Convection microwaves combine two appliances into one footprint, delivering microwave reheating speed alongside convection baking and browning capability. The right model saves counter space, reduces appliance count, and handles a wider range of cooking tasks than either appliance alone. The five picks below are chosen for convection baking performance, microwave cooking consistency, interior capacity, and ease of use.
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toshiba EC042A5C-SS Convection Microwave | ~$230 | Best all-around performance | 4.7/5 |
| Panasonic NN-CD87KS Convection Microwave | ~$320 | Best inverter technology | 4.7/5 |
| GE Profile PEB9159SJSS Convection Microwave | ~$450 | Best premium capacity | 4.6/5 |
| Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave | ~$260 | Best for baking focus | 4.5/5 |
| Breville Combi Wave BMO870 | ~$350 | Best combination cooking | 4.6/5 |
Toshiba EC042A5C-SS - Best Overall Convection Microwave
The Toshiba EC042A5C-SS earns its top position by delivering strong convection baking performance and reliable microwave cooking at a mid-range price point. The 1.5 cubic foot interior fits a 12-inch pizza, a 9x13 baking dish, or a substantial roasting pan. Convection baking temperature range covers 200 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, adequate for most recipes. The built-in inverter ensures consistent microwave power delivery rather than the pulsed power of non-inverter models. Pre-programmed functions include bake, grill, and combination modes. At roughly 22 by 18 inches, it occupies meaningful counter space but earns it through genuine dual-function capability.
Search for Toshiba EC042A5C-SS Convection Microwave on Amazon
Panasonic NN-CD87KS - Best Inverter Convection Microwave
Panasonic’s inverter technology is the gold standard for microwave cooking, delivering true continuous power rather than the pulsed on-off cycles of conventional magnetron designs. The result is more even heating, better texture preservation in reheated foods, and superior defrosting that thaws without cooking edges. The NN-CD87KS pairs this inverter advantage with a capable convection system that bakes and browns comparably to the Toshiba. At 2.2 cubic feet of interior capacity, it is the largest unit on this list, providing genuine space for larger baking projects. It requires more counter space, so measure carefully before purchasing.
Search for Panasonic NN-CD87KS Convection Microwave on Amazon
GE Profile PEB9159SJSS - Best Premium Convection Microwave
The GE Profile convection microwave is designed for buyers who want the build quality and feature depth of a high-end kitchen appliance. The sensor cooking modes adjust power and time automatically for common foods, producing consistent results without guesswork. Convection baking performance is the best on this list, with even heat distribution and reliable temperature accuracy. The stainless interior is easier to clean than the painted interiors of lower-cost models. At $450, it commands a premium, but for buyers equipping a permanent kitchen where the appliance will see daily use for years, the build quality and cooking performance justify the investment.
Search for GE Profile PEB9159SJSS Convection Microwave on Amazon
Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave - Best for Baking Focus
The Cuisinart CMW-200 is designed with baking as a primary use case rather than an afterthought. The convection system reaches 425 degrees Fahrenheit with even heat distribution across the cooking rack. It includes both a flat turntable plate and a metal cooking rack, allowing rack baking for cookies and casseroles. The microwave function performs reliably for reheating and defrosting. The control panel uses a combination of dials and digital controls that balance usability with precision. At 1.2 cubic feet, it is smaller than the Panasonic and GE options but has a more manageable footprint for kitchens where counter space is limited.
Search for Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave on Amazon
Breville Combi Wave BMO870 - Best Combination Cooking
The Breville Combi Wave is engineered around the combination mode where microwave and convection run simultaneously, and the results justify its premium position. Chicken skin comes out brown and crispy while cooking through in a fraction of the time a conventional oven would take. The A Bit More button adds extra cooking time without reprogramming, a small feature that proves genuinely useful daily. The interior is 1.1 cubic feet, on the smaller side, but the build quality and combination cooking performance are the best available in a countertop convection microwave. For buyers who specifically want to use the combination mode regularly, the Breville is the clearest choice.
Search for Breville Combi Wave BMO870 on Amazon
What to Look for in a Countertop Convection Microwave
Start with interior capacity: match the cubic footage to your typical cooking volume, not your maximum cooking volume. For most households, 1.2 to 1.5 cubic feet is the practical sweet spot. Inverter microwave technology is worth seeking out for better food quality in reheating and defrost modes. Check the convection temperature range and whether the included rack positions the food correctly for baking. Combination mode is the defining feature of these appliances; test or read detailed reviews of how a specific model performs in combo mode before buying. Finally, verify that the control interface is intuitive enough for daily use, since a complex menu system on a frequently-used appliance becomes a daily frustration.
For related reading, see best countertop convection ovens for baking and best compact air fryer ovens. Review our evaluation criteria at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Can a convection microwave replace a regular oven?+
For smaller households and everyday cooking tasks, a convection microwave can handle most standard oven functions including baking cookies, roasting vegetables, and reheating casseroles. It cannot replicate a full-size oven for large roasts, multiple-rack baking, or holiday cooking volumes. For one to two person households where counter space is at a premium, a convection microwave can serve as the primary oven for most meals.
What is the difference between convection mode and microwave mode?+
Microwave mode heats food by exciting water molecules with electromagnetic radiation, heating from the inside out. Convection mode uses a heating element and fan to circulate hot air around food, browning and crisping surfaces like a traditional oven. Combination mode runs both simultaneously, using microwave energy to cook through quickly while convection air browns the exterior. Combination mode produces the best of both: cooked through with a browned surface.
Are convection microwaves harder to clean than regular microwaves?+
Convection microwaves are somewhat harder to clean because the interior surfaces get hot enough during convection use to bake on grease and food splatters. The turntable, rack, and interior walls all require regular wiping. Using microwave-safe covers for reheating and setting the oven to a short convection clean cycle at 450°F for 15 minutes after roasting will prevent significant buildup. Overall cleaning effort is comparable to a standard countertop oven.