Combo microwaves promise to retire three appliances, and the good ones nearly do. A 4-in-1 unit handles your reheats, then switches to convection bake and air fry when you want crispy edges that a plain microwave can never produce. The catch is that cramming four cooking modes into one box forces compromises. Air fry capacity is smaller than a standalone basket, convection adds preheat time, and the control panel gets crowded with presets you will never touch. We cared about whether the modes are genuinely useful or just marketing. Does the air fry function actually brown a tray of fries or just blow warm air. How loud is the convection fan when it kicks on. Can you still microwave a cup of coffee in fifteen seconds without scrolling through menus. Counter space is the real cost here, because these run hotter and need more breathing room than a basic microwave, and the convertible ones tend to be heavier and deeper.
GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Microwave with Air Fry & Broil, Compact and Quiet, Stainless Steel, Ideal for Apartments, Dorms & Offices, GCST10A1WSS
The GE 4-in-1 Convection Microwave pairs 1050W output with genuine convection baking and air fry in a 1.0 cubic foot cavity, the most balanced of the combos we lined up.
- Air Fry: Cook healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods in less time, thanks to an air fryer built into your microwave
- Convection: Achieve crisp, golden brown results in this microwave oven with convection, which includes a special rack that allows air to circulate around foods for even heat distribution
- Broil: When you have a microwave with a broiler right inside, you can achieve the same effect you do with grill racks, radiating heat to sear or caramelize any food to perfection
- Preset Controls: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6" Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Black, ML-EC42P(BS)
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 brings smart sensor cooking and crisping at a friendlier outlay, covering the same four modes without the premium positioning.
- 4-in-1 Multifunctional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance; with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus; Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more.
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6" Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Silver, ML-EC42P(SS)
The second Toshiba Air Fryer Combo configuration offers a near identical feature set, a fine alternative if the primary trim is unavailable.
- 4-in-1 Multifunctional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance, with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus. Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6 inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft., 1000 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
The Chefman 1.1 Cu. Ft. drops the combo modes for a straightforward 1000W microwave, the pick if you decide you only really need reliable reheating.
- EXTRA-QUICK COOKING: Choose from six popular presets for microwave ovens, including popcorn, pizza, beverages, veggies, potatoes, or leftovers. Or just press the number keys to quickly set the cook time for that number of minutes.
- LOW TO HIGH POWER: This 1000W digital microwave packs big power into a compact appliance! Choose from 10 power levels, from a low setting to melt butter to maximum power for rapid cooking in moments.
- DIGITAL CONTROLS: It’s easy to set up everything from microwave popcorn to warming up leftovers in this mini microwave. Customize your time and power level or add a bit of extra time with the +30 seconds button.
- MEMORY FUNCTION: Program frequently used countertop microwaves functions into the control panel for one-touch microwave food. All your daily favorites are easy to set up and start microwaving.
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo, Time-Saving 20 Presets + App-Linked Recipes, 1000W 1.2 cu ft Inverter Multi Oven & Convection Tech - NN-CV87QS Stainless Steel
The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 layers 20 plus programs and time saving presets onto its combo design, best for cooks who will actually lean on every mode.
- All-In-One Multi Oven Does The Work So You Don't Have To: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying family; 4-in-1 countertop oven creates easy, delicious meals by pairing with our Kitchen+ app to cook everything, from tender roasts to crisp and juicy air fry
- Mealtime Simplified, Powered by Our App: Pick your dish from the Panasonic Kitchen+ app, gather ingredients, and pair your phone with the oven; the built-in modes of microwave, broiler, airfryer, and convection oven automate to help you create perfectly-cooked meals with little effort
- Discover New Quick-and-Easy Family Favorites: You'll never be stuck in a rut when deciding what to make; scroll the Panasonic Kitchen+ App and bookmark recipes they'll love, so its always easy to find a meal everyone can agree on, and make it quickly
- Backed by Legendary Panasonic Quality: Reliable performance, made with your family's needs in mind; Inverter technology for even defrosting, reheating, cooking, & warming; Genius technology prevents over-or under-cooking; Turbo Defrost, and more
Key buying factors
The included crisper rack determines how much you can fry at once. A single layer of fries works, but expect to cook in batches since the cavity is smaller than a dedicated air fryer basket.
Convection needs to preheat, adding several minutes before baking starts. Check whether the unit signals when it reaches temperature so you are not opening the door to guess.
A humidity sensor adjusts microwave time automatically, which matters more in combos where you switch modes often. It saves you from re-entering settings for routine reheats.
These run hot during air fry and convection. They need rear and side clearance, so do not box one into a cabinet cubby or trap it under a low shelf.
Crisper racks, baking trays, and the cavity floor all collect grease in air fry mode. Removable accessories that fit a sink or dishwasher save you serious scrubbing.
Types explained
Adds a heating element and fan for true baking and roasting alongside microwave function.
Best for: Small kitchens that want oven baking without buying a separate countertop oven.Includes a crisper rack and high speed circulation for browning fries and wings.
Best for: People who want crispy results occasionally but do not have room for a standalone fryer.Humidity sensing plus multiple cooking modes managed through preset programs.
Best for: Anyone juggling reheats and cooking who wants the unit to handle timing decisions.Care & usage tips
Wipe the cavity and crisper rack after each air fry session while still warm. Grease bakes onto hot surfaces fast and gets stubborn once it cools and hardens.
Hand wash or dishwasher the crisper rack and baking tray rather than leaving them inside. Stored greasy, they smoke the next time convection heats up.
Convection models pull air through a vent that collects dust and grease. Keep it clear so the fan runs quiet and the unit cools properly after high heat cycles.
A combo microwave only earns its counter space if the air fry and convection modes are fast enough that you actually use them, otherwise you bought an expensive microwave with extra buttons.
Preheat convection mode before air frying for the crispiest results, and line the cavity floor with foil only if the manual allows it, since some combos prohibit foil near the heating element.
Frequently asked questions
Does the air fry mode work as well as a standalone fryer?+
It crisps a single layer well but holds less than a dedicated basket, so you cook in batches. For a household that air fries occasionally, the convenience of one box usually wins over capacity.
Can I bake in a 4-in-1 microwave?+
Yes, convection mode bakes and roasts with a real heating element and fan. Expect a preheat step and slightly smaller capacity than a full oven, but it handles small trays and casseroles well.
Are combo microwaves harder to clean?+
A bit. Air fry and convection leave grease that a plain microwave never deals with. Removable racks and trays that go in the dishwasher make a real difference here.
Do they use more counter space than a regular microwave?+
Usually deeper and heavier, and they need more clearance for venting heat. Measure rear and side gaps, since these run far hotter than a basic reheating microwave.