5 Best Microwave Toaster Oven Combos 2025

The Panasonic HomeChef Connect isn’t just a microwave—it’s a smart kitchen command center that redefines convenience. With four fully integrated cooking modes—microwave, air fry, convection bake, and FlashXpress broiler—it delivers restaurant-quality results without the guesswork. What sets it apart is its seamless app integration via the Kitchen+ platform, which automates cooking sequences so you can serve crispy air-fried wings or slow-roasted chicken with zero manual adjustments. For busy households craving consistent, high-quality meals without the kitchen marathon, this is a game-changing appliance.

In real-world testing, the HomeChef Connect excels at multi-stage cooking, like using microwave energy to quickly heat a dish followed by convection to crisp the top—perfect for lasagnas or mac and cheese. The 1.2 cu. ft. cavity handles 12-inch pizzas and whole chickens with ease, though it’s slightly smaller than some competitors. The Inverter technology ensures even heating without cold spots, while the FlashXpress broiler achieves browning in minutes, not tens of minutes. However, the app dependency can be a hurdle for non-tech-savvy users, and manual operation lacks the same precision as automated cycles.

Compared to the Toshiba and GE models, the Panasonic takes a premium, tech-forward approach—it’s less about basic functionality and more about effortless gourmet results. It’s ideal for tech-comfortable families, meal preppers, or small households who value automation and consistency. While the Toshiba ML-EC42P offers more interior space, the HomeChef Connect counters with smarter cooking intelligence and better browning performance. In the landscape of combo ovens, it’s the most future-ready appliance, trading raw size for intelligent, hands-off cooking that outperforms in texture, timing, and taste.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) is a powerhouse performer wrapped in a sleek black stainless steel shell, blending high capacity with smart cooking features. Boasting 1.5 cu. ft. of interior space, it comfortably fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza, making it a standout for family-sized meals. The 4-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking—delivers crispy, golden results without sacrificing speed, while the pre-programmed sensor menus take the guesswork out of cooking frozen veggies or reheating leftovers. For those who want versatility and style without stepping into smart appliance territory, this is a bold, practical choice.

During testing, the convection and air fry modes produced impressively even browning, especially on chicken wings and roasted potatoes, thanks to the included grill rack and tray. The 13.6-inch position memory turntable ensures consistent rotation and easy repositioning, while the 1000W microwave power heats food quickly—though not quite as evenly as Panasonic’s Inverter tech. The mute function and one-touch controls add daily convenience, but the interior lighting is dim, making it hard to monitor food during dark cycles. It handles multi-stage cooking well, but lacks app automation, so you’re in full control.

When stacked against the Panasonic HomeChef, the Toshiba trades smart features for sheer space and simplicity, making it better for hands-on cooks who want larger capacity and fewer digital dependencies. Compared to the silver ML-EC42P(SS), it’s functionally identical—just with a more modern, smudge-resistant finish. For families prioritizing size, durability, and ease of use, this model offers a better real-world footprint and stronger cooking performance than compact rivals like the GE or BLACK+DECKER—making it a top pick for practical, no-nonsense versatility.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS) is the value-packed sibling of the black model, delivering identical performance in a sleek stainless steel shell at a more accessible price point. With the same 1.5 cu. ft. capacity and 4-in-1 functionality, it handles family meals with ease, from air-fried fries to convection-baked casseroles. The smart sensor cooking adjusts time and power automatically, ensuring perfectly cooked frozen pizzas or steamed veggies every time. For budget-conscious households that still want large capacity and multi-mode versatility, this is a no-compromise workhorse that punches above its price.

Real-world use confirms it matches the black model in cooking speed, browning, and consistency, thanks to the 1000W microwave and convection combo. The removable 13.6-inch turntable and included grill rack make it easy to roast or crisp food evenly, while multi-stage cooking lets you microwave then air fry in one go. However, like its sibling, it suffers from dim interior lighting, and the control panel can feel cluttered with too many buttons. It lacks Wi-Fi or app support, but for users who prefer manual control and reliability, that’s a fair trade.

Against the Panasonic, it’s the anti-smart oven—focused on mechanical precision and space over digital flair. Compared to the silver finish, the door frame is stainless while the body is black, giving it a two-tone look that may not suit all kitchens. Still, for families needing a durable, high-capacity combo oven, this model delivers more usable space than the GE or BLACK+DECKER while costing significantly less than the Panasonic. It’s the best balance of size, function, and value for those who cook big and cook often.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a compact dynamo built for small kitchens, dorms, and office breakrooms where space is tight but performance can’t be compromised. With 1050 watts of power and a 1.0 cu. ft. interior, it delivers faster heating and better browning than most mini microwaves, thanks to convection, air fry, and broil modes. The elevated rack and crisper pan work in tandem to circulate hot air, producing crispy fries and golden chicken tenders that rival full-sized ovens. For anyone who wants serious cooking power in a minimalist footprint, this is a space-saving marvel with surprising muscle.

In testing, the air fry and broil functions stood out—especially for small-batch cooking like reheating pizza with a crispy crust or broiling salmon fillets to perfection. The preset controls for fries and nuggets make it idiot-proof for quick meals, while the glass turntable ensures even cooking. However, the small cavity limits family use—it can’t fit a 12-inch pizza or whole chicken. The convection fan is loud, and the broil element takes time to heat up, making it less ideal for frequent high-heat tasks. Still, for singles, couples, or compact living, it’s a versatile all-in-one that maximizes utility without hogging counter space.

Against the Toshiba models, it’s the polar opposite in size but competitive in features—offering broil mode, which the Toshibas lack. Compared to the Panasonic, it skips the app but keeps essential smart presets. It’s not meant for large families, but for urban dwellers or minimalists, it delivers more cooking modes in less space than any other model here. While the Toshiba offers more volume, the GE wins on density of features per cubic inch, making it the ultimate space-smart performer.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is the budget champion of microwave-toaster combos, packing five cooking modes—microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast—into a compact 0.9 cu. ft. chassis. With 11 dedicated air fry presets, from chicken wings to spring rolls, it’s designed for convenience-first cooking without the clutter of extra appliances. The 900W output may lag behind 1000W rivals in speed, but it compensates with intuitive presets and speedy 30-second start. For college students, small apartments, or secondary kitchens, this is a no-frills, high-value solution that brings gourmet-style cooking within reach.

In real use, the air fry results are surprisingly crisp, though best for small portions—think frozen nuggets or a half-pound of fries. The combi mode (grill + convection) works well for browning casseroles, but the small turntable and low wattage mean longer cook times and less even heating for larger items. The child-lock feature adds peace of mind, and the direct-start function is great for quick reheat jobs. However, the interior feels cramped, and manual controls lack precision compared to sensor-driven models.

Versus the GE, it offers more cooking presets but less power and space. Against the Panasonic, it’s the anti-luxury pick—no app, no automation, just straightforward, affordable cooking. It’s not built for families or frequent entertainers, but for budget-focused buyers needing basic air frying and baking, it’s unbeatable in value. While the Toshiba delivers more space, the BLACK+DECKER wins on preset variety and affordability, making it the best entry point into multi-function cooking without breaking the bank.