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8 Best Convection Microwave Ovens For Easy Cooking In 2023
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Last Updated: 21 March 2023
In our age of technical progress, every hostess has many helpers in the kitchen, which make life easier, especially during a busy week. One of these assistants can be considered the top choice. Not everyone knows about this device, which means that not everyone uses it. And in vain! After all, you can not only warm-up dishes and unfreeze meat (what many homemakers do!), but cook porridge and bake some sponge cake or other delicate pastries. And just the best convection microwave will allow doing this.
The market is offering a huge amount of different microwaves! How not to get lost and choose the best convection microwave for your kitchen?
Luckily, we’ve created this review of the top-rated devices! Now you don’t have to choose from hundred models - our 8 picks are great! So, scroll down!
This Farberware Professional microwave oven will fit different kitchen counters. It has 10 levels of power so that it can be adjusted from 10% to 100%. This product also features quick controls such as six quick-cook settings, a 1-6-minute quick start, a +30 second button, a defrost option, multi-stage cooking, custom settings, and timer. It comes with custom memory function to make your own 1-touch cook setting and use a multi-stage option that adjusts power – as per built in microwave convection oven combo reviews.
This Panasonic stainless-steel microwave oven has many useful features that will help you in cooking if you lead an active lifestyle. It does not only have a multi-step program, but you can also pre-configure it, while you are busy with other things. This model is made of stainless steel; its touch panel has a high-quality coating that allows you to wipe the dirt with a damp cloth quickly. It is worth noting that this Panasonic model holds plates with a diameter of up to 30 cm.
Why We Like It?
It heats up well, maintains power after long-term use
This Panasonic microwave oven is a compact choice that looks great at any contemporary kitchen. It has a turntable that makes it ideal for heating anything from breakfast to appetizers, as per countertop convection microwave reviews. The patented inverter technology ensures smooth, seamless, and efficient cooking. There are 1200 watts of power to handle even tough cooking tasks.
Why We Like It?
Inverter technology for accurate power levels and fast cooking
Sensor heat options
10 power levels
1200 watts for more intense tasks
Sleek and Stylish Design: RCA RMW1182 Microwave and Grill Review
This RCA microwave and grill can offset the lack of a full-size oven by incorporating various functions like grilling and other cooking needs in one unit. Its grill function will brown your dishes and give the perfect grilled appearance. There are 10 power levels in its grill mode, which can be customized to suit individual needs, as per over the range convection microwave reviews. The presence of glass turntable ensures even heating, and it is also easier to clean this product. The massive 1000 W of power output can be safeguarded from children using a dedicated child lock feature, while the sleek and stylish design will compliment any kitchen.
Pros
Stylish stainless-steel microwave with grilling feature
This best convection microwave oven comes with a stainless-steel design. Its reheating sensor function offers one-touch cooking of many popular food items. A combination of microwave and convection while cooking guarantees optimal cooking results. This microwave has ten power levels up to 1000 watts; cooking temperature is 170-425 °F. Automatic programs include baking and roasting with additional defrost options, as per convection microwave oven reviews. This microwave is easy to take care of and clean.
Pros
Stainless-steel interior
Durable stainless-steel finish on the exterior
Microwave plus convection cooking technology
Beep-controllable features
Cons
Capacity is not very big
Suitable for Multi-Stage: Cuisine CMW Convection Microwave Oven with Grill Review
The Cuisinart convection microwave oven with grill can look great on a kitchen counter thanks to the generous use of brushed stainless steel and tinted windows. There are also plenty of useful functions like a 12'' glass rotating tray, reversible grill rack, a touchpad, and LCD Display. There is a multi-stage cooking feature to shift from one stage of operation to another automatically. You can use it for baking and roasting, as well.
Pros
Stainless-steel interior
Convection and grill capabilities
Preset programming for specific foods
Express cook
Useful 30-second button
Cons
A turntable makes noise as it rotates
Good for Budget: Emerson Convection Microwave Oven with Grill Review
This Emerson microwave oven is equipped with a grill and nine pre-programmed recipes. There is a removable glass turntable for complete and even cooking. It has 11 power levels, 2 combo power levels, time and weight defrost for culinary convenience, as per over the range microwave reviews. This device makes it easy to cook quickly and has a bunch of features like an easy-to-read LED display, digital clock, digital timer, and an end-of-cooking signal. This product also has a child-safe lock that will keep little children out of harm's way.
The Sharp Convection Microwave Oven is a multifunctional product with a great aesthetic taste due to its stainless-steel design, which offers an additional room and simplifies installation. It is equipped with two convenient venting options, and multiple programs can help simplify the cooking process. This microwave has an Interactive Cooking System with preset modes – 12 programs and 8 sensor options – for programming instructions quickly. Its 4-way convection system can be used to brown, bake, broil, and crisp food.
Pros
Smart sensor settings
Can bake, roast, grill, and crisp
12 convection programs
8 sensor programs
Stainless-steel construction
Cons
Hard to install
Best Convection Microwave 2023 Buying Guide
What Is a Convection Microwave?
Such a phenomenon as convection happens in nature when heat transfer occurs, during which internal energy is transmitted in the form of jets and flows (for example, during the formation of clouds). But, placed in the man’s service, it became a forced way. The appearance of the best over the range microwave convection oven has expanded our possibilities of preparing various dishes. Original oven models were equipped only with a grill function. It was possible to cook the most delicate chicken with crispy crust and nothing more. But a convection microwave can be considered a full oven. Thanks to a built-in fan located on the microwave’s back, hot air is pumped and circulates inside its working chamber. Of course, such models have relatively large dimensions, and they take much electricity. But in return, you will get perfectly baked meat, fish, air pies, and not with a burnt hard crust, as sometimes happens in an ordinary oven, but with a soft and well-baked one.
What to Look For?
Tastes differ. It is always challenging to make a choice, focusing solely on someone’s opinion or numerous reports. If you have a huge kitchen with many built-in appliances, including an oven and multi-cooker, then you probably don’t need this device.
But if things with a gas oven didn’t work out, as pies burn, and your baked chicken looks like a dried shoe, then you should buy an oven that combines three functions:
No one will argue that we all love to eat, especially tasty and fast. And here we come to the top microwave oven, with the help of which it is easy to cook quick and delicious, heat food and even prepare a dessert. And if you do not make a mistake with the choice of a small “chef,” then you can cook even a more serious dish. How to choose the best product in this category? What to look for when buying an indispensable assistant?
Cooking Sensors
A special cooking sensor is installed in a working chamber of the best countertop microwave convection oven. When abundant steam generation is detected, this sensor sends a signal to a microprocessor, which determines and sets the time required for cooking.
Turntable Toggle
Since in almost all budget microwave ovens, the energy is not distributed very evenly, they are equipped with a turntable plate. This plate can rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise, and this partially solves the problem of the distribution of microwaves. But if you like to cook bigger dishes, a toggle may be necessary. When you push a button, a plate doesn’t turn.
“Quick Cook” Features
The “Quick Cook” function allows you to select the highest temperature value quickly, which significantly facilitates the heating of food and drinks. The set time can be changed according to users’ individual needs almost in every countertop convection microwave. For example, to make a cup of cocoa that you drink in the evening, or warm up a bottle of milk for an infant.
Capacity
A buyer should compare microwave ovens in terms of sizes and volume of a working chamber:
12-14 liters of a working chamber is enough for one person. These are compact and affordable models with a width of up to 50 cm.
A couple will need up to 20 liters.
For a family of 3 people – up to 25 liters.
These are the most optimal microwaves in the price-quality ratio.
Internal Coating
The quality of the internal coating is another significant indicator. After all, no one wants to eat peelable particles of a microwave oven.
Enamel. Although it is heat-resistant, it is the least reliable of all. This coating is used in inexpensive ovens and does not serve more than 5-7 years (depending on the intensity of use). To prolong the coating life, do not use abrasive cleaners and hard brushes.
Stainless steel. This material is much better in its operational properties for any best convection oven – durable and resistant. But care is the most time-consuming – all effects (from steam, water, and fat) are visible on it.
Ceramic enamel is an innovative covering that embodies ideal properties. It comes with an antibacterial coating. Fat does not adhere to such surfaces; the oven is light, durable, and harmless. But it is much more expensive than usual.
Durability
Due to various factors, any equipment breaks down and becomes unusable. Therefore, it is interesting to know what a service life of a microwave oven is and if it can be extended. Some manufacturers claim that with proper operation, the oven lifetime is from 6 years and more. In many ways, work without breakdowns depends on the quality manufacturer and price range. Do not forget that the miser pays twice.
Warranties
Usually, a microwave has a guarantee of about a year or two; the service life is designed for five to seven years, depending on the model. But you can extend the life of the home microwave feeder.
Ease of Repair
As a rule, most buyers can fix small failures themselves, for example, to repair a mechanical regulator or replace the plug. In the case of more complicated problems regarding repairs, it is better to contact professional workshops; otherwise, you can catch an irradiation dose. If a microwave was purchased recently and is still under warranty, you do not need to repair it yourself or even try to figure out. Any traces of tampering, small scratches on the bolts, improvised soldiers will be grounds for refusing warranty service.
Additional Functions
In fact, there are many of them: odor removal mode, camera lights, accelerated defrosting, and others. Let’s focus on the most demanded and significant points. They rarely have a decisive influence on the choice, but can serve as a nice bonus.
Child lock. When this function is activated, the buttons will not respond to pressing, and the child will not be able to change the program.
Container for steaming. As a rule, it is a small cup with a double bottom in which water is poured. It allows you to steam a small portion of not only tasty but also healthy food.
Automatic cooking. Some models allow you to cook a few simple dishes, such as porridge, dumplings, or fish. Some offer a choice of more complex dishes. To cook in this mode, you need to put the specified ingredients, set their approximate weight, and run the program. The microwave itself will select the optimal power and cooking time.
The system of uniform distribution of microwaves. Some manufacturers design their models in such a way that the radiation sources are 2 or even 3, which allows heating the product evenly from all sides.
Types of Best Convection Microwave Ovens
Each model is unique and has its technical characteristics and design. Due to this, each hostess can choose a product based on the needs, kitchen space, and interior.
Nowadays, there is a generally accepted division of microwave devices. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Built-In Convection Microwave
A built-in microwave is a double saving of space. Thus, space is saved, because few people can boast of large kitchen sizes. And with this device, food is cooked much faster. Microwaves get into a product and “work” from the inside. In all other devices, the heat treatment takes place outside. So, built-in microwave ovens are becoming more and more popular every year.
Small microwave size allows you to place it in almost any kitchen space, even the smallest. The built-in appliance has very few slots, gaps, and cleaning surfaces — dust and debris will not fall inside. This oven has an impressive camera volume. It is always deeper and thinner from above. But such a microwave still costs more than usual. Therefore, manufacturers are trying to make it as functional as possible.
Over-the-Range Convection Microwave
This is another standard solution. But you need a special cabinet or additional shelf. Otherwise, it will have to be washed much more often, since more dirt and drips will appear. It can be avoided by ideally fitting the dimensions of the facade under the device, without gaps. It is good when a tabletop protrudes slightly forward, creating a small visor.
Countertop Convection Microwave
This is the most common type, according to microwave ratings. The main benefit is that you do not need to adjust your kitchen set; special openings are not made. It is installed in the kitchen, on any surface. It is easy to move it if you make a rearrangement in the kitchen or buy other household appliances, and swap furniture and appliances. Its placement also brings convenience during cleaning — it is enough to wipe it from all sides with a rag.
FAQ
Why Do You Desperately Need a Convection Microwave?
Convection promotes even heating of the air and its distribution throughout a device chamber. With the help of a fan (convection), heated air is evenly distributed over the entire area. In this way, dishes are appropriately cooked inside and out. At present, a convection microwave is, if not a full-fledged replacement, then at least one worthy alternative to ovens. Best convection microwave oven also greatly expands a list of recipes for a microwave. In it, you can bake pies and pastries, cook soups, bake, and so on.
Most often, those who do not have the opportunity to install an oven are interested in a microwave with grill and convection, as they want to cook full-fledged and tasty food. Naturally, models with convection and grill are larger and, accordingly, more expensive than their non-convection counterparts. However, they are cheaper and more compact than ovens, so for a small kitchen, it would be great.
How Well Does a Convection Microwave Work?
Compared to a conventional oven, a microwave convection oven has the following advantages:
Significant time savings. For example, it will take about 10 minutes to bake fish in a microwave oven, and the same procedure in an oven will take at least half an hour
The possibility of combining several modes (for example, convection + grill or convection + microwave) for cooking more varied dishes and reducing cooking time by 15-20 minutes.
Multi-functionality: in addition to direct cooking, a microwave can also be used to heat and unfreeze food
Compactness. Due to its modest dimensions, it saves space, which is especially important for small kitchens. It can be placed in any niche, on a shelf, and even attached to the wall with special brackets
Fully automatic control of all modes, as well as the presence of certain programs for different weight products.
Can You Toast in Convection Microwave?
A convection microwave offers an additional way to bake flour products, including toasts. This option is very appropriate in a rented apartment, where a simple electric stove without an oven is installed.
Thanks to the fan, hot air circulates freely around products, heating them gradually. Therefore, a convection microwave oven contributes to the formation of a delicate golden crust without burnt edges. Thus, such a model can replace an oven.
What Is the Difference Between Convection and Grill Oven?
Microwave with a grill is a classic stove, complete with a fan and a separate heating element. Thanks to the built-in grill, you can not only heat soup but also fry meat and make fried cheese. With this technique, you can even make open pies and pizza, as per convection microwave reviews.
Microwave ovens, which work not only through microwave radiation, allow more than warm or defrost but also to fry, as well as cook pastries and casseroles. Options with a grill are for a juicy dish, the crust of which will be crunchy. Convection models are also suitable for baking. They can bake pies, not to mention potatoes. The main disadvantages of both options are electricity costs and the inability to cook a lot at once. However, for those who seldom cook, this is a great option that can replace an oven.
Which Microwave Is Best Convection or Grill?
The grill microwave is suitable for grilling, cooking, and reheating various items. A convection microwave is a product that offers added functionality like baking in addition to the features of a grill microwave.
What Is the Largest Convection Microwave?
It is recommended to go with models that have a 1.2 cubic feet capacity if it is to cater to large families. However, there are also some largest models in the market like Toshiba EC042A5C-SS and Emerson with Convection Grill with a 1.5 cubic feet capacity.
Are Convection Microwaves Worth It?
Convection microwaves are expensive choices, but they would be worthy if a customer is into baking. Apart from the option to grill, cook, and reheat various food products, convection microwaves can bake cakes and biscuits.
The Best Convection Microwave 2023: Our Advice
A convection microwave is an excellent solution for housekeepers with a small kitchen. Besides, it is cheaper than an oven with the same functionality. For cooks with experience and for beginners who love to bake – looking for a perfect convection microwave is a must.
In general, best ovens are represented by more than 1000 models – from different manufacturers, in various price categories, and so on. In any case, knowing all the peculiarities of the best convection microwaves – you can already decide whether you need it or not.
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Thank you so much for pointing out the difference between the built-in convection microwave and other models! I need to get a new model, since my old one started acting up recently, so her time will come soon, sadly( Your info will be very useful when I’m gonna look for a new microwave. Thx :)
Jason Gayer
15 June, 2021
what model from your list has the biggest turntable ???
S.H.
7 June, 2021
thanks for reminding me about child lock feature - almost bought model without it) good review
Debra ford
2 June, 2021
I wondered whether is convection microwave worth it and not only after I got my Sharp R 1874T I realized that this thing is a complete game changer for my cooking. And it’s all thanks to you and your info pals! 🤗
Connel family
16 May, 2021
Both of us love cooking, but we don't have too much time. We were looking for something that will make our lives easier and learned plenty of things from your text. We managed to find a brilliant cheap convection microwave that still serves us marvelously. THANKS FOR THIS ARTICLE!
Mary M. Milne
13 May, 2021
Toshiba countertop microwave oven is a wonder of technology! It is a microwave but also a convection oven, so it is very versatile. We especially love how it bakes our pizza with a crispy crust and baked potatoes.
COMMENTS
30 June, 2021
Thank you so much for pointing out the difference between the built-in convection microwave and other models! I need to get a new model, since my old one started acting up recently, so her time will come soon, sadly( Your info will be very useful when I’m gonna look for a new microwave. Thx :)
15 June, 2021
what model from your list has the biggest turntable ???
7 June, 2021
thanks for reminding me about child lock feature - almost bought model without it) good review
2 June, 2021
I wondered whether is convection microwave worth it and not only after I got my Sharp R 1874T I realized that this thing is a complete game changer for my cooking. And it’s all thanks to you and your info pals! 🤗
16 May, 2021
Both of us love cooking, but we don't have too much time. We were looking for something that will make our lives easier and learned plenty of things from your text. We managed to find a brilliant cheap convection microwave that still serves us marvelously. THANKS FOR THIS ARTICLE!
13 May, 2021
Toshiba countertop microwave oven is a wonder of technology! It is a microwave but also a convection oven, so it is very versatile. We especially love how it bakes our pizza with a crispy crust and baked potatoes.
26 April, 2021
wow. all my questions answered!👌