Modern kitchens often face a common challenge: a demand for high-performance cooking without the countertop clutter of multiple appliances. A combination microwave offers a practical solution, merging the speed of a microwave with the capabilities of a grill and a convection oven. This allows you to defrost, reheat, grill, roast and even bake, all from one compact unit.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the market and understand the features that truly matter. This guide is designed to cut through the clutter, providing clear, objective advice to help you select an appliance that fits your home, budget and cooking style.
Before looking at specific models, it helps to understand the key features that differentiate them. Focusing on these three areas will ensure you find a model that meets your household's needs.
The internal capacity, measured in litres, determines how much you can cook at once.
Also, consider the interior layout. Traditional models use a turntable to ensure even cooking. However, a flatbed microwave uses a different technology to distribute heat, removing the need for a rotating plate. This frees up the entire internal cavity, making it easier to fit large or rectangular cookware.
A combination microwave is defined by its multiple cooking methods.
For those who appreciate convenience, a smart microwave with Wi-Fi connectivity can be a useful addition. These models allow you to control the appliance via a smartphone app, access guided recipes and monitor cooking progress remotely.
Finally, check the power, measured in watts (W). A higher wattage generally means faster cooking times. Most combination models offer around 900W for the microwave function, which is ample for everyday tasks.
Here are a few models that stand out for their features, performance and suitability for different types of users.
Why It Stands Out: This Samsung combination microwave offers an excellent balance of functionality and size. It combines microwave, grill and convection cooking, making it a true multi-purpose appliance. A key feature is the Smart Moisture Sensor, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power to prevent food from drying out.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Families and couples seeking a reliable, do-it-all appliance that can handle everything from daily reheating to weekend baking and grilling.
Why It Stands Out: This model is a comprehensive cooking station, integrating an air fryer microwave function alongside its other capabilities. With a generous 32-litre capacity and Smart Wi-Fi Connectivity, it is designed for the modern, connected kitchen.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Larger households, keen home cooks and anyone who wants the latest cooking technology, including air frying and smart features, consolidated into one powerful appliance.
Why It Stands Out: While not a full combination oven (it lacks a convection function), this Hisense model is an excellent step up from a basic solo microwave. Its compact 20-litre frame houses both a microwave and an 800W grill, making it a versatile choice for smaller spaces.
Pros:
Who is it for?: Individuals, students or households with limited counter space who want more functionality than a basic microwave without the size and complexity of a full combination model.
If these specific models don't quite match what you're looking for, or if you'd like to compare a wider range of sizes and features, we have more to see. Explore our full collection of Combination Microwaves to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
A standard (or solo) microwave only uses microwaves to heat food. A combination microwave adds other heating elements, typically a grill and a convection fan, allowing you to bake, roast and brown food much like a conventional oven.
For many households, yes. A good convection microwave can bake cakes, roast a chicken and cook pizzas. While it may be smaller than a conventional built-in oven, its versatility makes it a suitable primary cooking appliance for smaller kitchens or a valuable secondary oven for larger families.
An air fryer microwave uses a powerful convection fan and high heat to circulate hot air, creating a crispy, fried-like texture with minimal oil. If you frequently cook items like chips, chicken wings or roasted vegetables and want a healthier alternative to deep-frying without buying a separate appliance, it can be a very worthwhile feature.