8 Best Microwave and Air Fryer Combos 2026

The TOSHIBA OptiChef isn’t just another combo microwave—it’s a smart kitchen command center. With its Origin Inverter Technology, this unit delivers 1100W of precise, uninterrupted power, eliminating cold spots and ensuring meats stay juicy while vegetables retain crispness. The star of the show is the 2.4-inch color touchscreen, which transforms complex cooking into tap-and-go simplicity, making it ideal for tech-savvy households tired of cluttered dials and cryptic symbols.

In real-world testing, the ChefFry Plus system proved impressively capable, producing golden, crispy fries with 70% less fat than deep frying, while the intuitive humidity sensor adjusted cooking time automatically when reheating leftovers—no more dried-out lasagna. The 1.3 cu.ft. cavity comfortably fits a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken, and the convection function browns roasts evenly, though it lags slightly behind full-size ovens in crust development. Performance dips marginally when using combo modes at high heat, where airflow can feel restricted.

Compared to the budget-friendly BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, the OptiChef is in a different league—smarter, more powerful, and infinitely more connected. It’s the clear choice for families who want AI-driven cooking, Alexa integration, and OTA updates that evolve over time. While it costs more than most in the category, its blend of smart features, consistent performance, and premium build makes it the most future-ready microwave-air fryer combo available.

Don’t let its modest price tag fool you—the Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft Combo-Fry packs a serious punch for compact kitchens. Boasting 1000W of oven power and 900W microwave output, it handles everything from crispy chicken wings to evenly baked cakes with surprising finesse. The air fry function cuts fat by up to 70%, and the XL capacity stands out in its class, fitting a 12-inch pizza with room to spare—ideal for small families or meal preppers.

During testing, the convection mode delivered consistent browning, outperforming many microwaves in its price range, while the one-touch menus (Popcorn, Reheat, Frozen Dinner) made daily use effortless. The 10 power levels offer granular control, and the Combo-Fry setting significantly reduced cooking time versus traditional methods. However, the lack of inverter technology means reheating can sometimes result in uneven warmth, especially with dense foods like mashed potatoes.

When stacked against the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), it trades capacity for affordability and simplicity. It’s not as smart or feature-rich, but for those prioritizing reliable multi-function performance without app bloat, this Frigidaire is a standout. It delivers more cooking versatility than a standard microwave while staying compact and wallet-friendly—making it a top pick for dorms, RVs, or minimalist kitchens.

If you’re feeding a family and tired of batch cooking, the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is a game-changer. Its 1.5 cu.ft. cavity is the largest in the category, easily swallowing a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza, while the 13.6-inch position memory turntable ensures stability during high-speed air frying. The 4-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking—means you can roast a chicken in half the time using microwave-convection synergy.

Real-world use confirms its strength in family-sized meals: a full sheet of frozen nuggets air fries evenly in 18 minutes, and the sensor reheat function prevents overcooking leftovers. The pre-programmed menus for pizza, veggies, and roast take the guesswork out of cooking. However, the lack of a dedicated broil element limits browning compared to models like the GE GCST10A1WSS. It also lacks smart connectivity, which may disappoint tech-focused users.

Compared to the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS), this model wins on sheer capacity and family-friendliness, though it sacrifices some advanced features. It’s the best choice for households needing maximum interior space and consistent multi-mode performance without paying premium smart-appliance prices. It offers more cooking volume than nearly any other combo unit, making it the ultimate space-efficient upgrade for busy kitchens.

The Toshiba B09HKPSRWW is a culinary Swiss Army knife for home chefs who want smart, guided cooking without complexity. Its 360° rapid heat circulation delivers golden, oil-free fries and crispy chicken that rival standalone air fryers, while the inverter technology ensures no cold spots—a blessing for reheating soups and casseroles. The real magic lies in its 47 included recipes and 27 auto menus, turning novices into confident cooks with step-by-step guidance.

In testing, the Speedy Combi mode cut cooking time by nearly 40% when roasting a chicken, combining microwave speed with convection crispness. The broil function added a satisfying sear to salmon fillets, and the humidity sensor auto-adjusted cooking when steaming vegetables. However, the 1.0 cu.ft. cavity feels snug for large dishes, and the 12.4-inch turntable can wobble slightly under heavy loads.

Against the Breville BMO870BSS, it trades premium build for exceptional value in smart cooking features. While it doesn’t have Element IQ or quiet operation, it offers more guided recipes and broader cooking presets at half the price. It’s the best choice for cooks who want AI-assisted, foolproof results and enjoy experimenting with new dishes—making it the most instruction-rich, user-empowering combo microwave on the market.

The Breville Combi Wave is the Ferrari of combo microwaves—luxurious, powerful, and engineered for perfection. Its Element IQ system analyzes food and steers power dynamically, ensuring your air-fried wings emerge crispy on the outside, juicy within, while the Power Smoothing Inverter reheats delicate dishes like quiche without edge burn. The Fast Combi function is a revelation, cooking frozen lasagna to golden perfection 30% faster than conventional ovens.

In real use, the Smart Cook and Smart Defrost presets eliminated guesswork, and the soft-close door with 80% less noise made midnight snacks discreet. The 1.1 cu.ft. cavity handled most family meals, and the Combi Crisp Pan delivered restaurant-grade browning. However, the learning curve is steep, and the $500 price tag may deter budget buyers. It also lacks a turntable, requiring manual rotation for even microwave heating.

Next to the Toshiba OptiChef, the Breville wins on build quality and cooking intelligence, though it lacks Alexa integration. It’s designed for discerning users who value precision, quiet operation, and premium materials over app connectivity. With best-in-class heat control and finish quality, it justifies its premium status as the ultimate high-end combo appliance for serious home cooks.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA proves you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy air-fried crispiness and convection baking. With 11 preset air fry menus, from chicken wings to spring rolls, it delivers 70% less fat cooking with surprising consistency. Its 5-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, combi, bake, roast—makes it a space-saving powerhouse for small kitchens, and the 900W output handles most tasks efficiently.

Testing showed the frozen foods menu excelled, crisping French fries in 15 minutes with minimal oil, and the speedy 30-second start is perfect for quick reheat jobs. However, the 0.9 cu.ft. cavity limits it to single-serve or small meals, and the plastic-heavy build feels less durable than stainless steel rivals. Convection baking works, but browning is uneven on larger items.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers more air fry presets and functions at a lower price, though with less power and capacity. It’s the go-to for college students, singles, or budget-conscious buyers who want maximum features for minimal cost. While not built to last a decade, it delivers exceptional value for entry-level multi-cooking, making it the smartest affordable gateway into air fryer combos.

The GE GCST10A1WSS hits the sweet spot between performance, size, and price, earning its title as the best value combo microwave. With 1050W of microwave power and a true air fry mode, it crisps nuggets and reheats pizza with impressive evenness, thanks to the glass turntable and convection fan. The built-in broiler is a rare gem, adding a golden sear to meats and melts that standard microwaves can’t touch.

In daily use, the preset controls for Fries and Nuggets made kid meals effortless, and the compact 1.0 cu.ft. design fit neatly on crowded countertops—perfect for dorms or studio apartments. The two-step child lock adds peace of mind, and the crisper pan delivered air-fried results rivaling standalone units. However, it lacks inverter tech, so delicate reheating can be hit-or-miss, and it offers fewer presets than Toshiba or BLACK+DECKER models.

Against the Frigidaire B08FFG5WGP, it offers more power and a broil function at a similar price, though with slightly less capacity. It’s ideal for users who want restaurant-style results without complexity or clutter. With better browning, solid power, and thoughtful safety features, it delivers premium functionality at a mid-range cost, making it the most balanced, no-nonsense choice in the category.

The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) is the most versatile combo microwave on the market, packing 8 distinct functions into a sleek, space-saving body. Beyond standard microwave and air fry, it offers bake, broil, combi, low-temp cooking, odor removal, and defrost, making it a true all-in-one kitchen workhorse. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable stays put when loading heavy dishes, and the compact 1.0 cu.ft. footprint fits where others don’t—ideal for tight countertops.

Real-world tests confirmed its air fry and broil modes work in harmony, creating crispy-skinned chicken thighs with juicy interiors, while the odor removal function effectively cleared lingering fish smells after cooking. The knob-based interface feels intuitive, and the black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints. However, the interior dimensions are tight for large casseroles, and the lack of smart features may disappoint tech users.

Versus the ML-EC42P(SS), it trades capacity for more cooking modes and smarter design. It’s perfect for cooks who want maximum functionality in a compact form, especially those who value low-temp yogurt making or odor control. With the broadest function set and thoughtful usability touches, it outshines competitors in flexibility and daily practicality, making it the ultimate multi-role microwave for diverse cooking needs.