At a Glance:
What is a Microwave Oven Combo?
How Does a Microwave Oven Combo Work?
Microwave Oven Combo vs. Microwave
Pros and Cons of Microwave Oven Combos
Since their invention in the 1970s, microwaves have advanced significantly. You may have noticed if you're looking for a new appliance that some microwaves have a convection setting that enables you to bake, roast, and do other things. But what distinguishes a microwave oven combo from a standard microwave? Is the added expense justified? Is a microwave oven combo the right fit for your kitchen and does it speed up cooking? What benefits and drawbacks come with having one? Don't worry if you're perplexed; we're here to assist. All of the answers to these queries are provided in the following paragraphs, along with a spotlight on some of Texas Appliance's best microwave combos this side of Fort Worth.
Explore Microwaves
What is a Microwave Oven Combo?
With the ability to bake, roast, and heat food in addition to microwaving it, a microwave oven combo (also known as a convection microwave) combines some of the features of two kitchen appliances—a microwave and a convection oven. Convection microwaves can be a good option for small kitchens, apartments, and RVs because of their adaptability and compact size.
How Does a Microwave Oven Combo Work?
Any microwave can thaw frozen meals, melt butter, and reheat leftovers. An additional heating element and fan circulate hot air around the cavity of a microwave oven combo, allowing you to bake and roast food with results akin to those of a traditional oven. As the convection element and microwave cook simultaneously, you can anticipate faster cooking times for some foods. Additionally, convection microwaves come with racks that allow you to microwave several dishes at once. Upgrade to a convection microwave to be able to roast, bake, cook, and crisp food.
4 Best Microwave Oven Combos
Our appliance experts at Texas Appliance have put together a list of their favorite microwave oven combos for you to browse (or take home if one catches your eye) when it comes to updating your kitchen with the newest gadget in culinary evolution.
Best Kitchenaid Microwave Oven Combo: KitchenAid® 1.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Built In Microwave
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“Amazing Product” We had a similar model from 2006 that finally needed replacing. This was the closest replacement, and it is awesome. Easy installation, beautiful design, and the door is sturdier than our previous one. I would definitely recommend. We love our Kitchen Aid appliances! |
If you want the convenience of an oven without the hassles of one, the KitchenAid convection microwave oven is fantastic. The professionally inspired design of this appliance, which features satin-textured handles, precise touch controls, a chrome inlaid frame, and the pièce de résistance—the KitchenAid badge and brand medallion as the finishing touch—is its best feature. You have enough space for full family-sized meals with a stainless steel cavity that has a generous 1.4 cubic feet capacity to cook your rice side dish or reheat your double fudge cookies to go with that cold glass of milk. The meal prep preset modes, another fantastic feature of the convection microwave oven, will take the guesswork out of cooking and, with a powerful 1,000 watts, can transform an ordinary meal into a delicious one.
Best Bosch Microwave Oven Combo: Bosch 800 Series 1.2 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Drawer Microwave
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“Microwave Drawer” I absolutely love this micrwave drawer. It is so pretty. I get compliments from everyone on it. Works perfectly! Popcorn is perfect every time! -Roxy |
Bosch's microwave oven model comes next on our list of dual-purpose appliances. For the fourth year running, Bosch has been named America's Most Trusted Kitchen brand. With such a prestigious award under its belt, Bosch guarantees an appliance that, regardless of style, not only provides high-quality performance but also high-quality design. This combination microwave oven with a low profile fits into any kitchen design and has an easy "open" and "close" mechanism. Additionally, you can count on speed and convenience from this appliance's 950 watts of cooking power. Additionally, any other Bosch oven or warming drawer will match with the flush install and white touch control LCD.
Best GE Microwave Oven Combo: GE® Series 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over The Range Sensor Microwave
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“Great all around!” We got this microwave to replace our GE profile one that went out after 17 years. It fit perfectly in the same spot without having to mess up the backsplash for installation and we were able to install ourselves. Love the color of the black stainless. It matches our other appliances perfectly. Features are great. Display is bright. LED stove lighting is wonderful!
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The GE over-the-range microwave oven combo with sensor cooking controls, which adjusts in accordance with the best cooking results, is another excellent option for your home. With the aid of cutting-edge technology, this appliance makes cooking simple without sacrificing style. With 1,000 watts of cooking power, this chic but reasonably priced microwave has a 1.7 cubic foot capacity and can prepare two small side dishes or a large main course. You can quickly thaw the frozen chicken breast you were going to bake by using settings like melt, "add 30 seconds," as well as weight and time defrost.
Additionally, a 300 CFM, two-speed venting system that traps odors, steam, and smoke from your stovetop is included. In this manner, the smells of grease and smoke won't linger in your house after the meal is finished. You'll also be able to maintain the fresh scent of your kitchen by replacing the charcoal filter when it needs to be changed thanks to the indicator light on the front of the filter.
Best Samsung Microwave Oven Combo: Samsung 1.9 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave
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“Great size” This microwave is big and roomy. Has many extra cooking functions for things like potatoes, popcorn, frozen meals, etc. Warms food quickly and through entire meal. |
The largest capacity of them all, at a whopping 1.9 cubic feet, belongs to this Samsung microwave oven combination, which is not the last. For durability and cleanliness, the 1.9 cubic foot interior is covered in ceramic enamel, so if your kids leave that frozen dinner in there for too long, the splatter won't harm the interior and it's simple to wipe away. With the help of the sensor cooking technology in this over-the-range microwave, your food will automatically adjust in cooking time for the tastiest results that won't burn or undercook your sides. The best feature of this microwave is its four-speed vent system with 400 CFM vent power, which you can activate with the touch of a button to prevent your kitchen from smelling like last night's dinner.
Microwave Oven Combo vs. Microwave
Microwave technology is used by conventional microwaves to quickly heat up the water molecules in food. Additionally, microwave oven combos have a feature that enables you to use the appliance much like a small oven.
Compare ways to use each microwave type:
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Conventional Microwave Benefits
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Convection Microwave Benefits
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Pros and Cons of Microwave Oven Combos
let’s take a look at the pros and cons of microwave oven combos.
Pros
Multifunctional
The fact that a convection microwave combines grilling, baking, and standard microwave functionality is its greatest advantage. The appliance is therefore practical, quick, and efficient. Additionally, it is effective when cooking food at high temperatures.
Saving Space and Time
Homeowners can maximize space in their kitchens by using microwave oven combos. The appliances can be integrated into kitchen cabinets to take up even less space and are smaller than standard ovens.
The time they save people is also considerable. Convection microwaves are much faster at cooking dishes because they can carry out multiple tasks at once.
Affordability
In general, microwave oven combos are less expensive than conventional ovens. Additionally, they are economical to operate and use less electricity, making them efficient.
Safety Features
Microwave oven combos frequently have strong safety features. The auto-off feature is among the most practical. According to its name, it disables the heating element when the temperature rises too high. Therefore, if you forget to turn the device off, the likelihood of fires or other mishaps is significantly reduced.
The Flavor Remains
Food is cooked evenly in a convection microwave oven because it circulates air during cooking and has an automatic shut-off feature. The food is flavorful as a result.
Cons
Can’t Handle Some of the Same Foods as a Conventional Oven
Convection microwaves' inability to bake some foods as well as conventional ovens is their most notable drawback. For instance, traditional oven-baked biscuits have a better texture than those made in convection microwaves.
Additionally, appliances without a bottom element can't be used to cook foods like pies or pizza that need a base element.
Small Capacity
The smaller interior space of convection microwaves than that of conventional ovens is another drawback. For example, they might not be sufficient for baking cakes.
More Expansive than Conventional Microwaves
Convection microwaves are more expensive than conventional microwaves, despite being more affordable than standard ovens. However, this drawback might be compensated for by convection microwaves' usefulness. They are more versatile than a typical microwave, which can only reheat or defrost food.
Microwave oven combos are a smart purchase all around if you're looking for a flexible, effective appliance that doesn't take up a lot of room in the kitchen. If you want to install that new microwave oven combo, get in touch with a reliable appliance installation company, like Texas Appliance, to ensure the unit is mounted securely.
FAQs
Let’s wrap this review up with a few questions we’ve gotten from our customers in the surrounding Fort Worth area.
Q: How long do combi microwaves last?
Even with heavy use and poor maintenance, the typical microwave oven only lasts about seven years under normal use.
Q: What is a microwave and oven combo called?
This appliance, which combines a conventional oven and a microwave, is also referred to as a convection microwave or a combo microwave. In addition to having access to all of the wonderful oven features (hot air, grill, roasting, baking, etc.), you can also quickly reheat or defrost food using the microwave functions.
Q: What is a good substitute for a microwave oven?
Alternatives that offer many of the same functions as microwaves at a higher standard include steam and speed ovens.
Q: Is a combination microwave cheaper to run than an oven?
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Meal |
Microwave |
Electric Oven |
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2 Baked Potatoes |
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Average Time taken |
10 min |
1 hour |
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Energy consumption (kWh) |
0.232 |
0.916 |
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Energy cost |
$0.068 |
$0.27 (0.2kg) |
The table shows that a microwave oven combo is less costly than an electric oven for most meals. In general, the savings increase with increasing time differences between the various cooking methods. It should be noted, though, that cooking multiple foods or meals at once in a conventional oven reduces the benefit of the microwave oven.
Why Trust Texas Appliance?
With roots back to the 1950s, Texas Appliance is an established, locally owned and operated, residential major appliance retailer serving both residential and builders’ needs. Our 4 locations allow us to offer a full spectrum of appliances to meet your every need. With over 40 major quality brands, Texas Appliance has one of the largest displays of built-in and free–standing appliances in the state of Texas.
We will be the best appliance dealer in our markets by exceeding our customers' expectations in every way. We will treat our customers, vendors, and fellow employees with respect, honesty, integrity, and appreciation. The difference between a "Good" company and a "Great" company lies in its' employees' determination.
Shop Microwave Oven Combos at Texas Appliance
Stop by Texas Appliance’s Fort Worth Store and Outlet locations to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced staff can make. Or shop microwaves online! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you take home the best microwave oven combo for your kitchen — whether you call us at 817-299-2800, use our online chat feature, or visit us in person.
Learn More: All About the Bosch Kitchen Package