Microwave-Air Fryer Combos: The Ultimate Kitchen Appliance?

Microwave air fryer combos are a type of kitchen appliance that combines the functionality of a microwave and an air fryer into a single device. These appliances aim to save countertop space by offering two cooking methods in one. They are marketed as a convenient option for those who want the speed of a microwave and the crispy results of an air fryer.

Several brands offer microwave air fryer combos, including Panasonic, GE, Toshiba, and LG. These appliances vary in features, wattage, and price, with some models including additional functions such as broiling, convection baking, and odour removal.

While these combo appliances offer benefits in terms of space-saving and convenience, there are mixed reviews about their performance. Some users have expressed concerns about ending up with a basic microwave and a subpar air fryer. Additionally, the learning curve associated with using a microwave air fryer combo might be steeper than that of traditional microwaves or air fryers.

Pros and cons of microwave air fryer combos

Microwave air fryer combos are a relatively new appliance, combining the functionality of a microwave with an air fryer. They are designed to save space and offer convenience by providing multiple cooking methods in one appliance. Here are some of the pros and cons of microwave air fryer combos:

Pros:

• Space-saving: Combining two appliances into one saves valuable kitchen counter space. Some models can also be built into cabinets or installed over the stove, providing even more space-saving options.
• Convenience: Having both the air fryer and microwave functions in one appliance allows for quick and easy meal preparation.
• Versatility: Microwave air fryer combos offer a variety of cooking methods, including microwaving, air frying, convection baking, broiling, and more. This provides a range of options for cooking and reheating food.
• Energy efficiency: Using one appliance that performs multiple functions reduces overall energy consumption in your kitchen.
• Oil reduction: Air fryer technology allows you to cook food with little to no oil, promoting healthier cooking.
• Wattage: Microwave air fryer combos typically have higher wattage than traditional microwaves, resulting in faster and more efficient cooking.
• Size: These combos often provide more cooking space than countertop air fryers, allowing you to cook larger quantities of food at once.
• Multi-level cooking: Many combos come with metal rack accessories, enabling you to cook multiple dishes simultaneously, similar to an oven.

Cons:

• Price: Microwave air fryer combos tend to be more expensive than purchasing separate air fryers or microwaves.
• Limited capacity: The size of the air fryer and microwave functions may be smaller than their standalone counterparts, making it challenging to cook larger items.
• Simultaneous use: You cannot use the air fryer and microwave functions simultaneously. If you want to air fry one item while microwaving another, you'll need two separate appliances.
• Complexity: The added features and functions of the combo appliance may make it more complex to use, especially for those unfamiliar with air fryers or microwave ovens.
• Learning curve: While some models have intuitive controls, others may require consulting the instruction manual to understand all the presets and accessories.
• Cleaning: Some models may have multiple accessories that require cleaning and storage.

How microwave air fryer combos work

Microwave air fryer combos are small kitchen appliances that combine the functionality of a microwave with that of an air fryer. They are designed to save kitchen counter space and offer convenience by providing multiple cooking methods in a single appliance.

Microwaves are known for their ability to quickly heat up food, while air fryers are popular for achieving crispy, golden-brown results without the need for large amounts of oil. By combining these two technologies, microwave air fryer combos offer the best of both worlds.

The microwave function in these combo appliances works just like a regular microwave, allowing you to heat up leftovers, frozen meals, or even pop a bag of popcorn. The air fryer feature, on the other hand, is what sets these appliances apart. With the air fryer mode, you can crisp up foods like pizza or appetizers without having to use a separate oven. This is especially useful since countertop air fryers can vary in design and functionality, which may be less intuitive for first-time users.

One of the key advantages of microwave air fryer combos is the ability to perform combination cooking. This means you can use the microwave function to quickly cook the interior of a food item, and then switch to the air fryer setting to add a crispy exterior—something you wouldn't typically achieve with a traditional microwave.

Additionally, microwave air fryer combos often come with other useful features such as convection baking, steam cleaning, food sensors, cooktop lighting, and more. These combos also tend to have higher wattage than standard microwaves, resulting in more efficient cooking and preventing food from becoming rubbery or overcooked.

Overall, microwave air fryer combos offer a versatile and convenient cooking experience by combining the speed of microwaves with the crispiness of air frying, all while saving valuable counter space in your kitchen.

Recommended microwave air fryer combo brands

Microwave air fryer combos are a relatively new appliance, but they are becoming increasingly popular. These appliances combine the functionality of a microwave with the benefits of an air fryer, allowing you to crisp up foods like pizza or appetizers without using an oven. Here are some recommended brands and models to consider:

GE Appliances

GE offers a range of Air Fry microwaves, including the GE Appliances 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, which is one of the top-rated appliances according to Good Housekeeping. This model is easy to operate, with all presets listed on the front of the microwave, and it offers excellent value for money. It performed well in heat distribution tests and is available at Walmart and Amazon for $281 and $219, respectively.

GE also offers a 1050-watt microwave oven with air fryer, broiler, and convection capabilities. This model has a sleek, stainless steel finish and interior, and it comes with two racks and a crisper pan for air frying. It includes preset controls for various foods and can be purchased at Amazon and Lowe's for $189 (normally $219).

Panasonic

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is another top pick by Good Housekeeping. This appliance is not just a microwave; it's also a broiler, convection oven, and air fryer. It features Panasonic inverter technology, which uses a continuous stream of power to heat foods thoroughly. With 20 different presets, this model performed very well in Lab testing, especially for air frying and baking. However, it requires multiple accessories that need to be stored.

Toshiba

Toshiba offers two models that are worth considering. The first is the Toshiba 4-in-1 Microwave, which is a great option at a good price point. It includes a convection and combi cook setting, allowing you to quickly cook the interior of foods while ensuring a crispy exterior. This model also has presets listed on the control panel, such as popcorn and "sensor cook." Note that it is one of the larger models and takes up more countertop space.

The second model is the Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, which offers seven different ways to cook, including microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, sensor cook, and “combi” cook. It has excellent heat distribution and performed well in tests, producing evenly cooked food. However, the presets are listed inside the microwave rather than on the control panel.

Café

Café Microwave Air Fryer Combos offer a refined design and professional performance. In addition to air frying, these appliances feature ventilation, task lighting, and Wi-Fi compatibility, making them a great choice for kitchen multitaskers.

Samsung

Samsung refers to its Air Fry mode as Slim Fry technology. They offer both countertop and over-the-range models, with capacities starting at 1.1 cubic feet. Samsung's microwave air fryer combos are generally well-reviewed and offer good value, with models starting around $400 and going up to $680.

LG Studio

LG Studio, the premier line of appliances from LG, also offers a microwave air fryer combo. These models are the most expensive of the brands mentioned, starting at around $900. They showcase LG Studio's modern aesthetic and innovative approach to cooking, making them a good choice for intermediate home cooks.

Pros of countertop models

Combining an air fryer with a microwave is a great way to save valuable kitchen counter space. By merging two appliances into one, you can free up room for food prep and increase your kitchen's workflow.

Microwave air fryer combos also provide at least twice the cooking methods, giving you the convenience of multiple appliances in one sleek machine. You can quickly heat up leftovers, frozen meals, or a bag of popcorn with the microwave function, and then crisp up foods like pizza or appetizers without using an oven by selecting the Air Fry mode.

The air fryer function is healthier than deep frying, as it circulates super-heated air around food, requiring much less oil. This results in golden-brown, crispy food without the excess fat.

Microwave air fryer combos also tend to have more wattage than standard microwaves, with some running on 1,500 watts or more. This means food spends less time cooking, preventing items from turning rubbery or overcooked.

Finally, these combos are often larger than countertop air fryers, giving you more cooking space and the ability to cook more food at once. Many also come with a metal rack accessory, providing the versatility to prepare foods similar to an oven.

Pros of over-the-range models

Yes, microwave air fryer combos do exist! Here are some pros of over-the-range microwave models:

Space-saving design

Over-the-range microwaves are designed to be mounted above your stove, freeing up valuable counter space and creating a sleek, integrated look in your kitchen. This is especially beneficial if you have a small kitchen or limited counter space.

Ventilation

Many over-the-range microwaves come with built-in ventilation systems, including exhaust fans and filters, which help remove smoke, steam, and cooking odours. They can also be set to vent outside or circulate air through a filter, making them a versatile option.

Integrated lighting

In addition to their cooking functions, over-the-range microwaves often feature built-in lighting, which illuminates your stovetop and makes it easier to monitor your cooking.

Seamless integration

Over-the-range microwaves are designed to seamlessly blend with your existing cabinetry and stove, resulting in a cohesive and stylish kitchen aesthetic.

Cooking functions and convenience

Over-the-range microwaves offer the convenience of multiple cooking functions in one appliance. They can be used for quick meals, reheating leftovers, and even air frying for crispy results without the need for a separate air fryer appliance.

Larger capacity

Compared to countertop air fryers, over-the-range microwave/air fryer combos offer more cooking space. This allows you to cook larger quantities of food at once and provides the flexibility to cook multiple dishes simultaneously.

Frequently asked questions