8 Best Combi Microwaves of 2026

The Breville Combi Wave isn’t just a microwave—it’s a full kitchen transformation packed into a sleek stainless-steel chassis. With its 1400W convection power, 1100W grill, and inverter microwave tech, this unit delivers professional-grade cooking versatility that obliterates the line between microwave and oven. The standout Element IQ system dynamically adjusts heat distribution, ensuring air-fried wings come out golden-crisp without drying, while convection-baked brownies rise evenly—no hot spots, no guesswork. For home chefs tired of juggling appliances, this is the definitive all-in-one powerhouse that finally delivers on the combi promise.

In real-world testing, the Fast Combi function shaves nearly half the time off traditional oven recipes—chicken pot pies go from frozen to fork-tender in under 30 minutes. The 32L cavity handles a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken with ease, and the Power Smoothing Inverter ensures delicate tasks like reheating lasagna don’t turn into rubbery disasters. Even the quiet operation and soft-close door elevate the experience, reducing kitchen noise pollution significantly. That said, it struggles slightly with ultra-low-temp dehydrating tasks, and the turntable must be removed for air fry mode, which interrupts workflow. Still, it’s remarkably consistent across cooking modes.

Compared to the compact BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, the Breville is in a different league—more power, smarter logic, and far superior finish. While pricier, it’s the ideal pick for serious home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without firing up the oven. If you’re upgrading from a basic combo microwave, this is the gold standard: it doesn’t just cook, it elevates.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA punches way above its weight, turning budget constraints into culinary opportunity. Don’t let the 900W output fool you—its 11 air fry presets make it a snack-time superhero, crisping frozen fries, nuggets, and fish sticks with surprising precision. The compact 0.9 cu.ft. cavity is ideal for singles or small kitchens, and the direct 30-second start eliminates menu diving for quick reheat jobs. For those who want air fryer performance without the extra appliance, this is a no-brainer space-saver.

On the test bench, it excels at simple, speed-driven tasks: reheating coffee, popping popcorn, or air frying a single-serving portion. The combi mode blends microwave and convection heat effectively, though it lacks the finesse of higher-end models—expect slightly uneven browning on thicker cuts. It handles frozen pizza and veggies well, but struggles with larger proteins like whole chickens. The child-lock feature adds peace of mind, and the stainless finish wipes clean easily. However, the interior lighting is dim, and the fan noise is noticeable during convection cycles.

When stacked against the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), it loses on capacity and advanced features, but wins on affordability and simplicity. It’s the perfect dorm-room or office upgrade, offering 5-in-1 functionality at a fraction of the cost. For users who want solid performance without complexity, this BLACK+DECKER delivers smart value with zero fluff.

The Midea 4-in-1 Steam Oven is a game-changer for health-focused kitchens, where nutrient retention and low-fat cooking aren’t just buzzwords—they’re built into the DNA. Its dual steam tubes blast food with 30-second heat saturation, locking in moisture and color, whether you’re steaming purple potatoes or spa eggs at precise 125°F. The True 3D Graphene air fry tech delivers ultra-fast heat transfer, producing crisp-skinned chicken with 80% less oil than deep frying. For anyone chasing clean eating without sacrificing texture, this is culinary alchemy in a countertop box.

In daily use, the steam-assisted grill mode is a revelation—melting fat, then washing it away with high-temp steam before drainage. The 23L cavity fits a 9-inch casserole but can’t handle large roasts, making it ideal for couples or small families. The color touch screen is intuitive, and IoT app control lets you adjust temps or monitor progress from the couch. However, the steam cleaning cycle takes time, and the microwave power feels underwhelming at longer durations. Still, for steaming, fermenting, or air frying with precision, it outperforms rivals in its niche.

Versus the Breville BMO870BSS, it trades raw power for specialized health tech, making it a direct competitor for wellness-driven users. While it lacks Breville’s convection depth, its smart steaming and fat-reduction system are unmatched. If your kitchen mission is maximizing flavor and nutrition with minimal oil, the Midea isn’t just a microwave—it’s a wellness appliance.

The Toshiba OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT is the tech-forward chef’s dream, blending AI-driven cooking with seamless smart integration. Its 2.4-inch color screen isn’t just flashy—it’s functional, guiding users through cloud-updated recipes and OTA firmware upgrades that evolve over time. The Origin Inverter tech ensures juicy, evenly cooked meats, while the humidity sensor auto-adjusts cooking time to prevent dryness. For those who want their microwave to learn, adapt, and connect, this is the most futuristic option available.

In real-world tests, the ChefFry Plus system delivers crisp, golden results on fries and chicken with minimal oil, and the 1.3 cu.ft. cavity fits a 13-inch pizza—perfect for small families. The Alexa and TSmartLife app control let you preheat or check progress remotely, a rare feature in this category. However, the voice commands can lag, and the AI recipes sometimes overcomplicate simple dishes. It excels in sensor-based cooking, but manual mode lacks granular control. Still, for connected kitchen enthusiasts, it’s a leap forward in automation.

Compared to the Toshiba B09HKM5SVD, it offers smarter features and a larger screen, though at a higher cost. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s the most intelligent, making it ideal for tech-savvy users who value convenience and innovation. If your kitchen runs on apps and automation, this OptiChef is the smartest combo microwave on the market.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is the family-sized workhorse of combi microwaves, built for those who need maximum space without sacrificing function. Its 1.5 cu.ft. cavity and 13.6-inch turntable effortlessly swallow a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza—largest in class. The position memory turntable remembers where it stopped, so you can remove and replace dishes without misalignment. With convection, air fry, and sensor cooking, it’s a true all-rounder, especially for households tired of batch cooking.

In practice, it handles large meals with ease, though the 1000W microwave power feels modest when defrosting big roasts. The mute function is a quiet win, eliminating beeps during late-night snacks. The pre-programmed sensor menus nail frozen pizzas and veggies, but air fry results are slightly less crispy than Breville’s. It’s not the fastest, but it’s reliable and spacious. For families or meal preppers, the capacity alone justifies the footprint.

Against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it’s the clear upgrade in size and versatility, though less compact. It doesn’t have Midea’s steam tech or Toshiba OptiChef’s AI, but it delivers consistent, family-scale cooking at a fair price. If you need room to roast, bake, and air fry for four, this Toshiba is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

The Toshiba MASTER Series B09HKM5SVD strikes a perfect mid-range balance, offering pro-level features without pro-level cost. Its 1800W convection power and Speedy Combi mode slash cooking time while delivering crispy exteriors and tender interiors—think golden chicken thighs in half the time. The Origin Inverter tech ensures no cold spots, and the 50dB quiet operation keeps kitchens peaceful. With 27 auto menus and 47 recipes, it’s a beginner’s best friend and a weeknight warrior’s secret weapon.

In testing, the 360° heat circulation delivers even air frying, though the 11.3-inch turntable limits large platters. The broil function adds sear and caramelization, a rare gem in this category. It handles frozen meals and combo cooking with ease, but the interior is harder to clean than stainless models. Still, for speed, quietness, and flavor, it’s a standout.

Versus the B0C1MZ8FWB, it shares core tech but lacks yogurt making and humidity sensor. Still, it’s more affordable and equally powerful, making it the sweet spot for performance and price. For users who want serious cooking without overspending, this Toshiba is the smart mid-tier champion.

The Toshiba B0C1MZ8FWB is the premium value king, packing high-end features into a smartly priced package. Its humidity sensor is a game-changer, auto-adjusting cooking time to prevent overdone leftovers, while the Inverter tech ensures silky-smooth defrosting—no more frozen centers. The yogurt-making function is a delightful bonus, turning this into a multi-role kitchen ally. With 47 included recipes and 10 air fry presets, it’s designed for effortless mastery, not just basic reheating.

In real use, the air fry basket and dual racks deliver crisp, oil-free results, and the mute function keeps nights quiet. The 1.0 cu.ft. cavity is standard, but the 12.4-inch turntable offers more usable space than most. It excels at sensor cooking, though manual convection lacks fine-tuning. Still, for novices and busy cooks, it’s a near-perfect blend of brains and brawn.

Compared to the B09HKM5SVD, it adds yogurt mode and better sensor logic, justifying the slight price bump. It doesn’t have the OptiChef’s AI, but it outperforms in smart cooking fundamentals. For those who want top-tier features without luxury pricing, this Toshiba is the best bang-for-buck premium pick.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is the budget hero, proving you don’t need to splurge for solid combi performance. Its 1050W microwave power and air fry mode deliver crispy, golden results on fries and nuggets, while the broil function adds restaurant-style sear to finished dishes. The 1.0 cu.ft. size fits snugly in dorms or small kitchens, and the crisper pan ensures even browning without flipping. For students or minimalists, it’s a compact powerhouse that doesn’t cut corners.

In testing, it handles frozen foods with ease, and the preset controls make operation foolproof. The convection mode works well for small roasts, though heat distribution isn’t as uniform as pricier models. The two-step child lock is a thoughtful safety touch. However, the plastic interior feels less durable, and the fan noise is louder during broil. Still, for basic air frying and reheating, it’s reliable and affordable.

Against the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), it’s smaller and less powerful, but much cheaper. It lacks smart features and large capacity, but for entry-level users, it’s the most accessible way to enter the combi world. If you want air fry and convection without breaking the bank, this GE is the smart starter choice.