9 Best Microwave and Oven Combinations of 2026

This TOSHIBA multi-microwave roars to life with a rare blend of culinary versatility and precision engineering, making it a standout in the crowded combo oven space. With Inverter technology, a built-in humidity sensor, and 360° rapid heat circulation, it delivers consistently even cooking—no more cold spots in reheated leftovers or undercooked chicken wings. Its 1000W microwave power paired with 1800W convection output means you can air fry, bake, broil, or yogurt-make with confidence, solving the common pain point of needing multiple bulky appliances for different textures.

In real-world testing, the Speedy Combi mode proved a revelation—air-fried fries emerged golden and crisp in under 15 minutes, while a frozen lasagna cooked through evenly with a perfectly browned top, thanks to the smart fusion of microwave and convection heat. The 12.4” turntable accommodates a 12” pizza or whole chicken, though larger family roasts may feel cramped. While the air fry basket and dual racks enhance airflow, the cavity’s compact depth can limit stacking, and users with oversized cookware may find loading a tight fit. Still, for weeknight dinners or solo cooking, it’s impressively efficient.

Compared to the Panasonic HomeChef Connect, this model trades app integration for mechanical reliability and broader manual control, appealing to those who prefer tactile cooking over smartphone dependency. It’s ideal for intermediate home cooks who want restaurant-quality textures without the learning curve. While it lacks voice control or cloud recipes, its 47 included recipes and 27 auto menus offer more immediate culinary guidance than most rivals—making it a feature-rich powerhouse that outperforms at its price tier.

Meet the TOSHIBA OptiChef, a next-generation smart microwave that redefines what a combo oven should be—intelligent, intuitive, and deeply integrated into modern kitchens. With a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, Origin Inverter technology, and AI-powered ChefFry Plus, it delivers juicier meats, crisper fries, and moisture-retentive roasts with minimal user input. The intuitive humidity sensor constantly monitors steam levels, adjusting heat on the fly to prevent dryness—ideal for busy families tired of overcooked casseroles or soggy leftovers.

During performance tests, the 1.3 cu.ft. cavity handled a 13” pizza with ease and roasted a whole chicken to golden perfection in under 45 minutes using Combi mode. The 1100W output and 1250W input power ensure rapid heating, while Chef Defrost cut defrosting time by nearly 40%, preserving texture far better than basic microwaves. However, the smart connectivity demands a stable Wi-Fi signal, and occasional lag in Alexa responses can frustrate users expecting instant voice execution. The touchscreen, while sleek, can be overly sensitive when greasy fingers are involved.

Positioned against the Breville Combi Wave, the OptiChef offers greater smart functionality and a larger cavity, though it lacks Breville’s Power Smoothing Inverter for ultra-precise reheating. It’s best suited for tech-savvy households who value app-controlled automation and evolving AI recipes over raw power. With cloud-updated firmware and OTA upgrades, it’s not just an appliance—it’s a learning kitchen partner that improves over time, offering a smarter long-term investment than most competitors.

Don’t let its modest footprint fool you—the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 is a budget-slaying kitchen dynamo that punches far above its weight class. With five core functions—microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast—and 900W of power, it tackles everything from crispy wings to baked potatoes with surprising competence. The 11 air fry presets are a game-changer for frozen food lovers, delivering crisp results without oil, while the Speedy Cooking button lets you reheat coffee or soup in 30-second bursts with zero fuss.

In daily use, the compact 0.9 cu.ft. cavity fits most dinner plates and small casserole dishes, though it struggles with anything larger than a 9” pizza. The 7 auto menus are basic but effective, and the child-lock feature adds peace of mind in homes with curious toddlers. However, the lack of inverter technology means defrosting can be uneven, and reheated leftovers sometimes develop hot edges with cold centers. It also runs louder than premium models, and the plastic interior feels less durable over time.

Stacked against the GE GCST10A1WSS, this model offers more cooking modes and air fry presets at a slightly lower price, though it sacrifices convection power and cavity size. It’s the perfect starter oven for college students, small apartments, or budget-conscious families who need versatility without splurging. While it won’t match the even cooking of inverter models, its no-frills reliability and preset simplicity make it the most accessible entry point into multi-function cooking.

The Panasonic HomeChef Connect isn’t just a microwave—it’s a kitchen automation hub designed for hands-off, app-driven cooking. With Genius Sensor technology, Inverter power, and seamless pairing with the Kitchen+ app, it transforms complex meals into one-tap operations. Whether you’re air-frying drumsticks or baking a casserole, the FlashXpress broiler adds that final sear of perfection, while Turbo Defrost thaws meat evenly in minutes—solving the universal frustration of half-cooked, half-frozen chicken breasts.

Real-world testing revealed remarkably consistent results, especially with app-guided recipes. A frozen mac and cheese dish cooked to gooey, golden perfection without supervision, and convection-baked cookies emerged with professional-level browning. The 1.2 cu.ft. cavity and 14.2” turntable accommodate most family-sized dishes, though bulky Dutch ovens won’t fit. One limitation: the app requires frequent updates, and offline cooking lacks the same precision without sensor presets. Still, for meal preppers and busy parents, the automation is worth the tech dependency.

Compared to the TOSHIBA OptiChef, the HomeChef Connect offers deeper app integration and more curated recipes, but lacks Alexa compatibility and a color screen. It’s ideal for families seeking stress-free meal prep and repeatable results without monitoring timers. While it doesn’t have the raw power of Breville, its smart ecosystem and legendary Panasonic reliability make it the best-connected combo oven for those who cook by smartphone, not instinct.

The TOSHIBA MASTER Series is a precision-focused workhorse built for those who demand flawless texture and whisper-quiet operation. Its ORIGIN Inverter Technology ensures uniform heat distribution, eliminating the cold spots that plague standard microwaves, while 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 1000W microwave and 1800W convection power deliver crispy air-fried results with zero oil, and the Speedy Combi mode cuts cooking time by nearly half.

In practice, the 11.3” turntable is slightly smaller than competitors, limiting large platters, but the dual wire racks and bake tray allow for multi-level air frying—ideal for cooking wings and fries simultaneously. The 10 air fry menus are straightforward, though less varied than BLACK+DECKER’s 11. Reheated pizza retained its crust integrity, and convection-baked salmon emerged moist with a delicate crisp—proof of its exceptional moisture retention. However, the lack of smart features or app control may deter tech-forward users.

Versus the TOSHIBA OptiChef, this model trades smart connectivity for acoustic comfort and mechanical simplicity, making it a better fit for noise-sensitive environments like studios or open-plan homes. It’s the top pick for even cooking purists who prioritize texture, quietness, and reliability over bells and whistles. While it doesn’t offer AI updates, its consistent performance and durable build make it a long-term kitchen staple that outperforms many pricier rivals.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a masterclass in compact efficiency, proving that small size doesn’t mean small performance. With 1050W of power and a 1.0 cu.ft. cavity, it fits effortlessly into dorms, RVs, or tight kitchens, yet still delivers air-fried fries, broiled steaks, and convection-baked cookies with impressive consistency. The elevated rack and crisper pan work in tandem to boost airflow and browning, solving the common issue of soggy microwave food. Its preset controls for fries and nuggets make it idiot-proof for quick meals.

Testing showed excellent browning on chicken nuggets and even convection roasting on veggies, though larger items like whole chickens barely fit. The glass turntable ensures even microwave distribution, but the lack of inverter tech means defrosting is hit-or-miss—some edges warm while centers stay frozen. It’s also noisier than premium models, and the two-step child lock, while safe, feels clunky to disable repeatedly.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it offers higher wattage and better browning, but fewer air fry presets and no bake mode. It’s best for space-constrained users who want solid air fry and convection performance without bulk. While it doesn’t match the smart features of Panasonic or Toshiba, its rugged build and straightforward design make it a reliable compact champion that delivers where it counts.

The Breville Combi Wave is the Ferrari of combo microwaves—luxurious, powerful, and engineered for perfection. With Element IQ, Power Smoothing Inverter, and Fast Combi technology, it delivers crisp, golden results that rival standalone ovens. The 1.1 cu.ft. cavity may seem modest, but smart algorithms optimize heat distribution so precisely that frozen meals cook evenly in half the time, and reheated pizza tastes fresh from the pizzeria. Its 80% quieter soft-close door adds a touch of elegance, making it ideal for open-concept homes.

In real use, the Combi Crisp Pan transformed frozen tater tots into crunchy delights, and convection-baked brownies had a professional fudgy center with a crackled top. The Smart Cook and Smart Defrost presets adapt to food weight and moisture, but the learning curve is steeper than simpler models—novices may feel overwhelmed by the 19 presets and menu layers. The turntable can be disabled, a rare perk for flat baking, though the accessories lack dedicated storage.

Stacked against the TOSHIBA OptiChef, the Breville wins on texture and quiet operation, but loses on smart connectivity and screen intuitiveness. It’s built for serious home chefs who want restaurant-quality results without compromise. While it costs more than most, its build quality, precision, and performance justify the premium—making it the undisputed king of premium combo ovens.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) is a family-sized powerhouse with a massive 1.5 cu.ft. cavity and 13.6” position memory turntable, making it one of the largest countertop combo microwaves available. It effortlessly fits a whole roasted chicken, 12” pizza, or family casserole, solving the #1 pain point of smaller models: limited capacity. With 4-in-1 functionality, smart sensor cooking, and mute mode, it balances practicality and quiet operation—perfect for households that cook in bulk.

During testing, the auto roast and bake menus delivered consistent results, and frozen pizza cooked evenly with a crisp base. The grill rack and tray are useful for broiling, though the lack of an air fry basket means you rely on convection mode for crispy textures—less efficient than dedicated air fryers. The black stainless steel finish resists smudges, and the memory function recalls previous settings, a small but welcome touch. However, the plastic control panel feels cheap, and the sensor cook presets are limited compared to rivals.

Compared to the TOSHIBA OptiChef, it trades smart features and touchscreen elegance for sheer capacity and family-friendly design. It’s ideal for larger households who prioritize space and simplicity over high-tech bells. While it doesn’t offer Alexa or AI, its large interior and mute function make it the best value for family use, outperforming similarly priced models in real-world meal scaling.

The Gasland 24-inch built-in is a high-end, space-saving marvel designed for kitchen renovations and luxury setups, offering integrated elegance and professional performance. With a 1.6 cu.ft. cavity—the largest in this lineup—and 3D convection heating, it handles roasts, casseroles, and sheet pans with ease, eliminating the need for a second oven. The soft-close drawer and cool-touch door enhance safety and quietness, making it ideal for open-plan living where noise and heat leakage matter.

In testing, the sensor cook and auto defrost functions were responsive, and convection-baked bread rose evenly thanks to uniform heat distribution. The LCD touch control is intuitive, though the lack of inverter technology leads to slightly uneven reheating. It’s not as smart as Panasonic or Toshiba, with no app control or voice features, and installation requires cabinetry modification—limiting it to permanent setups. Still, for home chefs upgrading their kitchen, it delivers restaurant-grade capacity and seamless integration.

Compared to countertop models, it sacrifices portability but gains aesthetic cohesion and massive interior space. It’s best for homeowners seeking a built-in solution with dual cooking modes and quiet operation. While it doesn’t have air fry presets, its convection strength and cool-door tech make it the premier built-in choice—a long-term investment that elevates both function and form.