Thanks to their versatility and incredibly fast cooking times, convection microwaves have become the go to appliance for many homeowners.
By combining two appliances into one, convection microwaves not only allow us to roast and bake but also help us save space in our kitchens.
If you are in the market shopping for a convection microwave, then it’s important to ensure that you settle for one that will give you the best value for your money.
In this detailed post, we will first look at the best convection microwaves in the market. When ranking these convection microwave ovens, we considered the features and functions, size, capacity, and build of these appliances.
We also looked at ease of use of these appliances, cost, and additional options. As an added bonus, we’ve included a budget offering, for those who do not intend to splash a huge amount of cash.
On top of that, we will also look at some of the things that you should consider when shopping for a convection microwave oven.
Editor's Choice
Toshiba ML2-EC10SA
2nd Best Choice
GE 3-IN-1
Budget Option
Toshiba EM131A5C
The Best Convection Microwave Ovens
1. Toshiba ML2-EC10SA
The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA is a versatile and multi-purpose convection microwave oven and arguably one of the best convection ovens in the market. Unlike most convection microwave ovens, this specific appliance comes with an outstanding 8 different modes for easy and seamless operation.
With this convection microwave oven, you can easily bake, grill and air fry different kinds of foods. In addition to these cooking modes, the Toshiba ML2 also comes with a 12.4 inch removable turntable that can easily fit a 12-inch pizza and a whole chicken.
To ensure easy and smooth operation, this appliance comes with easy to turn knobs, a responsive touch control panel and a huge LED digital display. The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA also comes with plenty of convenience features such as multi-stage cooking, one touch popcorn feature, speedy cooking feature, kitchen time and plenty of other important features.
For proper cleaning of the microwave, this state of the art convection microwave oven comes with an odor removal function that will eliminate different types of odors from your convection oven.
That being said, if you are looking for a convection microwave oven that will not only cook wholesome food, but also enhance the aesthetic value of any kitchen, then you should definitely get the Toshiba M2-EC10SA.
Pros
- Features a classic black stainless steel finish
- Comes with 8 different modes
- Includes a 12.4 inch turntable plate for large capacity cooking
- Comes with plenty of convenience features for easy operation
Cons
- Might take some time to get used to the controls
- Keypad does not have a backlight, thus might be hard to read especially at night
2. GE 3-IN-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
The GE 3-in-1 countertop microwave oven is another top of the range convection microwave ovens in the market right now. Featuring state of the art technology, this microwave oven comes with a convection mode which allows users to achieve crisp and golden brown results when cooking food.
In addition, this microwave oven also comes with a special rack, which ensures proper air circulation around food for even distribution of heat. This feature alone, will ensure that your microwaved food does not taste bad.
The GE convection microwave oven also comes with two additional features, that is an air fry mode and a broil mode. With the air fry mode, users will be able to cook healthier and crispier food within no time. To ensure unmatchable results when cooking with the air fry mode, this microwave oven comes with a crisper pan that’s made with stainless steel.
With the broil mode, users will be able to caramelize or sear different types of foods to perfection. The GE 3-in-1 also comes with plenty of preset controls, which allow users to cook their favorite meals quickly and easily.
That being said, if you are looking for a state of the art convection microwave oven, that’s not only easy to use but also one that will give you great results when cooking food, then you should definitely consider the GE 3-IN-1 countertop microwave oven.
You can check out the GE convection microwave oven here.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Comes with 3 different cooking modes for seamless operation
- Features plenty of preset controls for easy and quick operation
Cons
- May be bulky for some users
- Replacement parts may be hard to find
3. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
With a plethora of useful features and plenty of cooking modes, the Panasonic HomeChef is another convection microwave oven that you should definitely consider.
Just like all the other convection microwave ovens on this list, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven comes with 4 additional modes for easy and seamless cooking.
In addition to the convection mode, this Panasonic microwave oven comes with a healthy air fryer mode for crispier and browner results. Other modes included in this state of the art kitchen appliance include a FlashXpress Broiler and an inverter microwave mode.
A safety lock for children and silent mode is also included as well. The interior of this appliance is made of stainless steel, which means that you will always have an easy time when it comes to cleaning your microwave oven.
If you intend on mounting the microwave oven for a sleek look, then you can always get the Toshiba steel trim kit for your convection microwave oven. It is important to point out that this slim trim kit is sold separately.
Finally, if you don’t intend on getting a traditional convection oven, then you can always use this as your main oven. Measuring 13.4” x 17.7” x 14.2”, this convection oven will allow you to bake various pastries of different sizes with so much ease.
That being said, if you are looking for a convection microwave that comes with a sleek and space saving design, then you should definitely consider the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 microwave oven.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Comes with 3 different cooking modes for seamless operation
- Features plenty of preset controls for easy and quick operation
Cons
- Quite pricey
- The airfryer might not work as intended
4. Toshiba EM131A5C
If you are looking for a budget offering, then the Toshiba EM131A5C should be at the top of your list. Despite going for under $150, the Toshiba EM131A5C offers users plenty of cooking options and a practical control panel.
Apart from the convection mode, this microwave oven offers users 10 different power settings.
The stylish and sleek appearance of this low budget convection microwave oven is guaranteed to improve the aesthetic value of any kitchen. Because of its large capacity, users can easily bake and even grill their favorite food with so much ease.
Just like most convection ovens on this list, the Toshiba EM131A5C also comes with a mute function, that will allow you to cook food in total silence.
The smart sensor allows easy and seamless cooking while taking out guess work. By detecting the humidity level of the food, the sensor will automatically adjust the time and temperature.
This convection microwave oven also includes an easy to clean interior, that’s not only stain resistant but also scratch resistant as well.
Finally, this Toshiba convection microwave oven also comes with an Eco Mode that will not only reduce energy consumption but the operating costs as well.
Pros
- Comes with a practical control panel
- Features a pre-programed menu to get the guesswork out of cooking
- Comes with a stylish design for enhanced aesthetics
- Has a mute function
Cons
- You’ll need some time to get used to the controls
- Dim control panel
Things to Consider When Shopping For a Convection Microwave
When shopping for a convection microwave, it is important to put certain things into consideration. These include;
Size and Capacity
The first thing that you will definitely want to put into consideration when shopping for a convection microwave is its capacity and size. Convection microwave ovens are available in different sizes, ranging from 1.0 cubic feet all the way to 2.2 cubic feet or more.
With this in mind, when shopping for a convection microwave it’s important to consider the amount of space that’s available in your kitchen. Knowing the amount of space in your kitchen will help you choose the right convection microwave that will either fit in your countertop, dedicated window shape or any place that you may want to place your convection microwave.
In addition, you will also want to think about the amount of people in your home. That being said, larger capacity microwaves are ideal for larger families or restaurants, while medium capacity microwaves are ideal for medium sized families.
Power and Wattage
Another thing that you will want to consider when shopping for a convection microwave is power and wattage. The power and wattage of a convection microwave has a direct impact on the functionality and performance of the microwave. Thus, it is important to first evaluate your cooking needs, before purchasing a convection microwave.
For instance, if you normally use your microwave for regular tasks such as cooking, reheating and defrosting food, then a microwave with a rating of anywhere between 800W to 1200W will definitely meet your needs. On the other hand, if you tend to use your microwave for complex cooking tasks such as baking or roasting, then you will definitely need a convection microwave with a higher wattage.
| Convection Microwave Wattage | Ideal Usage |
|---|---|
800W-900W | Suitable for basic reheating, simple cooking tasks and defrosting of vegetables and other foods. Can also be used for other small scale household tasks and occasional roasting and baking. Suitable for small sized households. |
1000W-1200W | Ideal for versatile tasks such as cooking complex dishes, baking roasting, reheating and defrosting, Convection microwaves within this range are ideal for medium sized households. |
1,300W-1,500W | Convection microwaves within this power range are suitable for high-performance cooking for larger households and frequent use. Suitable for baking, roasting, crisping and fast cooking. |
Convection Technology
When shopping for a convection microwave oven, it’s important to ensure that you choose a model that comes with an efficient and reliable cooking system. Many at times, it can be quite difficult to differentiate between traditional microwaves and convection microwaves as many of them look alike.
Thus, when shopping for a convection microwave, you will first want to examine the microwave closely. Convection microwave ovens tend to come with additional buttons on the control panel such as broil, bake and air fry buttons.
In addition, you will also want to look at the labeling on the box and the user manual. When looking at the manual or box look for the ezra features such as baking and roasting support.
Finally, if you are not sure about anything or need more information about the convection microwave, then you may want to talk to a sales representative.
Material and Build
Another thing that you may want to consider is the material and build of the convection microwave. The material and build of the convection microwave play a crucial role in the performance and durability of the appliance.
Stainless steel cavities are extremely popular mainly because they are not only durable but also easy to clean and resistant to odors and stains. In addition, this type of interior also plays a crucial role in ensuring that heat is distributed evenly during convection cooking.
Another thing that you may want to consider is the exterior finish. Settle for a convection microwave that comes with an exterior finish that will seamlessly complement your kitchen decor.
Finally, you should also pay attention to the overall build quality of the convection microwave. Examine the hinges, the buttons and door-latch. By settling for a well-constructed convection microwave oven, you will be able to get one that will serve you for a longer duration.
Safety Features
When shopping for any kitchen appliance including microwaves, user safety should be at the top of your list. Always look for features such as child lockout functions which are ideal for preventing accidental operations.
You should also look for appliances that come with cool-to-touch exteriors as well as safety interlocks on the microwave door for preventing the leakage of microwave radiations.
Budget
Prior to shopping for a convection microwave oven make sure that you have a budget range in mind. Like any other kitchen appliance, convection microwave ovens are available in different price ranges.
Thus, it is important to always know how much you are willing to spend. Always remember to balance the pricing and the features that you need.
FAQ
While convection microwaves do come with a plethora of benefits, they do have some drawbacks. They include;
- Cost: Convection microwave ovens tend to be generally more expensive in comparison to traditional microwaves due to the additional convection feature.
- Learning Curve: The learning curve for mastering convection microwave ovens may require some experimentation and more time.
- Size: Some convection microwave ovens tend to come with a much smaller cooking capacity in comparison to traditional ovens.
Unlike traditional microwaves, it is generally safe to put metal inside convection microwave ovens. That being said, it is always important to avoid putting metal cookware while the convection microwave oven is still under the microwave mode. This is because the microwave is now functioning as a traditional microwave and thus can lead to arcing and in some cases damage the microwave or cause the microwave oven to explode. Under the convection mode, always use metallic pans that have been specifically made for convection cooking.
Some of the common issues that users can experience with convection microwave ovens include;
- Uneven Cooking: When heat is not distributed properly, then it can result in food that’s unevenly cooked.
- Fan or motor problems: Various issues such as fan or motor problems may affect the proper functioning of the microwave.
- Temperature inaccuracies: There are other instances where we noticed that convection microwave ovens may give inaccurate cooking temperatures. This tends to happen when the temperature controls and sensors malfunction.
- Door seal problems: Faulty door seals may lead to heat loss which in turn can have an impact on cooking efficiency of the microwave.
When compared to traditional microwaves, convection microwave ovens will always use less electricity because they not only can cook food faster but also more efficiently. The amalgamation of convection heating and microwave technology allows for significantly reduced cooking times and also lower energy consumptions. This in turn makes them a more energy efficient option.
The ideal capacity of a convection microwave will ultimately boil down to the space available in your kitchen and your cooking needs as well. For somewhat small families, students or people who live alone, then a convection microwave with a capacity of 20-30 liters would be ideal. On the other hand, for medium sized families, then convection microwave ovens of about 30-40 will definitely meet their needs. Finally, if you love to entertain guests or come from a large family, then convection microwave ovens of above 40 liters will definitely suffice.
What's The Best Convection Microwave Oven?
Now that you are fully aware of some of the best convection microwaves in the market and what to consider when choosing one, you should be able to choose one that best meets your needs.
The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) is undoutedly the clear winniner in this case mainly because it ticks almost all of the boxes. This state of the art microwave oven also offers the user value for their money.
If you are looking for a high-quality convection microwave oven that offers a versatile cooking experience, sleek build and a responsive touch control, then you should definetely get the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS)
Editor's Choice
Our #1 Recomendation: TOSHIBA ML2
The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave is not only reasonable priced but also comes with plenty of features, cooking mode and a sleek and solid build for longevity and enhanced aesthetics.
