You don’t have room in your kitchen for both an oven and a microwave. You’re on a budget and don’t want to purchase both devices separately. You hardly cook and therefore you think it’s a shame to buy both. There are many reasons why you need the best combination microwave! In this article, we will guide you to select a suitable combination microwave for your needs, and recommend the best combination microwaves in the market in 2024.
With a good combination microwave, you can prepare all kinds of different dishes without the need for multiple devices. You will save both time and energy! Read all about it here in the buying guide and check out the top 5 combination microwaves! 😄
Combination microwave buying guide: how to buy the best combination microwave?
What is the microwave combined with to make it a ‘combination’ microwave? And what should you pay attention to when buying a combination microwave? Find out in this buying guide!
What is a combination microwave?
A combination microwave is a device with combined functions, of which at least a microwave function and an oven function, but often many more!
The advantage of this is that you have several devices in one and this quickly saves space and money. After all, you only purchase one device. This saves the space of a second appliance and, moreover, a combination microwave is usually smaller than an oven.
A combination microwave is also usually cheaper than an oven, and in the case of two separate appliances, the price of a microwave is added to the price of an oven. Especially if you’re looking for the best oven and microwave, the price quickly rises and the difference is big.
In addition, a combination microwave usually consumes less energy than the separate appliances. First of all, it is usually a relatively economical device, but a microwave also heats up faster than an oven, which in turn saves energy and time.
Finally, it is also a piece of convenience. What could be easier than one device for everything? You only have one device to clean, one manual to read and they are almost always easy to use.
Built-in or freestanding?
One of the first things to consider is whether you prefer a built-in combination microwave or a freestanding combination microwave. The advantage of a freestanding combination microwave is that you can place it wherever you want and also easily move it.
Moreover, freestanding combination microwaves are often cheaper than built-in combination microwaves. Installing a combination microwave also takes time, effort and knowledge.
Built-in combination microwaves usually have a larger capacity and therefore a larger preparation capacity.
In addition, a built-in combination microwave is often more pleasing to the eye. It looks sleek and it is an option to integrate the built-in combination microwave into the kitchen design.
The initiative: Do you opt for a built-in combination microwave? Then you place your combination microwave in a so-called niche: a recess in the kitchen. It is important that you know what the niche dimensions are. Therefore, measure the height, width and depth of the niche carefully and check whether the combination microwave fits in it.
Content and dimensions
The content of a combination microwave is often indicated in litres. The content you need depends on what you plan to prepare in the combination microwave.
We divide the content into three options: a content of up to 25 litres, a content between 25 and 40 liters and a content from 40 litres. Usually the following applies:
- Capacity up to 25 liters: This capacity is perfect for preparing small dishes. This way, you can heat up a bowl of soup or make a small bowl of lasagna. Larger oven dishes or higher objects such as a baby bottle do not always fit.
- Contents between 25 and 40 liters: This fits larger dishes and possibly also casseroles. The latter is not always the case, but you usually don’t quickly experience that something doesn’t fit as long as you don’t want to prepare a whole chicken in it.
- Content from 40 liters: Would you rather prepare a whole chicken in your combination microwave? Or do you have large oven dishes to provide the whole family with a good meal? Then a capacity of 40 liters or more is ideal. This is similar to a small oven.
The content is important and says something about what fits in it, but the dimensions are perhaps even more important. For example, a turntable and grids on the walls of the combination microwave take up part of the contents. The actual content to be used is often smaller than the indicated content.
To find out whether your favorite oven dish, a baby bottle or a pizza will fit, the dimensions of the inside of the combination microwave are more important. Preferably choose dimensions that are slightly larger than what you want to prepare in it, to make sure that it will fit later.
Also keep in mind that you don’t choose a much larger combination microwave than necessary , because it takes more energy to heat a larger content than a smaller one.
Possibilities
As I mentioned earlier, a combination microwave is a combination of several appliances, where the combination at least consists of a microwave and oven function.
In any case, the microwave function offers the possibility to heat your food. In addition, many combination microwaves have other microwave functions such as a defrost function to defrost frozen food. ❄️
The oven function usually consists of a hot air function. There is a heating element in the combination microwave that heats up. A fan distributes and circulates the hot air. This ensures rapid and even heating.
In some combination microwave ovens, the oven function also consists of top and bottom heat . This contains a heating element on both the bottom and top of the combination microwave that immediately heats the food.
The advantage of top and bottom heat is a bit of control: should the bottom cook before the top? Then place the dish a little lower. Or you only turn on bottom heat, because it is often possible to operate the heating elements separately from each other.
Moreover, hot air is not suitable for every dish. A combination microwave without top and bottom heat has only one heating element and therefore has relatively little ‘power’ compared to a regular oven, so that the hot air is not always suitable for cooking cakes, for example.
In addition to the microwave and oven function, a combination microwave often also has a grill function. There is a heating element at the top of the combination microwave that heats up quite quickly to a very high temperature. This creates a crispy crust on the top of the dish.
The more luxurious combination microwave ovens also have a steam function. This makes your combination microwave also a good steam oven. These combination microwaves convert water into steam. The food cooks by means of the steam, so that the color, taste and structure are better preserved.
The above options are the basic functions that you see on combination microwaves. In addition, there are a lot of other options, such as pre-programmed preparation methods and extra functions. You can read more about this below. 👀
Pre-programmed cooking methods
Many combination microwaves make life just that little bit easier with pre-programmed preparation methods. It’s a kind of internal cookbook . For example, there is a stand for pizzas, fries, sandwiches or fish.
Press the button and the combination microwave will set itself correctly for the type of dish.
Some combination microwaves go a step further by asking how many parts the dish consists of (for example two or three sandwiches) and how many grams it is (for example 400 grams). The combination microwave then selects the best preparation method, temperature and preparation time.
Additional features
If you already think that the possibilities of combination microwave ovens are very extensive, I have news for you: this is far from everything.
The perfect combination microwave seamlessly meets your needs, so pay attention to the functions and options in this list:
- Crisp function : The crisp function ensures that the food cooks and at the same time gets a crispy layer. Ideal for fries or breaded fish, for example.
- Eco mode : The eco mode ensures that the combination microwave consumes as little energy as possible. Exactly how this function takes care of this differs per device.
- Start delay : Here you set the time at which the combination microwave starts. This way, you can put your dish in it and the combination microwave won’t start until half an hour later, for example.
- Sensor programs : Here sensors detect how far the dish is in order to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly.
- Continued cooking function : This allows you to set the food to ‘rest’ between the cooking steps, or to continue cooking in the remaining heat of the combination microwave.
- Cooking steps : You set the cooking steps in advance so that you do not do this in between. For example, you can set the combination microwave to defrost first, then start the lasagna program and finally continue cooking.
- Cooling fan : After cooking, a cooling fan ensures that the microwave oven cools down as quickly as possible. This prevents overheating, but also costs more energy.
- Self-cleaning : There are several self-cleaning programs that combination microwave ovens may have. The following applies to all: cleaning is so much easier!
- Turntable : Many microwave ovens have a turntable. This ensures that the food heats equally well everywhere, but also takes up other usable space.
- Child lock : A child lock prevents children from accidentally switching the combination microwave on or off, or opening the door when this is not intended,
- Door opening direction : There are doors that you fold open downwards and doors that you open to the left or right. Some combination microwave ovens have doors with an adjustable direction of rotation.
- Hanging options : Many free-standing combination microwaves can be hung and for some combination microwaves there are even special holders available with which you can hang the combination microwave on the wall.
Temperature and heating time
The maximum temperature of the oven function of the combination microwave differs per model. There are relatively few recipes that require temperatures higher than 220°C. Most combination microwave ovens therefore have a maximum temperature of 220°C.
There are also microwave ovens with a lower maximum temperature or a higher maximum temperature (often not higher than 250°C). Think carefully in advance about which maximum temperature is suitable for you.
The warm-up time may also be important to you. Although combination microwave ovens heat up relatively quickly , it does not hurt to pay close attention to this. Especially if you have little patience, this quickly makes a big difference. 😉
For the microwave function, the higher the wattage, the faster the dish will be heated. And for the oven function, the hot air generally heats up faster than the top and bottom heat.
Rapid heating is not always better. In some cases, a lower wattage is better than a higher wattage and for some dishes hot air is better suited than top and bottom heat. It is true that one combination microwave heats faster with the same function than the other combination microwave.
Assets
The power of a combination microwave oven is an important factor to pay attention to in several ways. As you read above, a higher wattage (power) results in a faster warm-up time. But higher power also goes hand in hand with higher energy consumption.
In addition, no standard power is the best for heating up food. This depends on what you are preparing. The solution to this? A combination microwave with multiple wattage settings.
Do you have a little more time and the need to save energy, or do you have a dish that heats up better with a low wattage? Then you use a low setting . Do you have less time or is it better to heat your food with a high wattage? Then you use a high setting .
Not every combination microwave has (as many) wattage settings. Pay close attention to this.
Operation and display
The operation of a combination microwave differs per model. In any case, it is useful if there is a clear display and that the operation is easy and simple to understand, so that you do not have to consult the manual every time.
The operation works by means of push buttons, rotary knobs, touch screen or a combination of these. Some smart combination microwaves can even be operated with an app.
Smart combination microwave ovens
Smart combination microwaves work in combination with an app. In fact, they are regular combination microwaves with an extra. But a very useful extra.
You can operate the combination microwave (remotely) via the app and see, among other things, how long it will take. The app offers even more useful features. You can use the app to set which dish you intend to prepare and send the settings directly to your combination microwave.
But in addition to the ease of use that this offers, it also offers a piece of security. Is the oven function still on and no one is home? Then you simply turn it off from the app. That’s really smart.
Quality and material
The material of a combination microwave determines to a large extent the quality of a combination microwave and to a different extent the ease of use.
For example, it is important that the material on the inside is easy to clean. For example, dirt adheres more quickly to stainless steel than to a painted, enamelled or ceramic interior.
A sturdy exterior of a combination microwave is also recommended. For example, hard materials such as stainless steel are less susceptible to scratches and dents. The material of the possible turntable also requires your attention. Enamel or ceramic is easier to clean than glass.
A sturdy and well-maintained combination microwave usually lasts longer than a low-quality combination microwave that is less easy to maintain because it is more prone to damage and less easy to clean.
What also contributes to the quality is the light in the microwave function. Basic microwave ovens often contain a light bulb . High-quality microwave ovens use LED lighting that has a much longer lifespan and is more energy efficient.
Finally, the functions and possibilities of the combination microwave play a role in the quality of the device. For example, a top-class combination microwave has sufficient options to perfectly prepare all kinds of dishes.
And basic combination microwaves often do not have the ability to properly prepare every type of dish, because the functions and options are not sufficient.
A top-quality combination microwave is not the best option for everyone. The better the quality and the more options, the more you pay. And you may end up paying for features you never use.
Moreover, good maintenance contributes just as well to the quality and lifespan and you have it partly under your control.
Design
Well, this doesn’t require much explanation if all goes well. The eye also wants something and that is why it is important that the design matches your kitchen and your personal preferences . Fortunately, there are more than enough different combination microwaves on the market. Finding one that suits your taste is not that difficult.
User tips
Although a combination microwave is generally not that difficult to use, there are certain things that make it easier, better or safer to use. I’ll give you all those tips here.
This way you will not only have the best combination microwave, but you will also make the best use of it!
Maintenance and cleaning tips
Proper maintenance and proper cleaning extend the life of your combination microwave. You should also clean your combination microwave to promote hygiene.
Good cleaning even contributes to safety because no flammable residues, such as grease, remain behind for too long. Proper cleaning therefore also falls under the maintenance of a combination microwave.
Good cleaning starts with the right cleaning agent. Do not use corrosive, penetrating or harsh cleaning agents or scouring pads.
Remove grease residues as quickly as possible and clean as soon as possible after using the combination microwave. Make sure that the combination microwave is no longer hot.
Preferably do not use an oven cleaner in a combination microwave. Only do this if you cannot get the device clean in any other way, and never use it on a self-cleaning wall.
Do you have stubborn dirt that you can’t just get off? Then put a bowl of water in the microwave until the water boils and then let it stand for another 30 to 60 seconds. The dirt may have been loosened by the steam.
And do you suffer from unpleasant odors ? Then put a bowl of water with a few drops of lemon juice in the microwave for a few minutes on the highest power.
Always dry the combination microwave thoroughly after cleaning. Also check whether the removable parts , such as a rack, are suitable for the dishwasher and avoid splashes on the heating element if possible, as this is very difficult to clean.
The only other maintenance you have to do with the combination microwave is to ensure that you use the device correctly. For example, do not put unsuitable materials in the microwave, such as metal, do not use the microwave when it is empty, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Preparation tips
Although it is usually a matter of pressing a button, selecting the correct mode or following the instructions, this does not always lead to the best result. For example, it sometimes happens that the defrost function heats the outside of the food, but the inside is still frozen. Fortunately, there are tricks for that. 👇
- Smart freezing : The described problem with the defrost function arises because the core is more difficult to reach for your combination microwave. Therefore, preferably freeze your food ‘flat’. For soup, for example, use a flat container rather than a square container.
- Lend a hand : The outside often heats up faster than the inside. Stir regularly, or place products that are difficult to warm on the outside of the plate and products that are easier to heat in the middle.
- Experiment with the functions : People tend to use what they are used to, although a combination mode (such as the microwave and grill function at the same time) may lead to better results than the microwave alone.
- Cover splattering food : Food sometimes splatters when reheated. There are special trays and foils for this. These cover the food and also provide ventilation so that the steam can escape.
Safety tips
Is a combination microwave, and especially the microwave, safe? That is something that many people quickly ask themselves. The answer: yes, usually yes.
The microwave function uses microwaves to heat up the food. These waves are not good for us if they radiate directly at us, but these waves remain in the combination microwave.
A combination microwave is built in such a way that the microwaves do not leak out when the device is on. And the waves stop immediately when you open the door or stop the microwave.
It is important that the door closes properly. Isn’t this so? Then solve this first so that you don’t run the risk of these waves escaping.
It is also not surprising to be extra careful if you have a pacemaker. Older pacemakers may be disturbed by waves at the same frequency. A microwave shouldn’t interfere with a pacemaker, but if you’re concerned, a call to your doctor wouldn’t hurt.
More real dangers are rather the heat or the lack of it . Always make sure that you heat the food sufficiently , this applies to both the oven and microwave function.
Also keep in mind that both the inside of the combination microwave and what you heat up may be very hot after preparation. Watch out for this and use oven gloves if necessary.
Also prevent the risk of fire and overheating by removing fat as quickly as possible, by following the manufacturer’s safety instructions and by keeping a sufficient distance between the combination microwave and the environment (the minimum distance is stated in the manual).
Other user tips
First of all, make sure you don’t put anything in the combination microwave that doesn’t belong there. A lot of things are fairly self-evident, but that doesn’t apply to everything. In any case, do not put the following in the (combination) microwave:
- Porcelain and ceramics : These materials are often not heat resistant enough.
- Paper, textile and wood : Most of these materials are flammable and pose a risk of fire when placed in the combination oven. This does not apply to everything, however. For example, there are special wooden plateaus that can be used in an oven.
- Airtight packaged resources : When something that is packaged airtight is heated, there is a risk that the package will explode in an oven or microwave.
- Warming packs : Warming packs insulate the inside. Besides the risk of damaging the packaging itself, do not heat the food inside, as the heat cannot pass through the packaging.
- Metal : This only applies to the microwave function. Metal, including chrome-plated surfaces and metal fasteners will spark in the microwave. An oven rack can therefore not just be put in the microwave. Special racks are available for this.
- Melamine : If certain foods that you heat to at least 70° C come into contact with melamine dishes, the food may absorb melamine, which can end up in your body and this is not good for you.
Another question you may run into is which wattage setting you should use and for how long. Not every option is always described on the packaging. The following is a handy guideline.
- 200 W : defrosting regular dishes or softening butter.
- 400 W : to defrost and prepare dishes that require a relatively long cooking time in an oven, such as stews.
- 600 W : prepare dense dishes, such as meatloaf, and dishes that require even cooking, such as cakes.
- 800 W : reheating a dish, or cooking dishes containing meat, poultry, eggs or cheese.
- 1000 W or more : Quickly cook or reheat the dishes listed at 800 W and dishes such as soup, casseroles, fish and vegetables.
It is possible that a wattage and time are stated on the packaging, but your combination microwave does not have the same wattage setting. In that case you calculate the wattage and the time.
You do this by dividing the number of wattage on the packaging by the nearest wattage setting of your combination microwave. Multiply this number by the preparation time on the package.
An example : The packaging states that you should use a wattage of 600 watts for 5 minutes (5 × 60 = 300 seconds), but the closest wattage setting of your combination microwave is 800 watts.
Then this is the calculation: 600/800 = 0.75. And 0.75 × 5 minutes = 3.75 minutes, or (0.75 × 60 seconds =) 3 minutes and 45 seconds or (0.75 × 300 seconds =) 225 seconds at 800 watts.
The 5 best combination microwaves in 2023
1. Whirlpool MWO 611 SL silver
Make delicious meals with this Whirlpool Microwave MW 611 SL ! This silver microwave has 2 cooking methods: microwave and grill. The capacity of the oven space is 30 litres. With a microwave power of 850 Watt and 1100 Watt for the grill, you can bring a real powerhouse into your kitchen!
Features of the Whirlpool Microwave MW 611 SL:
-2 cooking methods: microwave, grill
-Microwave power 850 W
-Grill 1100 W
Functions
Quick defrost with Jet-defrost
Useful information:
-Control panel lock
-24-hour clock
-Oven material: painted
-10 power levels
– Revolving door, hinges left
-Turntable Ø 31.5 cm
Technical data
-Dimensions device (HxWxD): 27.7 x 52.5 x 36.5 cm
-Connection value 1400 W
-Fuse 12 A
-Frequency 50 Hz
-Voltage 230 V
-Weight device 17.4 kg
-Weight packaged device 18.4 kg
Accessories
-Grid
2. Inventum MN305C – Combi microwave silver
Volume in liters: 30 l
Top and bottom heat: No
Hot air functionality: Yes
Grill function: Yes
Types of steam: No added steam
Defrost functionality: Yes
Number of power levels: 5
3. Inventum MN255C – Combination microwave silver
Volume in liters: 25 l
Top and bottom heat: No
Hot air functionality: Yes
Grill function: Yes
Types of steam: No added steam
Defrost functionality: Yes
Number of power levels: 5
4. Swiss Pro+ Combi Microwave With silver stainless steel
Volume in liters: 20 l
Hot air functionality: Yes
Grill function: Yes
Types of steam: No added steam
Defrost functionality: Yes
Number of power levels: 8
5. Samsung MC28M6035KK/EN HotBlast Combi microwave black
Volume in liters: 28 l
Top and bottom heat: No
Hot air functionality: Yes
Grill function: Yes
Types of steam: Steaming with steam dish
Defrost functionality: Yes
Number of power levels: 6
Frequently asked questions about combination microwave ovens
Below you will find some frequently asked questions about combination microwaves. If you have any questions, I hope the answer is here. If not, please let us know. 😄
🆚 What is the difference between a combination microwave and a combination oven?
Both consist of at least a microwave and oven function. The microwave takes first place in a combination microwave oven. It is a full-fledged microwave with an oven function. The quality or extensiveness of that oven function differs per model. The exact opposite is the case with a combination oven.
💲 How expensive is a combination microwave?
Combination microwave oven prices range from around €100 to €1000 or more, although most combination microwaves cost between €150 and €400. Usually, the more extensive the features and the higher the quality, the more you pay.
❓ How long does a combination microwave last?
The lifespan of a combination microwave differs and depends on various factors, such as the quality of the combination microwave and how well you maintain it. A well-maintained combination microwave oven can last more than 10 years, but the lifespan is usually between 4 and 10 years.
Which combination microwave should I buy?
That’s entirely up to you and your budget; everyone is unique. What I do have for you is a handy table with – in my opinion – the most important specifications of the best combination microwave. This is how you make the best choice!
| Volume in liters | Top and bottom heat | Hot air functionality | Grill function | Number of power levels | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whirlpool MWO 611 SL silver | 30 l | No | No | Yes | 10 |
| 2 | Inventum MN305C – Combi microwave silver | 30 l | No | Yes | Yes | 5 |
| 3 | Inventum MN255C – Combi microwave silver | 25 l | No | Yes | Yes | 5 |
| 4 | Swiss Pro+ Combi Microwave With silver stainless steel | 20 l | No | Yes | Yes | 8 |
| 5 | Samsung MC28M6035KK/EN HotBlast Combi microwave black | 28 l | No | Yes | Yes | 6 |
Conclusion
A combination microwave: a microwave, oven and even more appliances in one. That’s always handy, right? Well, except for one area: figuring out all the possibilities and options, because that involves quite a bit. But that’s the only way to find the best combination microwave for you.
That’s why I wrote this buying guide. And this in combination with the top 5 combination microwave ovens in this article, I hope you find everything you need here. Do you still have questions or comments? Please let us know. Anyway, thanks for reading. 😊