9 Best Microwave and Oven Combos of 2026

The Breville Combi Wave doesn’t just raise the bar—it obliterates it with a trifecta of cooking mastery: microwave speed, convection precision, and air fry crispness, all orchestrated by its intelligent Element IQ system. This isn’t your average combo unit; it’s a culinary command center that adapts power in real time, ensuring meats stay juicy, fries turn golden, and cakes rise evenly. For home chefs tired of juggling appliances, this 3-in-1 powerhouse eliminates countertop clutter while delivering restaurant-quality results, solving the eternal dinner dilemma: fast or flavorful? With 1.1 cu.ft. capacity and 1400W convection power, it’s built to handle everything from weeknight leftovers to Sunday roasts—without the guesswork.

In real-world testing, the Fast Combi function proved revolutionary—roasting a frozen chicken in under 45 minutes with a crisp skin and tender interior, outperforming conventional ovens by nearly 30%. The Power Smoothing Inverter shines during delicate tasks: reheating pizza without sogginess, defrosting ground beef without cooked edges, and baking brownies with fudgy centers. However, it struggles slightly with ultra-thick cuts of meat in pure convection mode, where browning can be uneven without manual rotation. The soft-close door and 80% quieter operation make it ideal for open-plan kitchens, though the lack of app connectivity may disappoint smart-home enthusiasts.

Compared to the Panasonic HomeChef Connect, the Breville trades app automation for superior standalone performance and more intuitive manual control. It’s the ideal pick for precision-focused cooks who value consistency over connectivity, offering a richer feature set than the GE GCST10A1WSS while being more accessible than built-in models like the KoolMore. With robust build quality, smart presets, and flawless execution across all three core functions, it justifies its premium stance as the most complete countertop oven-microwave hybrid available.

Step into the future of cooking with the Toshiba OptiChef, where a vibrant 2.4-inch color touchscreen transforms meal prep into an intuitive, almost conversational experience. This isn’t just a microwave—it’s an AI-powered kitchen assistant that learns, adapts, and connects via the TSmartLife app and Alexa, making it a standout for tech-savvy households. At its core, the Origin Inverter Technology ensures meals cook evenly, preserving moisture in chicken breasts and delivering up to 40% faster defrosting with the Chef Defrost function. For users overwhelmed by complex appliances, the smart humidity sensor removes guesswork, automatically adjusting heat to prevent dryness—perfect for reheating lasagna or roasting vegetables.

During testing, the ChefFry Plus system delivered impressively crisp fries and juicy air-fried salmon, rivaling standalone air fryers. The 1.3 cu.ft. cavity comfortably fits a whole chicken or 13-inch pizza, making it ideal for families. The smart sensor cooking consistently nailed rice and casseroles, while Alexa voice commands allowed hands-free start and status checks—ideal when juggling kids or ingredients. However, the grill function lacks intensity compared to dedicated broilers, leaving steaks with mild sear marks. The app, while feature-rich, occasionally lags during firmware updates, disrupting quick access.

Positioned between the budget-friendly Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) and the premium Breville Combi Wave, the OptiChef excels in connectivity without sacrificing core performance. It’s the perfect match for smart-home dwellers and digital-first cooks who want automation without complexity. While it doesn’t air fry as aggressively as the Breville, its AI-driven cooking intelligence and seamless app integration offer a more personalized experience than the Panasonic HomeChef Connect—making it the smartest high-tech combo oven on the market.

The KoolMore KM-CWO24-SS redefines kitchen integration with a sleek, built-in dual microwave and convection oven that blends seamlessly into cabinetry—ideal for modern kitchens craving minimalist elegance. Unlike countertop models, this unit delivers true oven-level performance with top and bottom heating elements plus fan convection, reducing cooking times by 20% and ensuring even browning on casseroles and roasts. The soft-close drawer design operates with a luxurious hush, eliminating door slams and enhancing safety, while the double-layered Cool Door Technology keeps the exterior cool to the touch—making it exceptionally family-friendly.

In practice, the convection mode excels at baking multiple trays of cookies with uniform results, and the 66-lb hinge capacity allows users to safely rest heavy dishes on the open door—a rare and thoughtful touch. The 1000W microwave function handles reheating efficiently, though it lacks inverter technology, leading to slight unevenness when defrosting dense meats. The touch-control LCD is responsive, but the interface feels less intuitive than Breville or Toshiba’s smart panels. It’s not designed for air frying, so crispy textures require broil mode, which can’t match dedicated air fryers.

Compared to the Breville Combi Wave, the KoolMore sacrifices versatility for space-saving permanence and oven-grade output. It’s the top choice for homeowners renovating kitchens or those who prioritize built-in aesthetics over countertop flexibility. While it lacks air fry speed and smart features, its robust construction, safety innovations, and professional-grade heating make it a superior long-term investment—outperforming freestanding models in thermal consistency and durability, especially for large families.

The Toshiba MASTER Series is a speed demon in disguise, engineered for those who demand lightning-fast meals without compromise. Its Speedy Combi mode—a fusion of microwave, convection, and grill—cooks a frozen lasagna in under 20 minutes with a crispy top and steaming interior, outpacing traditional ovens by more than half. With a 1800W energy draw and 425°F convection capability, this 6-in-1 powerhouse delivers intense heat on demand, making it the fastest cooking combo microwave in its class. The ORIGIN Inverter Technology ensures even results, eliminating cold spots in reheated soups and preserving texture during defrosting.

Real-world tests confirmed its dominance in speed and versatility: air-fried wings achieved golden crispness in 18 minutes, while the broil function added a satisfying char to grilled cheese. The 11.3-inch turntable and 1.3 cu.ft. cavity handle large dishes, and the included cookbook with 27 recipes helps beginners build confidence. However, the high wattage generates noticeable fan noise, and the exterior runs warmer than competitors during extended use. The control panel, while feature-rich, can feel cluttered—novices may need time to navigate the 10 air fry menus and multi-stage options.

When stacked against the GE GCST10A1WSS, the Toshiba offers deeper functionality and faster cooking, though it’s bulkier and louder. It’s the ideal pick for busy households and meal preppers who prioritize efficiency and multi-functionality over quiet operation. While the Breville matches its speed, this model delivers broader preset variety and lower cost, making it the undisputed king of fast, all-in-one cooking.

Don’t let its compact 1.0 cu.ft. size fool you—the GE GCST10A1WSS is a crispness crusader, engineered to deliver unmatched browning and crunch in a space-saving footprint. Its dedicated air fry mode, combined with a crisper pan and convection fan, produces fries with a golden crunch that rivals deep-fried, while nuggets emerge uniformly crispy—no flipping needed. With 1050W of power and a broil function, it’s perfect for searing scallops or caramelizing onion tops, solving the microwave’s historic flaw: soggy, pale results.

In testing, the preset controls for Fries and Nuggets delivered consistent perfection, making it ideal for dorms, offices, or small kitchens. The glass turntable ensures even cooking, though large plates can wobble. It struggles with full-family meals—roasting a whole chicken requires halving it—but excels at individual portions and quick snacks. The two-step child lock is secure, though the interface feels dated compared to touchscreen rivals. Notably, it lacks inverter tech, so defrosting can leave edges warm while centers stay frozen.

Against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, the GE offers superior browning and a more robust build, though with fewer presets. It’s the best choice for singles, couples, or snack lovers who want crispy textures without a standalone air fryer. While the Toshiba MASTER Series cooks faster, this model prioritizes surface excellence over speed, making it the top pick for those who value crunch above all.

The Panasonic HomeChef NN-CD87KS strikes a masterful balance between power, precision, and practicality, earning its title as the most well-rounded combo microwave for everyday families. Its FlashXpress Broiler delivers rapid browning—melting cheese on nachos in 90 seconds, crisping chicken skin in minutes—while the 1000W inverter microwave reheats leftovers without rubbery edges. The 1.2 cu.ft. cavity and 14.2-inch turntable offer generous space, fitting a 12-inch pizza or family-sized casserole, all within a compact 22-inch width—perfect for tight countertops.

In real use, the Genius Sensor Cook automatically adjusted power and time for mac and cheese, eliminating guesswork. Air frying produced crispy tofu and tender salmon, though slightly slower than the Breville. The easy-clean interior resists stains, and the optional trim kit allows built-in installation—a rare flexibility. However, it lacks app control, and the broil function, while fast, doesn’t achieve deep charring like a grill. The control panel, while intuitive, has fewer presets than Toshiba’s models.

Compared to the Panasonic HomeChef Connect, this model trades app connectivity for reliability and lower cost, making it ideal for users who want smart cooking without digital dependency. It’s the best middle ground between performance and simplicity, outperforming GE and BLACK+DECKER in versatility while being more approachable than Breville. For those seeking a dependable, all-purpose kitchen workhorse, this is the most balanced performer available.

The Panasonic HomeChef Connect NN-CV87QS turns meal prep into a hands-off, app-driven ritual, where the Kitchen+ app does the thinking so you don’t have to. Simply select a recipe—like garlic butter salmon or honey-glazed ribs—and the oven automatically sequences microwave, air fry, convection, and broil modes for perfect results. This level of automation is unmatched, making it ideal for overwhelmed parents or cooking novices. With Inverter Technology and Turbo Defrost, it maintains texture and moisture, while the 1.2 cu.ft. cavity handles family-sized dishes with ease.

Testing revealed flawless execution of app-guided meals: a 30-minute pork roast emerged juicy with a crisp crust, and air-fried Brussels sprouts caramelized evenly. The Genius Sensor prevents overcooking, and the mute function keeps kitchens peaceful. However, app dependency can be a hurdle—Wi-Fi drops delay starts, and manual overrides feel secondary. The FlashXpress Broiler is fast but not intense, lacking deep char. Some recipes require pre-chopping, so it’s not fully autonomous.

Against the standard HomeChef NN-CD87KS, this model adds smart convenience at a premium, but may frustrate users who prefer manual control. It’s the ultimate pick for tech lovers and busy families who want dinner to cook itself. While the Breville offers better standalone performance, this oven excels in guided simplicity, making it the best for automated, stress-free cooking.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is a compact powerhouse, proving that small size doesn’t mean small results. With five cooking modes—including air fry, bake, and combi—it transforms dorm rooms, RVs, and studio kitchens into functional cooking zones. The 11 air fry presets make cooking frozen nuggets, fries, or fish sticks effortless, delivering crisp textures with minimal oil, while the 900W microwave reheats efficiently. Its space-saving footprint fits snugly on narrow counters, solving the urban dweller’s eternal kitchen crunch.

In real use, it handled single servings and small meals with surprising competence—air-fried chicken wings were crispy, and baked potatoes came out fluffy. The speedy 30-second start is perfect for coffee reheats, and the child-lock adds safety. However, the 0.9 cu.ft. cavity limits family cooking, and the convection fan is underpowered, leading to uneven browning on larger items. The plastic-heavy build feels less durable than metal-framed rivals, and it lacks inverter tech, causing slight overheating during defrost.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers more presets but less browning power, making it better for simplicity than crunch. It’s the best choice for singles, students, or secondary kitchens who need basic multi-functionality on a budget. While the Toshiba MASTER Series outperforms it in speed and capacity, this model delivers essential features at an unbeatable entry price, making it the top compact value pick.

The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) is the budget warrior of combo microwaves, packing eight functions into a sleek, affordable package without sacrificing core performance. From air frying to odor removal, it covers all bases—microwave, air fry, bake, broil, combi, low-temp, defrost, and deodorize—making it a versatile starter appliance for first-time buyers or frugal cooks. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable rotates smoothly and removes easily for cleaning, while the 1.0 cu.ft. cavity fits a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken, offering surprising capacity for the price.

In testing, the air fry mode delivered crispy fries and golden wings, though slightly greasier than pricier models. The one-touch popcorn and mute function add convenience, and the black stainless steel finish resists fingerprints. However, the controls rely on knobs instead of touch panels, feeling outdated, and the inverter tech is absent, leading to uneven reheating. The odor removal mode works moderately well, reducing onion smells after 10 minutes.

Stacked against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this model offers more functions and better build quality at a slightly higher cost. It’s the best value for budget-conscious families who want maximum features without overspending. While it can’t match Breville’s precision or Toshiba’s speed, it provides essential combo cooking at an accessible price, making it the smartest budget-friendly entry.