaptive than those on the newer OptiChef models with AI learning.

When stacked against the GE GCST10A1WSS, the Toshiba B09HKPSRWW offers far more features for just a moderate price jump, making it the clear value leader for families wanting kitchen flexibility without clutter. While it lacks the smart connectivity of the Panasonic or Alexa integration of the OptiChef, it outperforms them in raw utility for serious home cooks who want precision, speed, and diverse cooking methods in one reliable unit. For those seeking maximum bang for the buck, this model strikes the sweet spot between innovation and affordability.

Step into the future of countertop cooking with the TOSHIBA OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), a smart, AI-powered oven that redefines what a microwave can do. Boasting a spacious 1.3 cu.ft. cavity—large enough for a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken—and 1100W of output power, it combines Origin Inverter technology, ChefFry Plus air frying, and AI-optimized sensor cooking into a seamless, evolving experience. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is a revelation: intuitive, responsive, and packed with guided cooking workflows that make complex dishes feel foolproof—perfect for tech-savvy users who want restaurant-quality results with minimal guesswork.

In performance tests, the OptiChef consistently outperformed rivals in browning, moisture retention, and temperature accuracy. The intelligent humidity sensor adjusted cooking times dynamically, preventing overcooked salmon or dry chicken breasts, while Chef Defrost revived frozen steak 40% faster than standard modes, preserving texture beautifully. Its Alexa and TSmartLife app integration enable remote preheating and recipe syncing, and the OTA firmware updates mean your oven gets smarter over time—a feature unmatched in this category. However, the footprint is notably larger than 1.0 cu.ft. models, and the learning curve for app pairing may frustrate less-digital users.

Compared to the Breville BMO870BSS, the OptiChef offers broader smart capabilities and a larger interior, though it lacks Breville’s Element IQ precision grilling. Against the Panasonic NN-CV87QS, it delivers more responsive controls and better air fry performance, while matching its app-driven automation. For modern families and connected kitchens, this is the undisputed best overall combo microwave, blending cutting-edge AI, expansive capacity, and pro-level cooking intelligence in a single, future-ready appliance.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is a compact dynamo, proving that small size doesn’t mean sacrificing cooking diversity. With five core functions—microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and combi cooking—this 0.9 cu.ft. oven fits effortlessly into dorm rooms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens where space is non-negotiable. Its 11 air fry presets are a standout, covering everything from squid rings to spring rolls, making it uniquely tailored for snack lovers and quick meal prep, while the 30-second Speedy Cooking button lets you reheat coffee or soup in a flash with zero menu diving.

Real-world use confirms its strength in simplicity: it crisps frozen fries faster than many full-sized air fryers and bakes small cakes evenly using convection heat. However, the 900W power output lags behind competitors, resulting in longer cook times and less browning on meats and pizzas. The small turntable and shallow cavity limit what you can fit—forget roasting a chicken—and there’s no sensor cooking or inverter tech, so reheating delicate foods often leads to uneven results or rubbery textures.

When compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, this model wins on preset variety and compactness, but loses on power and browning capability. It’s not as feature-rich as the Toshiba B09HKPSRWW, nor as smart as the OptiChef, but for ultra-compact spaces and users who prioritize convenience over culinary finesse, the BLACK+DECKER delivers solid performance in a tiny footprint. If your kitchen is the size of a closet but you still want crispy fries and warm oatmeal, this is your best compact design.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is built for family-sized efficiency, packing eight cooking modes—including low-temp cooking and odor removal—into a sleek black stainless steel chassis that resists smudges and wipes clean in seconds. Its 1.0 cu.ft. cavity with a 12.4-inch position memory turntable is engineered for practicality: it holds a full chicken, 12-inch pizza, or standard casserole dish, and the turntable remembers its last position, so you never fumble to reinsert it awkwardly. With 1000W microwave power and multi-stage cooking, it handles everything from defrosting steaks to crisping up leftovers without requiring constant supervision.

In daily use, this model shines in reliability and ease of use—the one-touch popcorn and easy-turn knobs make it parent-friendly, while the mute function and kitchen timer add thoughtful touches for noise-sensitive homes. The air fry results are consistently crispy, and the broil mode adds finishing sear to meats and gratins. However, the lack of inverter or sensor tech means defrosting can be uneven, and reheating large portions may leave cold spots unless manually rotated.

Pitted against the B09HKPSRWW, this model trades smart sensors and recipes for family-focused durability and ease, making it a better fit for households with kids and frequent meal prep. It doesn’t offer AI or app control like the OptiChef, but for families wanting a no-fuss, high-capacity combo oven with broad functionality, this Toshiba delivers dependable, everyday performance with minimal learning curve. It’s not the most advanced, but it’s the most family-ready.

The Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave is a precision-engineered powerhouse, designed for users who demand restaurant-grade results from their countertop appliances. Its Element IQ system intelligently directs heat during air fry and bake cycles, creating crispy, golden exteriors and tender interiors on everything from chicken wings to chocolate brownies. With 1200W microwave power, 1400W convection input, and Fast Combi modes, it cooks up to 50% faster than conventional ovens, while the Power Smoothing Inverter ensures delicate defrosting without edge-burning—a critical upgrade over standard models.

Testing reveals exceptional consistency: reheated pizza emerges with crisp crust and molten cheese, frozen burritos cook evenly from center to edge, and air-fried salmon gets a perfect sear without drying out. The Smart Cook, Reheat, and Defrost presets are remarkably adaptive, and the quiet operation with soft-close door makes it ideal for open-plan kitchens or late-night snacks. That said, the 1.1 cu.ft. capacity feels snug compared to the Toshiba OptiChef, and the knob-based interface, while intuitive, lacks the touchscreen polish of higher-end rivals.

Stacked against the Panasonic NN-CV87QS, the Breville delivers better browning and faster cooking but lacks app automation. Compared to the Toshiba OptiChef, it offers superior heat control and quieter performance, but misses out on AI learning and voice control. For cooks who value precision, speed, and culinary excellence, this is the best premium performance model, blending pro-level engineering with intuitive design—a true kitchen workhorse for discerning users.

The Panasonic NN-CV87QS HomeChef Connect is the apex of smart cooking integration, transforming meal prep into a hands-free, app-guided experience. With four core modes—microwave, air fry, convection bake, and FlashXpress broiling—and seamless pairing with the Kitchen+ app, it automates cooking parameters so you can go from unboxing ingredients to serving a gourmet meal with near-zero effort. The Genius Sensor and Inverter technology prevent overcooking, while the 1.2 cu.ft. cavity accommodates family-sized dishes without dominating counter space—making it ideal for connected households that value convenience and consistency.

In real-world use, the app-driven automation is transformative: select “Crispy Roast Chicken” on your phone, sync it to the oven, and it automatically sequences microwave, convection, and broil stages for perfect results every time. Reheating leftovers is just as smart—the sensor adjusts power dynamically to avoid rubbery textures. However, the air fry performance lags behind Breville and Toshiba, producing decent but not exceptional crispiness, and the lack of Alexa or Google Assistant support limits voice control options compared to the OptiChef.

When compared to the Toshiba OptiChef, the Panasonic offers better app-guided meal automation but less responsive controls and weaker air frying. Against the Breville BMO870BSS, it trades raw power for smarter workflows. For tech-forward families who want automated, stress-free cooking, this is the best smart connectivity option, delivering reliable, app-powered results with the trusted durability Panasonic is known for.