7 Best Countertop Convection Microwaves 2026

This powerhouse of precision cooking redefines what a countertop microwave can do. With TOSHIBA ORIGIN Inverter Technology, it delivers consistent, even heating—eliminating cold spots that plague traditional microwaves—while its 6-in-1 versatility seamlessly shifts between microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broil, Speedy Combi, and defrost modes. For home chefs tired of juggling multiple appliances, this unit consolidates your kitchen’s heavy lifters into one smart, efficient machine, all while maintaining a quiet 50dB operation that won’t disrupt family life.

In real-world testing, the 360° heat circulation shines—crisping chicken nuggets to golden perfection without a drop of oil and roasting vegetables with restaurant-grade browning. The 1800W convection power reaches up to 425°F, allowing for fast, flavorful results, especially when using the dual wire racks and bake tray for multi-level air frying. However, the Combi-Modes, though powerful, require some trial runs to master timing—overuse of microwave + convection can occasionally dry out delicate proteins. Still, it outperforms most combos in browning and texture control.

Compared to the compact GE GCST10A1WSS, this TOSHIBA model offers broader functionality and superior heat distribution, making it ideal for families or serious home cooks who demand restaurant-quality results. While it’s larger and pricier than entry-level models, its sensor-free precision, quiet performance, and culinary range justify the investment. It doesn’t just cook—it elevates, outperforming budget models in both consistency and innovation.

Don’t let its compact frame fool you—this GE microwave packs a serious punch for small spaces. Designed with dorm rooms, offices, and minimalist kitchens in mind, it balances a 1.0 cu ft cavity with 1050W of power, making it one of the most space-smart convection microwaves on the market. The air fry mode delivers surprisingly crispy results, and the elevated rack ensures hot air circulates evenly, solving the soggy leftovers problem that plagues most compact models.

During testing, the broil function impressed—searing the top of a casserole or caramelizing onions with grill-like precision, something rarely seen at this size. The preset buttons for fries and nuggets simplify daily use, though custom cooking requires manual input, which can feel limiting for advanced users. While it handles reheating and air frying well, the smaller cavity struggles with full-sized pizzas or large proteins, and the convection fan isn’t as powerful as in larger models, leading to slightly longer cook times.

When stacked against the Chefman MicroCrisp, this GE unit offers better build quality and more reliable convection performance, despite similar size and price. It’s the ideal pick for singles or couples who want air frying and browning without sacrificing counter space. While it can’t match the versatility of Toshiba’s MASTER Series, it delivers refined functionality in a tight footprint, making it a top-tier choice where space is king.

If functionality is your obsession, this 8-in-1 Toshiba is a feature-packed marvel. Beyond standard microwave and convection tasks, it includes low-temp cooking, odor removal, and multi-stage programming, giving users granular control over every meal. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable is a game-changer—rotating precisely back to its starting point, so you never fumble with repositioning racks or trays. For families or meal preppers, this small detail saves real time.

Real-world use reveals excellent air fry results, especially with the included wire racks and tray, producing crispy fries and juicy chicken wings with minimal oil. The 1600W input power ensures quick heating, and the compact exterior belies its spacious interior, fitting a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken with ease. However, the lack of sensor cooking means you’ll need to manually adjust times, and the touch controls can feel unresponsive compared to higher-end models. Still, it handles diverse cooking styles without breaking a sweat.

Compared to the Chefman MicroCrisp, this Toshiba offers more cooking modes and better capacity, making it a superior choice for those who cook varied meals. While it lacks smart features, it outperforms budget models in build and versatility. For users who want maximum functions without overspending, this model strikes a near-perfect balance—delivering professional-grade flexibility at a mid-tier price.

This model is a sensor-driven masterpiece, engineered for those who hate guesswork. The built-in humidity sensor constantly monitors steam levels, automatically adjusting power and time to prevent overcooking or dryness—a revelation for reheating lasagna or cooking fish. Paired with Inverter Technology, it ensures even defrosting and reheating, eliminating the “molten center, frozen edge” issue common in standard microwaves. For busy households, this set-and-forget intelligence is a daily win.

In practice, the Speedy Combi mode excels at accelerating meals—combining microwave speed with convection browning to cook a frozen casserole in half the time, with a crisp top and moist interior. The 1000W microwave and 1800W convection output deliver consistent results, and the included air fry basket makes oil-free frying effortless. However, the handle extends the depth, making it slightly harder to fit under cabinets, and the recipe book, while helpful, isn’t as comprehensive as the OptiChef’s cloud-updated AI menus.

Next to the ML-EC42P(SS), this model offers smarter cooking with fewer physical controls, favoring automation over manual tweaks. It’s best for tech-savvy users who value precision over raw capacity. Though it lacks the OptiChef’s Alexa integration, it delivers superior sensor performance at a lower price, making it a smarter buy for those who prioritize intelligent cooking over smart home features.

The Chefman MicroCrisp is a budget hero that refuses to compromise on crispiness. Its integrated convection crisper is the star—transforming soggy leftovers into crunchy delights, whether it’s fried chicken or frozen tater tots. The micro-and-crisp phase cooking lets you heat first, then crisp, mimicking a two-appliance workflow in one compact unit. For night owls or parents, the mute function is a quiet savior, silencing alerts without losing functionality.

Testing shows it heats quickly with 900W power, and the 0.8 cu ft cavity is surprisingly efficient for small meals. The guided touchscreen simplifies operation, though the presets are limited to six, leaving little room for customization. It struggles with larger items—fitting only a 10-inch pizza—and the convection fan lacks the force of pricier models, resulting in uneven browning on dense foods. Still, for reheating or cooking for one or two, it’s impressively capable.

Stacked against the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers similar air fry performance at a lower price, but with a smaller interior and fewer presets. It’s the best entry point for first-time air fry microwave owners who want crisp results without overspending. While it can’t match Toshiba’s versatility, it punches above its weight in value and noise control, making it ideal for dorms or small kitchens.

This is the undisputed king of smart convection microwaves—a fully evolved kitchen AI in appliance form. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is razor-responsive, guiding you through cooking with AI-optimized sensor programs that learn and adapt. With Alexa and TSmartLife app integration, you can preheat remotely or start defrosting from bed—features that feel futuristic yet fully functional. The 1.3 cu ft cavity fits a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken, making it ideal for family-sized meals.

In real use, the ChefFry Plus system delivers air fryer-level crispiness, thanks to a top-mounted fan and heating element that mimic true convection ovens. The Origin Inverter ensures juicy, evenly cooked meats, while the Chef Defrost function thaws 40% faster than standard modes, preserving texture. However, the higher price reflects its premium status, and the learning curve for app setup may deter less tech-inclined users. Still, once mastered, it’s effortlessly powerful.

Compared to the B0C1MZ8FWB, this model adds smart connectivity and larger capacity, justifying its position as the best overall. It’s not just a microwave—it’s a connected kitchen hub that evolves with OTA updates. While the Chefman and GE models win on price, this Toshiba dominates in intelligence, size, and performance, offering a luxury experience that outshines every other model in the lineup.

Built for family-sized efficiency, this Toshiba is a quiet giant with a massive 1.5 cu ft cavity and a 13.6-inch turntable that fits whole chickens and 12-inch pizzas with room to spare. The 4-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking—handles everything from weekday leftovers to Sunday roasts. The pre-programmed sensor menus take the guesswork out of cooking frozen meals or veggies, delivering consistent results with minimal effort.

In testing, the auto roast and bake functions performed reliably, producing evenly browned casseroles and fluffy baked potatoes. The position memory turntable returns to its original spot after removal, a small but meaningful convenience for busy kitchens. However, the air fry mode lacks the intensity of dedicated units, and the exterior dimensions are bulky, demanding significant counter space. Still, for families, the sheer capacity and ease of use outweigh these trade-offs.

Against the B0DPQTDXWC, this model offers larger size and family-focused design, though fewer cooking modes. It’s the best value for households of four or more, where meal size matters most. While the OptiChef has smarter tech, this one wins on practicality and portion power, delivering greater utility per dollar for family cooking.