best combi microwave oven

Holding the Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer, I was struck by its solid weight and sleek brushed finish—feels like a premium tool in your hand. The smooth finish and intuitive button layout make operating it a breeze, and the quality feel hints at durability. Testers immediately notice how quickly it heats and cooks, thanks to its powerful 1200W microwave and 1400W convection input.

This model’s clever features, like the Element IQ system for precise heat and Smart Presets for fuss-free cooking, really stand out. It cooks from frozen faster than traditional ovens and gives crispy results with minimal effort. Compared to others, it combines versatility with smart technology, eliminating guesswork and uneven results. If you want a reliable, all-in-one kitchen member, this is the best choice for effortless, high-quality meals with one device.

Top Recommendation: Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer

Why We Recommend It: This model offers an exceptional balance of power, versatility, and intelligent features. Its Element IQ system ensures even cooking, while the Smart Presets simplify tasks like reheating, defrosting, and air frying. It’s quieter, has a soft-close door, and cooks from frozen faster than competitors like the Toshiba combos or Black+Decker options. These qualities make it the top pick for efficiency, durability, and consistent results.

Best combi microwave oven: Our Top 5 Picks

• Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer – Best Value
• TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, – Best Premium Option
• BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fry, Combi, Bake, – Best for Beginners
• TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo 1.0 cu.ft 1000W – Best Value for Countertop Combi Microwaves
• GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven – Best Built-in Combi Microwave Ovens UK

What is a Combi Microwave Oven?

A combi microwave oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functionalities of a microwave, grill, and convection oven. It allows users to microwave food quickly, grill for browning and crisping, and bake or roast like a traditional oven, all in one unit. This makes it an ideal appliance for those looking to save space and time in the kitchen while achieving a variety of cooking results.

According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), combi microwave ovens are gaining popularity due to their efficiency and versatility in meal preparation, making them a favored choice among busy households.

Key aspects of combi microwave ovens include their multifunctionality, which allows for a wide range of cooking methods. The microwave function provides rapid heating and cooking, which is perfect for reheating leftovers or defrosting frozen foods. The convection feature circulates hot air around the food, enabling even cooking and browning, similar to a traditional oven. Additionally, the grill function can be used for tasks such as grilling meats or toasting bread, offering a crisp finish that a standard microwave cannot achieve.

This versatility impacts meal preparation significantly, as it allows for the cooking of a wide array of dishes, from baking cakes to roasting vegetables, all within a single appliance. The combination of these cooking methods can lead to improved flavors and textures in food, making meals not only faster to prepare but also more enjoyable. Furthermore, combi microwave ovens often come with pre-set cooking programs, which simplify the cooking process for users.

One of the benefits of using a combi microwave oven is the energy efficiency it offers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a microwave generally consumes less energy than a conventional oven, which can lead to cost savings on electricity bills. Additionally, the faster cooking times mean less time spent waiting for meals to be ready, which is particularly advantageous for busy families or individuals.

To maximize the benefits of a combi microwave oven, users should consider best practices such as familiarizing themselves with the appliance’s various functions, using microwave-safe cookware, and following recommended cooking times for optimal results. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the interior and ensuring proper ventilation, helps keep the appliance in good working condition, thereby extending its lifespan and maintaining efficiency.

What Key Features Should You Look for in the Best Combi Microwave Oven?

When searching for the best combi microwave oven, there are several key features to consider to ensure optimal performance and versatility.

• Cooking Functions: A good combi microwave should offer multiple cooking functions, including microwave, convection, and grill. This versatility allows you to use the appliance for various cooking methods, from reheating leftovers to baking and roasting.
• Size and Capacity: It’s important to choose a combi microwave that fits your kitchen space and meets your cooking needs. Look for one with a sufficient internal capacity that can accommodate large dishes while also fitting comfortably on your countertop.
• Power Levels: The best combi microwaves come with adjustable power levels, typically ranging from low to high settings. This feature enables precise cooking control, allowing you to cook delicate foods evenly or quickly heat up meals as needed.
• User-friendly Controls: Intuitive controls and a clear display are essential for ease of use. Look for models that feature touchpad controls or rotary dials, along with pre-programmed settings for common dishes to simplify the cooking process.
• Auto Cook Programs: Many high-quality combi microwaves include auto cook programs that take the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures. These presets allow you to prepare a variety of meals with just the push of a button, ensuring consistent results.
• Easy Cleaning Features: A combi microwave with a non-stick interior or a self-cleaning function can significantly reduce maintenance time. Look for models with removable parts that are dishwasher-safe for added convenience.
• Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient models can help reduce your electricity bills while being environmentally friendly. Check for energy ratings or features like inverter technology, which provides consistent cooking power without wasting energy.
• Safety Features: Safety is paramount when using any kitchen appliance. Look for features like child locks, auto shut-off functions, and cool-touch exteriors to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.

Which Cooking Functions Are Essential for a Combi Microwave?

The essential cooking functions for the best combi microwave ovens include:

• Microwave Function: This function allows for quick heating and defrosting of foods, making it ideal for everyday use.
• Grill Function: The grill function provides high, direct heat that can brown and crisp the top layer of food, perfect for dishes like casseroles and meats.
• Convection Function: This feature uses a fan to circulate hot air within the oven, ensuring even cooking and browning, similar to a traditional oven.
• Combination Cooking: This function combines microwave and convection cooking, allowing for faster cooking times while achieving the desired texture and flavor.
• Steam Cooking: Steam cooking helps retain moisture and nutrients in food, making it a healthier option for vegetables and fish.

The microwave function is fundamental in a combi microwave, as it enables users to quickly heat, cook, or defrost food without waiting for a conventional oven to preheat. This feature is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or families needing efficient meal preparation.

The grill function is essential for achieving a crispy texture on the exterior of various dishes, enhancing flavor while also providing a visually appealing presentation. It is especially useful for grilling meats, toasting bread, or finishing off baked goods with a golden crust.

The convection function is vital for users who want consistent and evenly cooked meals, as it eliminates hot spots commonly found in standard microwaves. By using a fan to circulate heated air, it mimics the effects of a traditional oven, making it suitable for baking, roasting, and reheating.

Combination cooking takes advantage of both microwave and convection functions, allowing for quick cooking while ensuring even browning and crispiness. This versatility is what makes combi microwaves appealing for a wide range of cooking tasks.

Steam cooking is advantageous for health-conscious cooks, as it preserves the nutrients and natural flavors of food without the need for added fats or oils. This method is particularly popular for preparing vegetables, fish, and even certain grains, allowing for a wholesome dining experience.

What Sizes and Capacities Suit Various Needs?

The best combi microwave ovens come in various sizes and capacities to suit different cooking needs and kitchen spaces.

• Compact Size (20-25 liters): Ideal for small kitchens or limited counter space, these ovens are perfect for reheating meals and defrosting. Despite their smaller size, they often come with essential features like grilling and convection cooking, making them versatile for basic cooking tasks.
• Medium Size (25-30 liters): This size is great for families or individuals who frequently cook larger meals. They provide more cooking capacity, allowing for multiple dishes to be prepared simultaneously, and typically include advanced features for baking and roasting, enhancing overall cooking flexibility.
• Large Size (30-40 liters): Suitable for larger families or those who entertain often, these ovens can handle big dishes and multiple servings efficiently. They come equipped with powerful heating elements and various cooking modes, making them excellent for comprehensive meal preparation, from baking to grilling.
• Extra Large Size (40+ liters): Designed for serious cooks or those with substantial kitchen space, these combi microwaves offer unparalleled capacity for cooking large quantities of food. They often feature advanced technology for precise cooking and can accommodate large trays or multiple dishes, making them ideal for elaborate meals or batch cooking.

How Important is Energy Efficiency in a Combi Microwave?

Longevity and durability are often features of energy-efficient models, which means they are built to withstand regular use without degrading quickly. This can lead to fewer replacements and less waste over time.

Smart features in the best combi microwave ovens can further enhance energy efficiency. These technologies allow users to select optimal cooking settings that balance energy use with cooking performance, ensuring meals are prepared just right with minimal waste.

What are the Benefits of Using a Combi Microwave Oven?

Using a combi microwave oven offers several advantages that enhance cooking efficiency and versatility. Here are the key benefits:

• Multiple Cooking Functions: Combi microwaves combine the functions of a microwave, grill, and convection oven. This allows users to heat, cook, and brown food with one appliance, minimizing the need for multiple kitchen gadgets.

• Time Efficiency: These ovens significantly reduce cooking times. The microwave feature allows for quick heating, while the convection element ensures even cooking, making meal preparation faster.

• Healthy Cooking: Many combi microwave ovens are designed to retain moisture and flavor without excessive oil or fat, promoting healthier cooking methods. This is particularly beneficial for steaming vegetables or cooking fish.

• Space-Saving: Ideal for kitchens with limited space, a combi microwave oven can replace several appliances, decluttering countertops while providing powerful cooking capabilities.

• Versatile Cooking Options: Whether baking, roasting, grilling, or defrosting, a combi microwave can handle a variety of cooking techniques making it perfect for experimental cooks or those with specific dietary needs.

• Energy Efficiency: These ovens often consume less energy than traditional ovens, contributing to lower utility bills while providing robust cooking performance.

By integrating these features, a combi microwave oven serves as a practical solution for modern cooking demands.

How Does a Combi Microwave Increase Cooking Versatility?

A combi microwave increases cooking versatility by combining multiple cooking methods into one appliance.

• Microwave Cooking: This method uses electromagnetic waves to heat food quickly, making it ideal for reheating or defrosting. The microwave function allows for rapid cooking, which is particularly useful for busy lifestyles.
• Convection Cooking: Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food, providing even cooking and browning. This method is perfect for baking and roasting, enabling users to create dishes with a crispy exterior while maintaining moisture inside.
• Grill Function: The grill function provides high heat from above, which is excellent for browning and crisping the surfaces of dishes. This feature allows for grilling meats, toasting bread, and creating a delicious finish to casseroles.
• Combination Cooking: By combining microwave and convection cooking, the combi microwave can cook food quickly while achieving a desirable texture and flavor. This method reduces cooking time while allowing for a thorough cook, making it ideal for complex dishes that require both speed and quality.
• Steam Cooking: Some combi microwaves offer a steam cooking option, which retains nutrients and moisture in food. This method is particularly suitable for cooking vegetables and fish, promoting healthier meal preparation without added fats.

In What Ways Can a Combi Microwave Save Time and Space?

A combi microwave can significantly enhance kitchen efficiency by saving both time and space in various ways:

• Multi-functionality: A combi microwave combines the features of a microwave, oven, and grill in one appliance, allowing users to cook, bake, grill, and reheat foods without needing multiple devices.
• Quick Cooking Times: The use of microwave technology allows for faster cooking and reheating compared to traditional ovens, which can take longer to preheat and cook items thoroughly.
• Compact Design: Combi microwaves are generally smaller than conventional ovens, making them ideal for kitchens with limited counter space while still offering a variety of cooking options.
• Energy Efficiency: These appliances often consume less energy than using a full-sized oven, contributing to savings on electricity bills while also being quicker to operate.
• Ease of Cleaning: Many combi microwaves have non-stick interiors and are designed to be easy to clean, reducing the time spent on kitchen maintenance.

The multi-functionality of a combi microwave allows it to perform various cooking tasks, eliminating the need for separate devices and saving valuable kitchen space.

Quick cooking times are one of the standout features of combi microwaves, as they utilize microwave technology to significantly reduce the time required for meal preparation compared to traditional cooking methods.

With their compact design, combi microwaves fit neatly on countertops, making them perfect for smaller kitchens or for those who want to maximize space without sacrificing cooking capabilities.

Energy efficiency is another advantage; combi microwaves typically use less power than conventional ovens, which not only benefits the environment but also helps in reducing energy costs over time.

Finally, ease of cleaning is a practical benefit, as many combi microwaves come with features that make it simple to wipe down surfaces, thus saving users additional time spent on post-cooking cleanup.

What are the Top 3 Combi Microwave Ovens Currently Available?

The top three combi microwave ovens currently available are:

• Panasonic NN-CD87KS Home Chef: This versatile model combines microwave, grill, and convection cooking for a wide range of culinary options.
• Samsung MG14K3515CM: Featuring a sleek design, this combi microwave offers grilling options and a ceramic enamel interior for easy cleaning.
• Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air: Known for its multifunctionality, this combi oven excels in air frying, convection baking, and standard microwave functions.

Panasonic NN-CD87KS Home Chef: The Panasonic NN-CD87KS is a powerful combi microwave that boasts inverter technology, allowing for even and precise cooking. It features a large capacity, enabling users to prepare larger meals, and offers various cooking modes, including steam and grill, which enhances the versatility of meal preparation.

Samsung MG14K3515CM: This model stands out with its sleek design and user-friendly interface, making it a favorite for modern kitchens. The grill function provides a crispy finish to foods, while the ceramic enamel interior not only helps with easy cleaning but also resists scratches and stains, ensuring longevity and durability.

Breville BOV900BSS Smart Oven Air: The Breville Smart Oven Air is celebrated for its multifunctional capabilities, allowing users to air fry, bake, toast, and reheat with precision. It features an innovative Element IQ technology that adjusts the heating elements for optimal cooking results, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive cooking solution.

Why is the Breville Combi Wave 3 in 1 Considered the Best Overall?

According to a review by Consumer Reports, the Breville Combi Wave excels in multiple cooking methods, including microwave, convection, and air frying, which allows users to prepare a variety of meals efficiently and effectively. This multifunctionality distinguishes it from other models that may only offer basic microwave capabilities.

The underlying mechanism for its superior performance lies in its combination of smart technology and user-friendly design. The Element iQ technology adjusts the power distribution for consistent cooking results, while the intuitive interface provides easy access to various cooking functions. Consequently, users can achieve more precise cooking results, reducing the likelihood of undercooked or overcooked food, which is a common issue with less sophisticated models. Additionally, the machine’s spacious interior allows for larger dishes, further enhancing its practicality for families or those who enjoy entertaining.

Furthermore, the durability and build quality of the Breville Combi Wave significantly contribute to its status as the best combi microwave oven. As noted by The Spruce Eats, the materials used in its construction ensure longevity and reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for consumers. This combination of advanced technology, versatility, and durability creates a causal relationship where the product not only meets but exceeds user expectations, solidifying its position in the market as a top choice for consumers.

What Makes the GE Countertop Convection Microwave a Budget-Friendly Option?

The GE Countertop Convection Microwave is considered a budget-friendly option for several compelling reasons.

• Affordability: The GE Countertop Convection Microwave is priced competitively, making it accessible for those on a budget without sacrificing essential features.
• Versatile Cooking Options: This model combines microwave and convection cooking, allowing for a variety of cooking methods such as baking, roasting, and reheating, which adds value to your kitchen appliance.
• Energy Efficiency: With its efficient energy consumption, this microwave helps save on electricity bills, making it a cost-effective choice for everyday cooking needs.
• User-Friendly Features: The microwave includes intuitive controls and presets, simplifying the cooking process and making it ideal for users of all cooking skill levels.
• Compact Design: Its compact size makes it a great fit for smaller kitchens or limited counter space, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of a convection microwave without requiring significant investment in larger appliances.

The affordability of the GE Countertop Convection Microwave is one of its main draws, as it offers a feature-rich experience at a lower price point compared to many competitors. Its ability to perform multiple cooking functions—such as convection baking and traditional microwave heating—means you can replace several appliances with this single unit, maximizing both savings and kitchen efficiency.

Energy efficiency is another key aspect of this microwave; it is designed to use less power while maintaining high performance, which can lead to significant savings over time. This is particularly beneficial for consumers who use their microwave frequently for quick meals and snacks.

The user-friendly features, including pre-programmed settings for common tasks like popcorn and defrosting, cater to a wide audience, from novice cooks to seasoned chefs, making cooking more straightforward and enjoyable. Additionally, its compact design is perfect for apartments or small kitchens, ensuring that users can make the most out of limited space while still enjoying the diverse cooking capabilities of a convection microwave.

What Common Issues Do Users Face with Combi Microwave Ovens?

Users often encounter several common issues with combi microwave ovens that can affect their performance and usability.

• Inconsistent Cooking Results: Many users report that combi microwave ovens do not cook food evenly, leading to hot and cold spots. This issue can arise from inadequate rotation of the turntable or improper settings for specific dishes.
• Complex Controls and Settings: Combi microwave ovens typically feature a range of functions and settings, which can be overwhelming for some users. The complexity of the controls may result in confusion, leading to incorrect cooking times or methods.
• Size and Space Constraints: These appliances can be bulkier than standard microwaves, making them difficult to fit in smaller kitchens. Users often struggle with finding an appropriate space that accommodates both the size of the oven and adequate ventilation.
• Maintenance and Cleaning Difficulty: The combination of microwave and oven functionalities can make cleaning more complicated. Users may find it challenging to access all areas of the unit, especially if food splatters occur during cooking.
• High Energy Consumption: Combi microwave ovens can consume more electricity than standard microwaves, particularly when using the oven function. This increased energy use can lead to higher utility bills, which may concern users looking to save on costs.

How Can You Troubleshoot Typical Problems with a Combi Microwave?

Common problems with combi microwaves can usually be diagnosed and fixed with a few troubleshooting steps.

• Microwave Not Heating: If your combi microwave is not heating food, this could be due to a malfunctioning magnetron or a blown fuse. Check the power supply and ensure that the door is closing properly, as microwaves won’t operate if the door is ajar.
• Control Panel Not Responding: A non-responsive control panel may indicate a software issue or a problem with the circuit board. Try unplugging the microwave for a few minutes to reset it, and if the issue persists, consider checking for loose connections or consulting a professional technician.
• Uneven Cooking: Uneven cooking can happen if the microwave is not placed on a level surface or if the turntable is not functioning correctly. Ensure that the turntable is correctly positioned and that the food is arranged evenly on the plate for optimal cooking results.
• Strange Noises: Unusual noises such as buzzing or grinding can be a sign of a faulty fan or a problem with the turntable motor. Listen carefully to identify the source of the noise and check for any obstructed parts that may require cleaning or replacement.
• Smoke or Burning Smell: If you notice smoke or a burning smell, immediately turn off the microwave and unplug it. This could indicate overheating due to improper ventilation or food that has burned; thoroughly inspect the interior and ensure that vents are clear of obstructions.
• Door Not Closing Properly: If the door does not latch securely, the microwave will not operate. Inspect the door hinges and latch to ensure they are clean and not damaged, as this can prevent the microwave from functioning safely.

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