7 Best Countertop Convection Microwaves 2025

The Chefman MicroCrisp isn’t just another combo microwave—it’s a crisping powerhouse engineered for those who refuse to sacrifice texture for convenience. With its integrated convection crisper and 1800W dual-function power, this unit delivers air fryer-level crunch while reheating leftovers with startling precision. Unlike standard microwaves that leave food soggy, the MicroCrisp uses phase cooking to first heat with microwave energy, then finish with convection heat, making it ideal for reviving fried chicken or achieving golden fries without a separate appliance.

In real-world testing, the 0.8 cu. ft. cavity handled medium pizzas and frozen entrées with ease, though larger meals required tray rotation for even crisping. The 900W microwave and 1800W convection oven combo excelled at combo cooking—think microwave-then-air-fry cycles—but struggled slightly with dense proteins like whole chickens due to the smaller interior. On delicate tasks like reheating pizza, it outperformed models without dedicated crisping elements, though the fan noise during convection mode was noticeable in quiet kitchens.

Compared to the Toshiba P05, the MicroCrisp lacks smart features and a larger capacity, but it delivers superior crisp performance at half the price. It’s best suited for singles or couples who prioritize texture and speed over connectivity or family-sized meals. For those wanting crisp results without buying a standalone air fryer, this model punches above its weight—offering more browning capability than most mid-range combos, even if it trades some versatility for specialization.

The Frigidaire 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave redefines value engineering in countertop cooking, packing XL capacity and multi-functionality into a sleek stainless shell. Boasting a 1.2 cu. ft. interior, it comfortably fits 12-inch pizzas and full casserole dishes—making it a game-changer for small households that still want full-meal flexibility. Its 1500W convection system and 1000W microwave power deliver solid performance across baking, roasting, and reheating, while the 70% less fat air fry claim holds up in tests with frozen fries and nuggets.

During daily use, the one-touch menus for popcorn, potatoes, and frozen dinners proved reliable and quick, reducing guesswork for routine tasks. The convection mode produced evenly browned chicken breasts and roasted veggies, though the heating pattern showed slight hot spots toward the back. It lacks inverter tech, so defrosting was uneven on thicker cuts, requiring manual intervention. Still, the powerful 1500W convection element heats faster than many rivals in its class, and the spacious cavity accommodates larger cookware than most under-$170 models.

When stacked against the Toshiba ML-EC42P, it offers similar capacity at a lower price but misses out on smart sensors and memory functions. It’s the go-to pick for budget-conscious buyers who need more cooking space without sacrificing core functions. While it doesn’t offer air fryer-level precision or gourmet presets, it balances size, power, and price better than most, making it a true workhorse for everyday cooking—especially where kitchen real estate is limited.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P is a family-sized multitasker built for households that demand large capacity without compromise. With a 1.5 cu. ft. cavity and 13.6-inch turntable, it effortlessly fits whole chickens, 12-inch pizzas, and 9×13 dishes—putting it in a league above most countertop combos. Its 4-in-1 functionality (microwave, air fry, convection, combo cooking) is backed by smart sensor menus that auto-adjust time and power, making it ideal for parents juggling meal prep under time pressure.

Real-world testing confirmed its strength in family meal scenarios: roasting a full chicken took 45 minutes with crisp skin and juicy interior, while the auto-reheat function preserved moisture in leftovers better than non-sensor models. The 1000W microwave and convection combo worked well for speed-cooking frozen meals, though air frying required preheating for optimal crispness. The stainless steel interior resists stains, but the turntable mechanism is bulky and limits flat cookware use.

Against the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers double the capacity and more cooking modes, though it’s pricier and less compact. It’s perfect for families of 4+ who want one appliance to replace microwave, oven, and air fryer. While it lacks the inverter precision of higher-end Toshidas, it delivers consistent, large-batch results—making it the most practical large-capacity combo for real-world kitchens where fitting a whole lasagna matters more than Alexa integration.

The Toshiba MASTER Series B09HKM5SVD is a precision cooking marvel, powered by Origin Inverter Technology that eliminates the on-off pulsing of traditional microwaves. This means even defrosting, consistent reheating, and restaurant-grade texture control—critical for delicate tasks like thawing steak without cooking the edges. With 1800W convection power and 360° air circulation, it doubles as a true air fryer alternative, producing golden, low-fat fries and crispy chicken nuggets that rival deep-fried versions.

In performance tests, the Speedy Combi mode cut cooking time by nearly 40% when preparing frozen meals, using microwave + convection synergy to heat inside while crisping outside. The broil function added a satisfying sear to finished dishes, and the 47 built-in recipes guided beginners through gourmet results. However, the 11.3-inch turntable limited large dish compatibility, and the interior lighting was dim, making it hard to monitor browning.

Compared to the Chefman MicroCrisp, it offers superior evenness and more cooking versatility, though it’s less compact. It’s the top pick for home chefs who want professional results without multiple appliances. While it skips smart connectivity, it outperforms similarly priced models in texture and control—delivering a more refined cooking experience where moisture retention and browning precision are non-negotiable.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a budget-savvy compact hero, delivering premium features in a space-saving 1.0 cu. ft. chassis. Designed for dorms, offices, and small kitchens, it packs air fry, convection, and broil modes into a footprint that fits on tight countertops. The elevated rack and 1050W output ensure hot air circulates fully, yielding crispy fries and roasted veggies without flipping. Its built-in broiler is a rare gem, adding caramelization and sear that most budget combos lack.

Testing revealed strong performance for its size: frozen nuggets came out uniformly golden, and reheated pizza retained crust integrity thanks to convection-only mode. The preset controls for fries and nuggets simplified daily use, though manual adjustments were needed for custom recipes. The glass turntable ensured even cooking, but the interior walls showed hotspots during extended convection cycles.

Against the Frigidaire B08FFG5WGP, it offers similar functionality at a slightly higher cost, but with broil capability and better build quality. It’s perfect for singles or couples who want maximum features in minimal space. While it can’t match large-capacity models, it delivers high-end cooking modes at a mid-tier price—making it the smartest budget buy for performance density over raw size.

The Toshiba P05 isn’t just a microwave—it’s a connected culinary command center, earning its title as Best Overall with AI-driven cooking, inverter precision, and smart integration. Its 2.4-inch color touchscreen replaces cluttered buttons with an intuitive interface, while the Origin Inverter Technology ensures even heating and 40% faster defrosting—a revelation for busy households. With 1100W output and 1.3 cu. ft. capacity, it handles whole chickens and 13-inch pizzas, all while syncing with Alexa and the TSmartLife app for voice or remote control.

In real use, the AI-Chef system learned cooking preferences over time, adjusting power and duration for perfect popcorn or reheated pasta. The humidity sensor prevented overcooking, and OTA firmware updates added new recipes and features post-purchase—something no other model offers. The ChefFry Plus function produced crisp, oil-free fries rivaling standalone units, though the fan was louder than average during long cycles.

Versus the Toshiba ML-EC42P, it offers smarter tech, better sensors, and connectivity, justifying its premium. It’s ideal for tech-forward users who want a future-proof appliance that evolves. While it’s the most expensive model, it delivers unmatched integration of power, intelligence, and capacity—making it the only combo microwave that truly replaces multiple appliances without compromise.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is a compact design champion, engineered for small kitchens, RVs, and minimalist setups where every inch counts. Despite its 0.9 cu. ft. size, it packs five functions—microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and combi cooking—making it surprisingly versatile for tight spaces. The 11 air fry presets cover everything from frozen fries to fish fillets, and the speedy 30-second cook button is perfect for quick reheat tasks.

In testing, it excelled at small-batch cooking: single servings of air-fried wings or roasted veggies came out crispy and evenly cooked, though larger items needed rotation. The 900W power is adequate, but slower than 1000W+ rivals when handling dense foods. The child-lock feature adds safety, but the plastic interior felt less durable than stainless models and showed scratches after light use.

Compared to the Chefman MicroCrisp, it offers similar compactness but less crisping power, trading performance for affordability and size. It’s perfect for singles, students, or secondary kitchens where footprint matters more than gourmet results. While it can’t match the browning or capacity of larger units, it delivers solid multi-functionality in the smallest package—making it the undisputed leader in space-smart cooking.