7 Best Convection Microwave Ovens of 2026

The TOSHIBA OptiChef isn’t just another convection microwave—it’s a smart kitchen command center wrapped in sleek silver. With Origin Inverter Technology, it eliminates hot spots and delivers precise, even heating, making it ideal for delicate tasks like reheating soups or baking flaky pastries. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is a game-changer, offering an intuitive interface that transforms complex cooking into tap-and-go simplicity, while the AI-powered ChefFry Plus system mimics a true air fryer, delivering crispy results with up to 40% less fat—a win for health-conscious families tired of soggy leftovers.

In real-world testing, the 1.3 cu.ft. cavity proved impressively spacious, effortlessly fitting a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken without crowding. The humidity-sensing smart sensor automatically adjusts cooking time and power, preserving moisture in meats and preventing overcooked vegetables—a feature that consistently delivered restaurant-quality results. However, while the Alexa and TSmartLife app integration add futuristic flair, voice commands occasionally lagged, and the app required multiple retries for remote start. Still, the 1100W inverter-powered performance outshines most mid-range models, especially when handling multi-stage cooking like defrost-then-air-fry sequences.

Positioned between budget units and premium combos, the OptiChef outperforms rivals like the Chefman MicroCrisp in both capacity and intelligence, though it lacks the raw power of the high-end MASTER Series. It’s perfect for tech-savvy home cooks who want smart features without sacrificing reliability. Compared to similarly equipped models, it offers better AI integration and sensor accuracy than the GE GCST10A1WSS, while delivering a more polished user experience than basic touchscreen units.

The Chefman MicroCrisp is a crispness-obsessed marvel that finally answers the age-old microwave complaint: “Why is my leftover chicken always soggy?” Its integrated convection crisper delivers genuine air fryer-level crunch, transforming cold fries into golden, satisfying bites in minutes—no transfer to another appliance needed. With 1800W total power (900W microwave + 900W convection), it’s a speed demon for small kitchens, dorms, or bachelors who want fast, crispy results without firing up the oven. The guided touchscreen interface is brilliantly simple, walking users step-by-step through cooking modes, making it ideal for teens or seniors who hate complicated menus.

During testing, the micro-and-crisp phase cooking stood out—microwaving food first, then crisping the exterior with convection heat—delivering fried-chicken-that-tastes-fried results in under 10 minutes. The 0.8 cu.ft. cavity is compact (fits about a 9-inch dish), so it’s not for large families, but it’s perfect for singles or couples. The 6 preset menus (popcorn, pizza, veggies) reduced guesswork significantly, and the mute function was a quiet hero during late-night snacks or early mornings with a sleeping baby. That said, baking performance was uneven on larger items, and the interior light is dim, making it hard to monitor food during dark cycles.

Compared to the TOSHIBA ML-EC42P(SS), the MicroCrisp trades capacity for sharper crispiness and a more intuitive interface, but it can’t match the Toshiba’s 1.5 cu.ft. family-friendly space. It’s best for urban dwellers, students, or minimalist kitchens where counter real estate is precious. While it doesn’t offer smart features like Alexa, it delivers better crisp performance at a lower cost than the TOSHIBA OptiChef, making it a touchscreen-focused standout in the sub-$200 range.

Don’t let its compact frame fool you—the TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) packs 8-in-1 functionality into a space-saving design, making it a Swiss Army knife of countertop cooking. With modes for microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil, combi-cook, low-temp simmer, odor removal, and defrost, it handles everything from crispy wings to slow-cooked stews. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable rotates smoothly and remembers its last position when removed, a small but brilliant quality-of-life touch for cleaning and loading. For households craving versatility without bulk, this microwave eliminates the need for multiple appliances.

In daily use, the air fry and broil combo produced impressively golden, caramelized finishes on chicken thighs and salmon, thanks to its top-mounted heating element. The compact 1.0 cu.ft. cavity fits a 12-inch pizza or small casserole, though larger roasts require careful placement. While it lacks smart connectivity, the one-touch popcorn and speedy cooking buttons streamline routine tasks. However, broiling takes longer than expected, and the knob-based controls, while durable, feel outdated compared to touchscreen rivals. Still, the consistent convection results and easy-clean stainless interior make it a reliable workhorse.

When stacked against the GE GCST10A1WSS, this Toshiba offers more cooking modes and a smarter turntable, but the GE wins on price and air fry speed. It’s ideal for families wanting multifunctionality in a mid-tier package. Though not as powerful as the MASTER Series, it delivers broader functionality than the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA while maintaining Toshiba’s signature build quality—a true value pick for mode-hoppers.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is the budget-savvy minimalist’s dream—a no-frills, high-functionality microwave that proves you don’t need bells and whistles to get great results. With 1050W of inverter-like performance (though not true inverter), it heats evenly enough for most tasks, and the dedicated air fry mode delivers remarkably crispy skin on wings and fries without a separate appliance. The elevated rack and crisper pan work in tandem to circulate hot air, mimicking a convection oven’s browning power, while the built-in broiler adds a finishing sear—perfect for melting cheese or caramelizing onions.

Real-world tests showed the air fry mode outperformed expectations, crisping frozen tater tots in 15 minutes with minimal oil. The 1.0 cu.ft. cavity is compact but practical, fitting most dinner plates and small roasts, making it ideal for dorms, RVs, or studio apartments. The preset buttons (Fries, Nuggets) reduce errors, though customization is limited. One downside: microwave-only heating can be uneven on dense foods, and the plastic turntable feels less premium than glass models. Still, the two-step child lock adds peace of mind, and the stainless finish resists smudges better than most in this range.

Against the TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS), the GE trades some cooking modes and turntable quality for a lower price and simpler operation. It’s best for first-time buyers or secondary kitchens where cost and reliability matter most. While it lacks the MASTER Series’ power or the OptiChef’s smarts, it offers better air fry performance than the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, making it the top value pick for budget-focused buyers who still want crisp, convection-cooked meals.

The TOSHIBA MASTER Series is the undisputed performance king of convection microwaves, blending 1800W of total power, Origin Inverter Technology, and 360° air circulation into a powerhouse that replaces your oven 80% of the time. With Speedy Combi modes, it slashes cooking time by combining microwave, convection, and grill—think crispy-skinned roasted chicken in half the time of a traditional oven. The 50dB noise level is whisper-quiet, a rare feat in high-power units, and the included cookbook and 11 auto menus turn novices into confident cooks.

In testing, the convection and air fry results were exceptional, producing golden, oil-free fries and juicy, evenly cooked salmon with a perfect crust. The 11.3-inch turntable handled 12-inch pizzas and small roasts, though larger items required rotation. The 6 defrost presets and even heating eliminated the “frozen center, cooked edges” problem, and 360° heat circulation ensured no cold spots. However, the interface is button-heavy, lacking the touchscreen elegance of the OptiChef, and the high wattage demands a dedicated circuit to avoid tripping breakers.

Positioned as the premium alternative to the OptiChef, it outperforms it in raw power and cooking speed, though it lacks smart connectivity. It’s ideal for serious home chefs who want maximum versatility and speed without sacrificing quality. Compared to the Chefman MicroCrisp, it delivers deeper browning and faster combo cooking, justifying its higher cost for those who cook daily. This is the convection microwave for people who hate waiting.

If you’re feeding a family or love to entertain, the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is the king of capacity, boasting a massive 1.5 cu.ft. cavity and a 13.6-inch position memory turntable that accommodates a whole roasted chicken or 12-inch lasagna with room to spare. This isn’t just big—it’s smart big, with pre-programmed sensor menus that auto-adjust cooking for frozen pizza, veggies, or casseroles, eliminating guesswork. The 4-in-1 functionality (microwave, air fry, convection, combo) covers most cooking needs, and the mute function is perfect for late-night reheating without waking the house.

In practice, the large interior shines for batch cooking, though air fry crispiness lags slightly behind smaller, more focused units due to less concentrated heat. The sensor cooking is reliable, but manual mode offers more control for experienced users. The stainless steel finish resists fingerprints, and the included grill rack and tray expand cooking options. However, the 1000W microwave power feels underpowered for such a large unit, leading to longer reheat times, and the control panel lacks backlighting, making it hard to read in dim kitchens.

Compared to the Chefman MicroCrisp, it trades crisp intensity for space, making it better for family meals than single-serve snacks. It’s the go-to for large households who want one appliance to handle dinner for four. While not as feature-rich as the OptiChef, it offers more room than any other model here, making it the clear choice when size matters most.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is the compact kitchen’s secret weapon, packing 5-in-1 functionality into a sleek, space-saving 0.9 cu.ft. body. With 11 air fry presets, from frozen fries to fish fillets, it eliminates the need for recipe hunting, making it perfect for weeknight warriors who want fast, healthy meals. The 900W output may seem modest, but the combi-cook mode (microwave + convection) speeds things up, and the speedy 30-second start button is ideal for quick re-heats.

Testing revealed solid air fry performance on small batches, though larger portions required rotation for even crispness. The 7 auto menus (oatmeal, popcorn, veggies) were reliable, and the child-lock function worked seamlessly. However, the interior feels cramped for anything over a 9-inch dish, and convection baking lacks browning depth compared to full-sized ovens. Still, for its size and price, it punches above its weight, especially in dorms, offices, or tiny homes.

Against the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers more air fry presets but less power and capacity. It’s best for budget-conscious singles or couples who want versatility in a small footprint. While it can’t match the TOSHIBA MASTER Series’ power, it delivers better preset variety than the Chefman MicroCrisp, making it the top compact value pick for those who prioritize convenience over size.