Which Combination Microwave to Choose? Top Versatile Kitchen Picks

In kitchens where every square inch counts, fitting both a conventional oven and a microwave can be a real headache. The combination microwave oven emerges as the clever solution, merging multiple appliances into one. It promises to defrost, reheat, and also grill, roast, and even steam—all within a compact footprint.

As product experts at Joybuy, our mission is to help you navigate the options. This guide breaks down the essential features and presents our selection of the best models to help you find the perfect appliance for your habits and your kitchen.

Buying Guide for a Combination Microwave Oven

To ensure you make the right choice, here are the essential criteria to consider.

1. Versatile Cooking Modes: Beyond Simple Reheating

The key advantage of a combination model is its ability to offer multiple cooking modes.

• Microwave + Grill and Convection?: This is the winning combination. The grill allows you to brown and gratinate your dishes, while convection heat ensures even cooking, worthy of a conventional oven. This is an indispensable feature for successfully baking cakes, roasts, or quiches.
• Steam Microwave?: For healthy cooking, the steam function is a real bonus. It preserves the nutrients, vitamins, and flavours of food, especially vegetables and fish, without needing to add fat.

2. Capacity and Dimensions: A Family-Sized Consideration

Expressed in litres (L), capacity is a crucial factor: it determines whether you can fit a large family dish or a whole chicken inside.

• For a single person or a couple?: a volume of 20 to 25 litres is usually sufficient for daily needs.
• For a family?: aim for a large-capacity microwave, from 32 to 40 litres. It can then more easily substitute for a main oven. Also, remember to check the external dimensions of this countertop multi-function oven to ensure it will fit on your work surface.

3. Technologies That Make Daily Life Easier

Some innovations are real game-changers in daily use. LG's Smart Inverter technology, for example, offers much more precise power control. Unlike conventional microwaves that alternate abruptly between 100% and 0% power, an Inverter model delivers continuous, perfectly adjustable heat. The result: faster and, most importantly, more even defrosting and reheating. No more "burnt on the outside, still frozen on the inside" effect!

Recommended Combination Microwave Ovens

After analysing the market, here are the models that particularly caught our attention for their performance and relevance.

LG MJ3965ACS: The All-in-One for Cooking Enthusiasts

Why it stands out

The LG MJ3965ACS is a true culinary Swiss Army knife. With its large 39L capacity and Smart Inverter technology, it's aimed at those who don't want to make any compromises. It even includes a charcoal heating element which, according to LG, gives grilled food an authentic flavour, similar to a barbecue.

Key Features

• Extreme versatility?: It combines microwave, grill, convection, and steam cooking functions (via a dedicated accessory).
• Smart Inverter Technology?: Ensures precise and even cooking and defrosting.
• Healthy Cooking?: The Healthy Fry function can reportedly prepare crispy dishes with up to 72% less fat, according to the brand.
• Large capacity?: Its 39-litre interior and 36 cm turntable allow you to cook for the whole family.
• Easy maintenance?: The EasyClean interior coating is antibacterial and cleans with a simple wipe.

Who is it for?

For families and cooking enthusiasts looking for a single appliance to replace their conventional oven. Its versatility and large capacity make it a prime ally for preparing varied and healthy meals every day.

See price and details for the LG MJ3965ACS

Samsung MS32DG4504GTE1: The Balance of Design and Steam Cooking

Why it stands out

This Samsung model focuses on a sleek design and features geared towards healthy cooking and convenience. Note that this is not a combination model with convection, but a very advanced solo microwave. Its main asset? An effective steam function thanks to an included accessory, making it highly relevant for those who prioritise this cooking method.

Key Features

• Comfortable capacity?: With 32 litres, it's suitable for most families.
• Steam cooking included?: A steam basket is provided to cook vegetables and fish while preserving all their nutritional qualities.
• Ceramic enamel interior?: Known for its scratch resistance and ease of cleaning, it also has antibacterial properties.
• Power Defrost function?: Allows for quick and even defrosting of a wide variety of foods.
• Modern design?: Its black finish and integrated handle blend elegantly into contemporary kitchens.

Who is it for?

For those primarily looking for an excellent microwave for defrosting/reheating, with the real bonus of healthy steam cooking, all in a stylish and easy-to-maintain appliance.

Discover the Samsung MS32DG4504GTE1

COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK): The Compact and Affordable Solution

Why it stands out

The Comfee model isn't in the same league as the previous ones, but it perfectly meets a specific need: simplicity and compactness. It's a microwave that gets straight to the point for essential tasks.

Key Features

• Compact size?: At 20 litres, it's perfect for small spaces, studio apartments, or as a secondary appliance.
• Simple to use?: Its 6 auto-menus and express cook mode make it very intuitive for daily use.
• Adjustable power?: Its 11 power levels allow you to adapt the cooking to different types of dishes.
• Defrost function?: Offers precise defrosting by weight or time.

Who is it for?

For students, people living alone, or for kitchens where every inch is counted. It's ideal for anyone looking for a simple, reliable appliance for reheating, defrosting, and preparing quick meals, without being burdened by the functions of a full oven.

View the COMFEE CM-E202CC(BK) product page

Looking for Other Options?

Our selection highlights particularly versatile models, but the market is full of alternatives. If you want to explore other finishes, capacities, or designs, especially black models that integrate elegantly into modern kitchens, feel free to browse our full catalogue.

Discover our complete collection of Black Ovens

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a combination microwave oven and a microwave with a grill?

A microwave with a grill can only brown and gratinate the surface of food. A combination microwave oven goes much further by adding convection heat. This is the game-changing feature: thanks to a fan that circulates hot air, it allows you to bake cakes, roasts, or quiches just like in a real oven, something a simple grill microwave cannot do.

Can a combination microwave oven really replace a conventional oven?

For most everyday uses, the answer is yes. A good large-capacity model (over 35L) with convection heat can easily roast a chicken, bake pizzas, or prepare cakes. It's often even faster to preheat and consumes less energy for medium-sized cooking tasks. A conventional oven will still have the edge for very large dishes or high-precision baking, but the combination oven stands out as an ultra-high-performance and much less bulky alternative.

How do you maintain a countertop multi-function oven?

It all depends on the interior coating. Models with a ceramic enamel wall or a special treatment (like LG's EasyClean) are the easiest to live with: a wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough. For stubborn stains, a handy trick is to place a bowl of lemon water inside and heat it for a few minutes. The steam will help loosen residue effortlessly. In any case, avoid abrasive sponges and products that could scratch and damage the interior walls.