7 Best Combination Microwave Air Fryers of 2026

This game-changer for health-conscious home cooks redefines what a countertop oven can do. With its True 3D Graphene air frying, dual steam tubes, and inverter-powered microwave, the Midea 23L delivers restaurant-quality results without the grease or guesswork. It’s the only model in this lineup that truly integrates steam-assisted grilling, making it ideal for those who want to reduce fat and salt while preserving flavor and nutrients—finally solving the dry, overcooked air fryer dilemma.

In real-world testing, the Midea shines when steaming delicate fish or vegetables in under 5 minutes, locking in moisture thanks to its 30-second steam burst technology. The 23L cavity handles a 9×13 casserole or whole chicken with ease, though it struggles slightly with browning compared to full convection models. The 1500W baking elements provide solid heat for cookies and small cakes, but lack the broil intensity of dedicated grills. While the IoT app control is a nice touch, occasional connectivity hiccups make manual operation more reliable.

Compared to the Breville Combi Wave, this Midea unit trades some speed and crispiness for unmatched steam functionality and healthier cooking. It doesn’t air fry quite as aggressively as the TOSHIBA MASTER Series, but its multi-mode precision makes it the top pick for families focused on nutrition. For those prioritizing flavor retention and versatility over brute power, the Midea offers a smarter, more balanced approach than the flashier, pricier competition.

This workhorse of multifunctional cooking packs 8-in-1 versatility into a surprisingly compact frame, making it a standout for small kitchens that demand big performance. With 1000W microwave power, convection baking, broiling, and air frying, it replaces multiple appliances while maintaining a footprint that fits neatly on most countertops. Its 12.4-inch turntable is a quiet hero—just large enough to roast a whole chicken or fit a 12-inch pizza, solving the space-versus-capacity tug-of-war.

During testing, the Speedy Cooking mode excelled at reheating leftovers with even warmth, thanks to its position memory turntable that resumes rotation from the last stop. The air fry function produces crispy fries and nuggets, though it lacks the intense top-down heat of basket-style fryers, resulting in slightly softer tops. The odor removal mode is a subtle but appreciated feature, especially after fish or garlic-heavy meals. While it handles most tasks competently, it falters when trying to simultaneously microwave and convection bake—the combo modes are less refined than in higher-end models.

When stacked against the GE GCST10A1WSS, this TOSHIBA offers more cooking modes and smarter presets at the same price point, making it the better value for versatility seekers. It doesn’t have the smart features of the ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), but it delivers more consistent results than budget models without overcomplicating the interface. For users who want maximum utility without the premium price, this TOSHIBA is a no-nonsense powerhouse that quietly outperforms expectations.

This precision-engineered powerhouse earns its title as the best overall with a rare blend of speed, quiet operation, and culinary intelligence. Breville’s Element IQ system actively adjusts heat distribution, ensuring that air-fried chicken wings come out golden and crisp, not dried out or uneven. The 1.1 cu.ft cavity and Power Smoothing Inverter work in harmony to defrost a steak without cooking the edges—finally ending the “half-frozen, half-rubber” microwave curse.

In daily use, the Fast Combi function cuts cooking time in half for dishes like roasted vegetables or frozen lasagna, combining microwave speed with convection browning for a crispy top and moist interior. The Smart Reheat and Smart Defrost presets deliver restaurant-level consistency, adapting to food density and moisture. However, the turntable must be removed for air frying, which interrupts workflow, and the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor progress. Still, few models match its seamless transitions between functions.

Next to the Midea 4-in-1, the Breville trades steam capability for faster, crunchier air frying and quieter operation. It’s less feature-rich than the AI-powered TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), but more intuitive and reliable for everyday cooking. For serious home chefs who want one appliance that does it all—fast, quietly, and well—this Breville justifies its premium tag with performance that consistently outshines the competition.

This AI-driven culinary companion is the smartest microwave in the lineup, blending cloud-connected recipes, Alexa integration, and humidity-sensing tech into a seamless cooking experience. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is bright and responsive, guiding users through AI-Chef optimized programs that adjust time and power based on real-time moisture feedback—no more guessing when your salmon is done. With 1.3 cu.ft of space, it’s the largest cavity here, easily fitting a 13-inch pizza or family-sized roast.

In practice, the ChefFry Plus mode delivers impressively crispy results, rivaling standalone air fryers, while the Origin Inverter ensures even heat that prevents hot spots. The humidity sensor is a game-changer, automatically extending cook time if food is still damp—perfect for moist baked goods or juicy meats. However, the Alexa integration feels gimmicky; voice commands often misfire, and the TSmartLife app can be sluggish. Still, for tech-savvy users, the OTA firmware updates and cloud recipes mean the oven actually improves over time.

Compared to the Breville Combi Wave, this TOSHIBA offers smarter automation and a larger cavity, but less tactile control and slower response for manual cooks. It doesn’t brown quite as deeply as the MASTER Series, but its adaptive intelligence makes it ideal for busy households. For those who want a microwave that learns and evolves, this OptiChef is the most forward-thinking choice, blending cutting-edge tech with real culinary benefits.

This precision-focused performer is engineered for those who demand even cooking and flawless defrosting—no more cold centers or overcooked edges. The ORIGIN Inverter Technology is the star, delivering consistent 1000W microwave power that gently thaws a pound of ground beef in under 5 minutes while preserving texture. Combined with 360° air circulation, it produces crispier fries and juicier chicken than most combos, all while running at a whisper-quiet 50dB.

Real-world tests confirm its Speedy-Combi modes drastically reduce cook time—frozen burritos go from freezer to table in 8 minutes with a crispy shell and hot center. The included bake tray and dual racks maximize airflow for true air fryer-style results. However, the controls are menu-heavy, requiring multiple presses for custom settings, and the interior light is dim, making it hard to check doneness. Also, the convection-only mode must be used for full air fry control, which isn’t clearly labeled.

Against the GE GCST10A1WSS, this MASTER Series offers superior evenness and more cooking modes, making it worth the extra cost for serious users. It lacks the smart features of the ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), but outperforms it in texture and consistency. For home cooks who prioritize reliable, restaurant-quality results over flashy tech, this TOSHIBA delivers professional-grade performance with minimal fuss.

This space-saving marvel proves that compact design doesn’t mean compromised performance. At just 1.0 cu.ft, it slips effortlessly into dorms, offices, or tiny kitchens, yet still delivers 1050W of power and a full suite of air fry, convection, and broil functions. The elevated rack is a small but critical detail—lifting food for even hot air circulation, resulting in crispier wings and evenly browned casseroles.

In testing, the preset controls for fries and nuggets are dead-on, eliminating guesswork for quick meals. The glass turntable ensures consistent microwave heating, though it must be removed for air frying, interrupting workflow. The broil function works well for melting cheese or caramelizing onions, but lacks the intensity for proper searing. While it can’t match the capacity of larger models, it handles single-serve to family-of-four meals with ease.

Next to the TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS), this GE offers similar core functions at the same price, but with a cleaner design and better preset accuracy. It doesn’t have smart features or extra modes, but nails the basics with reliability. For those who want a no-frills, compact combo microwave that just works, this GE is the ultimate set-and-forget solution—simple, effective, and perfectly sized.

This budget-friendly multitasker delivers 4-in-1 functionality at a price that undercuts nearly every other model—without feeling cheap. The 13.6-inch turntable is its secret weapon, offering larger capacity than most 1.5 cu.ft units, easily fitting a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza. With sensor cooking, mute function, and 10 power levels, it balances affordability with thoughtful features that make daily use genuinely convenient.

In real use, the air fry mode produces satisfyingly crispy results for fries and frozen foods, though it lacks the browning depth of pricier models. The convection baking is reliable for muffins and small roasts, but struggles with flaky pastries. The mute function is a standout—press and hold “8” to silence beeps, a rare treat in budget appliances. However, the interior finish shows fingerprints easily, and the plastic knobs feel flimsy compared to metal alternatives.

Versus the GE GCST10A1WSS, this Toshiba offers larger capacity and more presets for only slightly more money, making it the smarter buy for families. It doesn’t have smart tech or inverter precision, but delivers exceptional value for the price. For those who want maximum cooking flexibility without breaking the bank, this Toshiba is the undisputed budget champion—practical, spacious, and surprisingly capable.