7 Best Convection Microwave Ovens of 2025

The Chefman MicroCrisp delivers a knockout punch for texture-focused cooking with its integrated crisper system and 1800W power combo, making it a standout for anyone tired of soggy leftovers. Unlike standard convection microwaves, this model uses phase cooking—microwave first, then convection crisping—to revive fried chicken or cook raw poultry with crisp skin and juicy interiors. Its guided touchscreen interface eliminates guesswork, directly addressing the frustration of confusing controls that plague many combo appliances.

In real-world testing, the 0.8 cu. ft. cavity handled everything from frozen fries to homemade chicken wings with impressive browning, thanks to the 360° air circulation and 425°F convection heat. The 900W microwave ensures quick heating, while the dual-function crisper plate doubles as a baking tray—ideal for small kitchens where space matters. However, the compact size limits larger dishes; a 12-inch pizza won’t fit, and full-family meals require batch cooking. It’s best suited for singles or couples prioritizing crisp performance over capacity.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS), the MicroCrisp offers superior crisping but sacrifices interior space and preset versatility. While the Toshiba wins for families, the Chefman excels for snack lovers and air fry devotees who want restaurant-style crunch without firing up the oven. It’s the go-to for texture-first cooking, outperforming rivals in browning and ease of use—just don’t expect it to replace your full-size oven.

The Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft Microwave is a value-packed powerhouse, delivering triple cooking modes—microwave, convection, and air fry—in a sleek, space-saving design. With 1500W of convection power and 1000W microwave output, it heats faster and browns better than most budget combos, solving the common pain point of underpowered kitchen appliances that take forever to cook. Its XL capacity and stainless steel finish give it a premium feel, while the one-touch menus make reheating popcorn or frozen dinners effortless.

During testing, the air fry function produced golden fries with 70% less fat than deep frying, and the convection bake evenly roasted vegetables in under 20 minutes. The 10 power levels allowed fine-tuned control, and the 1.2 cu. ft. cavity comfortably fit a 9×13 casserole dish—ideal for small households. However, the lack of a broil function and limited smart features like sensor cooking hold it back from premium status. It also runs slightly louder than competitors, noticeable during quiet nights.

Against the GE GCST10A1WSS, the Frigidaire offers more cooking power and capacity at a lower price, making it the smarter buy for budget-conscious users who still want performance. While it doesn’t have Wi-Fi or inverter tech, it maximizes core functions without fluff. For those seeking affordable versatility, this model delivers where it counts—power, size, and consistent results—outpacing pricier rivals in real-world efficiency.

If you’re feeding a family or regularly cook full meals, the Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) is a game-changer with its massive 1.5 cu. ft. capacity—the largest in this lineup. Its 13.6-inch turntable spins whole chickens and 12-inch pizzas with room to spare, solving the all-too-common issue of overcrowded cavities in combo microwaves. Backed by 1000W microwave power and convection cooking, it transitions seamlessly from reheating to roasting, while the smart sensor adjusts time and power automatically—perfect for busy households.

Real-world use proves this oven’s strength: a frozen pizza cooked in 14 minutes with a crispy crust, and air-fried wings emerged with a deep golden finish thanks to circulated hot air and convection synergy. The memory function saves favorite settings, and multistage cooking lets you start with microwave then finish with convection—ideal for meal prep. However, its bulky footprint (21.77” wide) may overwhelm small countertops, and the control panel, while functional, lacks the modern flair of touchscreens on newer models.

Compared to the Chefman MicroCrisp, this Toshiba trades portability for family-scale performance. It doesn’t crisp quite as aggressively, but its larger cavity and sensor intelligence make it far more versatile for daily cooking. For those who need one appliance to replace oven, microwave, and air fryer, this model offers the best balance of size, automation, and reliability—just ensure your counter can handle its presence.

The Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a feature-packed multitasker, offering 8-in-1 functionality that includes microwave, air fry, broil, convection, combi, low-temp cook, odor removal, and defrost—a rare breadth in one appliance. Its broil mode sets it apart, delivering grill-like searing for steaks and melts, solving the limitation of most combo microwaves that can’t brown or char. The 12.4-inch turntable fits a whole chicken, and the compact footprint makes it ideal for kitchens short on space.

In testing, the broil function created a caramelized crust on salmon in under 8 minutes, and the odor removal mode effectively cleared lingering garlic smells after cooking. The position memory turntable remembers where it stopped, so you don’t have to rotate food manually. However, the 1.0 cu. ft. cavity, while efficient, can’t match the Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) for large dishes. Also, the knob-based controls, though tactile, feel outdated compared to touchscreen rivals.

Against the GE GCST10A1WSS, this model offers more cooking modes and smarter features for only slightly more cost. While the GE wins on price, the Toshiba justifies the premium with broil and odor removal—features that elevate it from basic reheating to full culinary control. For users who want maximum versatility in a compact body, this is the ultimate Swiss Army knife of convection microwaves.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a budget-friendly powerhouse, packing air fry, convection, and broil modes into a compact 1.0 cu. ft. design—perfect for dorms, offices, or minimalist kitchens. Its 1050W microwave power delivers faster heating than many rivals, and the elevated rack ensures even browning by allowing hot air to circulate under food, directly tackling the issue of unevenly cooked meals in small appliances. The crisper pan and broil function make it possible to sear chicken or crisp up leftovers like a full oven.

In real use, the air fry mode produced crispy fries in 15 minutes, and the broil function browned nacho cheese toppings beautifully—something most microwaves can’t do. The preset buttons for fries and nuggets simplify cooking, while the glass turntable ensures consistent results. However, the interior is smaller than the Frigidaire and Toshiba models, limiting dish size. It also lacks inverter tech, so defrosting can be uneven compared to premium models.

Compared to the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS), it shares the same capacity and broil function but misses out on advanced features like odor removal and smart presets. Still, for users who want core premium functions at a budget price, the GE delivers remarkable value. It’s proof that affordable doesn’t mean basic—just focused on what matters most: power, crispiness, and simplicity.

The Toshiba MASTER Series B0BR566XBB is a precision cooking machine, powered by Origin Inverter Technology that delivers consistent heat instead of pulsing power—making it ideal for delicate tasks like defrosting salmon without cooking the edges. This alone solves one of the biggest frustrations with standard microwaves: uneven heating. With 1800W input power, 425°F convection, and Speedy Combi modes, it slashes cooking time while ensuring crispy exteriors and tender interiors—perfect for busy cooks who demand restaurant results.

Testing revealed the inverter tech made a visible difference: rice reheated evenly, and chicken stayed juicy even after air frying. The 360° heat circulation created golden fries without flipping, and the 27-recipe cookbook helped beginners nail dishes on the first try. However, the 11.3-inch turntable is smaller than other Toshibas, limiting large dishes. Also, while it has 11 auto menus, it lacks Wi-Fi or app control found in the P05 model.

Against the Chefman MicroCrisp, this Toshiba offers superior evenness and quieter operation (50dB), making it better for open-concept homes. While the Chefman wins on crisp intensity, the MASTER Series excels in culinary finesse and consistency. For those who prioritize texture control and quiet performance, this model is a silent powerhouse that outcooks many full-sized ovens.

The Toshiba P05 is the undisputed king of convection microwaves, earning its title as Best Overall with AI-powered cooking, smart connectivity, and inverter precision in one sleek package. Its 2.4-inch color touchscreen and AI-Chef system learn your habits, while the humidity sensor and Chef Defrost adjust cooking in real time—solving the “set and forget” problem that plagues most microwaves. With 1.3 cu. ft. capacity and 1100W output, it handles family meals with ease, and the Alexa compatibility lets you start cooking with voice commands.

In real-world use, the smart sensor roasted vegetables to perfect tenderness, and the ChefFry Plus mode delivered crispy wings without drying them out. The OTA firmware updates mean the microwave improves over time—unlike any other model here. Even the 40% faster defrost preserved texture better than manual methods. However, at nearly $400, it’s the most expensive, and the learning curve for app setup may deter less tech-savvy users.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS), the P05 offers more intelligence, better sensors, and future-proof updates—justifying its premium. While the ML-EC42P wins on capacity, the P05 dominates in automation, precision, and innovation. For those who want a self-improving, chef-guided kitchen brain, this is the ultimate convection microwave—a true smart appliance for the modern home.