Joybuy Insights

Combination Microwave Ovens: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Are you short on kitchen space but refuse to compromise on the quality of your meals??Between a microwave for reheating, an oven for baking dishes, and sometimes even a deep fryer or a steamer, your countertop can quickly become cluttered. The combination microwave oven stands out as the ideal all-in-one solution, designed to maximise space without sacrificing versatility.

This guide is here to break down the key features of these appliances and present our selection of the top models on the market. Our goal: to help you find the perfect oven for your kitchen and your lifestyle.

Joybuy, your product expert

How to Choose the Right Combination Microwave Oven for Your Needs??

Before you buy, let's review the essential criteria to ensure your future appliance will fit perfectly into your daily routine.

1. Versatility of Cooking Modes

The main advantage of a freestanding multi-function oven is, of course, its ability to replace several appliances. Therefore, be sure to check the range of cooking modes on offer. Basic functions include microwave, combination grill, and convection heating.

For even more possibilities, some models integrate advanced technologies like steam cooking for healthy and flavourful dishes, or an oil-free fryer (air fryer) function for crispy fries with less fat. A crisp function is also a popular feature for achieving pizzas and tarts with a perfectly golden crust.

2. Capacity and Footprint

Capacity, measured in litres, should be chosen based on the size of your household. For a single person or a couple, a volume of 20 to 25 litres will be more than enough. For a family, it's better to look at models of 30 litres or more.

However, don't forget to consider the appliance's external dimensions. Measure the space you have available on your countertop or in an alcove to ensure the oven will fit perfectly.

3. Power and Automatic Programmes

Power (measured in watts) determines the speed of cooking and heating. A good convection microwave oven will offer distinct power levels for each function.

Automatic programmes are a real bonus for simplifying meal preparation. They automatically adjust the cooking time and mode based on the type of food (pizza, roast chicken, vegetables, etc.), delivering perfect results without the hassle.

Our Combination Microwave Oven Selection

We have selected models that stand out from the crowd, designed for different needs and budgets.

ROUNY 12-Inch Pizza Oven, 11-in-1 Air Fryer Oven

ROUNY Four à Pizza 12 Pouces, Four Friteuse à Air 11-en-1

Why it stands out?: This ROUNY model is a true Swiss Army knife for the kitchen. Marketed as a high-performance electric pizza oven capable of holding 12-inch (30 cm) pizzas, it's actually much more than that thanks to its 11 preset functions. It combines a convection oven, an oil-free fryer, a grill, and even a dehydrator. Its dual heating system (top and bottom) with 360° air circulation ensures fast and even cooking.

Pros?:

  • 11-in-1 Versatility?: Pizza, fries, roast chicken, grilled foods, dehydration, and more.
  • Fast and Even Cooking?: Thanks to the dual heating element and hot air circulation.
  • All-Metal Interior Cavity?: Designed for enhanced durability and safety at high temperatures.
  • Easy to Use?: Touch control panel, 11 presets, and a viewing window.

Who is it for?? Ideal for families and home cooks who love variety and are looking for an appliance that can do it all, from homemade pizza and crispy chicken wings to more traditional dishes.

COMFEE' 20-Litre 700W Digital Microwave Oven

COMFEE' Four à Micro-ondes Numérique 20 Litres 700W

Why it stands out?: The COMFEE' microwave focuses on compactness and simplicity. At 20 litres, it's perfect for kitchens where every centimetre counts, such as student flats or kitchenettes. Although it doesn't offer convection heating, its 6 preset menus, 11 power levels, and defrost function make it an effective ally for daily tasks.

Pros?:

  • Compact Design?: Its small dimensions (440 x 319 x 259 mm) allow it to fit in anywhere.
  • Intuitive Operation?: 6 automatic menus for common items (popcorn, hot drinks, etc.).
  • Express Cook?: A single touch starts cooking at 100% power.
  • Precise Defrosting?: Offers defrosting by weight or by time.

Who is it for?? Perfect for students, young professionals, or anyone needing a simple, compact, and efficient microwave for quickly reheating, defrosting, and preparing simple meals.

LG MJ3965ACS Combination Microwave Oven

LG MJ3965ACS Four à Micro-ondes Combiné

Why it stands out?: The LG MJ3965ACS is a high-end combination microwave oven that has everything it needs to replace a conventional oven. With its large 39-litre capacity, it incorporates advanced features like Smart Inverter technology for precise power control, a Charcoal Lighting Heater for authentic flavour, and health-focused functions. It offers steam cooking (with an included steamer) and a healthy fry function. According to LG, the latter can reduce fat by up to 72%.

Pros?:

  • Large 39L Capacity?: Ideal for families and large dishes.
  • Multiple Cooking Modes?: Microwave, grill, convection, steam cooking, and a crisp function.
  • Smart Inverter Technology?: Ensures faster, more even cooking and defrosting.
  • Easy to Clean?: The EasyClean antibacterial interior coating makes maintenance simple.
  • Complete Accessories?: Comes with a crisper tray, a steamer, and racks.

Who is it for?? Aimed at families and cooking enthusiasts looking for a high-performance, versatile appliance capable of creating sophisticated and healthy meals, while still offering the convenience of a microwave.

Looking for Other Options??

Choosing a cooking appliance is a very personal decision and depends on many factors. If these models don't exactly match what you're looking for, feel free to explore our full category of kitchen ovens. There you'll find a varied selection to equip your space according to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a combination microwave oven and a conventional oven??

A combination microwave oven integrates the functions of a microwave (reheating, defrosting) with those of a conventional oven (convection heating, grilling). Its main advantage is its versatility in a more compact format. It also heats up faster than a large oven, leading to energy savings on everyday cooking.

Can a combination oven really replace an oven and a fryer??

For most everyday uses, the answer is yes. A model with convection heating and sufficient power will have no trouble cooking baked dishes, roasts, and cakes. If the appliance also has an oil-free fryer function, it can prepare fries, nuggets, and other breaded foods with a crispy result, thereby replacing a traditional fryer. This makes it the ideal solution for saving space and money.

How do you clean a freestanding multi-function oven??

Cleaning depends on the model. Many modern combination ovens, like the LG MJ3965ACS, are equipped with a non-stick or antibacterial interior coating (EasyClean) that can be cleaned with a simple wipe of a damp cloth. For others, it's recommended to clean the cavity after each use to prevent grease from becoming baked on. Accessories like the turntable or racks are usually dishwasher-safe.