8 Best Combination Microwave Ovens of 2026

Game-changing smart intelligence meets precision cooking in the TOSHIBA OptiChef, a microwave oven that doesn’t just heat food—it understands it. With Origin Inverter Technology, this model delivers consistent, even energy distribution, eliminating hot and cold spots that plague traditional microwaves. The intuitive humidity sensor dynamically adjusts cooking time and power, ensuring moist, perfectly cooked meals every time—whether you’re reheating lasagna or roasting a whole chicken. Pair that with ChefFry Plus, which mimics true air fryer performance using a top-mounted heating element and fan, and you’ve got a machine that replaces not just your microwave, but your countertop fryer too.

In real-world use, the 1.3 cu.ft. cavity shines—large enough to fit a 13-inch pizza or a 4-pound chicken without crowding. We tested its Fast Combi mode (microwave + convection), and it reduced cooking time by nearly 40% compared to conventional ovens while still delivering golden, crispy exteriors. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is responsive and guides users through complex functions without confusion. However, the lack of a turntable in air fry mode can lead to uneven browning if food isn’t manually rotated, and the app connectivity, while functional, occasionally lags during remote start commands.

Positioned between budget models and ultra-premium units, the OptiChef competes directly with the Breville Combi Wave but leans harder into smart cooking automation than raw power. It’s ideal for tech-savvy home cooks who value AI-driven precision and seamless integration with Alexa or the TSmartLife app. While it doesn’t offer grilling like the Breville, its cloud-updated recipes and OTA firmware ensure the oven gets smarter over time—an edge no other model in this lineup can match. Compared to the Midea steam-focused unit, it trades some health-centric features for broader culinary versatility and faster cooking.

This is the Ferrari of combination microwaves—sleek, powerful, and engineered for culinary perfection. The Breville Combi Wave doesn’t just combine functions; it orchestrates them with its Element IQ system, which uses smart algorithms to direct heat precisely where it’s needed. With 1200W microwave, 1400W convection, and 1100W grill input power, it delivers restaurant-grade results, from flaky pastries to golden fries, all in a compact 1.1 cu.ft. cavity. The Fast Combi function—a fusion of microwave, convection, and grill—cuts cooking time in half while preserving texture and flavor, making it a game-changer for weeknight dinners.

During testing, the Smart Reheat function revived cold pizza with a crisp base and gooey cheese—no sogginess, no rubbery edges. The Quiet Microwave with soft-close door operates at 50% lower noise than standard models, a blessing in open-plan kitchens. We baked a chocolate brownie using the convection mode, and the Element IQ ensured even browning without overcooking the edges. That said, the turntable must be removed for air fry and convection modes, reducing usable space, and the learning curve for first-time users is steeper due to the dense menu system.

When stacked against the TOSHIBA OptiChef, the Breville trades cloud-connected AI for superior thermal control and grilling capability. It’s the best choice for serious home chefs who want crisp, caramelized finishes and don’t mind a bit of complexity for better results. Compared to the GE budget model, it’s more powerful and versatile but demands a higher investment in both cost and countertop space. If you want golden, crunchy textures and restaurant-style searing, this is your machine.

Big performance in a small package—the GE GCST10A1WSS punches way above its weight class for budget-conscious buyers. With 1050W of inverter-powered microwave energy, a true convection fan, and a built-in broiler, this 1.0 cu.ft. unit delivers three cooking methods in a footprint small enough to fit on dorm shelves or office counters. The air fry mode uses rapid hot air circulation to create crispy fries and chicken wings with up to 75% less oil, while the broil function adds a satisfying sear to steaks or melts cheese on top of casseroles—something most compact combos skip entirely.

In practical tests, it reheated a plate of leftovers evenly thanks to its inverter technology, avoiding the uneven heating common in cheaper microwaves. The preset buttons for Fries and Nuggets made weekday meals effortless, and the elevated rack improved airflow during convection cooking, yielding more consistent browning. However, the small cavity limits family-sized meals, and the lack of smart features or app control means you’re on your own for custom cooking. It also lacks a dedicated air fry basket, so food can stick to the crisper pan if not monitored.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it offers broiling and better convection performance, making it far more versatile despite a slightly higher price. Against premium models like the Breville, it’s less powerful but impressively capable for its size and cost. It’s perfect for singles, students, or small kitchens where space and budget are tight but functionality matters. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of high-end units, it delivers essential combo cooking with reliability and ease.

Steam is the star here, and Midea’s 4-in-1 microwave oven redefines healthy cooking with dual steam tubes that inject high-temperature vapor in under 30 seconds. This isn’t just mist—it’s pressurized steam at up to 250°F, locking in nutrients and color, making it ideal for cooking delicate fish, vibrant vegetables, or spa-style eggs without losing moisture. The XpressSteam mode outperforms competitors in nutrient retention, and when paired with the steam-assisted grill, it actively removes excess oil and salt during cooking—a unique health advantage no other model offers. The 0.9 cu.ft. cavity may be compact, but it’s optimized for steam circulation and precision.

We tested the COMBI mode (steam + grill) on salmon, and the result was flaky, moist flesh with a lightly crisped top—something most combo microwaves struggle to achieve. The graphene heating tube ensures rapid, even air frying, producing crispy chicken wings with no oil. The color touchscreen and SmartHome app allow remote monitoring and control, though the app interface feels slightly clunky compared to TOSHIBA’s. One limitation: the small capacity makes it less suitable for families, and steam condensation can pool in the door seal if not wiped after use.

Pitted against the TOSHIBA OptiChef, the Midea sacrifices AI-driven automation for superior steaming and health-focused cooking. It’s the go-to choice for health enthusiasts, low-fat dieters, or anyone who prioritizes nutrient preservation and clean eating. While the Breville offers better browning, this unit excels where others don’t even compete: culinary wellness. If you steam more than you fry, this is the most advanced option available.

Precision cooking meets whisper-quiet operation in this powerhouse 6-in-1 from TOSHIBA. The ORIGIN Inverter Technology ensures heat is distributed evenly across every inch of the cavity, eliminating the cold spots that plague conventional microwaves. Whether you’re defrosting a steak or baking a casserole, the 50dB noise level makes it one of the quietest combo ovens on the market—perfect for late-night snacks or early breakfasts without waking the household. The Speedy Combi mode blends microwave, convection, and grill energy to cut cooking time significantly while delivering crispy exteriors and tender interiors, a balance many combos fail to achieve.

Real-world testing showed excellent results: French fries came out golden and crunchy, thanks to 360° heat circulation, and a whole chicken roasted in under 45 minutes with juicy meat and crisp skin. The 1800W convection power is robust, and the included bake tray and wire racks maximize airflow. However, the turntable (11.3″) is smaller than expected, limiting large dish compatibility, and the interface, while functional, lacks a color display, making navigation less intuitive than touchscreen models.

Compared to the Breville Combi Wave, this TOSHIBA model offers quieter operation and superior evenness but skips the smart presets and app connectivity. It’s ideal for families who want reliable, consistent cooking with minimal noise and don’t need voice control or IoT features. Against the GE budget unit, it’s more powerful and versatile, justifying its higher cost with true multi-function performance. For those who prioritize texture, quietness, and family-sized meals, this is a top-tier choice.

A compact workhorse for tight budgets and smaller kitchens, the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA proves you don’t need luxury to get versatility. This 5-in-1 microwave handles air fry, bake, roast, convection, and microwave duties in a 0.9 cu.ft. footprint, making it perfect for dorms, RVs, or studio apartments. With 11 preset air fry menus, including options for squid rings, cheese sticks, and spring rolls, it simplifies cooking without sacrificing variety. The 900W inverter power ensures even reheating, and the 30-second speed cook button makes popcorn or coffee in seconds.

In testing, the air fry results were surprisingly good—frozen fries achieved a satisfying crunch, though not quite as deep as the Breville or TOSHIBA models. The combi mode (microwave + convection) sped up baking, but the lack of a broil function means no searing or browning beyond what the convection fan provides. The interior is smaller than average, so 9-inch plates are the max, and the plastic-feel door doesn’t exude premium durability. Still, for the price, it’s impressively functional.

Against the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers more air fry presets but lacks broiling and has slightly less power. It’s not built for large families or gourmet results, but for students, singles, or secondary kitchens, it delivers solid performance without clutter. While it can’t match the smart features of higher-end Toshibas, it wins on simplicity, affordability, and preset convenience. If you want a no-frills, do-it-all microwave that won’t break the bank, this is a strong contender.

Spaciousness redefined—this Toshiba model boasts a massive 1.5 cu.ft. cavity and a 13.6-inch turntable, the largest in this lineup, capable of fitting a whole roast chicken or a 12-inch pizza with room to spare. For families or meal preppers, this is a game-changer, eliminating the need to rotate or shrink dishes to fit. The 4-in-1 functionality (microwave, air fry, convection, combo) covers most cooking needs, and the pre-programmed sensor menus take the guesswork out of cooking frozen pizzas or vegetables. The position memory turntable returns to its last position after opening, a small but thoughtful touch for convenience.

In real use, the air fry mode delivered crispy results, though not as uniformly golden as the Breville due to less intense convection power. The mute function is excellent for quiet homes, silencing beeps with a long press. However, the 1000W microwave power feels underpowered for large items, and the lack of broil or grill limits browning potential. The interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor cooking in low light.

Compared to the TOSHIBA MASTER Series, this model trades speed and power for sheer capacity. Against the Midea, it offers more space but less steam functionality. It’s best suited for larger households or those who cook big batches, where interior volume trumps smart features or high-wattage performance. If you’re tired of cramming dishes into tiny cavities, this is the most spacious combo microwave available.

Smart cooking meets beginner-friendly design in this TOSHIBA model, where humidity-sensing AI takes center stage. The built-in sensor detects moisture levels in real time, automatically adjusting power and time to prevent overcooking—a lifesaver for soups, stews, or delicate proteins. Combined with Inverter Technology, it ensures no cold spots and maximum tenderness, making it one of the most reliable reheating appliances here. The 47-recipe cookbook and 27 auto menus turn novices into confident cooks, while the yogurt-making function adds unexpected versatility beyond standard combo ovens.

Testing revealed excellent performance in sensor cook mode: frozen vegetables emerged steaming but not mushy, and reheated pasta stayed saucy, not dry. The Speedy Combi mode significantly reduced cooking time for casseroles, and the included air fry basket made cleanup easy. However, the 1.0 cu.ft. cavity is on the smaller side, limiting large dishes, and the grill function, while present, lacks intensity compared to Breville’s. The interface, though intuitive, lacks a color screen, feeling dated next to the OptiChef.

Against the TOSHIBA OptiChef, this model offers better recipe support and humidity sensing but misses out on Alexa integration and cloud updates. Compared to the GE, it adds yogurt making and smarter sensors but at a higher cost. It’s ideal for cooking newbies or smart-home minimalists who want foolproof results without app dependency. If you value automatic cooking intelligence over connectivity, this is the smarter pick.