Best 2-in-1 Microwave and Grill Combos for Crispy Reheating
Did you know that a single countertop appliance now handles both a frozen burrito in 90 seconds and a batch of crispy fries without a deep fryer in sight? That convenience is exactly what a best 2 in 1 microwave oven delivers. The trade-off used to be that combo units did both jobs poorly, but the latest models have closed that gap significantly.
In this guide, I share my 5 favorite picks, ranging from a compact RV-friendly unit to a full-size built-in that could replace your standard wall oven. I cut through the marketing noise so you can find the one that actually fits your kitchen and your cooking style.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Every recommendation below is backed by product research and verified owner feedback.
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How to Choose the Best 2 in 1 Microwave Oven
A 2 in 1 microwave oven is a countertop (or built-in) appliance that combines standard microwave cooking with air frying or convection baking. The air fryer function uses a heating element and a high-speed fan to circulate hot air around the food, creating that crispy texture without deep oil immersion. Getting the right one means understanding a few key specs.
What capacity do you really need?
Capacity is measured in cubic feet and it determines how much food you can cook at once. A 0.9 cu.ft. model is enough for a single person or a couple who mostly reheats leftovers and cooks small portions of frozen food. A 1.5 cu.ft. unit can handle a 12-inch pizza or a whole chicken, making it better for families of four or more.
Keep in mind that the air fry basket takes up internal space, so a larger capacity gives you more flexibility for batch cooking.
How does wattage affect cooking speed?
Wattage controls how quickly and evenly the microwave heats your food. Most 2 in 1 units fall between 900W and 1000W. A 1000W microwave heats about 15-20% faster than a 900W one, which matters when you are reheating dense dishes like casseroles or defrosting meat.
Higher wattage also supports better air frying performance because the heating element can maintain temperature more consistently during longer cook cycles.
What cooking modes actually matter?
A 2 in 1 microwave oven typically offers microwave, air fry, convection bake, and broil. Some add a "speedy combi" mode that runs the microwave and convection simultaneously, which cuts cooking time for roasts and baked goods. If you plan to use the unit as a primary oven, look for true convection (a fan that circulates heat evenly) rather than a simple bake element.
A model with dedicated broil is nice for melting cheese or browning the top of a casserole.
Should you get a turntable or a flatbed?
Most combo microwaves use a turntable to ensure even heating. A turntable spins the food so microwave energy hits every side. The downside is that the turntable takes up space and limits the size of the dish you can fit.
Some newer models use a flatbed design with a stirrer fan underneath, which gives you more usable interior room. For a 2 in 1, a turntable is generally better for even microwave results, but check the turntable diameter. A 12.4-inch turntable, like the one in the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, fits a standard dinner plate.
How do dimensions and installation fit your kitchen?
Measure your counter depth, height, and width before you buy. A built-in model like the Gasland 24 Inch Built microwave oven requires a 24-inch wide cutout and proper ventilation clearance. Countertop units need about 3 inches of space on the sides and top for airflow.
If you are short on counter space, the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 at 0.9 cu.ft. is one of the more compact options available.
Additional Features on Best 2 in 1 Microwave Oven
- Child lock: Disables the control panel to prevent little hands from starting the microwave. A must for families with toddlers.
- Mute function: Lets you turn off the beeping sound. A small feature that makes a big difference in an open-plan living space.
- Sensor cooking: Automatically adjusts cook time based on the steam released by the food. Great for reheating without guesswork.
- Auto menus: Pre-programmed settings for popcorn, pizza, potatoes, and more. The TOSHIBA Countertop unit has 27 auto menus, which is generous for this price tier.
- Interior light: Lets you check on food without opening the door and losing heat. Look for a bright LED light rather than a dim incandescent bulb.
- Position memory turntable: Stops the turntable in the same spot each time, which makes it easier to place and remove large dishes.
- UL certification: Safety certification from UL Solutions ensures the unit meets electrical and fire safety standards.
My Top Picks
Best Overall – Home Cooks
- Capacity: 1.0 cu.ft.
- Wattage: 1000W microwave / 1500W air fry
- Functions: 8 in 1 (microwave, air fry, convection, broil, combo, defrost, reheat, popcorn)
- Turntable: 12.4 inches, glass
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 16.5 x 12.2 inches
- Weight: 33.7 lbs
- Features: Black stainless steel finish, child lock, 12 auto menus, mute function
Compact Pick – Small Spaces
- Capacity: 0.9 cu.ft.
- Wattage: 900W microwave / 1200W air fry
- Functions: 5 in 1 (microwave, air fry, convection bake, convection roast, broil)
- Turntable: 10.6 inches, glass
- Dimensions: 18.7 x 14.6 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 25.8 lbs
- Features: Child lock, 10 power levels, stainless steel interior, compact form factor
Built-In Pick – Remodelers
- Capacity: 1.6 cu.ft.
- Wattage: 1000W microwave
- Functions: Microwave and convection oven combination with sensor cook
- Turntable: 13.5 inches, glass
- Dimensions: 24 x 18.5 x 14 inches (cutout required)
- Weight: 52.9 lbs
- Features: LCD display, touch controls, 11 power levels, sensor cook, stainless steel
Tech-Savvy Pick – Features Lovers
- Capacity: 1.0 cu.ft.
- Wattage: 1000W microwave (inverter)
- Functions: Microwave, air fry, convection, broil, speedy combi, even defrost, humidity sensor
- Turntable: 12.4 inches, glass
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 16.3 x 12.2 inches
- Weight: 32.2 lbs
- Features: Inverter technology, 27 auto menus, mute function, humidity sensor, speedy combi mode
Family Size Pick – Large Households
- Capacity: 1.5 cu.ft.
- Wattage: 1000W microwave
- Functions: 4 in 1 (microwave, air fry, convection, broil)
- Turntable: 13.6 inches, glass with position memory
- Dimensions: 21.9 x 19.9 x 12.1 inches
- Weight: 38.6 lbs
- Features: Smart sensor, mute function, position memory turntable, convection, stainless steel
Best 2 in 1 Microwave Oven FAQ
What is the difference between convection and air fry on a 2 in 1 microwave?
Convection uses a fan to circulate hot air evenly around the food for general baking and roasting. Air fry is also convection, but it runs at a higher fan speed and often at a higher temperature, which creates a crisper exterior on foods like fries and chicken. Both modes use a heating element and a fan.
The main difference is the intensity of the airflow.
Can a 2 in 1 microwave oven replace a full-sized oven?
It can replace a toaster oven or a small countertop oven for many tasks, but it will not fully replace a full-sized wall oven. The smaller cavity limits how much food you can cook at once. For example, you can bake a 12-inch pizza or roast a 4-pound chicken, but you cannot fit a full Thanksgiving turkey or a 9×13 sheet cake.
Are 2 in 1 microwaves more energy efficient than using a separate microwave and air fryer?
Yes, generally. A single appliance uses one power cord and one set of electronics. Operating a 2 in 1 for a typical air fry cycle uses about the same energy as a standalone air fryer, but you save the standby energy of a second device.
The convenience of one appliance also means less time preheating and cleaning.
How do you clean the air fry basket and the inside of a combo microwave?
Most air fry baskets are dishwasher safe. Check the manual to confirm. For the interior, wipe down spills after each use with a damp cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the interior coating. Running a bowl of water with lemon juice for a few minutes helps loosen baked-on grease before wiping.
My Research & Review Process
I started this guide by pulling the manufacturer specifications for each unit and comparing them side by side. I looked at published wattage ratings, cubic foot capacity, turntable sizes, and the stated number of cooking functions. From there, I examined verified buyer reviews across multiple purchase cohorts.
I focused on feedback from owners who had used the unit for at least two weeks. I tracked what they praised and what they complained about. I also looked for patterns in defect rates and long-term durability mentions.
I did not personally test any of these units, and I did not measure temperature accuracy or cook times in a lab. My recommendations are based on spec analysis and aggregate user experience, not hands-on testing.
Features I Considered
Capacity: The cubic foot measurement tells you how much food fits inside. A larger capacity handles bigger dishes and batch cooking. A smaller one saves counter space.
Wattage: Higher wattage means faster cooking. For microwave ovens, 1000W is the sweet spot for most households. Lower wattage units around 900W work fine but take slightly longer.
Functions: The number of cooking modes determines how versatile the appliance is. Basic units have microwave and air fry. Better ones add convection, broil, and combi modes.
Turntable: A rotating glass platter ensures even microwave heating. Larger turntables accommodate bigger plates. Position memory stops the turntable in the same spot each time for easier dish placement.
Dimensions: The physical size of the unit determines if it fits your counter or cabinet cutout. Always measure height, width, and depth, plus clearance for ventilation.
Weight: Heavier units tend to feel more solid and often have better insulation. But they are harder to move and install, especially for built-in models.
This wraps up my picks for the best 2 in 1 microwave oven in 2026. If I had to pick one for my own kitchen, I would go with the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave for its well rounded feature set and solid air fry performance. That said, every pick here earns its category, so take a look at which use case fits your cooking style and grab the one that matches.
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