Then, a microwave mostly reheated leftovers and called it a day. Now, countertop models can bring together microwave cooking, convection baking, and crisping functions in one compact appliance.
That shift makes the best Microwaves/convection oven roundup worth a closer read, especially as sizes, finishes, and power ratings vary widely. The comparison ahead keeps the focus on what each format offers, so keep reading before choosing your kitchen’s next workhorse!
Key Takeaways
- Choose capacity based on your largest usual dish, not just the available counter space.
- Prioritize wattage if faster reheating and more consistent cooking matter in your routine.
- Check the cooking functions to confirm the unit includes convection, air frying, or both.
- Match the installation type to your kitchen, since countertop and over-the-range models require different planning.
- Compare the interior dimensions, because published cubic-foot capacity does not always reveal usable cooking space.
| Compact Air Fryer |  |
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Microwave, 1.0 Cu. Ft. | Air-fryer microwave combo | Compact 1.0-cu.-ft. size | Black stainless finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| XL Combo Capacity |  |
FRIGIDAIRE Air Fryer Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft. | XL combo capacity | Digital air fryer | Convection cooking | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Straightforward Countertop | GE Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel | Simple countertop format | Stainless steel finish | Familiar GE design | View on Amazon | Read Review | |
| Family-Size Versatility |  |
TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Microwave, 1.5 Cu. Ft. | Large 1.5-cu.-ft. interior | Four cooking functions | 1000-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small-Space Multitasker |  |
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave, 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Five cooking functions | Compact 0.9-cu.-ft. size | Air-fryer combination | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ventilation-Saving Design |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.5 Cu. Ft. | Over-the-range installation | Large 1.5-cu.-ft. capacity | Built-in air fryer | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| RV Kitchen Specialist |  |
RecPro RV Convection Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft. | RV-focused design | Convection cooking | Practical 1.1-cu.-ft. size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bright Kitchen Option |  |
GE Air Fry Microwave, 1.0 Cu. Ft. | 1050-watt output | Four-in-one cooking | White countertop finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High-Capacity Countertop |  |
TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Microwave, 1.5 Cu. Ft. | Spacious 1.5-cu.-ft. capacity | Four cooking functions | 1000-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Everyday Microwave |  |
TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft. | Mid-size 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity | 1000-watt output | Simple countertop design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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TOSHIBA Air Fryer Microwave, 1.0 Cu. Ft.
Choose this TOSHIBA combo if you want microwave convenience with an air-frying function in a relatively compact footprint. The 1.0-cubic-foot capacity suits smaller kitchens, apartments, offices, and households that usually prepare modest portions.
Its black stainless steel finish has a cleaner, more modern look than basic black appliances, while the combo format can reduce the need for a separate air fryer. The main limitation is capacity, since larger casserole dishes and family-size portions may feel cramped.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Air fryer microwave
- Capacity:1.0 cu. ft.
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Functions:Microwaving, air frying
- Additional Feature:Combined microwave and air fryer
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop footprint
- Additional Feature:Black stainless steel exterior
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FRIGIDAIRE Air Fryer Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft.
The FRIGIDAIRE is a practical match for households that need more interior room than a compact combo microwave provides. Its 1.2-cubic-foot capacity gives you extra space for everyday plates, bowls, and larger prepared dishes.
The built-in digital air fryer and convection oven functions add flexibility, while the stainless steel finish fits neatly into many kitchen setups. Its larger body may require more counter space, so measure the intended location before ordering.
- Brand:FRIGIDAIRE
- Type:Air fryer convection microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Functions:Microwaving, air frying, convection
- Additional Feature:Digital air-frying function
- Additional Feature:Convection oven mode
- Additional Feature:XL interior capacity
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GE Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel
Pick this GE countertop microwave if your priority is straightforward microwave cooking rather than a long list of specialty modes. The stainless steel finish gives it a conventional kitchen-appliance appearance, and the countertop design works well where built-in installation is not practical.
The available product information does not establish air-fry or convection functions, so this is a better fit for basic reheating and cooking than for a full multi-function setup. That simpler approach can be an advantage, but it offers less versatility than the combo models in this roundup.
- Brand:GE
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Functions:Microwave cooking
- Additional Feature:Countertop installation
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel exterior
- Additional Feature:Dedicated microwave format
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TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Microwave, 1.5 Cu. Ft.
With its 1.5-cubic-foot capacity, this TOSHIBA is aimed at households that regularly prepare larger dishes or multiple servings. The 4-in-1 design combines microwave cooking with air-frying capability and other cooking modes, giving you more ways to handle meals with one appliance.
Its 1000-watt output supports everyday microwave tasks, while the larger interior makes it more useful for family cooking than compact models. The tradeoff is a bigger countertop footprint, and multi-function controls may take a little more time to learn.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:4-in-1 microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Functions:Microwaving, air frying, four modes
- Additional Feature:Integrated air-fryer function
- Additional Feature:Four-in-one cooking design
- Additional Feature:Large countertop capacity
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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave, 0.9 Cu. Ft.
This BLACK+DECKER suits small kitchens that still need more than basic reheating. Its 5-in-1 format packs several cooking functions into a compact appliance, which can be useful in apartments, dorms, offices, and guest spaces.
The 0.9-cubic-foot capacity keeps the footprint manageable, but it also limits the size of dishes you can fit inside. Its 900-watt output is appropriate for everyday microwave use, though larger portions may need more cooking time than they would in a higher-powered model.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:5-in-1 microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Functions:Microwaving, air frying, five modes
- Additional Feature:Integrated air-fryer function
- Additional Feature:Compact countertop design
- Additional Feature:Five-in-one cooking format
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BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave, 1.5 Cu. Ft.
Choose this model if you want to free counter space by moving microwave cooking above the range. The over-the-range installation pairs with an air-fryer function, making it a practical choice for kitchen remodels or replacements where cabinet space is already planned.
Its 1.5-cubic-foot capacity handles larger dishes more comfortably than compact countertop units, and the air-frying feature adds another cooking option. Installation is the key limitation, since this format requires suitable cabinetry, electrical access, and proper mounting space.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cu. ft.
- Wattage:900W
- Functions:Microwaving, air frying
- Additional Feature:Counter-saving over-range design
- Additional Feature:Integrated air-fryer function
- Additional Feature:1.5-cu.-ft. cooking space
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RecPro RV Convection Microwave, 1.1 Cu. Ft.
The RecPro is designed for RV kitchens, where appliance dimensions and cooking flexibility matter more than flashy extras. Its 1.1-cubic-foot capacity provides useful room for everyday meals without moving into the larger size class of many residential countertop units.
The convection microwave format supports both microwave cooking and oven-style heating, a helpful combination when an RV kitchen has limited equipment. Its main limitation is audience fit: the RV-oriented design may not be the most natural choice for a standard home kitchen.
- Brand:RecPro
- Type:RV convection microwave
- Capacity:1.1 cu. ft.
- Finish:Black
- Functions:Microwaving, convection
- Additional Feature:Designed for RV kitchens
- Additional Feature:Integrated convection function
- Additional Feature:Compact 1.1-cu.-ft. interior
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GE Air Fry Microwave, 1.0 Cu. Ft.
This GE model brings air-frying capability to a compact countertop microwave, making it a sensible fit for smaller kitchens and households that want multiple cooking modes without a large appliance. The 1.0-cubic-foot capacity works best for standard plates, bowls, and smaller baking dishes.
Its 1050-watt output gives it a little more listed power than several compact alternatives, and the white finish offers a brighter look than the common stainless steel or black options. The smaller interior remains the main constraint for oversized cookware and family-size portions.
- Brand:GE
- Type:4-in-1 air-fry microwave
- Capacity:1.0 cu. ft.
- Finish:White
- Wattage:1050W
- Functions:Microwaving, air frying, four modes
- Additional Feature:Integrated air-fryer function
- Additional Feature:Four-in-one cooking design
- Additional Feature:White exterior finish
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TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Microwave, 1.5 Cu. Ft.
This TOSHIBA is a strong fit for larger households that want a countertop appliance with more cooking flexibility than a standard microwave. Its 1.5-cubic-foot interior provides useful room for bigger plates, baking dishes, and multi-serving meals.
The 4-in-1 design includes air-frying capability, while the 1000-watt output supports common microwave tasks. Its larger footprint may be difficult to accommodate in a crowded kitchen, so counter depth and surrounding clearance deserve attention.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:4-in-1 microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cu. ft.
- Wattage:1000W
- Functions:Microwaving, air frying, four modes
- Additional Feature:Integrated air-fryer function
- Additional Feature:Large countertop interior
- Additional Feature:Four-in-one cooking format
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TOSHIBA Countertop Microwave, 1.2 Cu. Ft.
For straightforward daily cooking, this TOSHIBA offers a mid-size 1.2-cubic-foot interior without the added complexity of an air-fryer or convection combination. It is well suited to reheating leftovers, cooking prepared foods, and handling regular household meals.
The 1000-watt output provides a useful balance for common microwave tasks, while the black finish keeps the design understated. Its limitation is clear: compared with the combo models here, it offers fewer cooking methods and less flexibility beyond microwave heating.
- Brand:TOSHIBA
- Type:Countertop microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cu. ft.
- Finish:Black
- Wattage:1000W
- Functions:Microwave cooking
- Additional Feature:Countertop installation
- Additional Feature:Black exterior finish
- Additional Feature:Dedicated microwave function
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a convection microwave replace a full-size oven?
A convection microwave can replace a full-size oven for small meals, reheating, baking, and roasting, especially if you cook for one or two people. Its smaller cavity heats quickly and uses less energy for modest portions. It may not replace a full-size oven for large roasts, multiple baking trays, or holiday cooking. Check the interior dimensions rather than relying only on the advertised capacity.
What size convection microwave should I buy?
Choose about 0.9 to 1.2 cu. ft. for everyday meals, small plates, and compact cookware. Move to 1.4 cu. ft. or larger if you regularly use a 12-inch pizza pan, large casserole dish, or taller baking container. Measure your largest frequently used dish and compare it with the turntable diameter and interior height. Cubic-foot capacity alone does not reveal whether a square or rectangular dish will fit.
Is higher microwave wattage always better?
Higher wattage usually means faster cooking and reheating, but it is not automatically better for every recipe. Foods can overcook around the edges if cooking times are not adjusted, particularly in smaller portions. For most homes, 900 to 1,200 watts provides a practical range. Sensor cooking and adjustable power levels often contribute more to control than a small difference in maximum wattage.
Can metal cookware be used in a convection microwave?
Metal cookware may be acceptable during convection-only cooking, but only if the manufacturer specifically permits it. Metal should generally stay out of microwave and combination modes because it can cause arcing, damage, or fire. Follow the manual for the included rack, browning pan, and other accessories. If instructions are unclear, choose microwave-safe glass or ceramic cookware for microwave and combination cooking.
Does a convection microwave need special ventilation?
A countertop model needs open airflow around the vents, with the clearance specified by the manufacturer. Do not place it in a tight cabinet or directly against a wall if doing so blocks intake or exhaust openings. An over-the-range or built-in model requires more planning, including cabinet measurements, electrical capacity, and venting requirements. Professional installation may be necessary, particularly when the unit vents outdoors or replaces an existing appliance.
