Combo microwaves with air-fry or convection/air-crisp modes are a real product category in 2023–2025.
They save counter space and reduce appliance clutter, but performance vs a dedicated air fryer varies by food and model.
Best for apartments or anyone who wants “one box” for reheating + occasional crisping. Not ideal if you air-fry a lot.
Major brands and retailers carry combo models (GE, Frigidaire, Breville, Panasonic, etc.); expect price and capacity trade-offs.
If crisping performance matters (thick breaded chops, whole chickens), a dedicated air fryer or convection oven usually wins. Testing from 2023–2025 supports this.
What an “air fryer microwave combo” actually means
Put simply: manufacturers sell microwaves that also use convection heating or a dedicated “air-fry” program so you can crisp food rather than only microwave it. That category includes countertop convection microwaves, countertop combi ovens, and over-the-range microwaves with air-fry modes. Big-name test labs and retailers list these as a distinct product group in 2023–2025.
How the tech works (microwave + convection + air-crisp)
Most combo units combine two ways of cooking:
- Microwave mode — electromagnetic waves that heat food from the inside (fast reheating, defrosting).
- Convection/air-crisp mode — a heating element plus a fan circulates hot air to brown and crisp (similar principle to an air fryer).
- Combi mode — some models use microwave + convection together to speed up cooks while retaining some browning.
Takeaway: the “air-fry” effect in a microwave is actually convection/air circulation adapted to the microwave cavity. That’s why thin, surface-focused items (pizza slices, fries) crisp better than thick, multi-layer foods. Manufacturer specs and lab testing from 2023–2025 confirm this behavior.
Who should buy a combo — and who should skip it
Buy a combo if:
- You live in a small apartment and want to minimize appliances.
- You mostly reheat meals and occasionally want crispy results (frozen fries, pizza slices).
- You prefer one-box convenience and can accept some performance trade-offs.
Skip a combo and get separate units if:
- You frequently air-fry for texture-sensitive foods (thick breaded cuts, whole roasted items).
- You need large capacity or want best-in-class crisping.
- You prioritize the absolute simplest, most consistent rice/slow-cook functions (then get a rice cooker or Instant Pot).
Consumer tests in 2024–2025 show the combos are convenient but often fall short of dedicated air fryers for heavy frying tasks.
1) TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT — Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven
Who this is for: You want a smart, mid-size combo (microwave + air-fry/convection) with inverter tech and voice features for everyday use.
Key specs (pulled from product page)
- Capacity: 1.3 cu. ft. (approx. 37 L).
- Power: 1100 W.
- Notable features: Inverter technology, color touchscreen, smart sensor cooking, Alexa compatibility, air-fry/ convection modes.
Source: Amazon product listing.
Three Things You’ll Like
- Inverter heating gives smoother, even reheating (less cold spot risk than basic microwaves).
- Large-ish 1.3 cu.ft cavity — roomy enough for many casserole dishes and single-serve baking pans.
- Smart sensor presets + touchscreen speed up everyday cooks.
Three Things to Watch
- It’s a countertop microwave — expect the usual microwave-cavity limits on pan size/shape.
- Smart features (Alexa) add convenience but don’t improve crisping performance.
- Heavier and bulkier than tiny dorm microwaves — measure your counter space first.
Short buying tip
If you want balanced reheating and occasional air-crisping without a second appliance, this model’s inverter + air-fry combo is a good compromise.
CTA A/B
A: “See current price & specs”
B: “Compare this Toshiba — check features”
Badge ideas
- “Inverter + Air Fry” • “Alexa Compatible” • “Roomy 1.3 cu.ft”
Mini-FAQ
Q: Does this model include a crisper tray?
A: The listing highlights air-fry capability — expect an accessory tray or pan included (verify the exact bundle on the retailer page).
Q: Will inverter tech help defrosting?
A: Yes — inverter-style outputs typically give gentler, more even thawing vs fixed-power microwaves.
2) BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA — 5-in-1 Microwave with Air Fry (0.9 cu.ft)
Who this is for: Budget-minded shoppers or dorm/apartment residents who want basic air-fry + microwave convenience in a compact footprint.
Key specs
- Capacity: 0.9 cu. ft.
- Power: 900 W (microwave).
- Dimensions: ~15.6″ D × 19.5″ W × 11.4″ H. Includes bake tray and 2 grill racks.
Source: Amazon product listing.
Three Things You’ll Like
- Compact 0.9 cu.ft size — fits small counters and dorm rooms.
- Multi-function (air fry, combi, bake, roast, convection) — good value for the price.
- Includes useful accessories (racks, bake tray), so it’s ready to use out of the box.
Three Things to Watch
- Smaller internal volume limits pan size — not ideal for large casserole dishes.
- Lower wattage (900 W) means slightly longer microwave times vs higher-watt models.
- Non-pro users may need to learn convection timing differences for crisping.
Short buying tip
Great starter combo if you want air-crisping without the footprint of a full oven — ideal for single cooks or small kitchens.
CTA A/B
A: “Check Black+Decker price & details”
B: “Quick compare: compact combo”
Badge ideas
- “Budget-Friendly” • “Compact 0.9 cu.ft” • “Includes Racks”
Mini-FAQ
Q: Can this fit a 9-inch pie plate?
A: With a 0.9 cu.ft cavity and the listed turntable diameter, many 9-inch dishes fit but check the model’s turntable size (the product page lists capacity and dimensions).
Q: Is the bake tray dishwasher-safe?
A: Manufacturer listings vary — treat included racks/trays as hand-wash unless the product notes dishwasher safe. Confirm in the accessory list on the product page.
3) Ninja DCT451 — 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven (FlexDoor + Air Fry)
Who this is for: You want oven-grade performance with the flexibility to cook two dishes at once — top pick if multi-function and capacity matter.
Key specs
- Capacity: 12 liters (bottom oven) / two-oven arrangement; family-sized (fits 12″ pizza).
- Power: 1800 W.
- Dimensions: ~21.5″ D × 16.39″ W × 13.26″ H; Item weight ~31 lb. 12 cooking functions; includes air fry basket, pans, racks. (Date first available Feb 2023.) Source: Amazon listing.
Three Things You’ll Like
- Two independent ovens in one footprint (FlexDoor) — great for multi-dish cooking and avoiding flavor crossover.
- Strong 1800W power and family-sized capacity — air-fry bottom can handle up to ~6 lbs wings or a 12″ pizza.
- Helpful extras: leave-in thermometer, Smart Finish sync, and included accessories.
Three Things to Watch
- Bigger and heavier than simple countertop microwaves — needs solid counter space.
- Higher price point vs compact combos — it’s nearer to an oven replacement.
- Not a microwave — it’s Ninja’s double oven (convection/air fry) rather than a microwave+air-fry microwave combo — good for crisping and baking but does not microwave.
Short buying tip
Pick this if you want near-oven flexibility and air-fry performance in one countertop appliance — ideal for cooks who value capacity and multi-functionality.
CTA A/B
A: “See Ninja DCT451 specs & price”
B: “Compare double-oven features”
Badge ideas
- “Double Oven Power” • “1800W Performance” • “Family Capacity”
Mini-FAQ
Q: Can this Ninja replace a small wall oven?
A: For many weekday cooks, yes — it’s designed to handle whole pizzas, roasts and large sheet-pan meals, but if you bake professionally, a full oven remains superior.
Q: Does it have a microwave function?
A: No — Ninja DCT451 is a countertop double oven (convection/air-fry) rather than a microwave/convection combo. Check your article’s “combo vs separate” language to avoid confusion.
4) TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT — (Duplicate link) — Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven
Who this is for: (Same as product #1) — I kept the second Toshiba module to match the two separate links you provided; copy can be used in a second placement (e.g., “Also consider” card).
Key specs & notes
- Capacity: 1.3 cu. ft., 1100W, inverter + air-fry/convection. (Same source as product 1.)
Three Things You’ll Like
- Smart touchscreen + Alexa support.
- Balanced inverter heating for better thawing/reheat.
- Air-fry mode for occasional crisping.
Three Things to Watch
- Bulkier footprint for smaller counters.
- Air-fry results vary by dish — it’s a compromise appliance.
- Ensure included tray/accessories meet your needs (confirm on the page).
Short buying tip
Use this duplicate block if you want to call attention to the Toshiba ML2 in two positions on the page (top pick + “also consider”).
CTA A/B
A: “Check Toshiba ML2 price”
B: “See full specs & accessories”
Badge ideas
- “Smart Screen” • “Alexa Compatible” • “1.3 cu.ft”
Mini-FAQ
Q: Is the ML2 better for reheating or air-frying?
A: Reheating/defrosting with inverter tech is a strong point; air-frying is a handy extra but not as aggressive as a dedicated fryer.
5) TOSHIBA (ASIN B09HKPSRWW) — 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven (Air Fryer / Convection)
Who this is for: Someone who wants a simple, versatile 7-in-1 countertop microwave with air-fry/convection and space-saving design.
Key specs (from retail listings)
- Typical listing shows ~1.0 cu. ft. capacity and ~1000 W rated power for the 7-in-1 Toshiba models (ASIN B09HKPSRWW variants), inverter/convection + air fry features. Confirm exact SKU bundle on the retailer page.
Three Things You’ll Like
- Classic Toshiba inverter/convection engineering — even cooking and multi-mode versatility.
- Reasonable 1.0 cu.ft capacity — fits many single-serve pans and small casserole dishes.
- Usually good value vs comparable multi-function models.
Three Things to Watch
- Multiple similar Toshiba SKUs exist — double-check the exact model number and included accessories.
- Entry to mid-level power — may take longer than premium 1200–1800W units for large roasts.
- Accessory availability and warranty terms vary by retailer.
Short buying tip
This model family is a solid, no-surprises choice for buyers who want inverter cooking + air-fry in a compact combo.
CTA A/B
A: “Verify model & price”
B: “See Toshiba 7-in-1 options”
Badge ideas
- “7-in-1 Versatile” • “1.0 cu.ft Compact” • “Inverter Tech”
Mini-FAQ
Q: Are all Toshiba 7-in-1 SKUs the same?
A: No — Toshiba markets several 6/7/8-in-1 combos with slightly different capacities and accessory sets. Always confirm the exact model number (ASIN) and bundle on the product page.
Q: Will a 1.0 cu.ft cavity fit my casserole dish?
A: Measure the dish depth and diameter and compare it to the model’s turntable diameter/specs listed on the retailer page — many 1.0 cu.ft models accept small 8–9″ plates and shallow baking dishes.
Real-world performance notes (what cooks well, what disappoints)
From appliance testing and editorial reviews (2023–2025):
- What cooks well: frozen fries, thin breaded chicken strips, reheated pizza slices, small batches of vegetables — crisp and fast.
- What underperforms: thick breaded cutlets, whole roast chickens, multiple-layer trays — combos usually can’t match a dedicated air fryer or convection oven for even browning.
- Consistency tip: use single-layer cooking, shake or flip halfway, and don’t crowd the cavity.
Price & space trade-offs (quick guide)
- Budget countertop combos: ~$150–$300 — decent for basic convection and small crisping needs.
- Mid-range models: ~$300–$700 — better build, larger cavities, more consistent air-crisping.
- High-end combi ovens: $700+ — more power and features, closer to a small oven.
Retailers and lab tests from 2023–2025 confirm these bands; prices vary by brand and included accessories.
Smart tips to get the best results with a combo
- Use the perforated crisper tray or a raised rack so hot air can circulate under the food.
- Don’t overload — single layers crisp much better.
- If a recipe calls for “air fry at 400°F,” try the combo’s convection or “air-crisp” setting rather than microwave-only.
- For frozen convenience foods, follow package crisping instructions but watch time — combos sometimes need less or more time depending on wattage.
- Clean the cavity regularly; grease buildup reduces performance and increases smoke risk.
FAQ — practical and slightly offbeat questions (20 short answers)
(These expand the topic beyond the main article — quick, direct answers you can use as snippets or tooltips.)
- Do combo microwaves require special cookware?
Sturdy oven-safe pans and perforated crisper trays work best. Some plastics and microwave-only dishes aren’t safe in convection/air-crisp mode. - Will warranty cover air-fry function failures?
Usually yes — the unit’s warranty covers internal parts. Check fine print for convection-element coverage and labor terms. - Can you install an over-the-range combo without a contractor?
If you’re comfortable with electrical and venting tasks, maybe — but manufacturers often recommend professional installation for safety and vent connections. - Do combos use more electricity than a microwave alone?
In air-crisp/convection mode they use more power than microwave-only cycles, but for short cooks they can still be efficient. Energy use depends on wattage and cook time. - Are flatbed microwaves better for crisper results than turntables?
Flatbed designs can fit larger pans and offer more usable space; they often produce more even convection results for certain trays. - Can you bake a cake in a microwave air-fry combo?
Yes — use convection mode and an oven-safe pan. Expect slightly different browning than a full oven; monitor times closely. - How noisy are these combos compared with dedicated air fryers?
Combos can be a bit louder when the convection fan runs, similar to larger convection ovens. Noise levels vary by model. - Do any combos include steam or humidity control?
A few premium models offer steam or humidity features, but they’re rare in basic microwave-air-fry combos. - Is there risk of radiation leakage with more functions?
No — microwave radiation safety is governed by regulatory standards; added convection features don’t affect microwave shielding. - Can you crisp a frozen pizza in a combo microwave?
Yes — many combos handle frozen pizza well using air-crisp/convection mode; results are usually better than microwave-only. - Do combi units come with replaceable crisper trays?
Some do; others require buying accessories separately. Check accessory availability before buying. - Can you cook raw poultry safely in a combo?
Yes, if you reach safe internal temperatures (use a meat thermometer). Allow for slightly longer cook times than small air-fryer recipes. - Will convection/air-crisp leave smells in the microwave?
Strongly scented foods can leave odors; regular cleaning and running a vinegar-water cycle help remove smells. - Are these combos allowed in dorms or shared housing?
Check building rules — electrical load and ventilation may be a concern. Many dorms allow countertop microwaves but ban open-element appliances. - How fragile are the crisping trays’ nonstick coatings?
Nonstick coatings can wear with metal utensils or abrasive cleaners. Hand wash to prolong life. - Do smart-home integrations exist for combos?
Some high-end models offer app control and presets; it’s not yet widespread across budget combos. - Can I use convection recipes from a regular oven in a combo?
Yes — but expect shorter cook times in a smaller cavity; reduce time by ~10–20% and check early. - Do combos include temperature probes?
Rarely — most rely on timers and presets. If you cook meat often, use a handheld thermometer. - Are repair parts commonly available?
Availability depends on brand; big manufacturers tend to stock parts longer than generic brands. - How long do these units typically last?
With normal use, expect 5–10 years. Heavy daily use shortens life; proper maintenance helps. - Can I use metal foil in convection mode?
Yes for lining pans, but avoid contact with the cavity walls or heating element. - Are there safety tips for kids around these units?
Keep the door latched when not in use, teach kids not to touch hot surfaces, and supervise when in operation. - Do combos affect kitchen ventilation needs?
Over-the-range combos need proper venting; countertop units vent into the room and may need good kitchen airflow. - Can an air-fry microwave replace a toaster oven?
For many tasks, yes — but toaster ovens sometimes offer better rack flexibility and larger baking area. - Do combos re-sell well?
Resale depends on brand and condition; name brands hold value better than cheap generics.
