The Best Microwave Convection Ovens Actually Deliver—See Our Top Picks

Convection microwave ovens combine the quick-heating convenience of a traditional microwave with the roasting, baking, and crisping abilities of a convection oven. They’re ideal for home cooks who want the flexibility to prepare full meals, save counter space or upgrade from a standard microwave without investing in a second appliance.

Because these appliances function as two machines in one, shoppers care even more about finding a model that delivers on all fronts: power, reliability, and ease of use. A quality unit can brown chicken thighs, bake cookies, reheat leftovers evenly, and crisp frozen foods—all with less time and energy. With so many models available, though, narrowing down the right fit can feel overwhelming.

To cut through the noise, we tested two of the most popular convection microwave ovens firsthand and evaluated several additional models with impressive specs, strong user feedback, and brand reliability. After testing, our new top pick is the Panasonic HomeChef 2-in-1, which impressed us with its sleek design, even heating, and thoughtful cooking modes. We also recommend other standout options for shoppers who want alternative sizes, features, or price points.

Up next, we’ll review our favorite picks, then break down the most important features to look for (size, wattage, presets, and more) so that you’ll know exactly what matters when choosing the best microwave convection ovens.

1. BEST OVERALL: Panasonic HomeChef 2-in-1 Microwave Convection Oven
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Convection Microwave
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3. BEST SMART FEATURES: LG Smart 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
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4. BEST UPGRADE: GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
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5. BEST OVER-THE-RANGE: Bosch 800 Series Convection Microwave
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6. BEST SMART SENSOR: Samsung Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
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Microwave Convection Oven Comparison

Our Top Picks

Organized by category, our top picks include several microwave oven combos, both countertop and over-the-range picks that meet a wide range of needs. Here are some of the best selections on the market, each of which brings its own unique features.

Our Ratings

The Panasonic HomeChef 2-in-1 immediately stood out in testing thanks to its sleek stainless steel finish and the impressive number of accessories included, which make it feel far more versatile than the average countertop model. With 1,000 watts of microwave power and a 1,100-watt broiler, it’s built to handle everything from crisping veggies to reheating leftovers evenly.

In testing, the built-in sensor cooking and 18 preset menu items performed reliably. Pasta, pizza, and oatmeal came out evenly heated, and the broil function delivered nicely browned edges without drying foods out. The air-fryer mode worked, but it ran noticeably slower than a dedicated appliance (our Ninja air fryer outpaced it consistently), so it’s better for light, occasional “air-fried” tasks rather than full replacements.

Still, the combination of a 1.2-cubic-foot capacity, 13.4-inch turntable, delay-start feature, and child-safety lock make this a smart, compact powerhouse. For shoppers who want one appliance that can handle multiple cooking styles, this Panasonic is the most well-rounded model we tested.

What our tester says: “Panasonic’s countertop convection microwave​ impressed me with how many cooking modes and accessories it includes. The air-fry function was slower than my dedicated unit, but everything else cooked evenly and consistently.” —Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer.

Get the Panasonic microwave convection oven at Amazon or Panasonic.

Our Ratings

The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is one of the most premium-feeling countertop models we tested, thanks to its brushed stainless steel design and soft-close door that immediately set it apart. This versatile unit functions as a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer—and even includes a grill element—giving it true multifunctional capability. Breville’s Element iQ system and Power Smoothing inverter help it heat evenly, while the Fast Combi and Cook from Frozen settings streamline everything from quick meals to full dinner prep.

During testing, the Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost modes all performed reliably, and the shortcut bar inside the door proved surprisingly handy for melting butter or chocolate without guessing at the times or power level. The convection and grill functions also produced consistent, well-browned results. The air-fryer function, however, was the one weak point: items like frozen chicken breasts shrank dramatically and became inedible—something that didn’t happen in our everyday Ninja air fryer.

Even with that drawback, the overall cooking performance, premium build quality, and user-friendly controls make this a strong choice for busy households looking to expand their cooking capacity without adding multiple appliances.

What our tester says: “This Breville feels incredibly premium—the soft-close door alone made it a joy to use. Everything cooked beautifully except the air-fry mode, which consistently over-shrank my food.” —Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer.

Get the Breville microwave convection oven at Best Buy, Williams-Sonoma, Macy’s, or Breville.

More Great Options

If you’re still shopping for a microwave oven with convection cooking​, these additional picks stood out in our research for their strong features, positive user reviews, and reliable brand performance. While we didn’t test them firsthand, they’re well-rounded alternatives worth considering.

This LG smart microwave is a cutting-edge smart appliance that features Scan-to-Cook technology. This allows users to send cooking instructions directly to the oven with a simple scan of a barcode via the ThinQ app. It offers a versatile range of cooking methods, with settings that allow home cooks to brown, bake, roast, and air-fry. 

The design features an integrated pocket handle and a wide-view window, as well as intuitive SmoothTouch glass controls, all of which results in a sleek, modern look. When synced with an LG Smart range, the microwave automatically activates the light and vent when the cooktop is in use, enhancing safety and convenience.

Get the LG microwave convection oven at The Home Depot or Best Buy.

With a spacious 1.7-cubic-foot capacity, the GE Profile over-the-range microwave convection oven is an optimal choice for individuals looking for a large model. It offers enough versatility to meet nearly any cooking need; users can choose from microwave, convection, and speed-cook settings. 

With the help of the proprietary Speed Cook technology, foods cook between two and eight times faster than in a convection oven, all without sacrificing taste. Additionally, 175 preprogrammed meal settings provide even heating and delicious results. Individuals can even use the Recipe Saver to store custom instructions for up to 30 meals.

This microwave convection oven offers 925 watts of power and various cooking levels suitable for reheating and defrosting. It also boasts three fan-speed settings. The interior features a nonstick finish for easy cleaning, while the exterior provides an attractive stainless steel finish with an LCD display and backlit controls.

Get the GE Profile over-the-range microwave convection oven at The Home Depot or Best Buy.

The Bosch 800 Series is an over-the-range convection microwave​ that stands out for its large capacity and powerful 1,000-watt performance, making it a strong fit for busy kitchens that rely on versatility. With 12 one-touch modes, this model simplifies cooking, defrosting, reheating, and even convection tasks—ideal for users who want a hassle-free experience without sacrificing precision. Its convection functionality helps achieve more even results than standard microwaves, especially when browning or baking.

As an over-the-range model, the Bosch 800 Series also adds functional ventilation. The built-in multi-speed 385 CFM fan efficiently removes steam, smoke, grease, and odors, helping maintain cleaner air whenever you cook on the stovetop. Its premium design and reliable Bosch engineering make it a solid choice for homeowners upgrading appliances or coordinating with other Bosch kitchen products.

Get the Bosch microwave convection oven at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.

Samsung’s 1.7-cu.-ft. convection microwave is built for households that want efficiency, smart connectivity, and multiple cooking methods in a single appliance. Its convection technology lets you microwave, bake, and roast using one unit, giving you faster and more even results than a traditional microwave alone. The Slim Fry mode offers a healthier, lower-fat take on crispy foods, using hot air circulation instead of oil to create crunchy textures on fries, chicken, snacks, and more.

This model is also loaded with smart features. Wi-Fi connectivity pairs with the SmartThings app so you can monitor and control cooking modes, ventilation, lighting, and even power usage from your phone. Voice control compatibility with Samsung Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant adds hands-free convenience, while Auto Connectivity syncs the microwave’s fan with compatible Samsung cooktops for automatic ventilation. Bright LED lighting, an easy-clean glass-touch display, and a fingerprint-resistant finish round out its premium, user-friendly design.

Get the Samsung microwave convection oven at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Best Buy, or Samsung.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Microwave Convection Ovens

To create this guide, we tapped our team’s many years of experience covering home products and appliances, and combined that with extensive research and hands-on testing. We evaluated more than 30 convection microwaves and tested two of the most popular models in real-world cooking scenarios, assessing factors such as heating performance, air-fry results, convection browning, noise level, ease of use, cleaning, and overall design quality. Each tested unit was scored using the same criteria to ensure consistency, with measurements based on cook times, evenness of heating, preset accuracy, and general day-to-day usability. 

We also consulted industry expert Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, who noted that the most common issues with convection microwaves include uneven cooking, complex controls, and durability problems—all factors we weighed heavily in our evaluations. Along with user reviews, price, value, ventilation performance, and smart-feature reliability, this process allowed us to select a balanced mix of countertop and over-the-range options that offer strong performance and dependable long-term use.

What to Consider When Choosing a Microwave Convection Oven

The best convection microwave ovens are available in various sizes and capacities, offer different power levels, and may include feature settings, smart technology, and other options that standard microwaves and conventional ovens don’t offer. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind while shopping for a convection microwave oven.

Size and Capacity

Choosing a microwave convection oven that’s the right size is essential. You will want to measure available kitchen counter space and look for countertop microwave ovens with exterior dimensions that fit. 

Those shopping for an over-the-range microwave will want to measure the available space above their kitchen ovens, keeping in mind that this appliance needs to be at least 30 inches above the cooktop surface.

A microwave’s capacity is determined by its interior dimensions, calculated in cubic feet. The capacity varies among models, even those with nearly identical exterior dimensions. The interior dimensions of most convection microwaves range from 0.7 to 2 cubic feet, though some may fall just outside this range.

A microwave’s capacity is especially important when considering a model that doubles as a convection oven. This particular appliance will cook or reheat larger food items than a basic microwave.

Power

The power of a microwave convection oven is measured in watts. Most microwaves have between 600 and 1,200 watts. A microwave with a higher wattage will heat foods more evenly and much faster than one with a lower wattage. 

Typically, larger and more expensive microwaves boast a higher wattage, while smaller and less expensive microwaves often have a lower wattage. A shopper looking to replace a lower-wattage microwave with a higher-wattage model may want to hire an electrician to assess their home’s wiring and circuitry to be sure the house can handle the additional power required for the appliance to work properly.

Interior Features

Depending on the model, a microwave convection oven may include:

• A nonstick interior coating that makes it easier to clean the microwave. 
• A stainless steel interior that doesn’t absorb odors and is also easy to clean.
• A turntable (the rotating glass plate) that spins when the appliance is in use, ensuring that foods heat evenly.
• Trays and removable racks allow the microwave to be used as an oven, offering a level cooking surface and allowing users to cook two different dishes simultaneously.
• Automatic sensors that measure the amount of interior steam to determine when food has finished cooking. A microwave convection oven with this feature automatically stops cooking once it detects the targeted amount of steam has been reached.
• An interlock safety feature, found on all microwaves, prevents the unit from operating if the door is open. Most microwave convection ovens have at least two interlocks.

Cooking Functions and Presets

One of the most important features in a microwave convection oven is having a wide range of cooking functions. These functions determine how the appliance cooks, whether you’re microwaving, baking, broiling, roasting, grilling, or using a hybrid mode like convection or speed-cook. The more functions available, the more versatile the appliance will be for everything from crisping vegetables to browning casseroles.

Presets, on the other hand, are preprogrammed cook times and temperatures designed for specific foods. Look for helpful presets for popcorn, baked potatoes, pizza, reheating leftovers, and automatic defrosting. Shortcut buttons such as +30 seconds, quick-start, and power reduction also make everyday tasks easier. Many microwave convection ovens now include speed-cook presets that blend microwave energy with convection heat to deliver faster, more evenly cooked results.

Energy Efficiency 

As with any appliance, users should consider the energy efficiency of a microwave convection oven as they shop. Energy-efficient microwaves can offer various benefits, such as lowering monthly electric bills and minimizing a household’s environmental footprint.

While many kitchen appliances boast Energy Star certifications, there are currently no Energy Star-certified microwave convection ovens. However, you can still find models that will reduce the total energy consumed. Those who are energy-conscious will want to choose a microwave that offers variable power settings, as it will prevent using more power than is required for each task. 

Smart Technology

Finally, determine whether you want the microwave convection oven to have smart-technology capabilities. Smart microwave convection ovens are Wi-Fi–enabled and allow users to control them using an app or voice commands. Many smart microwaves or apps even offer the option to scan a barcode on a prepackaged item, and they will automatically adjust the time and power settings to cook that food.

Another benefit of some smart microwave convection ovens is the ability to monitor cooking progress from another room. Many models pair with a corresponding app that frequently includes an option to check on the food to see if it’s ready to serve. Smart technology also allows users to place food in the microwave and set the cooking time with a smart-home assistant or the app, programming the appliance to start within minutes or hours later.

FAQs 

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about selecting the best microwave convection ovens.

Q. What is a convection microwave oven used for?

This appliance cooks and reheats food like a traditional microwave, but it has a convection mode that can roast, bake, and cook meals, like a traditional oven. However, most of these models have a smaller capacity than traditional ovens.  

Q. Can you put metal in a convection microwave oven?

Yes, with the convection settings, it’s safe to use metal in the oven. Don’t use metal with the standard microwave features, though.

Q. How do I maintain my microwave convection oven? 

Remove spills or stuck-on foods immediately. If the food has hardened or cooked onto the surface, place a bowl of hot water inside so the steam from the water molecules loosens it. Then wipe and clean.

Q. How long will a microwave convection oven last?

Most microwave convection ovens last between 7 and 10 years. How often they’re used and how well they’re cared for typically affect their lifespan. 

Q. Is it worth getting a microwave with convection?

Yes, convection microwaves give you faster, more versatile cooking by combining microwave speed with baking, roasting, and browning capabilities in one appliance.

Q. What is the disadvantage of a convection microwave oven?

They often cost more and can cook more slowly than dedicated appliances, especially when using convection or air-fry modes.

Q. Should you preheat a convection microwave oven?

Yes, you should preheat a convection microwave oven when baking or roasting. Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and accurate results, similar to a traditional convection oven.

Q. How many watts is a good microwave convection oven?

Look for 900 to 1,200 watts for strong microwave performance and efficient convection heating.

Meet the Tester

Paul Rankin tests a wide range of home appliances with a detail-driven, real-world approach, drawing on his extensive product-review experience to help readers make confident, practical buying decisions. 

Additional research provided by Deirdre Mundorf.

 

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