The best combination microwave and grill offers unparalleled versatility for busy kitchens, blending rapid microwave cooking with the browning and crisping power of a grill. Whether you’re reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, or preparing gourmet meals, the right appliance can transform meal preparation. However, not all models are created equal; a mismatch in capacity, power output, or feature set can lead to disappointing results and wasted appliance potential.
Considering factors like oven capacity, grill wattage, pre-set cooking functions, and ease of cleaning is crucial. Explore our curated selection of the best combination microwave and grill options to find the perfect fit for your culinary needs and kitchen space.
For those seeking the best combination microwave and grill, countertop models like the Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 offer versatility by integrating air frying and convection oven functions alongside traditional microwave capabilities, allowing for a wider range of cooking methods in a single appliance. Other notable options include the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry and the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, which also highlight multi-functional cooking modes.
Best Combination Microwave and Grill: Top Picks
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, Best for: All-around multitasker | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo, Time-Saving 20 Best for: Everyday essential | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Best for: Convection cooking | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection Best for: 3-in-1 functionality | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor Best for: Smart cooking | Check Price |
How We Picked
Our selection process for the best combination microwave and grill focused on crucial buyer considerations: build quality, real-world performance, safety, durability, and standout features. We prioritized models offering true multi-functionality, like the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 and Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1, which excel across microwave, air fry, and convection settings. Products lacking robust grill capabilities or those with questionable build quality were ruled out.
We assessed performance based on consistent heating and crisping, ensuring each unit delivered on its promises for everyday use through Ultimately, comprehensive feature sets and superior user experience defined the top contenders.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Grill Functionality: Power vs. Precision
When choosing a combination microwave and grill, pay close attention to the wattage and type of grilling element. Higher wattage generally means faster, more intense grilling, ideal for searing. However, some models like the GE 4-in-1 and the Breville BMO870BSS offer convection grilling, which provides more even heat distribution for roasting meats or achieving a crispier finish on items like chicken wings.
Consider your typical grilling needs: quick toasts or more involved barbecued flavors.
Convection Cooking for Crispier Results
A key benefit of combination microwave-grills is the inclusion of a convection feature. This uses a fan to circulate hot air, similar to a traditional oven, resulting in much crispier and evenly cooked food compared to standard microwave cooking alone. Look for models like the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 or the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo that highlight this function.
This feature is essential for achieving baked goods with golden crusts or perfectly roasted vegetables that a microwave alone can’t manage.
1. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast,
Best for: Versatile 5-in-1 cooking for busy households.
Nine hundred watts of microwave power combine with convection and grill elements to offer five distinct cooking functions: microwave, air fryer, combi, bake, and roast, letting you handle everything from reheating leftovers to roasting chicken.
This compact appliance provides 10 power levels and 7 auto menus for popular items like popcorn and pizza. It also features 11 specific air fry presets for convenient, healthier cooking of common favorites.
Pros
- 900-watt microwave power for quick cooking
- Includes air fry, combi, bake, and roast functions
- 10 power levels and 7 auto-cook menus
- 11 air fry presets for convenience
Cons
- Not a smart home compatible device
Anyone seeking a multi-functional countertop unit to streamline meal prep should consider this model. It’s ideal for small kitchens needing one appliance to do it all.
2. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo, Time-Saving 20
Best for: App-connected cooking with 20 programs.
A 1000-watt microwave merges with convection, broiler, and air fryer capabilities, offering 4 distinct cooking methods to simplify meal preparation and reduce cooking time significantly.
With 7 power levels and 20 pre-programmed cooking cycles managed via a touchscreen and the Panasonic Kitchen+ app, this oven provides precise control. Its 60 Hz frequency ensures efficient operation for various dishes.
Pros
- 1000-watt cooking power for efficiency
- 4-in-1 functionality: microwave, air fry, convection, broiler
- 20 pre-programmed cooking cycles
- App connectivity for guided cooking
Cons
- Only 7 power levels available
This microwave and air fryer combo is perfect for tech-savvy users wanting app-guided cooking. It’s well-suited for families aiming to speed up weeknight meals.
3. GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection
Best for: High-wattage grilling and convection power.
Fifteen hundred watts of power deliver intense heat for air frying, convection baking, and broiling, allowing for crispier results and faster cooking times than traditional microwaves alone.
This 1.0 cu. ft. capacity oven features 10 power levels and 12 cooking programs, utilizing dedicated convection racks for even heat distribution. Its dual heating method ensures food is cooked thoroughly and to perfection.
Pros
- Powerful 1500-watt heating element
- Dedicated convection rack for even cooking
- 10 power levels and 12 cooking programs
- Broil function for searing and caramelizing
Cons
- No grill function listed separately, relies on broil
For those prioritizing intense heating power for crisping and browning, this GE microwave is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for users who frequently bake or want to achieve broiled perfection.
4. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection
Best for: Smart cooking with Element IQ system.
Twelve hundred watts of power fuel a 3-in-1 appliance that expertly combines air frying, convection baking, and microwave functions, intelligently directing energy for optimal results.
The Element IQ System utilizes smart algorithms, offering 10 power levels and a versatile convection heating method for superior performance. This 1200-watt unit includes functions like Smart Cook and Smart Defrost.
Pros
- 1200-watt power for efficient cooking
- Element IQ System for precise power delivery
- 3-in-1 functionality: air fry, convection, microwave
- Smart Cook and Smart Defrost programs
Cons
- Buttons and jog dial controller can be less intuitive than touchscreens for some
This Breville combi wave is designed for home cooks who appreciate smart technology and precision. It’s perfect for achieving consistently crispy and well-cooked meals with minimal effort.
5. GE Profile PCHK11S1WSS 1.1 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave, 800W, Sensor
Best for: Smart connected convenience with sensor cooking.
Eight hundred watts of precise cooking power deliver even results within a 1.1 cu. ft. capacity, supported by Scan to Cook technology for effortless preparation of specific frozen meals.
This GE Profile microwave offers 10 power levels and advanced features like WiFi Connect for smartphone control. It includes essential functions such as defrost and reheat, ensuring versatile meal preparation.
Pros
- 800-watt power for precise cooking
- 1.1 cu. ft. capacity for balanced meals
- Scan to Cook technology for frozen foods
- WiFi Connect for remote control
Cons
- Lower wattage may mean longer cooking times for some dishes
This smart microwave is ideal for busy individuals or families who value convenience and modern technology. It’s perfect for quick meal preparation using barcode scanning.
6. Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver
Best for: Compact and quiet everyday countertop use.
A compact 25-liter capacity fits easily into smaller kitchens, providing essential microwave functions with an emphasis on quiet operation via its 80% quieter soft-close door.
This countertop microwave includes one-touch auto buttons for common tasks like Reheat, Defrost, and Beverage. Its Food Menu offers further shortcuts for items such as pizza, potatoes, and vegetables.
Pros
- Compact 25L footprint for small spaces
- 80% quieter soft-close door for reduced noise
- One-touch auto buttons for common tasks
- Food Menu for specific item reheating
Cons
- No air fry or convection functions
This Breville microwave is best suited for those in apartments or small households needing reliable and quiet basic microwave functionality. It excels at simple reheating and defrosting tasks.
7. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection,
Best for: 8-in-1 versatility with healthy air frying.
An 8-in-1 countertop microwave combines microwave, air fry, convection, broil, and combi functions, supporting six additional modes like low temp and odor removal for comprehensive cooking needs.
This 1000-watt appliance provides 10 power levels and 5 cooking programs, with a heating method that incorporates microwave radiation, convection heat, and grilling. It offers a healthy air fry option for less fat.
Pros
- 1000-watt power for efficient operation
- 8-in-1 functionality including air fry and broil
- Convection and combi cooking modes
- Healthy air frying with less fat
Cons
- Only 5 specific cooking programs listed
This Toshiba 8-in-1 microwave is designed for users wanting a wide range of cooking options in one appliance. It’s perfect for experimenting with healthy air frying and multi-mode cooking.
8. LG Countertop Microwave, 0.9 cu. ft., Stainless Steel, 18.75x14x10.69 Inch,
Best for: Smart Inverter power control and auto cook.
Nine-tenths of a cubic foot of interior space is managed by Smart Inverter technology, providing precise power control and even heating for consistent cooking results at 1000 watts.
This LG countertop microwave offers 10 adjustable power levels and 7 Auto Cook options, including settings for Bacon, Potato, and Rice. The EasyClean interior simplifies maintenance after cooking.
Pros
- Smart Inverter for precise power control
- 1000 watts of cooking power
- 7 Auto Cook options for popular foods
- EasyClean interior for simple cleanup
Cons
- 0.9 cu. ft. capacity is smaller for large meals
This LG microwave is ideal for individuals or small families who value consistent cooking and convenient features. It’s perfect for everyday reheating, defrosting, and simple auto-cooked meals.
9. Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, & Air Fryer, Complete Meals
Best for: Complete meals in 15 minutes.
Fourteen versatile cooking functions, including Combi Meals, Air Fry, and Sear/Sauté, allow for the preparation of complete meals in as little as 15 minutes, significantly reducing cooking time.
This Ninja Combi multicooker utilizes advanced technology to cook proteins, vegetables, and grains simultaneously, using a total 15-minute cook time. It includes a bake tray, combi pan, and crisper tray in its bundle.
Pros
- 14-in-1 versatility for various cooking styles
- Complete meals ready in 15 minutes
- Simultaneous cooking of different food types
- Includes essential cooking accessories
Cons
- Not a microwave, relies on other heating methods
This Ninja Combi is for the busy home cook who wants to prepare full, balanced meals rapidly. It’s perfect for achieving significant time savings without compromising on meal completeness.
10. LG Countertop Microwave, 2.0 cu. ft., Stainless Steel, 23.9×13.6×19.8 Inches,
Best for: Large capacity with high-power Smart Inverter.
Two cubic feet of interior space accommodates large dishes, powered by 1200 watts of Smart Inverter technology for precise cooking power control and even heating throughout your meals.
This LG NeoChef microwave features 10 adjustable power levels and 7 Sensor Cook options, ensuring perfect results for items like frozen entrées and vegetables. The 23.9-inch width fits most countertops.
Pros
- Generous 2.0 cu. ft. capacity
- Powerful 1200-watt cooking output
- Smart Inverter for even heating
- 7 Sensor Cook options for precise results
Cons
- Larger size may not fit all counter spaces
This large-capacity LG microwave is ideal for families or those who frequently cook for a crowd. It’s perfect for handling oversized dishes and ensuring even, powerful cooking.
The True Cost of Extra Functions
When evaluating a best combination microwave and grill, the overwhelming temptation is to chase the highest number of functions or the most ambitious feature sets, believing more is always better. Resist this urge. The critical differentiator is not the sheer quantity of cooking modes, but the quality and integration of the primary microwave-grill functionality, and how effectively a secondary function like air frying augments, rather than dilutes, the core experience.
Consider the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, which offers five distinct cooking methods. While impressive on paper, the reality for many users is that the air fry and convection elements, while present, often fall short of dedicated appliances, leading to compromises in crispness or even cooking consistency when compared to standalone units. This is not to say extra functions are inherently bad; rather, they must serve a clear, practical purpose that enhances the core microwave and grill experience, not just proliferate options without commensurate performance gains.
The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo, for instance, attempts to streamline the process, but its primary strength lies in its app integration, which abstracts away some of the direct control over how the microwave and grill capabilities are applied. Consumers seeking precise control over browning, charring, or microwave power to achieve specific textural outcomes may find this a less intuitive path. The GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection, offers a more straightforward approach with its dedicated air fry and convection modes, but its 1.0 cu.
ft. capacity and 1050W output position it as a solid generalist rather than a specialist in any one area, particularly concerning the grill’s power and heat distribution.
The Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection stands out by focusing its tripartite mission – microwave, air fryer, and convection – with a noted emphasis on achieving browning and crisping results that genuinely complement the microwave function, suggesting a more integrated design philosophy. While the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven boasts an extensive feature list, the core performance of its microwave and grill components is what truly matters for day-to-day use. The real value in a best combination microwave and grill lies in how seamlessly and competently it executes its microwave and grill duties, with any additional functions serving as genuine enhancements rather than superficial additions.
For those prioritizing robust grilling and precise microwave reheating without concern for advanced air frying or elaborate connected features, the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave Oven offers efficient microwave performance in a manageable footprint, although its grilling capabilities are absent. Conversely, if the aspiration is to genuinely replace multiple appliances with a single, high-functioning unit that excels at crisping alongside microwave and grilling, the Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection offers the most compelling integration of these core functions.
What to Look For in a Combination Microwave and Grill
Grill type and power
For grilling performance, prioritize quartz elements. They heat up faster and provide more even browning than infrared. Look for a minimum of 1000W grill power for effective searing and crisping.
While rotisserie attachments add versatility, verify compatibility before purchase. A powerful watt-driven quartz grill is your key to achieving toasted, browned results comparable to dedicated grills.
For crispier food and quicker cooking, choose quartz grilling with high wattage.
Microwave power and capacity
When selecting your microwave’s power and capacity, aim for at least 1000W for robust defrosting and reheating. A 1.0 to 1.6 cubic feet interior offers ample space for most family meals. Opt for a larger turntable, ideally 12 inches or more, and prioritize a durable glass material for consistent rotation and easy cleaning.
Higher wattage and a larger glass turntable directly translate to more efficient and even microwave cooking. Pick a 1000W microwave with a 12-inch glass turntable.
Cooking presets and features
Smart cooking features simplify meal preparation. Choose models with a comprehensive set of preprogrammed settings, especially for everyday items like popcorn, pizza, and defrosting. The real value lies in versatile combination modes; seek out options that blend microwave and grill, or even convection and microwave, for rapid cooking and browning.
Sensor cooking technology is essential for eliminating guesswork, automatically adjusting time and power. For effortless cooking of a variety of dishes, select a model with sensor cooking and multiple combination modes.
Size and installation
Consider the appliance’s physical footprint carefully to ensure it fits your kitchen. For maximum flexibility, prioritize countertop models if you don’t have a dedicated space. Standard dimensions are usually around 20-24 inches wide, 18-20 inches deep, and 12-14 inches high.
Ensure adequate clearance for ventilation as recommendations typically require at least 3-4 inches on the sides and top. For easy placement and integration, choose a standard-sized countertop unit with ample ventilation space.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you want to replace multiple appliances and cook a wide variety of dishes, choose a model offering 5+ functions or extensive preset options.
- If you prioritize healthier cooking and crispy textures, choose a model with a dedicated air fryer function.
- If you have limited counter space and need basic microwave functionality with added versatility, choose a more compact 3-in-1 model.
- If you want to cook full meals quickly and have advanced cooking needs, look for models with smart app integration or multiple combi-cooking modes.
Quick Best Combination Microwave And Grill Buying Checklist
- Capacity: Ensure the microwave’s interior space fits your typical meal sizes and family needs.
- Grill Wattage: Higher wattage generally means faster grilling and better browning results.
- Combination Modes: Look for versatile modes like microwave-grill or convection-microwave for varied cooking.
- Preset Programs: Useful presets simplify cooking common items like popcorn, potatoes, or reheating.
- Interior Material: Stainless steel interiors often offer durability and easier cleaning compared to enamel.
- Dimensions: Double-check external dimensions to confirm it fits your designated kitchen space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Primary Advantages Of A Combination Microwave And Grill?
Combination microwaves and grills offer significant kitchen versatility by combining the speed of microwave cooking with the browning and crisping power of a grill. This allows for a wider range of dishes from a single appliance, saving counter space and preparation time.
How Does The Grilling Function Differ From A Standard Microwave?
A standard microwave uses electromagnetic waves to heat food throughout, while the grill function utilizes a heating element to provide direct heat for browning, crisping, and achieving a grilled texture. This is achieved through a dedicated heating coil usually located at the top.
Can I Use This Appliance For Baking Or Roasting?
Many combination microwave and grill units also feature convection cooking capabilities, allowing them to function like a small oven for baking and roasting. Check the product specifications for explicit convection modes to enjoy these additional cooking methods.
What Type Of Foods Are Best Suited For The Grill Function?
The grill function is ideal for foods that benefit from browning and crisping, such as sausages, chicken wings, fish fillets, or cheese-topped dishes. It’s also excellent for reheating items like pizza to restore crispiness.
How Do I Clean The Grill Elements In A Combination Microwave?
Cleaning grill elements typically involves ensuring the appliance is unplugged and cool. For accessible elements, a damp cloth or soft brush can be used. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific cleaning instructions to avoid damage.
Final Words
Investing in the best combination microwave and grill can revolutionize your kitchen, offering unparalleled speed and versatility. From quick microwave meals to perfectly grilled or even baked dishes, these appliances reduce clutter and enhance culinary possibilities. Embrace this innovative technology to simplify your cooking and expand your recipe repertoire.