7 Best Microwave Oven Combos of 2026

The TOSHIBA OptiChef isn’t just another combo microwave—it’s a smart kitchen command center wrapped in sleek silver. With its vibrant 2.4-inch color touchscreen, Origin Inverter Technology, and AI-powered humidity sensor, this model delivers precision that feels almost chef-like. It tackles two of the biggest microwave pain points: uneven cooking and confusing controls—replacing them with responsive tech and real-time moisture monitoring that keeps proteins juicy and veggies perfectly tender. If you’re tired of guessing when your meal is done, this unit’s cloud-updated AI recipes and smart defrost make cooking feel future-ready.

In real-world use, the OptiChef handles large dishes with ease, thanks to its spacious 1.3 cu.ft. cavity that fits a whole chicken or 13-inch pizza without crowding. The ChefFry Plus system mimics a standalone air fryer, producing crispy fries and golden chicken wings with no preheating and minimal oil—a win for health-conscious families. During testing, the inverter tech proved exceptional, reheating lasagna without dried edges and defrosting ground beef 40% faster than conventional models. However, the lack of a convection broil function limits browning compared to true combo ovens, and the app connectivity can lag if your Wi-Fi is spotty.

Against rivals like the Breville Combi Wave, the OptiChef trades some high-heat versatility for smarter automation and a larger interior, making it ideal for tech lovers who prioritize hands-off cooking and smart integration over max browning power. It’s not the loudest performer, but it’s far from silent—though the mute function helps in quiet households. For those who want a self-learning microwave with Alexa control and restaurant-quality results, this Toshiba delivers more intelligence per watt than any other combo unit in its class.

The Breville Combi Wave is the gold standard of microwave combos, blending microwave speed, convection browning, and air fry crispness into one powerhouse. Its Element IQ system intelligently directs heat for golden, restaurant-quality results, whether you’re roasting chicken or baking brownies. Unlike most microwaves that sacrifice texture for speed, this one uses Power Smoothing Inverter tech to eliminate cold spots and deliver uniform, controlled heat—making it perfect for delicate tasks like reheating soups or defrosting salmon without rubbery edges. If you want a true oven replacement that doesn’t compromise on flavor or finish, this is it.

In daily testing, the Fast Combi mode cut cooking time by nearly half compared to a standard oven, crisping a frozen pizza in under 12 minutes with a bubbling top and chewy crust. The Smart Cook presets handled everything from popcorn to salmon with near-perfect consistency, while the quiet operation and soft-close door made it a standout in open-plan kitchens. The 1.1 cu.ft. cavity is slightly smaller than some rivals, so large roasts or sheet pans won’t fit, and the grill function can’t match a broiler’s intensity, leaving some dishes lacking that final sear. Still, the inclusion of a crisp pan and trivet adds real value for air frying and layer cooking.

Compared to the Toshiba OptiChef, the Breville offers better browning and faster combo cooking, but lacks smart home integration and a large touchscreen. It’s the ideal pick for serious home cooks who want oven-like results without the wait, especially in smaller kitchens where space is tight. While it costs more than most, the build quality, noise reduction, and precision cooking justify the premium—making it the most balanced high-performance combo microwave on the market.

When even cooking is non-negotiable, the TOSHIBA Multi-Microwave stands out with inverter precision and 360° rapid heat circulation that eliminates cold zones. This model doesn’t just reheat—it transforms leftovers into crispy, golden meals using true air frying without extra oil, making it a standout for health-focused households. The Speedy Combi mode is a game-changer, merging microwave, convection, and grill functions to cook meals up to 30% faster than standard ovens while locking in moisture. With 47 included recipes and 27 auto menus, even novice cooks can nail restaurant-style dishes with minimal effort.

During real-world use, the humid sensor cooking excelled at rice and steamed veggies, adjusting power to prevent sogginess or dryness. The 1800W convection system reached 425°F quickly, producing well-browned chicken and flaky pastries, while the air fry basket delivered crispy nuggets rivaling deep-fried versions. However, the 0.9 cu.ft. usable space feels tight for large dishes, and the turntable must be removed for air frying, adding a step to prep. The lack of smart features like app control or voice commands also makes it less future-proof than higher-end models.

Against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this Toshiba offers superior heat control and more cooking modes, but at nearly double the price. It’s best suited for families who prioritize texture and versatility over smart tech, especially those wanting one appliance that truly replaces an air fryer and convection oven. For the price, it delivers exceptional cooking consistency and a rich feature set, making it the best choice for even, reliable results across all functions.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is the budget champion of combo microwaves, packing five cooking modes into a compact, no-frills design that’s perfect for small kitchens or tight budgets. Despite its 900W output, it punches above its weight with 11 air fry presets that handle everything from squid rings to frozen pizza with surprising crispness. The combi mode blends microwave and convection heat to speed up roasting and baking, cutting cooking time significantly without sacrificing texture. For students, renters, or anyone who wants air-fried flavor without a second appliance, this microwave delivers real value.

In testing, the air fry results were consistent, producing golden fries and juicy chicken wings—though they lacked the deep crisp of a standalone fryer. The 0.9 cu.ft. cavity fits a 10-inch pizza or small casserole, making it ideal for singles or couples. The 7 auto menus simplify everyday tasks like reheating coffee or cooking oatmeal, and the 30-second express start is genuinely useful for quick snacks. However, the plastic interior feels less durable, and the lack of inverter tech means noticeable hot and cold spots during reheating. The knob interface is basic, but intuitive for non-tech users.

Compared to the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS), this BLACK+DECKER offers fewer functions and less build quality, but at a significantly lower cost. It’s the best pick for budget-conscious buyers who want essential air fry and bake capabilities without overspending. While it won’t replace a full oven, it’s a reliable, space-saving workhorse that proves you don’t need to spend $300+ to enjoy healthier fried foods and faster meals.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is the most versatile microwave oven combo on the market, offering 8 distinct cooking functions—from low-temp yogurt making to high-heat broiling—in a single compact unit. Its position memory turntable rotates back to the same spot after opening, a small but brilliant touch that prevents spills and speeds up mid-cook checks. The odor removal mode is a standout, actively neutralizing lingering smells after fish or garlic-heavy meals—a rare feature in microwaves. With 1000W power and convection + air fry combo modes, it handles everything from crispy fries to roasted vegetables with ease.

In real use, the broil function added a satisfying sear to salmon and burgers, while the air fry mode produced golden wings with minimal oil. The 12.4-inch turntable accommodated a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza, making it great for family meals. However, the controls rely on dials and buttons, which feel dated next to touchscreen rivals, and the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food. The lack of smart sensors or presets means more manual input, which can deter beginners. Still, the build quality and stainless steel finish feel premium for the price.

Against the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), this model trades some capacity for more functions and better odor control, making it ideal for cooks who want maximum flexibility in a mid-sized footprint. It’s not the fastest or smartest, but it’s the most function-rich combo microwave under $250. For anyone who wants one appliance to replace a microwave, air fryer, broiler, and even a yogurt maker, this Toshiba is unmatched in multi-functionality.

If you’re feeding a family or love entertaining, the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is the king of capacity, boasting a massive 1.5 cu.ft. interior and a 13.6-inch turntable that fits a 12-inch pizza or whole turkey with room to spare. This is the only combo microwave in this lineup that truly rivals a full oven in usable space, making it perfect for batch cooking or holiday meals. The smart sensor tech adjusts power and time based on humidity, ensuring even results whether you’re reheating stew or baking casseroles. And with position memory, the turntable returns to its original spot—no more misaligned plates.

During testing, the convection mode baked evenly, producing golden lasagna edges and moist centers, while the air fry function crisped chicken thighs without drying them out. The large cavity shines with multi-rack cooking, letting you roast veggies and reheat sides simultaneously. However, the sheer size means it dominates countertops, and it won’t fit under most cabinets. The 4-in-1 functionality is solid but limited compared to 8-function models, lacking broil or low-temp modes. Still, the stainless steel interior and mute function add polish for daily use.

Compared to the Breville Combi Wave, this Toshiba sacrifices speed and browning for unmatched space and family-friendly features. It’s the best choice for households that need to cook large portions regularly but want the speed of a microwave and crispness of air frying. For the price, it offers the largest cooking area and smart sensor convenience, making it the top pick for families who prioritize capacity over compactness.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is the ultimate compact combo microwave, designed for dorms, offices, and small kitchens where space is at a premium. Despite its 1.0 cu.ft. footprint, it packs air fry, convection, broil, and microwave functions into a sleek, stainless steel body that blends into any countertop. The 1050W output delivers faster, more even cooking than most mini microwaves, and the elevated rack ensures hot air circulation for consistent browning. With preset controls for fries and nuggets, it’s a breeze to use—perfect for quick meals without the clutter of multiple appliances.

In real-world use, the air fry mode crisped frozen fries in 12 minutes, and the broil function added a nice sear to cheese-topped dishes. The glass turntable rotates smoothly, promoting even heating, and the two-step child lock adds safety for homes with kids. However, the small interior limits meal size, and the lack of inverter tech means occasional hot spots during reheating. The plastic buttons feel cheap compared to higher-end models, and there’s no convection roasting preset—just manual settings.

Against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this GE model offers better build quality and broil capability, but fewer air fry presets. It’s ideal for urban dwellers, students, or secondary kitchens where size and simplicity trump advanced features. While it doesn’t match the performance of larger combos, it delivers solid air frying and browning in a space-saving design, making it the best compact microwave with full combo functionality.