Hi, I’m Philip, and I have tested combination microwaves to determine the best on the market. I found seven that are the best in different categories, from best overall to the best option for a limited budget.
By Siem
Microwaves are a great way to quickly heat up food, but they cook from the inside out, and sometimes you need a convection type of heat to get the cook that you want. Combination microwaves can do both, so you have both an oven and a microwave in one device. More and more kitchens are choosing combination microwaves now, and they are hailed for their multi-functionality, and convenience.
What is the best combination microwave oven for you?
When buying a microwave oven, consider whether you need a freestanding or built-in option, then consider your budget. There are expensive, and inexpensive options available, and luckily, this list gives you a comprehensive list of both. Finally, decide what features you would like your combination microwave to include, and how many options and settings you would like to be able to use. Once you have answered those questions, you’re more able to choose the right combi microwave oven for you.
Now that we know what we want, lets have a look at some of the best on the market in 2024, to serve as examples, or maybe one of these great options will catch your eye. Either way, I’m confident that by the end of this article you’ll find a combination microwave you’ll want. Without further ado, lets jump in!
The Best Overall
Panasonic CF87
This is the best microwave overall for its sleek design, high quality, and incredible features. At 31L, its not small either, and comes with the option to bake/roast, grill, and microwave your food. It also comes with 32 preset programmes and a ‘genius sensor’, which automatically calculates moisture levels in the food and heats the food accordingly.
This is not a cheap device, and costs the same as a inbuilt convection oven, with the added benefit of having a microwave, all while being more energy efficient. If a replacement for your convection oven is what you’re after, then this is for you. If you just want a decent combi microwave, then this is perhaps too costly.
- 3-in-1 cooking methods
- 32 automatic programmes
- Large capacity
- Energy efficient
- Very expensive
- No rotisserie included
- Very space consuming
- Power: 1,000 W
- Capacity: 31 litres
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 39.1 x 50 x 43.7 cm
- Weight: 20.2 kg
- Installation: Freestanding/countertop
The microwave oven with the best value for money
Samsung MC28H5015AS
The Samsung MC28H5015AS is affordable, with excellent features and ease of operation. You can turn off the rotation function of the turntable, leaving plenty of room for large oven dishes. There are 35 pre-programmed preparations, including defrosting. This combi microwave also chooses the right time and preparation method by itself when you enter the weight and type of dish. Thanks to its enamelled interior, the Samsung MC28H5015AS is easy to clean. Read more…
- Good value for money
- 35 automatic programmes
- Space for large baking dish
- Does not take up much space
- Easy to clean
- No timer
- Microwave oven 900 W
- Contents 28 litres
- Max. diameter 32 cm
- Oven range 40 – 200 degrees
- Grill function
- Housing: steel/inside enamelled
- Opens with door
The best cheap microwave oven
ETNA ECM153WIT
The is a combi microwave for less than 200 euros, which does an excellent job of what it is supposed to do. The capacity is on the tight side, but with pre-programmed cooking modes, defrost modes and a grill, it is simply a complete and good combi microwave. The exterior is beautifully lacquered and easy to clean, as is the stainless steel interior. Too bad, though, that even the rotating grid has been skimped on. The combined high/low grid results in three awkward raised obstacles.
- Microwave, oven and grill function
- Many options
- Simple operation
- Easy to clean
- Clumsy top grid
- Microwave oven 900 W
- Capacity 25 litres
- Max. diameter 31.5 cm
- Fan oven range 140 – 230 degrees
- Top grill
- Housing: painted steel/inside stainless steel
- Opens with door
The best built-in microwave oven
Bosch CMA583MSO
If you are looking for a built-in microwave, we think this is the best choice. With a 44-litre capacity and a 36 cm tray, this is a spacious appliance, serving as a microwave, hot air oven and grill. A no-fuss combi microwave suitable for everyday use. Be sure to check the installation dimensions and make sure there is a socket nearby. Also make sure the heat can be dissipated.
- 8 oven and 3 microwave programmes
- Good heat distribution
- Simple operation
- Substantially priced
- No steam function
- Microwave oven 900 W
- Capacity 44 litres
- Max. diameter 36 cm
- Oven function range 40 – 230 degrees
- Top grill
- Installation dimensions (W x H x D): 56 x 45 x 55 cm
- Opens with door
The best built-in microwave for a limited budget
Inventum IMC6132F
A good and cheap built-in microwave is this With a capacity of 32 litres, it is not very spacious, but otherwise it is an appliance with extensive capabilities. Many preset programmes, also as a combi between microwave and convection oven. The oven temperature goes up to 220 degrees. Sometimes you would like it a bit higher. And a 1-metre power cord is rather short for a built-in appliance.
- Microwave, oven and grill function
- Many options
- Simple operation
- Easy to clean
- Oven temperature could be higher
- Short connecting cable
- Microwave oven 1,000 W
- Capacity 32 litres
- Max. diameter 31.5 cm
- Oven temperature: 130 – 220 degrees
- Top grill
- Installation dimensions (W x H x D): 56 x 38 x 55 cm
- Opens with door
The best combi microwave for large households
Sharp R-961INW
With its 40-litre capacity, it offers enough space for a large oven dish. The turntable is also generously sized at over 36 cm. You can even fit two grids at the same time in this freestanding microwave oven. Ideal for large families.
- Microwave, oven and grill function
- Large capacity
- Simple operation
- Easy to clean
- Takes up a lot of space
- Microwave oven power 900 W
- Capacity 40 litres
- Max. diameter 36.2 cm
- Range of hot air oven 40 – 250 degrees
- Grill function
- Housing: coated steel/inside stainless steel
- Opens with door
The best small microwave oven
Panasonic NN-DF385MEPG
The combi microwave is great for defrosting food and reheating meals. It offers enough space for a small household. Smaller microwaves like this often have to make do with a small output, but this one has an output of 1,000 watts. And a grill is also part of the equipment of this complete appliance.
- Microwave, oven and grill function
- Many options
- Simple operation
- Easy to clean
- Clumsy top grid
- Microwave power output 1,000 W
- Capacity 23 litres
- Hot air oven range 40 – 220 degrees
- Top grill
- Stainless steel interior
- Opens with door
Buying guide: what to look out for when buying a microwave oven?
So, that was our list of the best microwaves available in 2024. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, there are a number of questions you should ask yourself when considering what combination microwave you should buy. Doing so will help you in finding the best, with more confidence and accuracy, combination microwave.
- In-built or freestanding? – Most of us would opt for a freestanding solo microwave, but you may find that you want your oven built into the wall at the right place in the kitchen. Perhaps there is a perfect place on your countertop and a freestanding microwave oven might be the best choice. Once you have decided where you want your combi microwave to go, you can move on to deciding your budget.
- Budget – With your budget you determine what level of quality you are willing to splash out on, as most of the time, the more premium the product is, the more likely it is to be expensive. If you should decide that you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your combination microwave, or you do, then you can figure out what features you would like.
- Combi microwave features? – There are a great number of features that range across the whole spectrum of combination microwaves, however, most have the same few that differ according to the make and model: digital display, number and variation of preset programmes, size capacity, genius sensor, digital clock, accurate weighing scales, steam combination, grill function, etc.
Now that you’ve answered these questions, you are equipped to choose a combination microwave that ise perfect for you.
Conclusion: Which is the Best Combination Microwave?
Overall, the best option will be the one that suits your needs most. Remember, combination microwaves can be used in a variety of ways and are far more convenient than regular microwaves. If you still can’t decide on the right one, then consider our recommendations of the best overall: the Panasonic CF87, or the best value for money: the Samsung MC28H5015AS. Perhaps you need a compact model, in which case, choose the Panasonic NN-DF386BBPQ, or Panasonic NN-ST46KBBPQ for a larger version.
Frequently asked questions
We think yes. They serve the function of a microwave, a grill, and an oven, and often have better energy efficiency ratings than standard convection ovens. That said, you lose out on the larger capacity of a regular oven should you opt for a microwave oven.
We think that the Bosch CMA583MBOB is the best inbuilt microwave oven. It’s capacity is that of a standard oven, and it comes with the added benefit of the microwave as well.