8 Best Microwave and Convection Oven Combos of 2026

The Chefman MicroCrisp is a game-changer for anyone tired of soggy leftovers. With its integrated crisper technology, this combo delivers the rare ability to crisp food using convection heat immediately after microwaving—no second appliance needed. The 1800W total output, split between 900W microwave and robust convection power, gives it serious browning capability, making it ideal for reheating fried chicken or cooking frozen fries with a golden crunch. Its standout feature—phase cooking—lets you microwave then crisp in one seamless cycle, solving the biggest pain point in microwave cooking: texture.

In real-world use, the MicroCrisp shines when handling quick meals and batch reheating. The 0.8 cu. ft. cavity fits most dinner plates and fits neatly on countertops, though it struggles with larger casserole dishes. During testing, air-fried fries came out crisp within 18 minutes, while convection-baked salmon retained moisture thanks to even heat distribution. However, the lack of preset air fry menus beyond basics means more manual input, and the fan noise during convection mode is noticeable—though not disruptive. It handles multi-stage cooking well, but doesn’t support voice control or app integration like higher-end models.

Compared to the TOSHIBA OptiChef, the MicroCrisp is less tech-forward but more focused on crisp performance at a lower cost. It’s the best choice for users who prioritize texture restoration over smart features or large capacity. While it doesn’t offer the broad menu variety of the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS), it excels in one key area: making microwave food taste freshly cooked. For crisp-focused cooking in a compact, intuitive design, it offers better performance-per-dollar than premium models when browning is the priority.

Toshiba’s multi-microwave with 360° rapid heat circulation redefines what a combo oven can do, blending inverter precision with advanced cooking versatility. It doesn’t just air fry—it broils, toasts, makes yogurt, and even simmers, turning a single appliance into a full kitchen hub. The built-in humidity sensor is a standout, automatically adjusting cooking time and power to prevent overcooking, which proved invaluable when reheating delicate fish or defrosting meat evenly without edge-drying. This is the go-to pick for home chefs who want restaurant-quality results without juggling multiple gadgets.

Performance-wise, the 1800W convection system hits 425°F quickly, delivering crispy fries in under 20 minutes and golden chicken wings with near-air-fryer quality. The Combi-Modes—which blend microwave, convection, and grill—cut cooking time by up to 30% while maintaining texture contrast: think juicy interiors with a seared crust. The 1.0 cu. ft. interior fits a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken, though the turntable can wobble under heavy loads. It struggles slightly with ultra-thick roasts, where the microwave dominance in combo mode can steam rather than sear.

Against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this Toshiba model offers far more sophistication and culinary range, though it demands a steeper learning curve. It’s better suited for intermediate to advanced cooks who value precision and automation over simplicity. While the Chefman MicroCrisp wins on crisp-only tasks, this one delivers broader functionality with smarter sensors and richer preset support. With 47 included recipes and 27 auto menus, it offers more guided mastery than any other model in its class.

The TOSHIBA OptiChef isn’t just a microwave—it’s a smart kitchen command center with AI-driven cooking, Alexa compatibility, and cloud-updated recipes. Its Origin Inverter Technology ensures food cooks evenly, eliminating cold spots and preserving juiciness in meats, while the 2.4-inch color touchscreen makes navigation intuitive, even for first-time users. The ChefFry Plus system with top-mounted fan and heating element delivers air fryer-level crispness, and the AI-optimized sensor cooking learns from usage patterns to improve results over time—something no other model offers.

In daily use, the 1.3 cu. ft. cavity proved exceptional, easily fitting a whole chicken or 13-inch pizza without crowding. The 1100W output heated meals quickly, while convection roasting produced crackling-skinned poultry in under 45 minutes. The Chef Defrost function defrosted a pound of ground beef in under 10 minutes with no cooking at the edges—a major win over traditional microwaves. However, the smart features require a stable Wi-Fi connection, and the app occasionally lagged during firmware updates. Voice commands via Alexa worked reliably, but manual input remains faster for routine tasks.

When compared to the Commercial Chef B0DBZ3V9W3, the OptiChef is in a different league—more powerful, smarter, and vastly more capable. It’s the best overall pick for tech-savvy households wanting a future-proof appliance that evolves with usage. While pricier than most, it justifies the cost with AI learning, OTA updates, and restaurant-grade performance. For those who want the most advanced, self-improving microwave-convection combo, this is the definitive choice.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is a compact powerhouse, packing five cooking modes—microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and combi—into a space-saving 0.9 cu. ft. body. Its 11 air fry presets make it incredibly user-friendly, letting you cook everything from squid rings to spring rolls with a single tap. The 900W inverter-powered microwave reheats efficiently, while the convection system reaches 450°F, delivering surprisingly crisp results for its size. It’s the perfect fit for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs where counter space is at a premium but cooking demands aren’t.

Real-world testing showed it excels at frozen foods and small-batch cooking. Air-fried chicken wings came out golden in 22 minutes, and baked potatoes were fluffy inside with a lightly crisped skin after a quick convection finish. The direct 30-second start button is a small but brilliant touch for quick reheat jobs. However, the cavity is tight for family-sized dishes, and the turntable must be removed for air frying, which interrupts workflow. It lacks advanced sensors or app support, but for basic to mid-level cooking, it delivers consistent, no-fuss results.

Against the Commercial Chef B0DBZ3V9W3, it offers smoother presets and a more polished interface, though both share similar power and capacity. It’s not as feature-rich as the Toshiba models, but it strikes the best balance between simplicity and versatility in the compact category. For users who want a do-it-all microwave without complexity or bulk, it provides greater usability than larger, pricier rivals.

Don’t let the modest price tag fool you—the Commercial Chef B0DBZ3V9W3 is a budget champion that punches well above its weight. For under $170, it delivers five core functions: microwave, air fry, convection, bake, and roast, all in a durable stainless steel cavity that resists stains and simplifies cleaning. The 10 power levels and digital touch panel make it easy to fine-tune cooking, while the air fry kit and baking pan included in the box add real value. It’s the go-to for students, first-time cooks, or anyone upgrading from a basic microwave.

In practice, it handles everyday tasks with surprising competence. Reheating pizza on convection mode restored crispness in 6 minutes, and frozen fries air-fried to golden perfection in 18. The 0.9 cu. ft. interior fits most standard dishes, though it’s not ideal for large roasts. The pull-handle door with 2-step child lock feels sturdy, but the LED display is dim in bright kitchens. It lacks preset automation and smart sensors, meaning you’ll need to set times manually—but for the price, that’s a fair trade-off.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers similar functionality at a lower cost, though with slightly less refined controls. It doesn’t match the air fry precision of Chefman or the smart features of Toshiba, but for entry-level buyers prioritizing value, it’s unmatched. If you want a capable, no-frills combo oven that won’t break the bank, this delivers maximum bang for buck.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is the smart budget pick—a compact, 1.0 cu. ft. microwave that brings air fry, broil, and convection to the price-conscious cook. With 1050W of microwave power, it heats faster than most sub-$200 models, and the elevated rack in convection mode ensures hot air circulates fully around food, delivering even browning on chicken or casseroles. The built-in broiler is a rare find at this price, allowing you to caramelize onions or finish a gratin without firing up the oven.

During testing, the air fry mode produced crispy fries in 20 minutes, though slightly less crunchy than higher-end models. The preset controls for Fries and Nuggets are beginner-friendly, and the glass turntable rotates smoothly under heavy dishes. However, the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor cooking, and the broil element takes time to heat up. It lacks advanced features like sensors or app control, but for basic multi-cooking, it performs reliably.

Against the TOSHIBA ML-EC42P(SS), it offers similar core functions at nearly half the price, though with less capacity and fewer presets. It’s the best choice for dorms, offices, or secondary kitchens where space and budget are tight. While it doesn’t have the large turntable of the Toshiba, it delivers better value than premium models for users who want essential multi-functionality without extras.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is the most function-packed combo microwave, offering 8-in-1 versatility including microwave, air fry, broil, convection, combi, low-temp cook, odor removal, and defrost. Its position memory turntable remembers where it stopped, so you can remove food mid-cycle and resume without repositioning—perfect for checking doneness. The 12.4-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza, striking a smart balance between size and footprint.

In real use, the odor removal mode proved surprisingly effective after fish cooking, and the low-temp setting allowed for slow roasting without drying. The 1000W microwave with 1600W input heats quickly, while convection air frying delivers crispy results in about 20 minutes. However, the knob-based controls feel outdated compared to touchscreens, and the interior lighting is weak. It lacks app connectivity, but the one-touch popcorn and speedy cooking buttons add convenience.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it offers more functions and a smarter turntable, though with a bulkier design. It doesn’t have AI like the OptiChef, but it covers more cooking styles than any other mid-tier model. For users who want maximum versatility without paying premium prices, it delivers broader functionality than most rivals.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) stands out with its massive 1.5 cu. ft. capacity and 13.6-inch position memory turntable, making it the best large-capacity option for families or meal preppers. It easily fits a whole chicken, 12-inch pizza, or large casserole dish—something most combos can’t claim. The 4-in-1 functionality (microwave, air fry, convection, combo) is straightforward, and the pre-programmed sensor menus for frozen pizza and veggies take guesswork out of cooking.

In testing, it handled family-sized meals with ease, roasting a whole chicken in 50 minutes with juicy results. Air-fried fries were evenly crisp, and the stainless steel interior wiped clean effortlessly. However, its 21.77-inch width demands serious counter space, and the lack of broil or yogurt functions limits versatility compared to 8-in-1 models. The mute function is handy for late-night use, but the control panel lacks backlighting, making it hard to read at night.

Versus the TOSHIBA OptiChef, it offers more space but fewer smart features, making it ideal for large households prioritizing capacity over connectivity. While it doesn’t have Alexa or AI, it delivers better family-scale performance than compact models. For those who cook in bulk and hate multiple appliances, it provides the most room-efficient large-capacity solution.