Best Combination Microwave For All-In-One Cooking

Save space, time, and energy with the best combi for all your cooking needs.

Combination microwave

by Eleanor Weaver |
Updated on

When you're in the market for a new microwave, you should give combination microwaves serious consideration. Boasting the capabilities of multiple cooking appliances in one, it's a great shout for anyone with limited space in their kitchen. With a combi, you can explore even more cooking options. It's fab for foodies while still having that convenience that comes with having a microwave. Plus, this appliance helps save money on your bills.

Combination microwaves use microwave energy but literally 'combine' it with fanned hot air so you can achieve multiple cooking techniques. It can vary with different models, but you could bag a combination microwave that can do many jobs. These include grilling, roasting, baking, steaming, defrosting, reheating and air-fry. As a result, it's a great small kitchen hack; instead of having to accommodate multiple appliances, a combi has it all covered.

Best Combination Microwave At A Glance:

Editor's Choice: Panasonic 4-in-1 Steam NN-DS59NBBPQ Combination Microwave - View Offer at AO.com
Best for programme variety: Samsung Easy View MC28M6055CK Combination Microwave Oven - View Offer at AO.com
Best on a budget: SHARP YC-PG-204AU-S Combination Microwave - View Offer at Currys
Best combination microwave: De'Longhi 900W Enamel Cavity Combination Microwave - View Offer at Argos

Another benefit is that a combination microwave oven is an economical choice. It uses significantly less energy compared to an oven whilst still boasting many of the same capabilities. It takes a fraction of the time to cook, so instead of having to use energy and wait hours for the perfect bake, you can achieve the same results much quicker. We've shared all the perks you can get from a combination microwave and the best available to shop right now.

Best Combination Microwave

Editor's Choice

Panasonic 4-in-1 Steam NN-DS59NBBPQ 27 Litre Combination Microwave
Price: $399

ao.com

With a capacity well-suited to feed four to five family members at once, this Panasonic microwave gives you fantastic versatility. Featuring a flatbed design that makes cooking and cleaning simple, you don't need to worry about leaving room for food to rotate. With 26 programmes, feel inspired to cook all sorts, and with the option to steam, grill, roast and bake, and low-fat fry, it's great for food enthusiasts. Plus, the handy Genius Sensor will measure the food's moisture and adjust the cooking times to provide the best results - making reheating seriously easy.

Customer Review: "So far so good. We have been really pleased with an earlier model so wanted another Panasonic to replace it. We are finding our way around. Great having a steam function and cleans so easily. Cooks a great roast for 2-4 people and saves on fuel economy."

Pros

  • Easy operation and modern design
  • Easy cleaning and roomy capacity
  • Great range of cooking functions

Cons

  • Some customers found the display difficult to read
Capacity:27 litres
Dimensions:H45 x W57 x D57cm
Cooking functions:Steam, grill, defrost, reheat, oven, microwave, low-oil frying
Programmes:26
Sensor Cooking:Yes - Genius Sensor

Best for quietness

Combining cooking capabilities with an elegant design, the Hoover packs a punch. Best suited for medium-sized households, the near-silent appliance has five power levels to choose from, so you can cook a wide range of meals without any effort. It's designed with inverter technology to deliver quick and even results, whether you're grilling, baking, or simply using the 800W microwave.

Pros

  • Quiet
  • Sleek design
  • Range of cooking functions

Cons

  • Tricky to see what's inside during the cooking process
  • No customer reviews
Capacity:20 litres
Dimensions:H38.2 x W59.4 x D33.3 cm
Cooking functions:Grill, jet defrost, reheat, oven, microwave, crisp
Programmes:Unspecified
Sensor cooking:Yes

Best for programme variety

Samsung Easy View MC28M6055CK 28 Litre Combination Microwave Oven
Price: $249

ao.com

If you're a proper foodie and love to explore in the kitchen, the Samsung Easy View MC28M6055CK Combination Microwave boasts the most programmes - clocking in at 39. Alongside this, the combi boasts HotBlast Technology that heats up your food quickly with hot air, so you needn't wait long for a delicious oven-cooked meal. With SlimFry Technology, you can get fry food with less oil for crispy and healthy results. You can also keep a close eye on your cooking, thanks to the Easy View glass door, giving you peace of mind.

Customer Review: "We have two of these at two separate workplaces. They make the best sausage butties ;) They are perfect in places where you are not able to have a full oven (like the workplace), convenient, and easy to use. We usually use them for microwave meals, grilling sausages/bacon for breakfasts and cooking pizza or chicken thighs/drumsticks. So we've used all the different functions. It's very flexible, for a wide range of cooking methods."

Pros

  • Excellent range of programmes and functions
  • Easy to clean and has an eco-option
  • Stylish, easy-to-monitor cooking

Cons

  • Most reviewers found the instructions provided inadequate so you'll need to go online for the full manual
Capacity:28 litres
Dimensions:H31 x W51.7 x D46.3 cm
Cooking functions:Heat, grill, crisp
Programmes:39
Sensor cooking:No

Best on a budget

SHARP YC-PG-204AU-S Combination Microwave - Silver
Price: $84.99 (was £99.99)

www.currys.co.uk

Whilst it may have a reduced capacity and functionality compared to some other combination microwaves, it's a fantastic option if you're looking for simplicity. Or simply a more economical microwave to replace the general functions of your oven. Modern and practical, it can fit in large dishes and 13 auto-programmes to make cooking a breeze. It'll grill, bake, and roast like an oven whilst still delivering a decent 700W microwave output.

Customer Review: "Good size for me. The energy rating is C, so less electricity is used. Easy to use and clean."

Pros

  • Affordable and good value
  • Easy to use and easy to clean
  • Practical and convenient

Cons

  • Some found it to be on the noisy side
Capacity:20 Litres
Dimensions:H27.4 x W45.5 x D34.5 cm
Cooking functions:Grill, reheat, food-specific, defrost
Programmes:11
Sensor cooking:No

Best combination microwave

De'Longhi 900W Enamel Cavity Combination Microwave
Price: $125 (was £135)

www.argos.co.uk

The De'Longhi 900W Enamel Cavity Combination Microwave is another great choice if you're looking for something a little more simple and on a budget. Combining a standard microwave with a grill and convection (hot air) function, it rivals the capabilities of an oven. The output comes in at a powerful 900W, and the oven hits a max temperature of 220 degrees. It has 10 programmes for stress-free cooking, including those specific for pizza, cake, meat, potatoes, and fish. With a hygienic, anti-bacterial coating too, this microwave is all about that convenience, no matter your budget.

Customer Review: "Bought this last week and I would recommend it to everyone, the grill, oven and microwave work better than a normal cooker, highly recommend you buy it."

Pros

  • Affordable, sleek
  • Hygenic
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Some considered it to be a bit on the bulky side for its capacity
Capacity:25 Litres
Dimensions:H31 x W51.3 x D50.9 cm
Cooking functions:Defrost, grill, convection
Programmes:10
Sensor cooking:No

Best for style

We know it's not all about appearances, but we're a sucker for a good-looking appliance. And the great thing about the Russell Hobbs combi is that it combines its sleek and modern design with great cooking features. Boasting a generous 30-litre capacity, this microwave will have no problems cooking large meals, large pizzas and lasagne dishes included. If you're looking to reheat food, the intelligent sensor will be able to do so just by its weight. This microwave is combined with a grill and fan-assisted heating so you can warm roast, crisp, and brown all your favourite dishes.

Customer Review: "Easy to use, does everything you want a combined microwave to do. Easy to clean interior."

Pros

  • Intelligent sensor, good value
  • Modern design
  • Large capacity, easy to use

Cons

  • The dark door makes it a little tricky to see your food cooking inside
Capacity:30 litres
Dimensions:H33.5 x W52 x D51cm
Cooking functions:Grill, defrost, reheat, oven, microwave
Programmes:10
Sensor cooking:Yes - intelligent sensor technology

Best for capacity

Smeg MOE34CXIUK 34 Litre Combination Microwave Oven
Price: $409 (was £469)

ao.com

The Smeg combination microwave pairs the classic Smeg design - cool yet retro-inspired modern technology - with the largest capacity on our list at 34 litres. As well as having a roomy interior for medium to large households, it has an extra powerful 1000W microwave output alongside its capabilities as an oven and grill. Using inverter technology, this microwave cooks food more gradually and evenly in order to lock in the taste and nutrients within the food. It can achieve the same results as a standard microwave yet reportedly quicker, quieter, and with less energy required.

Customer Review: "I would say that the microwave oven is amazing! Due to its simplicity of use, it (almost fully) replaced my oven. I can cook with the Smeg microwave oven in a more handy way, and the quality of food that comes out is very good - exceeding my expectation and much better than my old oven. I highly recommend this product! The only issue I experienced is that it is a bit oversized for my current kitchen.. so people with limited space, keep this in mind."

Pros

  • Stylish, easy to use
  • Powerful, great performance
  • Large capacity

Cons

  • The stainless steel picks up fingerprints pretty easily
Capacity:34 litres
Dimensions:H31.4 x W51.9 x D50.7cm
Cooking functions:Grill, defrost, reheat, oven, microwave
Programmes:10
Sensor cooking:No

Best for quality

This Sage 1100W Combination Microwave SMO870 takes the top spot for quality because you just know that with its fantastic range of features, the brand designed it to come out on top. Packing great power and versatility, it can air fry, crisp, grill, oven and microwave cook all in one appliance. With its Element iQ system, it steers power to where and when it's needed to create the ideal cooking environment for the best results. You can cook from frozen and combine different cooking functions for fast and delicious dishes. Plus, it's one of the quietest appliances in its category.

Customer Review: "Lovely looking, excellent quality. Solid. Cooks beautifully, is easy to use, large capacity. Lots of different settings. Energy efficient, 3-year guarantee. A highly recommended reputable brand. It will last for years!"

Pros

  • Great range of cooking functions
  • Large capacity, good quality
  • Silent, easy to use and stylish

Cons

  • Limited recipe ideas in the booklet provided and online compared to competitors
Capacity:34 litres
Dimensions:H31.4 x W51.9 x D50.7 cm
Cooking functions:Air fry, grill, crisp, microwave cook
Programmes:10
Sensor cooking:No

OUR VERDICT: Which Is The Best Combination Microwave?

The Panasonic 4-in-1 Steam NN-DS59NBBPQ Combination Microwave takes the top spot for us as a microwave that delivers efficiency, excellent cooking capabilities, and easy cleaning. It's designed to be convenient and gives that to the user without fail. Not forgetting either that Panasonic is renowned for its excellent range of combination microwaves. The brand was labelled the UK's number one microwave brand based on independent sale value data.

However, if you're in the market for a more affordable option, we'd recommend the Samsung Easy View MC28M6055CK Combination Microwave Oven.

FAQs

What To Consider

Here's a snapshot of the key things you need to consider when choosing a combination microwave. To find out more, check out our microwave buyer's guide for more features and advice.

Capacity

You might be concerned that a microwave lacks the space to fit in the foods you're looking to roast or steam. Fortunately, most boast an impressive capacity between 23 litres and 40 litres. The larger the capacity, the more you'll be able to fit in at once but be aware this will make the overall size of your combi larger too.

Cooking functions and programmes

Not all combination microwaves are built the same, with some offering more cooking functions than others. Consider which you will actually use and make use of, especially if you intend to use it more than or instead of your oven. There are even flatbed microwaves, which do away with turntables and can cook your food more evenly.

Built-in sensor technology

Having a combi with a built-in sensor helps to take the guesswork out of cooking. It will automatically detect the moisture in the food and the microwave's humidity and adjust the power levels and cooking time to give you the best results. This is an added benefit and a feature worth looking for if you're prone to overcooking in an oven.

Price

With the increased capabilities compared to a standard oven, it's no shock that combis are on the more expensive side. However, we've picked out budget microwaves and premium models with prices starting from £125.

Are Combination Microwaves Worth It?

If you plan to use most of the functions included in a combination microwave, then a combi is a worthy purchase. You can buy affordable options, and if you're trying to use less energy, it makes a great alternative to traditional oven cooking. Plus, like a smaller microwave, a combination model saves on counter space.

However, if you'll likely only use it as you would a traditional microwave, you might as well stick with a standard model. They're still cheaper and take up less kitchen counter space. Likewise, you'll find despite their larger capacity, a combi will still have less cooking capacity compared to a conventional oven. If you have a large household to cook meals for, sticking to a separate oven and standard microwave would be best.

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in kitchen accessories and appliances, including washing machines and microwaves. Having been a renter for a decade now, she loves looking for home inspiration in her spare time and is a master of DIY.

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