Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You want one box on the counter that microwaves leftovers at 7 a.m., air fries chicken wings at 6 p.m., and bakes a casserole on Sunday — without giving up half your kitchen. That is exactly what a 2-in-1 microwave and oven does, and the nine machines below each pull it off in a different way. The catch worth knowing up front: these combo units run from compact 0.9 cubic-foot bodies to a 1.5 cubic-foot Sharp, and the buying decision almost always depends on cavity size versus how many cooking modes you actually need.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind KitchPrep. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Some models here cook with an inverter that delivers steady heat instead of pulsing on and off, while others use a traditional cycling magnetron. If you have ever burned the edge of a defrosting chicken breast, that difference matters more than any preset count. Below you will find the honest breakdown of which 2-in-1 Microwave and Oven fits your counter and your cooking style best.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 2-in-1 Microwave and Oven
A 2-in-1 combo is a countertop appliance that microwaves and also bakes, roasts, or air fries in the same cabinet. The whole reason you buy one instead of two machines is the footprint — a single unit replaces a microwave, a toaster oven, and often an air fryer basket. Here is what actually separates a combo you will love from one you will return.
Inverter vs. traditional magnetron heating
An inverter is a power supply that streams microwave energy continuously instead of switching the magnetron fully on and fully off. That matters most for defrosting: a cycling magnetron tends to cook the edges of meat while the center stays frozen. Several picks here run inverter technology, while the Frigidaire and Commercial Chef use a standard 1000W and 900W microwave output respectively.
Convection, air fry, and combi modes explained
Convection means a fan circulates hot air around the food, so the oven browns and crisps the way a full-size range does. Air fry is the same idea pushed harder with a dedicated basket and higher airflow. A combi mode blends microwave energy with convection or grill heat at the same time, which is why a combi can cook a roast faster than either mode alone.
Cavity size and real-world capacity
Cubic feet tells you the internal volume, and it directly decides what fits. A 1.2 cubic-foot cavity like the Frigidaire and Panasonic units holds a dinner plate and a bake pan comfortably. A 0.9 cubic-foot body like the BLACK+DECKER and Midea models is genuinely compact — the trade-off is tighter room for large casserole dishes and tall items.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Capacity | Microwave Power | Cooking Modes | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Combo-Fry★ Best Overall | Everyday family cooking | 1.2 cubic feet | 900W | Bake, Roast, Microwave, Convection Oven | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 ComboBest for Small Kitchens | Compact kitchens and RVs | 0.9 cubic feet | 900W | Microwave, Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast | Amazon |
| Commercial Chef CHMF9BGBest Air Fry Mode | Small-counter air frying | 0.9 cubic feet | — | Air Fry, Convection, Microwave, Bake, Roast | Amazon |
| TOSHIBA MASTER Series | Two-person households | 26.93 quarts | 1000W | Air Fry, Broil, Convection, Speedy Combi, Defrost | Amazon |
| Midea 4-in-1 Steam Oven | Steam cooking fans | 0.9 cubic feet | — | XpressSteam, XpressFry, XpressWave, Combi | Amazon |
| Panasonic HomeChef NN-CV87QS | App-guided family meals | 1.2 cubic feet | 1000W | Microwave, Broiler, Airfryer, Convection | Amazon |
| Breville Combi Wave BMO870BSS | Premium build and quiet operation | 1.1 cubic feet | 1200W | Air Fry, Convection Oven, Microwave, Grill | Amazon |
| Sharp SMC1585KB | Largest cavity | 1.5 cubic feet | — | Auto Cook, Convection, Defrost, Popcorn, Reheat | Amazon |
| SAMSUNG MC12DB8700CKAA | Smart-home kitchens | 1.2 cubic feet | — | Air Fry, Power Convection, PowerGrill Duo, Defrost | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish
Our pick — over 4★ from 400+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
Four cooking modes in one stainless box, and the quality is what wins people over.
This is the combo for someone who wants a real microwave first and a second oven second. It runs a 900W microwave, a 1000W oven, and 1500W convection, which means the baking and roasting half is genuinely more powerful than the microwave half. The 1.2 cubic-foot cavity is generous for a countertop unit — a full dinner plate sits flat in it. Frigidaire rates the air-fry mode at up to 70% less fat than traditional frying, so fries and nuggets crisp without a vat of oil.
On a counter where inches matter, that extra room is the difference between fitting a bake plate and not. Five one-touch menus cover potato, popcorn, beverage, reheat, and frozen dinner, and 10 power levels give you real control over softening versus full-heat cooking.
The trade-off is the child lock. It sits in the door handle and cannot be overridden, which is the single most recurring gripe in owner comments — it is a safety feature that also means open up every single time you open the door. Reliability has mixed history too: buyers report units that quit after four months with a warranty process that dragged past a month. That is the exception rather than the rule, but it is the reason this stays an honest 4.2 out of 5 rather than a slam dunk.
What earns it top spot
- Largest cavity in its price tier at 1.2 cubic feet — fits a full dinner plate flat
- Convection oven runs at 1500W, stronger than the 900W microwave output
- Air fry mode rated at up to 70% less fat than traditional frying
- Five one-touch menus plus 10 power levels cover everyday reheating and cooking
The honest drawbacks
- Child lock in the door handle has no override — you open up it every single time
- A minority of units fail within months, with a slow warranty response path
- Manual is thin on the non-microwave cooking modes
Made for: Family kitchens that want a true second oven with microwave speed in a single 1.2 cubic-foot footprint.
Pass on it if: Anyone in your home would find a non-disengageable door child lock maddening.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W
Five modes, eleven air-fry presets, and a footprint that slides under a low cabinet.
Buyers who want to delete an extra air fryer from the counter should start here. This unit runs microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast functions in a single 0.9 cubic-foot cabinet. The combi mode blends grill and convection heat, so it can brown and crisp that a plain microwave cannot. Eleven air-fry presets cover frozen French fries, steak fries, squid rings, chicken nuggets, wings, legs, fish sticks, fillets, cheese sticks, vegetables, and spring rolls.
What surprises owners most is the noise. This unit runs quietly in every mode according to the customers-say read, and one long-term owner who has used it a year calls it reliable and space-saving, noting it replaced both a microwave and an air fryer. The 900W output plus seven auto menus (Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, Frozen Pizza) handles the daily routine. Directly pressing start cooks for 30 seconds at 100% power, then another press adds another 30 seconds — the fastest path to reheating coffee or leftovers.
Here is what the reviews surface as the real friction. The child-lock setting needs a three-second press of the stop button to engage, but once it is on, several users say it is awkward to disengage — an issue for households without small children who just want a simple door. The compact 0.9 cubic-foot interior is a genuine constraint: 12-inch plates and larger bake dishes will not clear the walls. One report of a unit dying after seven months stands out, but the volume of happy long-term users dwarfs it.
Where it wins: The 5-in-1 functionality means one appliance replaces two — the pattern that repeats across nearly every positive review. Eleven air-fry presets plus seven auto menus is serious coverage at this size.
The practical catch: That 0.9 cubic-foot cavity is tight. If you regularly cook for a family of four or use 13×9 pans, size up to the Frigidaire or Sharp instead.
Reach for this if: Your counter is short and you want microwave plus air fryer from one plug.
Look elsewhere if: You need a cavity that clears a 12-inch plate or a large bake dish.
3. Commercial Chef 5-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo, CHMF9BG, Black
The air fryer that thinks it is a real air fryer, not a microwave afterthought.
Air frying up to 450°F is the standout number here, and it is what separates this unit from combos that cap the air-fry temperature lower. Five functions run together — air fryer, convection oven, microwave, bake, and roast — in a 0.9 cubic-foot cabinet with a stainless steel interior that wipes clean without staining. A digital touch panel with LED display handles the 10 power levels and the preset buttons for popcorn, potato, beverage, reheat, and frozen dinner.
What makes this one stand out against the BLACK+DECKER is longevity in the field. A buyer who has run it for two years reports it heating evenly and fast, with no performance issues, and still looking new. That is a meaningful data point in a category where premature failure stories are common. The air-fry mode earns its own praise too — it is repeatedly described as easier to deal with than a standalone air fryer basket, particularly for potatoes, which the potato preset nails.
Comes with an air fry kit and baking pan included, so you are not chasing down accessories after purchase. The honest caveat is interior size again: the cavity is smaller than you might guess from the exterior, and one buyer notes a 13×9-inch container will not fit — a smaller turntable comes with it too. Also, the turntable has to stay in place for baking and roasting, which is a step most combos do not require. The two-step child lock on the pull-handle door can be removed entirely if you do not need it.
The longevity edge: Two-year ownership without failure is the story the reviews tell — this is one of the more durable combos in the mid-range tier, and the stainless interior holds up to daily use.
The sizing reality: That interior is smaller than the exterior implies. Budget for standard-size plates and single portions, not full sheet-pan dinners.
Built for: Anyone who buys a combo primarily to air fry and wants a removable child lock.
Not the match if: You cook large casseroles — the interior tops out before a 13×9 pan.
4. TOSHIBA 6-in-1 Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Healthy Air Fryer Combo, MASTER Series
Six functions and Toshiba’s origin inverter system in a quiet, stainless cabinet.
Six modes is more than almost any other combo at this tier — microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster, and Speedy-Combi, all in one cabinet. The headline number is 1800W under convection, with a claimed convection ceiling of 425°F. That power drives the broil function, which is the feature most owners specifically say they bought this model for. The inverter system uses Toshiba’s ORIGIN inverter technology to distribute heat uniformly instead of cycling on and off, which matters most for defrosting meat without cooking the edges.
Quiet operation is the other theme. The unit runs at a 50dB working noise level, which is roughly the level of a soft conversation, so it stays discreet during a late-night reheat. Combos here work hard to separate themselves, and this one does it on a specific metric: 1800W convection beats the 1500W convection on the Frigidaire and the 1400W convection input power on the Breville.
Where this one asks you to look honestly: the air-fry function lacks adjustable temperature and time beyond preset codes, and a couple of owners mention the whole unit getting very hot on all settings — a real concern in a tight cabinet. Durability has mixed reports too, with one account of heating and cooking failing after around 18 months and another of the microwave function giving out after roughly three years. This is a 3.9 out of 5 with heavy review volume, which means the vast majority are satisfied but the failure stories are not isolated. Comes with a cookbook of 27 classic recipes plus 11 auto menus, ten air-fry menus, and six defrost presets.
Power and quiet in one: 1800W convection plus 50dB operation is a rare pairing — the broil mode and the silence are what buyers specifically call out as purchases they repeat.
The heat question: Multiple reports of the cabinet heating up across settings. Give it clearance, and do not tuck it into an enclosed shelf.
Suits: Two-person households that want serious convection power and a broil function in one countertop unit.
skip it if: You want full manual temperature control for air frying — this runs on preset codes only.
5. Midea 4-in-1 Multifunctional Microwave Steam Oven, Combo Air Fryer, Steamer & Microwave Oven, 32 Auto Functions
The one combo here that steams as well as it microwaves, air fries, and bakes.
Add steam to the microwave-air fryer-convection checklist and you get something genuinely different. This unit runs Midea’s XpressSteam, XpressFry, and XpressWave functions across 24 pre-set menus and eight additional modes including defrost, ferment, keep warm, and cavity cleaning. The steamer releases high-temperature steam from dual steam tubes, enveloping food in ultra-high heat within 30 seconds and offering six temperature settings from 125°F to 250°F.
Inside, the baking side runs 1500W upper and lower heating tubes with ten temperature levels from 225°F up to 450°F. The air fryer uses graphene tube technology for fast heating and cooling. The microwave side runs adjustable inverter power at five levels, which is useful for softening butter or chocolate at the lowest setting. Steam function is the genuine differentiator here — it is the positive aspect owners call out most among the cooking modes.
Now the trade-offs, honestly. Multiple customers note the water container is too small for extended steaming and needs refilling partway through a half-hour session. The external water collector fills quickly and is difficult to remove and drain. Review volume is light on this unit, and a few reports mention reliability issues including food not heating evenly. The compact 0.9 cubic-foot cavity means tall items will not clear the top. The interface has a learning curve for anyone coming from a simple microwave. This is the pick for someone who genuinely wants steam as a primary mode and will live with the refills.
The steam edge: 30-second steam start and a 125°F to 250°F range make this the most versatile cooking appliance on the list. Steaming two tiers at once is real.
The refill friction: The water container and collector are small. Plan to refill mid-session for long steams.
Ideal for: Cooks who steam vegetables, fish, or dumplings regularly and want that in the same box as their microwave.
Think twice if: You want a straight replace-the-microwave unit — the steam system adds a learning curve and maintenance routine.
6. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo, 1000W 1.2 cu ft Inverter Multi Oven – NN-CV87QS
Four modes, a 1000W inverter, and an app that writes the recipe for you.
Pair your phone with the Panasonic Kitchen+ app, pick a dish, and the oven’s microwave, broiler, air fryer, and convection modes auto-configure to cook it. That is the whole pitch — the appliance does the mental work of mode-switching for you. It runs a 1000W inverter microwave, which means steady power delivery for even defrosting rather than the cycling on-and-off of a traditional magnetron. Genius Sensor technology reads what is inside and adjusts the cooking time to prevent over- or under-cooking, and Turbo Defrost handles frozen meat without edge-browning.
The 1.2 cubic-foot cavity pairs with a 14.2-inch turntable — the same capacity class as the Frigidaire, wider than the BLACK+DECKER. Combos in this tier tend to fall short on convenience features, but a 1000W inverter with a 22-inch-wide body (22”W x 13.4”H x 17.7”D) earns real counter real estate. A built-in trim kit option (NN-TK81KCS, sold separately) means you can recess it into cabinetry if you want a cleaner look.
Two things to understand before buying. First, this ships with the child lock enabled — it is a mandatory requirement on all U.S. countertop models, so do not treat it as a defect. Disengaging it after purchase is a documented step on the product page. Second, the app is the biggest source of frustration in the reviews: the interface is described as not very intuitive, and one buyer notes Wi-Fi functionality is advertised but Panasonic discontinued its application support in the U.S. If you want app control, verify current support before you commit. The manual is also needed for advanced features, but the air fryer and microwave modes work well on their own.
The inverter advantage: 1000W inverter plus Genius Sensor means even defrosting and consistent reheating — no more burnt edges on thawed chicken.
The Wi-Fi caveat: App support is the real weak link here. The reviews confirm the app is discontinued for U.S. users. Buy this for the hardware, not the app.
Choose this for: Anyone who wants a 1000W inverter combo with a large 1.2 cubic-foot cavity and does not need the app to work.
Avoid if: Smart-home app control was your purchase reason — the U.S. app is unsupported.
7. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1, Brushed Stainless Steel
A machine built around feel and quiet, with premium power behind the door.
Breville’s Combi Wave runs three core functions — air fryer, convection oven, and microwave — in a 1.1 cubic-foot cabinet. The power ratings sit at the top of the class: 1200W microwave input, 1400W convection input, and 1100W grill input. The Element IQ system steers power where it is needed to create the tailored environment each mode wants. A Power Smoothing Inverter delivers steady, even heat rather than the on-off cycle of a conventional magnetron — the same inverter advantage that defines premium combos, but here it also handles pizza, soup, and lasagna reheating without drying them out.
The user experience is where Breville pulls away. Breville rates the soft-close door 80% quieter than a standard door and the unit 50% quieter in operation overall. Nineteen built-in smart presets cover the everyday, and the shortcuts panel inside the door handles melting chocolate, softening butter, and reheating pizza with one touch. A fair contrast against the Toshiba MASTER: the Toshiba edges it on convection raw power at 1800W, but the Breville wins on the door, presets, and refinement of the interface.
Now the reckoning. Value for money and durability are the two NEGATIVE aspects in the review data with high counts. Several reviewers point out units failing within months and fighting warranty replacement. One buyer describes uneven cooking in oven and air-fry modes and a chemical smell from the air-fry tray. A few find the microwave itself slower than their previous unit, needing extra minutes on standard reheats. The soft-close door, which is the calling card, is also the part that field reports say fails first. This is a great appliance when it works and a frustrating one when the door latch gives out — worth knowing before you commit.
Built to feel good: Breville rates the door 80% quieter than standard and the unit 50% quieter in operation, with 19 smart presets and a door-mounted shortcuts panel.
The durability question: The soft-close door and overall build have mixed long-term reports. Treat it as a premium appliance that may need warranty support down the line.
Great for: Buyers who value quiet operation, soft-close feel, and one-touch shortcuts over maximum raw convection power.
Choose differently if: You prioritize field reliability over refined feel — the door mechanism is the recurring failure point.
8. Sharp SMC1585KB 1.5 cu. ft. Black Convection Countertop Microwave
The biggest cavity in the lineup, and it does not waste an inch of it.
The 1.5 cubic-foot cavity is the largest of any combo here — this is the pick for anyone whose primary frustration with countertop units is that nothing ever fits. A quarter sheet pan barely slides in with the turntable removed for convection mode, and a 12-inch round tray fits comfortably. Convection cook is the core mode, with Auto Broil, Auto Roast, Auto Bake, and Auto Defrost handling the common tasks without you fiddling with settings. A Low Mix or High Mix setting lets you blend convection heat and microwave cooking at the same time.
The convenience features are solid. The Sensor Cook Menu adjusts time automatically based on what is cooking. A +60 key adds a minute with one press for when you just need a little more heat. That combine-microwave-and-convection trick is worth calling out: unlike the BLACK+DECKER which offers combi mode on a compact 0.9 cubic-foot frame, this Sharp lets you brown and crisp while also using microwave energy — the fastest path to a properly cooked, properly browned dish.
This is a small-volume product in the reviews, and that shows in the honest picture: it is a 4.3 out of 5 with a compact base of ratings. One buyer reports a dead-on-arrival unit with the interior light stuck on, the carousel spinning continuously, and water failing to heat. That is a single failure, not a pattern. The rest of the ownership picture is positive — described as predictable, useful for Florida-summer cooking outside the main kitchen, and the same underlying model as the Wolf MEC24 at a much lower tier. The trim kit for built-in installation is now harder to find if you plan on recessing it into a cabinet.
Why it earns a spot here
- Largest 1.5 cubic-foot cavity of any combo on this list
- Low Mix and High Mix blend convection and microwave at the same time
- Sensor Cook Menu plus +60 instant start for simple daily use
- Shares an underlying platform with the Wolf MEC24 — same body, easier price tier
What to keep in mind
- Small total review volume — the ownership picture is thinner than for the volume leaders
- One reported DOA unit with the carousel spinning continuously
- Built-in trim kit is getting harder to source
For you if: A 1.5 cubic-foot interior is worth the premium — this is the biggest cavity you can buy in a countertop combo.
Look elsewhere if: You need a deep field of long-term owner reviews before deciding.
9. SAMSUNG 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Convection Microwave with Air Fry, Black Glass, MC12DB8700CKAA
A 1.2 cubic-foot Samsung with smart-home ties and a black-glass finish that hides smudges.
Samsung’s Power Convection mode is rated to cook up to 30% faster than conventional convection. That is the headline. Air Fry mode handles the healthier fried-food cooking without a separate appliance, and PowerGrill Duo uses a wide grill to brown and crisp the outside without drying the inside. SmartThings Food brings recipe recommendations and a guided cooking experience, and you can monitor and control the oven remotely via the SmartThings App or by voice through Samsung Bixby, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant.
Appearance is the strongest reviews theme — owners repeatedly say it looks great and adds to their kitchen, which tracks with a black-glass finish that stays cleaner-looking than stainless. It replaces a microwave, an air fryer, and a toaster oven in one 1.2 cubic-foot cabinet, with a 15-inch turntable that is bigger than most countertop units offer. The drop-down door is a specific plus for anyone installing this in-wall using a trim kit, and a recent owner reports it boiling 500ml of water in 4:11 on the 1.6kW microwave setting.
The honest picture: functionality and build quality are MIXED in the reviews, with some praising the construction and others finding it weak. A few shoppers say the microwave stopping entirely and Samsung support failing to respond quickly. One buyer specifically notes the broiler element is not removable, which makes cleaning harder. Maximum cook time is capped at 60 minutes and there is no multi-stage cooking mode, so a two-phase recipe has to be started manually. If you want the smart-home integration, this delivers — but go in with realistic expectations on long-term support.
The connected kitchen pick: SmartThings Food, voice control via Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant, and Samsung rates Power Convection up to 30% faster than conventional convection.
Where it needs care: Support response times are a recurring complaint, and the fixed broiler element makes cleaning harder than it should be.
Reach for it if: Smart-home integration matters and you want a 1.2 cubic-foot combo that installs cleanly in-wall.
Consider the alternative if: You want the longest field-proven track record — the Frigidaire and BLACK+DECKER have deeper owner bases.
Understanding the Specs
Inverter microwave power versus traditional magnetron
An inverter is a power supply inside the appliance that streams microwave energy at a steady level rather than switching the magnetron fully on and fully off. The practical difference shows up in defrosting: a cycling magnetron tends to cook the edges of frozen meat while the middle is still hard, because the magnetron is either blasting at full power or stopped entirely. An inverter delivers a continuous reduced power level so the whole piece thaws at the same rate. Some picks here run 1000W inverter microwaves while others use a standard magnetron, and that distinction is worth checking against your most common task.
Cubic feet capacity and what actually fits inside
Cubic feet is the internal volume, measured as air space inside the cavity, and it directly governs what you can load in one go. A 0.9 cubic-foot body is the compact size — good for standard plates and single servings, tight for anything larger. A 1.2 cubic-foot cavity is the everyday mid-size that handles a full dinner plate or a small casserole in one load. A 1.5 cubic-foot cavity is the largest countertop option and can take a quarter sheet pan with the turntable removed. When you see a large exterior with a small interior, that gap is usually the cabinet walls and electronics using the space.
FAQ
Do I need to remove the turntable for convection or air fry mode?
Are the child locks removable or can they be disengaged?
Will a 2-in-1 combo actually replace my standalone air fryer?
Why do some models list power in watts and others do not?
Can I use metal bakeware and air fry baskets in these combos?
Is a 0.9 cubic foot combo big enough for a family dinner?
How long does the soft-close or drop-down door mechanism usually last?
Can these combos be built into a wall cabinet?
Which combo cooks fastest when I need food on the table in ten minutes?
Should I buy a combo with Wi-Fi and app control?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most kitchens, the 2-in-1 microwave and oven winner is the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Combo-Fry because it pairs the largest cavity in its class — a full 1.2 cubic feet — with 1500W convection power and a top-tier quality reputation across years of ownership. If quiet operation and refined feel matter more than raw convection, the Breville Combi Wave delivers a door Breville rates 80% quieter than standard, plus 19 presets. And for small counters that still want five functions, the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 is the one to reach for. Whichever you pick, the Frigidaire is the safe default for family cooking — a 4.2-star crowd favorite with a deep field of positive owner reports behind it.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of September 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, KitchPrep earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
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