A microwave and baking oven combo is a convection microwave: it microwaves, and it also bakes, roasts, or grills using a heating element and fan. Reviewers rate the Panasonic HomeChef 2-in-1 as best overall and the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 as best value among countertop models they tested. If you want a built-in setup, the LG WCEP6427F wall oven combo was the single microwave-oven combination in a This Old House guide. Below are the picks, who each suits, and what the reviewers didn’t like.
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Quick Comparison
These are the models covered in the reviews I read. Most sources didn’t list prices, so I’ve only included figures they gave.
| Model | Type | Size | Power | Best for | Price |
| Panasonic HomeChef 2-in-1 | Countertop | 1.2 cu. ft. | 1,000 W microwave, 1,100 W broiler | Best overall (Bob Vila) | Not stated |
| Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 | Countertop | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1,100 W microwave, 1,400 W convection | Best bang for the buck (Bob Vila) | Not stated |
| Panasonic NN-CD88 | Countertop, 4-in-1 | 34 L | Not stated | Versatility (T3) | Not stated |
| Panasonic NN-CS89 | Countertop, flatbed | 27 L | Not stated | Easy cleaning (T3) | Not stated |
| Caso Design MCG 25 | Countertop, flat ceramic | 25 L | 900 W microwave, 1,200 W grill, 2,050 W convection | Square dishes (T3) | Not stated |
| Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1 | Countertop | 32 L | Not stated | Ease of use (T3) | Not stated |
| KitchenAid KMQFX33910 | Countertop | 33 L | Not stated | Steaming and roasting (T3) | Not stated |
| Bosch 800 Series | Over-the-range | 1.9 cu. ft. | 1,000 W microwave, 1,450 W convection | Best over-the-range (Bob Vila) | Not stated |
| LG Smart (over-the-range) | Over-the-range | 1.7 cu. ft. | 950 W microwave, 1,700 W convection | Smart features (Bob Vila) | Not stated |
| LG WCEP6427F | Wall oven + microwave | 1.7 cu. ft. microwave, 4.7 cu. ft. oven | True convection | Built-in kitchens (This Old House) | $3,300 at Best Buy (as published) |
Bob Vila’s overall tested-price range for convection microwaves is $450 to $1,400. Prices change, so check before you buy.
Note on sources: T3’s guide uses litres and British-style writing, so some of its picks may be more widely sold in the UK. Check availability where you live.
Countertop Convection Microwaves
Panasonic HomeChef 2-in-1: Best Overall
Bob Vila tested this one hands-on for a month. It has sensor cooking, 18 presets, broil, and an air-fry mode.
- Pros: Evenly heated pasta, pizza, and oatmeal. Broiling browns food without drying it.
- Cons: The air-fry mode runs noticeably slower than a dedicated air fryer.
- Best for: Someone who wants one countertop machine for most reheating and light baking.
Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1: Best Value (Bob Vila)
Also tested hands-on. It has a grill element, air-fry function, Fast Combi, and a shortcut bar in the door.
- Pros: Premium build and consistent convection and grill browning. The shortcut bar was handy for melting butter or chocolate.
- Cons: The air-fry mode over-shrank foods such as frozen chicken breasts.
- Best for: Buyers who want strong browning and don’t plan to rely on air frying.
A naming note: T3 reviews a similar-sounding model called the Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1. The names are similar, but the sources don’t say whether the two are the same product, so don’t treat the reviews as interchangeable.
Sage Combi Wave 3-in-1 (T3)
- Pros: Very intuitive controls, crispy-base pizza, and customizable settings.
- Cons: The crisper is slow to use, and it is quite pricey. Combi modes take some learning.
Panasonic NN-CD88 (T3)
Rated five stars by T3, with 30 auto programmes and five combination modes.
- Pros: Crispy air-fry results without much grease, good convection roasting and baking, reliable sensor cooking.
- Cons: Very large, a little noisy, and it keeps making noise for a few minutes after cooking.
Panasonic NN-CS89 Flatbed (T3)
- Pros: Flatbed design with no turntable, so it’s easy to clean and fits non-round dishes. 18 auto-cook programmes and a standout manual defrost.
- Cons: The grill is weaker than the others.
Caso Design MCG 25 (T3)
- Pros: Flat ceramic interior suits square dishes and is easy to clean. Two cooking levels can be used at once.
- Cons: Very loud in some modes (the convection mode is loud) and large on the counter.
KitchenAid KMQFX33910 (T3)
- Pros: Cooks, defrosts, and reheats well. The fan oven roasts and bakes effectively, and steaming was impressive for vegetables and fish.
- Cons: Big, with a flimsy turntable mount. Preheating is slower, and self-cleaning doesn’t fully restore the interior after heavy use.
Over-the-Range Convection Microwaves
Bob Vila picked these based on research and user feedback, not hands-on testing, so treat the praise as less proven than the two countertop picks.
| Model | Capacity | Power | Notable features |
| Bosch 800 Series | 1.9 cu. ft. | 1,000 W microwave, 1,450 W convection | 12 one-touch modes, sensor cooking, 385 CFM ventilation fan |
| LG Smart | 1.7 cu. ft. | 950 W microwave, 1,700 W convection | Scan-to-Cook via the ThinQ app, air-fry, SmoothTouch glass controls |
| Samsung | 1.7 cu. ft. | 950 W microwave, 1,700 W convection | Slim Fry mode, Wi-Fi with SmartThings, voice control, fan sync with compatible Samsung cooktops |
| GE Profile | 1.7 cu. ft. | 925 W | Speed Cook technology, 175 preprogrammed meals, Recipe Saver for up to 30 recipes |
Bob Vila lists no cons for these four, which is a sign the picks are based on specs and user reviews instead of testing. Check owner reviews before buying.
Built-In: Microwave and Wall Oven Combos
This Old House listed one microwave combination wall oven, the LG WCEP6427F (“Best Overall”), at $3,300 at Best Buy as published. The other ovens in that guide (Samsung, GE Profile, Bosch, Café, KitchenAid) were standalone wall ovens, not microwave combinations.
- Specs: 1.7 cu. ft. microwave and 4.7 cu. ft. oven, with true convection that heats both units.
- Features: Air frying, sous vide, an InstaView window (knock twice to see inside), EasyClean for the lower oven in about 10 minutes, and ThinQ app support.
- Pros: EasyClean, backlit smooth-touch controls, and app connectivity.
- Cons: Unnecessary if you already have a built-in microwave, and the oven is smaller than some similar models.
- Caveat: The article doesn’t describe hands-on testing of this model. It relied on buyer ratings, other publications,s and expert input. It was first published in 2023, and its price is undated.
Which Type Should You Buy?
| If you want… | Choose |
| One machine for reheating, light baking and crisping on a counter | Countertop convection microwave |
| Easy cleaning and square-dish baking | Flatbed or flat-interior model (Panasonic NN-CS89, Caso MCG 25) |
| To free up counter space and add a vent | Over-the-range model (Bosch 800 Series, LG, Samsung, GE Profile) |
| A full built-in oven plus microwave in one cabinet | Wall oven combo (LG WCEP6427F) |
| A cheaper way to try convection | A countertop pick from the lower end of Bob Vila’s $450 to $1,400 range |
What to Check Before You Buy
- Size. Capacity ranges from 1.1 cu. ft. to 1.9 cu. ft. in the listings above. Make sure your baking dish fits, and measure the counter or cabinet space.
- Real oven capacity. A combo is not a full-size oven. The reviews describe roasting, baking, and browning, but at microwave-cavity size.
- Air-fry expectations. Both countertop picks Bob Vila tested had air-fry weaknesses (slower than a dedicated air fryer; over-shrinking frozen chicken).
- Noise. T3 flagged noise on the Panasonic NN-CD88 and Caso MCG 25.
- Cleaning. Flat interiors and flatbed designs are easier to wipe. KitchenAid’s self-clean didn’t fully restore the interior after heavy use.
- Preheat time. T3 notes slower preheating on the KitchenAid and a few extra minutes on the Panasonic NN-CD88.
- Controls. Combi modes take time to learn. T3 praised the Sage Combi Wave for being less fiddly than most.
- Smart features. LG, Samsung and Bosch offer app or sensor features, but they only matter if you will use them.
Common Complaints With Convection Microwaves
Bob Vila consulted Ron Shimek of Mr. Appliance on common problems, which include uneven cooking and complex controls. The reviews above echo both: they flag slow air-frying, noise, size, and a learning curve with combination modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a microwave and baking oven combo?
A convection microwave, which microwaves and also bakes, roasts,s or grills with a heating element and fan.
Which is the best microwave oven combo?
Bob Vila names the Panasonic HomeChef 2-in-1 best overall and the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 best value, after hands-on testing of both. T3 gave the Panasonic NN-CD88 five stars.
Can a combo microwave replace my oven?
Not fully. These are smaller than a standard oven, so they suit small batches, reheating, and light baking. A wall oven combo such as the LG WCEP6427F pairs a microwave with a full oven.
How much do they cost?
Bob Vila’s tested range is $450 to $1,400 for convection microwaves. The LG wall oven combo was $3,300 at Best Buy when This Old House published its guide.
Do they really air fry?
Many have an air-fry mode, but Bob Vila found the Panasonic’s runs slower than a dedicated air fryer and the Breville’s over-shrank frozen chicken. T3 found the Panasonic NN-CD88 gave crispy results without much grease.
Are over-the-range models tested?
Not in the Bob Vila guide. Its over-the-range picks were chosen based on research and user feedback.
Which combo is quietest?
The sources don’t rank noise. T3 flags the Panasonic NN-CD88 and the Caso MCG 25 as noisy in some modes.
Is a wall oven microwave combo worth it?
It depends on your kitchen. This Old House says the LG combo is unnecessary if you already have a built-in microwave.
Where should I check current prices?
Retailer pages. Most reviews I found didn’t list prices, and prices change.
Conclusion
For most people, a countertop convection microwave is the practical way to get a microwave and a small oven in one machine. Based on the reviews, the Panasonic HomeChef and Breville Combi Wave are the best-supported picks because they were tested hands-on, while T3’s Panasonic NN-CD88, Sage Combi Wave, and flatbed models suit buyers who value versatility or easy cleaning. Over-the-range and wall oven combos make sense if you’re planning a built-in setup, but their praise rests more on specs and user feedback. Measure your space, check the current price, and be realistic about air-frying and baking capacity before you buy.
