In 2023, the kitchen appliance market continues to innovate and provide exciting new ways to make cooking easier and more convenient. One of the most popular products currently on the market is microwave and air fryer combos, which provide users with the ability to quickly and easily cook a wide range of dishes. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs.
In this article, I’ll highlight the top 5 microwave and air fryer combos of 2023, showcasing their unique features, capabilities, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking to cook healthier meals or want to save time and effort in the kitchen, this list will provide you with the information you need to make the right choice.
What to Look for in a Microwave and Air Fryer Combo
When buying a microwave and air fryer combo, there are several things you should consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some headings that can help guide your decision:
Capacity
The first thing to consider is the capacity of the microwave and air fryer combo. You need to know how much food you typically cook and make sure the appliance has enough space to accommodate your needs.
Power
Another important factor to consider is the power of the appliance. The wattage will determine how quickly and how evenly the food is cooked. Higher-wattage microwaves and air fryers will generally cook faster, but they may also consume more energy.
Cooking Modes
Check the cooking modes available on the microwave and air fryer combo. Different models come with different cooking modes, and it’s important to find one that suits your needs. Some models come with pre-set cooking modes, while others allow you to customize the settings.
Ease of Use
Make sure the microwave and air fryer combo is easy to use. Look for models with intuitive controls and clear displays. If you’re not tech-savvy, you may want to choose a simpler model that doesn’t have too many features.
Cleaning
Consider how easy it is to clean the microwave and air fryer combo. Look for models with removable trays and baskets that are dishwasher-safe. This will make it easier to clean up after cooking.
Brand and Price
Finally, consider the brand and price of the appliance. There are many different brands and models available, and prices can vary widely. Look for a reputable brand that offers a good warranty, and compare prices to find the best value for your budget.
5 Best Microwave and Air Fryer Combos
After testing several microwave and air fryer combos, I have identified the five best options available on the market. These appliances have been tested for their capacity, power, cooking modes, ease of use, and cleaning. They are made by reputable brands and offer excellent value for their price. If you’re in the market for a new microwave and air fryer combo, these five models are definitely worth considering.
5. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Multi-Oven
This Panasonic HomeChef microwave air fryer combo appears to be a good choice, especially since it offers four different cooking methods. It can be used as an air fryer for crispy food, an inverter microwave for defrosting, reheating, melting, or cooking, an oven for baking or roasting, or a broiler for grilled results.
In fact, you can combine the various functions so that they work together to cook your food. For example, you can use the Convection Oven and FlashXpress Broiler together to toast, brown, or crisp whatever you’re cooking.
The Patented Inverter technology combined with the Genius Sensor should ensure that your food is evenly cooked, reheated, or defrosted when microwaved. This means you won’t have to worry about half of your food being cooked while the other half is still raw!
The device also includes a frying basket, wire rack, and enamel tray for air frying, so your food will air fry properly because the gaps in the basket and wire rack should allow heat to reach every part of your food to make it crispy.
This microwave and air fryer combo also has a child safety lock to keep your children from messing with it. They shouldn’t, for example, be able to change the settings while you’re not looking. It also has a silent mode to avoid disturbing anyone after it has finished cooking.
Dimensions: 14.97 x 15.36 x 9 Inches | Weight: 39.1 Pounds | Capacity: 1.2 Cubic Feet
What I Like:
- Multi-functionality
- Large capacity
- Inverter technology
What I Don’t Like:
- Heavy
- Learning curve
- Pricey
Promising Review:
“This product is a bit intimidating at first because it has many capabilities, but once you read through each process and try them out it is amazing. We have used for air frying, reheating foods and cooking full meals.” – Beth Mollica, February 8, 2023, on Amazon
4. Cuisinart AMW-60 3-in-1 Microwave Airfryer Oven
If you have a small kitchen and are looking for a compact product to fit on your countertop, the Cuisinart AMW-60 microwave air fryer is a good option.
Depending on what you want to cook and how you want to cook it, this appliance can function as an air fryer, microwave, or oven.
You can use an individual function on its own, or you can try the Combi Cook mode, which combines the microwave and air fryer functions. This should quickly cook your food while also producing crisp results.
Using the Stage Cooking setting, you can even program the device to switch from one function to another in the middle of cooking your food. Again, if you’re in a hurry, this can help you cook your food quickly while also making it crispy.
It also has three air frying presets: fries, wings, and snacks, as well as six microwave presets: popcorn, potato, vegetable, beverage, melt/soften, and reheat. These will take the guesswork out of cooking certain items because the microwave air fryer will automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the preset you select.
Dimensions: 14.4 x 17.9 x 13.8 Inches | Weight: 25 Pounds | Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet
What I Like:
- Multi-functionality
- Compact size
- Easy to use
What I Don’t Like:
- Limited capacity
- Noisy
- Limited air fryer function
Promising Review:
“I really like the combo oven. Takes a while to learn the functions. But works like a charm!” – David Cooper, January 24, 2023, on Amazon
3. Toshiba 4-in-1 ML-EC42P (BS)
This Toshiba 4-in-1 device should be a great choice for a fairly large family because it measures 1.5 cubic feet, which is bigger than the other products on this list.
In fact, the manufacturer claims that the microwave air fryer’s 13.6-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken as well as a 12-inch pizza.
This microwave and air fryer combo can also function as a convection oven, air fryer, and microwave. You also have the option of using combination cooking. For example, you can combine the microwave and convection functions to cook food quickly while crisping it up more than a standard microwave would.
Surprisingly, it also includes 13 smart pre-programmed sensor menus for pizza, french fries, rice, and chicken tenders. This means that the appliance should be able to detect what food you’re cooking (as long as it’s on its menu) by sensing its humidity level. It is then designed to automatically adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
The appliance also comes with a mute option, so you can turn off the beeping noise that usually sounds when your food is ready. This is useful if you’re cooking late at night and don’t want to disturb anyone who is trying to sleep.
Overall, I think this microwave air fryer is a great choice for a family kitchen.
Dimensions: 14.4 x 17.9 x 13.8 Inches | Weight: 25 Pounds | Capacity: 0.6 Cubic Feet
What I Like:
- Multi-functionality
- Large capacity
- Easy to clean
What I Don’t Like:
- Heavy and bulky
- Loud operation
- Limited air fryer function
Promising Review:
“I truly love this microwave/air fryer/convection oven. Roomy. I also really like that when the bell dings, it stops as soon as you open the door, instead of six dings!” Cindy K., January 20, 2023, on Amazon
2. NuWave Bravo XL Smart Convection Air Fryer Oven (Best Budget)
First of all, the NuWave Bravo XL has a big interior, which makes it a good choice for big families or people who want to cook big meals. The oven can hold 1 cubic foot, which is enough space for a 10 lb. turkey or a 13-inch pizza. Moreover, the appliance offers even heating throughout the interior, thanks to its convection fan, which ensures that the food is cooked evenly and quickly.
Secondly, this microwave and air fryer combo has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, and it comes with 12 pre-programmed settings, including roast, broil, air fry, and dehydrate. The digital display shows the cooking time, temperature, and cooking status, making it easy to monitor the cooking progress.
Thirdly, the NuWave Bravo XL has a durable stainless steel construction that looks sleek and modern. The oven comes with an air fryer basket, a baking pan, and a crumb tray, which makes it easy to clean up after cooking.
However, there are some drawbacks to this appliance. Firstly, the oven is quite large, and it may not fit in smaller kitchens or apartments. Secondly, the oven is quite heavy, making it difficult to move around. Additionally, the oven takes up a lot of counter space, which can be a drawback for those with limited kitchen counter space.
Lastly, compared to other air fryer ovens on the market, the NuWave Bravo XL is an expensive appliance, which may not fit everyone’s budget.
Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 11 Inches | Weight: 24.35 Pounds | Capacity: 30 Quarts
What I Like:
- Versatile cooking functions
- Large capacity
- Healthier cooking options
What I Don’t Like:
- Heavy and bulky
- No interior light
- No automatic shut-off
Promising Review:
“Glad that it has so many options so I don’t have yet another counter appliance taking up space in my kitchen. Baking, air frying and toasting have been GREAT.” – Cubs Fan, February 13, 2023, on Amazon
1. Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 (Best Overall)
The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer Toaster Oven is an all-in-one kitchen appliance that provides a range of cooking functions, making it a powerhouse in any kitchen. Its convection oven allows for baking and roasting, while the air fryer feature allows for healthier frying. In addition, the inverter microwave function ensures faster cooking, which is perfect for those who are always on the go.
One of the best features of the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is the Element iQ system, which automatically adjusts the cooking time and temperature for perfect results. This system takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring that your meals come out perfectly every time.
In addition, the fast combi mode allows you to cook food faster than ever before. This mode combines the power of the convection oven, air fryer, and inverter microwave to quickly and efficiently cook your food. This is especially useful when you’re short on time but still want to cook a healthy and delicious meal.
Despite its many advantages, the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 does have a few drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks is its size, which may not be suitable for those with small kitchens or limited counter space. In addition, the appliance’s many functions may take some time to master, especially for those who are not used to using an air fryer or convection oven.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a microwave, convection oven, and air fryer, the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is a perfect choice.
Dimensions: 21 x 20.4 x 21 Inches | Weight: 34 Pounds | Capacity: 1.1 Cubic Feet
What I Like:
- A range of cooking functions
- The Element iQ system
- The fast combi mode
What I Don’t Like:
- Large and heavy
- Learning curve
- Pricey
Promising Review:
“This is a fantastic combo microwave/oven/air fryer. The oven and air fryer work beautifully. I also have had no issues with the microwave function either. It’s easy to clean out. The soft close is perfect. The noise is barely audible.” – Moirai, February 3, 2023
Conclusion
In conclusion, after testing several microwave and air fryer combos, I can confidently say that the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is the best overall. The range of functions and features it offers make it a versatile and valuable addition to any kitchen. While it is more expensive than some of the other options on the market, the investment is well worth it for the quality and convenience it provides.
However, for those on a tighter budget, the NuWave Bravo XL Smart Convection Air Fryer Oven is an excellent alternative. It also offers a range of functions, including air frying, baking, toasting, and grilling, at a more affordable price point. While it may not have all of the features of the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1, it still delivers excellent results and is a great option for those who want a high-quality appliance without breaking the bank.
FAQs Related to Microwave and Air Fryer Combos
Are microwave air fryer combos worth it?
Yes, I would recommend a microwave air fryer combo because it combines the best of both worlds in a single appliance.
The microwave setting quickly heats food, while the air fryer setting crisps it up in a way that is both faster than an oven and healthier than deep-frying.
A microwave air fryer combo can also help you save space in your kitchen because it means you only need to fit one appliance on your countertop rather than two. This is especially helpful if you have a small kitchen.
As an added bonus, some devices can also function as a grill or oven, as well as a microwave and air fryer.
Is it safe to use metal in a microwave air fryer?
Metal, such as bowls or aluminum foil, can be used in a microwave air fryer combo as long as the microwave setting is not used.
Metal can only be used for cooking methods that can’t be done in the microwave, like air frying or convection cooking.
This is because metal isn’t very good at absorbing microwaves. Instead, certain metals tend to reflect them, which can be dangerous because the microwaves bounce off the metal into the walls of the appliance and back again, eventually overheating and damaging the transmitter.
When thin metal materials, such as aluminum foil, are microwaved, their molecules heat up and have nowhere to go, causing them to become extremely hot and potentially catch fire.
Is it better to reheat food in a microwave or in an air fryer?
Depending on the type of food being heated, either an air fryer or a microwave can be used.
Reheating leftovers in the microwave is quick, easy, and ideal for foods with a lot of liquid, like soups and stews. On the other hand, air fryers are better for reheating foods that need a crispy exterior and texture, like fried chicken or French fries, because they can help keep the crispiness that may have been lost in the refrigerator.
So a microwave might be your best bet if you want to quickly and easily reheat leftovers. An air fryer might be a better option if you want to restore crispy texture.
