Imagine a kitchen gadget that can reheat leftovers perfectly AND make crispy, golden fries. That’s the promise of a microwave air fryer combo! But with so many models popping up, how do you know which one is actually worth your money? It’s tough to sort through all the different features and brands, and figuring out what Consumer Reports says can feel like a puzzle.
You want a kitchen that works smarter, not harder, and a combo unit seems like the answer. But the confusion over performance, ease of use, and price can leave you feeling overwhelmed. You might be wondering if these machines really deliver on their promises or if they’re just another gadget taking up counter space.
This guide is here to help! We’ll break down what Consumer Reports has to say about these popular appliances. You’ll learn which models are top performers, what features truly matter, and how to avoid common mistakes. Get ready to discover the best microwave air fryer combo that will make your cooking easier and tastier.
Top Microwave Air Fryer Combo Consumer Reports Recommendations
- Multi functionality: BAKE, ROAST, MICROWAVE, CONVECTION OVEN
- 5 ONE TOUCH COOK MENUS: POTATO, POPCORN, BEVERAGE, REHEAT, FROZEN DINNER
- Air fryer: Up to 70% less fat than traditional frying methods
- SPECIAL PROGRAM: DEFROST/TIME/WEIGHT; 1000W power
- 10 POWER LEVELS
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, please open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- 8-in-1 Multifunctional Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi., low temp., odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Microwave Combo: Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*16.4*11.8 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH):14.0*13.2*9.5 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
- 5-in-1 Microwave Oven: Use this essential countertop appliance for cooking in five functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs.
- 10 Cooking Levels: Featuring a 900-watt output, this compact microwave has 7 auto menus, including settings for Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, and Frozen Pizza.
- Air Fry Presets: This small-but-mighty microwave has 11 preset air fry menus, including for cooking frozen French fries, steak fries, squid rings, chicken nuggets/wings/legs, fish sticks/fillets, cheese sticks, vegetables, and spring rolls with an easy-to-use operation.
- Speedy Cooking: Directly press the start button to cook food at 100% power for 30 seconds and press again for an additional 30 seconds.
- Child-Lock Setting: Press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the control panel to keep little hands from clicking buttons on the appliance.
- 4-in-1 Multifunctional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance, with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus. Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6 inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Stainless steel finish (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with easy to clean stainless steel interior
- Advanced User Interface: Equipped with a 2.4-inch colorful screen with an intuitive user interface that is highly responsive and easy to operate, making complex cooking tasks simple and more accessible.
- ChefFry Plus: Features a top fan and heating element that replicates an air fryer oven, allowing for healthier cooking options.
- Intuitive Humidity Sensor: Built-in sensor ensures even heating and retains moisture for perfectly cooked dishes every time.
- Origin Inverter: Ensures even cooking, precise temperature control, better textures, juicier meats, and enhanced flavor preservation. It also reduces cooking time and energy consumption to get your meals on the dinner table more quickly.
- Dimensions: This 1.3 cubic foot microwave easily accommodates a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. Overall measurements (W x D x H): 21.8 x 17.8 x 12.8 inches; cavity dimensions (W x D x H): 14.5 x 16.4 x 9.3 inches. Delivers 1100W of output power, 1250 input power.
- A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick after-school snacks to roasting for large gatherings.
- PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Oven turns off automatically when the toast count-down timer ends, no burnt toast! Indicator light is red while toasting, blue when timer ends and oven turns off. Place rack at indicated toast position for ideal results.
- DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping at its finest with 360º superheated air circulation for your homemade cooking.
- STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: A stainless-steel exterior provides a beautiful aesthetic to any kitchen, taking your party hosting to the next level. And elegant French doors open with a single pull; interior light allows you to monitor food
- VERSATILITY & INNOVATION: Countertop Microwave, Convection Air Fryer, and FusionCrisp Technology —designed to replace a countertop microwave and air fryer with one versatile appliance.
- FUSIONCRISP TECHNOLOGY: Starts with microwaving, then automatically finishes with Ninja’s legendary air frying to go from frozen to crispy in minutes. Up to 60% faster than a conventional oven. Faster*. Juicy. Crispier*. *Vs. a conventional oven.
- LEGENDARY NINJA AIR FRYING: The power* and performance of a 1700-watt Ninja air fryer, now in a microwave. Up to 450°F of superheated cyclonic air. Get equal results to a Ninja Crispi Pro air fryer. *Based on MW101 air fryer wattage vs. FN101.
- 14-IN-1 COOKING FUNCTIONALITY: 8 Microwave Presets (Popcorn, Potato, Defrost, Beverage, Soup, Frozen Dinner, Frozen Vegetable, and Soften Butter), 5 Air Fry Presets (Max Crisp, Crisp, Air Roast, Air Bake, and Air Broil), plus FusionCrisp Technology.
- XL COOKING CAPACITY: Flatbed design eliminates the need for a turntable, giving you 40% more* usable cooking space. Fit a 9"x11" baking dish, 2 bags of popcorn at once, or 4 bowls of leftovers in one cook. *vs. 0.9-cu-ft turntable microwave.
- Balanced capacity. Powerful performance: With a versatile 1.0 cu. ft. capacity and 1,050 Watts of cooking power, this microwave delivers fast, even results for family favorites and everyday meals. Measures: 13.98" W x 9.49" H x 13.23" D
- Air Fry: The built-in microwave air fryer is a healthier way to deliver crispy, golden results without a separate appliance—a stainless steel crisper pan is included to help you get the most from every air fry session
- Convection Cooking: This convection microwave oven countertop unit uses a wire rack to let hot air circulate evenly around food, producing consistent browning and thorough cooking for everyday meals and smaller baked goods
- Broil: When you have a microwave with a broiler right inside, you can achieve the same effect you do with grill racks, radiating heat to sear or caramelize any food to perfection
- Trusted GE Performance: From quick breakfasts to late-night snacks, this GE countertop microwave delivers the reliable performance, user-friendly controls, and everyday convenience that have made GE a trusted name in kitchens for generations
Your Guide to the Best Microwave Air Fryer Combos
Are you tired of juggling multiple kitchen appliances? Do you dream of crispy fries and perfectly reheated leftovers from one handy device? A microwave air fryer combo might be your answer! These versatile machines combine the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer, making them a game-changer for busy kitchens. This guide will help you find the perfect one.
What to Look For: Key Features to Consider
When you’re shopping for a microwave air fryer combo, keep these important features in mind. They will help you get the most bang for your buck and the best cooking results.
- Capacity: How much food do you usually cook? Combos come in different sizes, from small ones for singles or couples to larger ones for families. Think about how many people you cook for.
- Wattage: Higher wattage generally means faster cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for a microwave function.
- Air Frying Power: The air fryer function needs good airflow. Some models have special fans or heating elements designed for this.
- Presets and Smart Features: Many combos have pre-programmed settings for common foods like fries, chicken, or popcorn. Smart features can help you cook perfectly with less guesswork.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for non-stick interiors and dishwasher-safe parts. Cleaning up should be simple.
- Turntable or Rack: A turntable ensures even microwave cooking. For air frying, a rack or special basket helps air circulate around your food.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used in your combo can affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Interior Coating: A non-stick coating inside makes cleaning much easier. Stainless steel interiors are durable but can be harder to clean.
- Exterior: Most exteriors are made of sturdy plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to wipe down.
- Air Fry Basket/Rack: These are usually made of metal, often stainless steel. Make sure they feel solid and well-made.
What Makes a Combo Great (or Not So Great)
Several things can make a microwave air fryer combo a star performer or a disappointment.
- Performance: Does it microwave evenly? Does it air fry food to a satisfying crisp? Read reviews to see what other users say about how well it cooks.
- Durability: Will it last? A well-built appliance with good quality parts will serve you longer.
- User-Friendliness: Is the control panel easy to understand? Can you switch between microwave and air fryer modes without a struggle?
- Noise Level: Some air fryers can be quite loud. If noise bothers you, check reviews for comments on sound.
- Size and Design: Does it fit on your counter? Does it look good in your kitchen?
A good combo will excel in these areas. A combo that struggles with even cooking or feels flimsy might not be worth the investment.
User Experience and Everyday Use
Using a microwave air fryer combo is designed to be simple. You can use it for everyday tasks like reheating leftovers with the microwave function. Then, switch to the air fryer to make crispy chicken wings, French fries, or even roast vegetables. Some models can even bake small items.
Think about your daily cooking habits. If you often need to reheat meals quickly and also enjoy healthier, crispier versions of fried foods, this appliance is a perfect fit. It saves counter space and reduces the need for multiple gadgets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of a microwave air fryer combo?
A: The main benefit is its versatility. It can microwave, air fry, and often do other cooking functions, saving space and time in your kitchen.
Q: How does the air frying function work in a microwave combo?
A: The air fryer function uses a powerful fan and a heating element to circulate hot air around the food. This cooks food quickly and makes it crispy, similar to a traditional air fryer.
Q: Can I use metal in a microwave air fryer combo?
A: You can usually use metal racks or baskets specifically designed for the air frying function. However, always check your appliance’s manual before placing any metal inside during microwave cooking, as this can be dangerous.
Q: Are microwave air fryer combos as good as separate appliances?
A: They offer great convenience and can perform both functions well. However, a high-end dedicated air fryer might offer slightly better crisping results, and a powerful microwave might heat food a bit more evenly. For most home cooks, the combo is an excellent compromise.
Q: How do I clean a microwave air fryer combo?
A: Most have non-stick interiors. You can wipe down the inside with a damp cloth. Many come with dishwasher-safe racks or baskets. Always unplug the appliance before cleaning.
Q: What size combo do I need?
A: Consider how many people you cook for. Smaller units are good for 1-2 people, while larger ones (around 1.0 cubic feet or more) are better for families.
Q: Can I air fry frozen foods in these combos?
A: Yes, many are great for air frying frozen fries, chicken nuggets, and other snacks, making them extra crispy.
Q: Do they have convection cooking?
A: Some models combine air frying with convection cooking, which uses a fan to circulate hot air for faster, more even cooking.
Q: Are they energy efficient?
A: They can be more energy efficient than using a large oven for smaller tasks. Using the microwave function is generally very efficient.
Q: Where can I find reviews for these appliances?
A: Reputable consumer review websites, appliance review blogs, and online retailer customer reviews are great places to start.