7 Best Microwave Convection Ovens of 2025

This budget-savvy powerhouse punches far above its weight by packing five cooking modes—microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast—into a compact frame. With 900 watts of microwave power and 11 dedicated air fry presets, it excels at simplifying weeknight dinners, from crispy chicken wings to evenly reheated leftovers. For users tired of cluttered countertops and multiple appliances, this model delivers versatility without the footprint, solving the pain point of limited kitchen space while keeping functionality front and center.

In real-world testing, the combi mode—combining microwave and convection—cuts cooking time significantly, though browning isn’t quite as deep as a standalone oven. The 0.9 cubic foot cavity handles a 10-inch pizza or small casserole with ease, but larger families may find it tight. It performs admirably on frozen foods thanks to smart presets, yet struggles slightly with delicate baking tasks like soufflés due to uneven heat distribution. The glass turntable ensures rotation, but lacks an elevated rack, limiting airflow during air frying.

Compared to higher-end models like the Toshiba ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), it lacks smart features and inverter tech, but it holds its own against pricier rivals in basic air fry and microwave performance. It’s ideal for singles, couples, or college students who want multi-functionality without overspending. While it won’t replace a full oven, it’s a practical, no-frills solution that offers more features than most microwaves in its price range, making it a standout for budget-focused buyers.

Sleek, space-smart, and surprisingly robust, the GE GCST10A1WSS redefines what a compact microwave can do. With 1,050 watts of power and a full 1.0 cubic foot cavity, it balances size and strength perfectly—ideal for dorms, offices, or minimalist kitchens. The standout trio—air fry, convection, and broil modes—delivers restaurant-style crispiness and searing, something rare in this form factor. If you’ve ever dreaded soggy microwave pizza or bland reheated chicken, this model answers with golden, crunchy results that feel freshly cooked.

During testing, the elevated rack and broil function worked in harmony to caramelize salmon skin and crisp chicken thighs with impressive precision. The air fry mode achieves 70% less fat than traditional frying, making it a go-to for health-conscious users. The glass turntable promotes even cooking, though the lack of preset convection recipes means more manual input. It handles most tasks with ease, but extended convection cycles can make the exterior warm—something to note in tight spaces.

When stacked against the Chefman MicroCrisp, it trades some power for a cleaner footprint and superior broiling capability. It doesn’t offer guided touchscreens or app control, but its intuitive preset buttons make it accessible for all skill levels. Perfect for urban dwellers or secondary kitchens, it delivers premium features in a modest shell. For those prioritizing compact design without sacrificing cooking diversity, this GE model outperforms expectations and edges out similarly sized rivals.

The crisping king of microwaves, the Chefman MicroCrisp turns soggy leftovers into golden, crunchy delights with its integrated convection crisper system. Boasting 1,800 watts of total power—900W microwave and 900W convection—it combines speed and texture mastery like few others. Whether reviving fried chicken or air frying frozen fries, it delivers crisp-on-the-outside, juicy-inside results that mimic a standalone air fryer. For anyone who’s given up on microwave food texture, this model is a game-changer in countertop form.

In daily use, the guided touchscreen interface simplifies cooking with six preset menus, eliminating guesswork for popcorn, veggies, or nuggets. The 0.8 cubic foot cavity is slightly smaller than average, fitting a 10-inch dish but struggling with larger roasts. However, its phase cooking function—microwave first, then crisp—ensures food heats through before achieving that perfect crunch. The mute function is a standout, ideal for late-night snacks or households with light sleepers.

Against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it trades capacity for superior crisping and a more modern interface. While it lacks broil or steam functions, its focus on texture optimization makes it ideal for snack lovers and air fry enthusiasts. It’s not the best for large families, but for individuals or couples craving crispiness without oil, it’s unmatched in its class. With better heat control and noise reduction than budget models, it justifies its mid-tier price with performance that punches up.

This is the undisputed all-in-one champion—a smart, AI-driven microwave oven that blends inverter precision, humidity sensing, and Alexa compatibility into one seamless experience. With 1,100 watts of output and 1.3 cubic feet of space, it fits a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken, making it ideal for families and serious home cooks. The Origin Inverter technology ensures no cold spots, while the ChefFry Plus system delivers air-fried crispness without flipping. If you’re tired of juggling appliances, this model replaces your microwave, air fryer, and convection oven with elite-level performance.

Real-world testing reveals remarkable consistency: meats stay juicy, vegetables roast evenly, and baked goods rise without drying. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is intuitive, and the AI-Chef system learns from usage, adjusting cooking times via cloud-updated recipes. The humidity sensor automatically stops cooking when food is done—perfect for busy households. However, the learning curve for app integration may deter less tech-savvy users, and the unit’s size demands serious counter space.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS), it offers smarter automation and better sensors, though both share strong inverter performance. It’s pricier than most, but justifies the cost with innovation and versatility. For tech-forward users who want restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort, this is the pinnacle. With faster cooking, smarter controls, and broader functionality than any other model, it sets a new benchmark for what a microwave oven can be.

Don’t let the sub-$130 price tag fool you—the Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft microwave is a value titan, packing 1,500W convection power and air frying into a spacious 1.2 cubic foot cavity. With 900W microwave, 1,000W oven, and 1,500W convection output, it outguns many pricier models in raw power. The Combo-Fry function speeds up cooking by blending microwave and convection heat, ideal for frozen dinners or quick family meals. For budget buyers who refuse to compromise on capacity, this is the ultimate space-and-wallet-saver.

In practice, it handles large dishes with ease—roast chickens fit comfortably, and casseroles cook evenly thanks to the spacious interior and turntable. The one-touch air fry mode reduces fat by up to 70%, making it a healthy alternative to deep frying. However, the user interface feels basic, with fewer presets than rivals, and the lack of inverter tech means occasional uneven reheating. It’s loud during convection cycles and lacks smart features, but for pure cooking muscle, it delivers.

Versus the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it offers larger capacity and higher convection power at a lower price, though with fewer presets. It’s perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone needing XL capacity on a tight budget. While it doesn’t have the finesse of high-end models, it dominates in raw performance per dollar, making it the smartest buy for those who cook big and spend small.

For families and serious cooks, the Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) is the king of capacity, offering a massive 1.5 cubic foot interior and a 13.6-inch turntable that fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza with room to spare. With four-in-one functionality—microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking—it replaces multiple appliances without crowding your kitchen. The position memory turntable simplifies loading and cleaning, while smart sensor menus auto-adjust time and power for frozen pizza, veggies, and more. If you’ve ever struggled with small microwave ovens, this one solves the space problem once and for all.

In real use, the combination cooking mode shines—microwaving first, then crisping—resulting in fast, evenly cooked, and golden-brown meals. The convection function reaches 425°F, delivering crispy fries and roasted meats, though browning isn’t quite as deep as a dedicated oven. The black stainless finish resists smudges, and the mute function is a quiet hero for nighttime use. However, its size makes it unsuitable for small kitchens, and the exterior gets warm during long cycles.

Compared to the TOSHIBA OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), it trades smart AI and app control for larger capacity and simpler operation. It’s not as tech-forward, but it’s more practical for everyday family cooking. Ideal for households of four or more, it offers maximum versatility in a single, spacious unit. With better family-scale performance than any other model, it’s the top pick when size matters most.

This inverter technology flagship redefines precision cooking with continuous power delivery that eliminates the on-off pulsing of standard microwaves. The Toshiba B09HKPSRWW uses inverter tech and a built-in humidity sensor to deliver even cooking, perfect defrosting, and tender textures every time. With 360° rapid heat circulation, it air fries with crispness rivaling standalone units, while combi-modes blend microwave speed with convection browning for faster, better meals. For users who hate rubbery leftovers or unevenly defrosted chicken, this model is a revelation in consistency.

Testing confirms its superior reheating and defrosting: steak thaws evenly, rice heats without drying, and fries come out crispy, not soggy. The 47-recipe cookbook and 27 auto menus guide beginners to gourmet results, while broil and yogurt-making functions add unexpected versatility. The 1.0 cu ft cavity is standard, but the 12.4-inch turntable and dual racks maximize airflow. However, the interface can feel cluttered, and the lack of app control falls short of premium rivals.

Against the OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), it matches inverter performance but lacks AI and smart features. It’s ideal for cooks who prioritize texture and precision over connectivity. With better heat control than budget models and more cooking modes than most, it’s the best choice when even cooking and defrosting matter most. For serious home chefs who want lab-grade results, this Toshiba delivers inverter excellence without the smart-tech premium.