7 Best Microwave Convection Ovens of 2025

The FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave is a powerhouse performer that stands out for those craving maximum cooking versatility in a single countertop unit. With a robust 1500W convection system, 900W microwave output, and 1000W oven function, this combo delivers serious thermal authority—perfect for roasting whole chickens or air frying crispy wings with up to 70% less fat than deep frying. Its XL 1.2 cubic foot cavity tackles oversized dishes like 12-inch pizzas or family-sized casseroles, solving a common pain point for larger households who’ve outgrown compact microwaves.

In real-world testing, the triple-threat cooking modes shine across diverse meals: convection baking yields golden-brown cookies with even rise, while the air fry function crisps fries in under 20 minutes without preheating. The 10 power levels and weight-based defrost ensure precision, though the lack of inverter technology means occasional hot spots when reheating delicate foods. It handles frozen dinners and beverages effortlessly via one-touch menus, but the bulky footprint demands significant counter space—making it less ideal for tiny kitchens or dorms.

Compared to the budget BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this Frigidaire offers superior capacity and power, but trades off some simplicity. It’s best suited for families or serious home cooks who want a full convection oven experience without firing up the range. While not as smart or refined as the Toshiba OptiChef, it delivers exceptional value for its class, packing high-wattage performance into a no-nonsense design that prioritizes results over bells and whistles.

The TOSHIBA OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT isn’t just a microwave—it’s a smart kitchen command center that redefines what a countertop oven can do. At its core, the Origin Inverter Technology ensures laser-precise heating, eliminating cold spots and delivering juicier meats and fluffier rice thanks to continuous power modulation. Paired with the intuitive 2.4-inch color touchscreen and AI-powered humidity sensor, this unit adapts cooking in real time, making it ideal for users who hate guesswork and crave restaurant-quality results at home.

During testing, the ChefFry Plus mode produced crispy-skinned chicken thighs with zero preheating, while the smart defrost revived frozen salmon in under 10 minutes—40% faster than standard models—without rubbery edges. The 1.3 cu ft cavity fits a whole 5-pound chicken or a 13-inch pizza, and Alexa integration lets you start reheating leftovers from bed. However, the learning curve for app setup can frustrate less tech-savvy users, and noise levels increase during convection cycles, though not excessively.

Against the Breville BMO870BSS, the OptiChef matches premium features at a lower cost, trading some build refinement for smarter automation and broader connectivity. It’s the best all-rounder for tech-forward households seeking a seamless blend of AI intelligence and culinary power. While pricier than basic models, its OTA firmware updates mean it improves over time—delivering future-proof performance that outpaces even higher-end rivals in long-term value.

The Chefman MicroCrisp is a crispness-obsessed game-changer for anyone tired of soggy microwave leftovers. Its integrated convection crisper leverages 1800W of combined power—900W microwave and full convection heating—to deliver golden, crunchy textures straight from the microwave, whether reviving fried chicken or cooking raw wings from scratch. The micro-and-crisp phase cooking is a standout: it first heats food quickly, then switches to convection for that essential final crunch, solving the #1 microwave complaint—mushy results.

In daily use, the guided touchscreen simplifies cooking with 6 preset menus, including popcorn and frozen meals, while the mute function is a quiet hero for night owls or households with sleeping babies. Despite its compact 0.8 cu ft size, it handles standard dinner plates and small casseroles, though larger roasts won’t fit. The lack of inverter tech means occasional overcooking if left unattended, and the small cavity limits family-sized meals. Still, for singles or couples prioritizing texture and speed, it excels where others fail.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, the MicroCrisp offers superior crisp performance despite less capacity, making it the top pick for texture-focused users. While not as versatile as larger models, its dedicated crisping engineering gives it a niche edge. It doesn’t match the smart features of Toshiba or Breville, but for crisp-on-demand results at a mid-tier price, it delivers unmatched satisfaction in its specialty—turning limp leftovers into crunchy delights.

The Breville Combi Wave BMO870BSS is the luxury sports car of countertop ovens—sleek, powerful, and engineered for perfection. Its Element IQ system uses smart algorithms to direct heat exactly where needed, enabling crispy air-fried fries and moist, evenly baked brownies without rotating food. The 1200W inverter microwave reheats lasagna without dried edges, while Fast Combi mode slashes cooking time by merging microwave, convection, and grill energies—perfect for weeknight meals.

Real-world testing confirms its precision edge: frozen burritos emerge hot inside and crispy outside in 12 minutes, and Smart Reheat preserves moisture in pizza far better than standard microwaves. The quiet operation and soft-close door—80% quieter than average—make it ideal for open-plan living, while the 19 smart presets cover everything from softening butter to “a bit more” cooking. However, the premium price and complex interface may overwhelm casual users, and the 1.1 cu ft capacity, while decent, isn’t the largest.

Stacked against the Toshiba OptiChef, the Breville trades app connectivity for superior heat control and build quality, making it the best choice for culinary purists who value tactile feedback and quiet operation. It’s not the most compact or budget-friendly, but for those who demand restaurant-grade results with minimal noise and maximum control, it justifies its status as the premium benchmark. No other model blends power, silence, and smart cooking logic as seamlessly.

The GE GCST10A1WSS proves that big performance can come in compact form, making it the ideal workhorse for small kitchens. With 1050W of microwave power and a full air fry, convection, and broil trio, this 1.0 cu ft unit punches above its weight—delivering golden fries, roasted veggies, and seared salmon from a footprint no larger than a toaster. The built-in broiler is a rare gem, using top-down heat to caramelize scallops or melt cheese on nachos, a feature missing in most rivals at this size.

In practice, the air fry mode crisps quickly with minimal oil, and the elevated rack ensures even browning during convection cycles. The preset buttons for fries and nuggets simplify cooking, while the glass turntable promotes consistent heating. However, the lack of inverter tech leads to uneven defrosting, and the smaller cavity struggles with anything beyond a 9-inch dish. Still, for dorms, offices, or minimalist kitchens, it’s a space-saving powerhouse that doesn’t sacrifice core functionality.

Compared to the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS), the GE offers stronger broiling and a more responsive interface, though it lacks odor removal or multi-stage cooking. It’s not as feature-rich as premium models, but for users who want a no-fuss, compact unit with true multi-mode cooking, it’s unmatched. It delivers better real-world versatility than budget models while staying more affordable than high-end units—striking a perfect balance of size, power, and simplicity.

The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) is a feature-packed value king, offering 8-in-1 functionality at a price that undercuts nearly every comparable model. From microwave and air fry to broil, convection, low-temp cooking, and even odor removal, it covers nearly every cooking style a home cook might need. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable is a subtle but brilliant touch—returning to the same spot after cleaning, so you never lose alignment, and it fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza with ease.

In testing, the air fry and convection modes deliver crispy, evenly cooked results, though without inverter tech, reheating can be spotty. The one-touch popcorn and speedy cooking buttons add convenience, while multi-stage cooking lets you program microwave followed by crisping—ideal for frozen meals. The odor removal mode is a niche but welcome perk for fish or garlic-heavy dishes. However, the knob-based interface feels dated next to touchscreens, and the interior finish shows fingerprints easily.

Against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, this Toshiba offers more functions and a larger turntable for only slightly more money, making it the smarter buy for versatility seekers. It doesn’t have the power of the Frigidaire or the smarts of the OptiChef, but for maximal features at minimal cost, it’s unbeatable. It’s the best value play for budget-conscious buyers who still want a full kitchen arsenal in one compact, stylish unit.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is the affordable gateway into multi-functional cooking, offering 5-in-1 power without the premium price tag. With 900W microwave output and air fry, bake, roast, and combi modes, it brings serious capability to tight budgets—perfect for students, singles, or secondary kitchens. The 11 dedicated air fry presets make cooking frozen chicken wings or fish sticks effortless, while speedy cooking lets you blast food in 30-second increments with a single press.

In real use, it handles frozen meals and small roasts reliably, though the 0.9 cu ft cavity limits larger dishes. The lack of inverter technology means textures can turn rubbery if overcooked, and the plastic-heavy build feels less durable than metal-framed rivals. Still, for basic reheating, popcorn, and air-fried snacks, it performs admirably. It’s not designed for heavy-duty use, but as a starter unit or backup appliance, it covers essentials without flinching.

Compared to the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS), it offers fewer functions and less capacity but wins on lowest upfront cost. It lacks broil or odor removal, but for those who just want air frying and basic convection in a simple package, it’s hard to beat. It’s the most accessible entry point into multi-cook technology—delivering solid performance where it counts, even if it doesn’t dazzle with extras.