Microwave convection oven is a revolutionary appliance for fast and easy cooking. But, what if you have a small kitchen or little spare counter space?
You don’t have to let a lack of space stop you from owning this useful kitchen appliance. Fortunately, you can find a wide range of convection-style countertop microwaves perfect for use in a compact kitchen.
If you’re looking to buy one, this guide is here to help you find the best countertop microwave convection oven for your home.
Our buying guide will also help you determine how to choose the right one for your needs.
So, without further ado, let’s go through our countertop microwave convection oven reviews to discover them.
Contents
5 Top-Rated Countertop Microwave Convection Ovens – Top Picks
If you’re short on time to go through our detailed reviews below, this simple overview will help you make a quick buying decision.
- Editor’s Choice: Panasonic Home Chef, 4-In-1, NN-CD87KS: Cooking methods- Air Fryer, Convection Bake, FlashXpress Broiler, Inverter, Interior Capacity -1.2 Cubic Feet, and 1000 watt.
- Best User Friendly: Sharp SMC1585BS: Features: Convection, Microwave, Capacity 1.5 Cubic Ft. Power 900 watt
- Best Smart: Amazon Smart Oven, plus Echo Show 5: Features: Convection, Microwave, air fryer, and food warmer size: 1.5 CFT and 1000 watt.
- Best Multi-stage cooking: Cuisinart Cmw-200: Options: Convection, Microwave and Grill, Capacity, 1.2 C.Ft, watt-1000.
- Best Budget: Toshiba EC042A5C-BS: Convection, Microwave and keep warmer, 1.5 cft, 1000 watt.
Here are the Best Countertop Microwave Convection Ovens in 2022 Review
We’ve tested and compared more than 50 models to identify the best of the best. To pick the top picks for this year, we compared each model based on various crucial factors. We focused on overall dimensions, interior capacity, cooking methods, pre-programmed setting, and ease of use. We’ve also emphasized the average customer reviews.
Finally, our team of kitchen expert has selected 5 models that are the best performer in every aspect.
Check them out!
1. Panasonic Home Chef 4-In-1 Microwave Oven, NN-CD87KS
Our favorite overall countertop microwave convection oven is the Panasonic Home Chef, NN-CD87KS.
It is one of the best 4-in-1 microwave ovens that adds some much-needed flexibility to your cooking. It combines power, convenience, and versatility in one single unit to make every meal a masterpiece.
Four different cooking methods in one appliance!
This Panasonic home chef 4 in 1 is your go-to oven for saving your time and space. It includes a convection bake option, a FlashXpress broiler, an air fryer, and an inverter microwave. It’s the all-in-one appliance that you need to prepare a meal quickly and deliciously.
The 1300W convection bake function has high, precision heat for high-quality results in less time. Its temperature ranges from 100-degree & 215 to 425-degree F with or without preheating. So, you can use it as your main oven for roasting and baking.
The FlashXpress broiler is perfect for broiling with grill-like results. It makes browning, crisping, and toasting perfect. Of course, the included wire rack, air fryer basket, and enamel tray will make the task easier.
Conveniently, the wire rack lifts food closer to the infrared grilling element for a perfect finish.
Now, you can enjoy crispy and delicious French fries, wings, and nuggets with less calories. Thanks to its built-in healthy air fryer function that quickly circulates hot air around food to ensure crispy and brown results.
The 1000W inverter microwave function uses Panasonic’s patented inverter technology. This feature, along with the Genious Sensor helps deliver smart, even defrosting, melting, cooking, reheating, and keeping foods warm.
It’s worth noting that the Genius Sensor monitors the steam levels and adjusts the cooking method accordingly to deliver perfect results every time.
It cooks everything quickly and thoroughly while preserving the essential vitamins and nutrients in your foods.
Conveniently, you can use each function independently or in a combination. The combination cooking enables the simultaneous use of two heat sources. So, you can cook an array of flavorful and healthy meals quickly.
Moreover, you can get quick, easy, and delicious recipes from apps drop and SideChef. Simply download the app and get started.
Panasonic NN CD87KS is a large capacity unit with a small footprint. This space-saving unit saves counter-space while increasing interior volume. It saves you 15% more space when compared to a similarly conventional microwave. Of course, you can mount it for a custom, built-in look with stainless steel trim kit (sold separately).
Enough interior capacity to cook a whole chicken!
With 1.2 cubic feet Interior capacity and 14.2 inches turntable, it can easily accommodate a whole chicken or 9×13 inches baking dish.
The stainless steel interior is easy to clean. Even cleaning the toughest stuck-messes is a breeze.
There is more…
You’ll appreciate the child safety lock. It allows you to keep the young hands from operating the oven. What’s more, this model has the feature to turn off the beeps while your kids are asleep.
Pros
- 4-in-1 cooking mode with combination function
- Well -built and durable
- Space-saving footprint
- Large interior to cook a whole chicken
- Child lock for peace of mind
- Silent mode for undisturbed environment
- Hassle free interior cleaning
- Accessories and cookbook included
- Versatile installation-countertop or built-in
Cons
- Several users complained that the labels on the control buttons are too small to read.
2. Cuisinart Convection Microwave Oven and Grill, CMW-200
Cuisinart CMW-200 offers a lot at a fantastic price, and that’s why we’ve placed it at the #2 position on our top-list.
With a 1.2 cubic feet interior capacity and its 1000 watt cooking power, it’s a small but mighty microwave.
The overall external measurements are 21.20″ long by 19.00″ deep by 12.20″ high. We’d certainly class this as a compact microwave. With this footprint, it is small enough for most kitchens.
CMW-200 features a convection microwave and grill function that will make your everyday cooking needs easy. You’ll appreciate its 9 pre-set options that include popcorn, reheat, beverages, pizza and more. This model also offers a grill function. These pre-set options will certainly speed up your cooking.
It even comes with 8 functions to meet all your cooking needs. Plus, it offers single and combination settings for numerous cooking options.
But this multi-stage cooking appliance is simple to operate. It adopts an advanced technology that allows you to program the oven to shift functions automatically. What you have to do is switch two or three functions in a sequence you select.
Of course, the touchpad controls with LCD allow you to select from various pre-set programs and select between the different cooking functions easily and conveniently.
Much faster cooking time and the more consistent heating of convection baking offer superior results. Conveniently, it can roast or bake with or without the microwave function.
Dual defrost option is another convenient feature of this model. You can defrost food by time or by weight.
You can use the reversible grill rack in two different positions- low position or high position whatever you need for grilling. It also comes with a 12-inch rotating glass tray for even heating. You can remove the tray for easy cleaning.
Looks good on the outside as well as inside.
Thanks to its brushed stainless steel construction with embossed Cuisinart logo and a dark tinted glass window that makes it look smart on any countertop. The construction is also durable enough to stand the test of time.
The interior is also made of stainless steel. It absorbs no odors and is easy to clean.
The 3-year limited warranty for this product helps you to buy it confidently.
Pros
- Multi-stage cooking option
- 9 pre-set options, plus grill function
- Touchpad control panel
- Weight and time defrost options
- Generous interior with an excellent compact design
- Rotating glass tray for even cooking
- BPA Free, safe to use
- 3-year limited warranty
- Recipe book and instructional manual included
Cons
- Warranty claim is difficult to address a warranty issue.
3. Amazon Smart Oven, plus Echo Show 5 (Sandstone)
If you’re looking for a smart cooking appliance at an affordable price, then Amazon Smart Oven is this. Smart technology, such as voice command, is newer technology found in this premium model.
No worry, the manufacturer makes a balance between advanced features and overall cost, making it perfect for budget shoppers.
The golden roasted chicken, done-right frozen vegetables and crispy French fries are fewer steps to delicious!
It has 4 modes to choose from and 30 built-in pre-sets. Convection, microwave, air fryer, and food warmer – these four methods help you get a home-cooked meal on the table in a snap.
With 1.5 cubic feet capacity, it’s spacious enough to cook a 5-pound chicken or prepare large dishes consistently. The overall dimensions measure 21.8″ width by 13″ height by 21.4″ depth, so this appliance will fit in any kitchen.
Moreover, the stylish black finish looks gorgeous on any countertop. If you prefer a built-in look, you can mount it with a trim kit (sold separately).
The inclusion of Alexa is a big selling point for this model. You need an Echo device to control it. When paired with, the third-gen Echo function allows you to give voice-controlled commands to operate this appliance.
The third-gen Echo function is a nice bonus for this model. When paired with a compatible Echo device, this smart appliance allows you voice-controlled commands to start, pause, and stop cooking.
This feature will make your every mealtime a little bit easier. Simply pre-set it and forget it! Alexa can automatically turn on the oven, ask you for any of the 30 pre-sets. Ask your Echo device to start cooking, or wait for Alexa to notify you when your food is done.
Thanks to the simple controls with a dedicated “Ask Alexa” button.
No guessing or checking for the cooking process! No patience is needed!
You’ll appreciate Scan-to-cook technology. From defrosting to done, you can selects packaged food with the Alexa app and let the oven do the work. Your food will deliciously be cooked the first time.
The humidity and internal temperature sensor plus the detachable temperature probe ensure that your food is cooked just the way you like it.
Pros
- Multi-functional (4-in-1)
- Alexa enabled, voice-controlled
- Stylish, lovely appearance
- Generous interior
- Humidity-sensing technology
- Affordable price
Cons
- Air fryer function requires more time to cook than standalone models.
4. Toshiba EC042A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Oven
Toshiba EC042A5C-BS is a compact microwave that doesn’t compromise on features. This model is specially designed to maximize inside capacity while retaining its overall space-saving design. That helps make it the best model for offices, apartments, RV, or even dorm rooms.
Use microwave or convection cooking option all in one appliance!
This fully-featured microwave oven offers convection function with 4 auto roast and 4 auto bake menus. You can also bakes, reheat or grill using either one or both functions for versatile cooking results.
Auto bake menu includes frozen muffins, pizza, biscuit/dinner roll/breadstick and frozen French fries. Auto Roast Menu includes a whole chicken, beef, turkey breasts and pork.
Additionally, six pre-set options allow you to cook frozen goods, popcorn, and coffee with just one touch. Besides, 10 power levels will give you more control over how your food is cooked. Plus, the one-touch popcorn button and warm-hold function make this unit very useful.
No worry, the controls are clearly labeled, easy to read, and use. The easy-to-grip door handles further improve the user experience.
The interior dimensions measure 15.5″ width by 15.35″ depth by 10.2″ height, which has 1.5 cubic feet capacity. With a 13.6″ turntable, it’s spacious for cooking food for everyone in your house.
The cavity is equipped with an efficient LED light, so you can easily check on your foods as it cooks.
It takes the guesswork out from cooking!
The built-in sensor function constantly detects the food’s humidity level during the process; then, it automatically adjusts the temperature and cooking time.
Cleaning has never been so simple!
The stainless steel cavity is scratch and rust-resistant. Cleaning and maintenance are very simple with a damp cloth.
The black stainless steel finish will match most modern kitchen to bring a timeless look.
It won’t disturb anyone else at your home!
Conveniently, you can mute the end-cooking alert or buzzer of the microwave. Simply press and hold for 3 to 5 seconds the button” 8″. The alert will automatically be switched off after a long beep.
Importantly, it features a power-saving ECO mode that reduces power consumption by up to 50%.
Pros
- Versatile cooking methods
- Spacious and feature-rich
- Auto menu and sensor cooking function
- One-touch convenience
- Energy-efficient and eco-friendly
- Simple to clean and maintain
- User-friendly and convenient
- Scratch and rust-resistant interior
Cons
- Users have found that it is louder than other models when it’s heating food.
5. Sharp Convection Microwave Oven, SMC1585BS
Sharp SMC1585BS is a reliable and user-friendly microwave convection oven. Home cooks throughout the world count on the convenience of this appliance. With 900 watts of power, it gives excellent results overall.
It is specially designed to give you the best of both worlds of cooking!
The microwave function is excellent to give the cooking speed you desire for rapid heating and fast cooking. It makes preparing your meal a breeze with exclusive auto menus such as auto defrost, auto roast, auto broil, and auto bake.
Besides, the convection function ensures perfect browning, roasting, and baking by circulating the heated air.
Worry-free cooking experience!
It comes equipped with a cooking sensor that precisely and automatically determines the reheating/ cooking times and selects the proper power levels. So, no worry about over-cooked food!
Auto defrost function takes the guesswork out of thawing most foods!
Conveniently, the defrost function automatically and perfectly defrost the items by time and weight.
Convenience is unbeatable!
There is a one-touch key function that allows you to start cooking times from 30 seconds to 6 minutes. Presets also lets you cook popcorn or beverage with just one touch. The “+60 seconds” key is convenient for instant start. Thanks to its touch control panel with white LED display.
Sharp SMC1585BS also includes a child safety lock to allow you to use it in your home safely if you have little ones.
This unit comes with a 1.5 cubic feet capacity and a rotating 15.4-inch ceramic turntable. The turntable is easy to remove and clean.
Pros
- Large capacity with a compact footprint
- Very reliable, durable, and long-lasting
- User-friendly features
- Auto adjustable cooking time
- Quick and Accurate defrosting
- Sleek, modern finish
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliant
Cons
- Not a budget-friendly option
What to Consider When Buying a Convection-Style Countertop Microwave Oven
So, you have your heart set to buy any of the above-reviewed ovens?
Congratulation!
All of these models are unbeatable in terms of performance to price ratio.
However, believe it or not, not every model on our list will be suitable for your needs. You need to put some thought into multiple factors when choosing the right one for you.
Here’s what you need to think about before diving in with your purchase.
Interior Size/ Capacity
In general, cubic feet is used to express the interior capacity of an oven. The average capacity of a countertop microwave is 1.2 to 1.7 cubic feet. The interior height is also an important factor to consider. Check that your chosen model has the food capacity to accommodate your required volume of food for everyone in your house.
A model with small capacity that can handle a 10-inch pizza easily can be perfect for individuals or couples. On the other hand, for a large family who needs to prepare large dishes consistently, we recommend going for a moderate size cavity model.
Exterior Dimensions
It’s another crucial point to consider. Countertop models use up quite a bit of counter space. Usually, the larger the internal capacity, the larger the external dimensions. However, this type of oven is cleverly designed to maximize capacity while minimizing overall dimensions.
You should check your available countertop space to set it perfectly.
Settings
Countertop convection microwaves come with a plethora of functions and settings. A model with different functions makes it the most useful to replace the necessity of buying separate appliances such as air fryer, yogurt maker, toaster oven, and bread maker.
Having a combination cook setting is another useful feature that will make your cooking process faster. It also allows you to cook a wide range of recipes in various styles and textures.
Many models include pre-set programs for cooking certain types of foods such as popcorn, baked potatoes, and much more. These pre-set cooking options are great for anyone who is not well-versed in the art of microwave cooking. What’s more, this feature is also a time-saver. Think carefully about what settings you need to make your cooking time easier.
Accessories
Check what accessories come included with the model. Some common extras are oven racks, fryer basket, broiling rack, drip tray, steam tray, baking pan. Some also include a recipe booklet.
Additional Features
Check out your selected model offers you what added features. You’ll find an oven with a simple cook time dial and start button while others with digital control or touchpad. The touchscreen panel and LCD display will make the unit easy to use. If you have little ones in your home, a child safety lock will allow you to use it safely.
Removable racks allow you to cook several items at once. 30-second keys will extend the cooking time. The sensor can adjust a heating cycle specifically to the food you want to cook. Consider which of these are necessary for you.
Finally, check how easy it is to clean and maintain. This appliance should be as smooth as possible on the interior, without awkward crannies and nooks where food may get stuck. The turntable should be easy to detach and clean.
Price
Price ranges of this appliance may vary based on size, added functions, and quality. Typically, the higher the price, the more special features that will be an offer. This appliance can cost $150 to $1000 or more. With a cheaper variant, don’t expect a considerable amount of extra perks. Think about your available budget and pick the right one that can fit your budget.
Customer Reviews
Reading the reviews from the users is a way to compare the models. User experiences with specific models help you to determine if there is any annoying feature or issue.
Conclusion
That’s it!
Hopefully, you’ve found the right one to meet your cooking needs.
These 5 best countertop microwave convection ovens are premium products that are poised to provide you the best value for your money.
Now, it’s over to you!