How to Choose the Right Combination Microwave Oven

What Is a Combination Microwave Oven?

A combination microwave oven (also called a combi microwave or microwave convection oven) combines three cooking technologies in a single appliance: standard microwave heating, a convection fan oven, and a grill element. You can use each mode independently or combine them for simultaneous cooking. The result is an appliance that can reheat food quickly like a standard microwave, brown and crisp food like a grill, and bake and roast like a convection oven.

This guide covers how combination microwaves work, who they suit, and what to look for when choosing a model. You can compare all microwave types in our complete microwave buying guide.

The Three Cooking Modes Explained

Microwave Mode

Standard microwave operation that heats food quickly using microwave energy. Ideal for reheating, defrosting, and cooking foods that don't need browning or crisping.

Grill Mode

A grill element (typically a quartz or ceramic grill bar) at the top of the cavity produces radiant heat to brown and crisp the surface of food. Suitable for toasting, browning cheese on dishes, grilling bacon and other thin cuts, and crisping potato skins. Food browns and crisps from the top only unless you use a wire rack that positions food close to the element.

Convection Mode

A fan circulates hot air from a heating element throughout the cavity, operating like a small fan-forced oven. Suitable for baking cakes, biscuits, and bread, roasting vegetables and small cuts of meat, and any cooking task you would normally use a conventional oven for. Convection mode in a combination microwave is an effective secondary oven for smaller households.

Combination Modes

The most powerful feature of a combi microwave is the ability to run two or three modes simultaneously. Microwave plus convection cooks food through quickly (using microwave) while browning the surface (using convection heat). Microwave plus grill reheats food and simultaneously browns the top. These combination modes significantly reduce cooking time compared to using a standard oven for the same dishes.

Who Benefits Most from a Combination Microwave

• Small households or apartments without a second oven: A combi microwave functions as both a microwave and a compact oven, eliminating the need for a separate appliance.
• Anyone who wants to brown and crisp food in a microwave: Standard microwaves reheat food efficiently but cannot brown or crisp surfaces. A combi microwave solves this limitation.
• Kitchen renovations with limited space: A built-in combi microwave can serve as a secondary cooking cavity alongside your main oven.
• Anyone who wants to reduce oven use for smaller cooking tasks: Using a combi microwave for smaller baking or roasting jobs is faster and more energy efficient than heating a full-size oven.

Key Features to Look For

Capacity

Combination microwaves range from around 25 litres up to 42 litres. A 25 to 30 litre model is sufficient for most everyday tasks. A larger model (35 litres or above) is better if you plan to use it regularly as a secondary oven for baking or roasting.

Microwave Wattage

Higher microwave wattage means faster reheating and cooking. Look for at least 900 watts for efficient everyday microwave use. 1,000 to 1,100 watts is better for a main microwave.

Convection Temperature Range

For convection cooking to be genuinely useful, look for a model that reaches at least 200 to 230 degrees Celsius in convection mode. This covers most standard baking and roasting temperatures. Some models have a maximum convection temperature of only 170 to 180 degrees Celsius, which limits what you can bake effectively.

Grill Element Power

A more powerful grill element browns food faster and more evenly. Look for at least 1,000 watts of grill power.

Inverter Technology

Inverter technology delivers continuous microwave power at lower wattage levels, rather than cycling on and off at full power. This produces more even reheating and better results for delicate foods like fish, custards, and soufflés.

Auto Cook Programs

Pre-programmed auto cook settings take the guesswork out of microwave, grill, and combination cooking for common dishes. Look for programs that cover the types of food you cook most often.

Turntable or Flatbed

Most microwaves use a rotating glass turntable to ensure even cooking. Flatbed microwaves have no turntable and distribute microwave energy using a stirrer system, which allows the full floor area to be used for larger dishes. Flatbed design is more common in premium combination models.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Mid-Range ($400 to $800)

Most combination microwaves sit in the mid-range price bracket. Expect standard wattage, basic combination modes, auto cook programs, and 25 to 32 litre capacity. A solid choice for most households.

Premium ($800 and Above)

Premium combi microwaves deliver higher wattage, inverter technology, flatbed design, wider temperature range in convection mode, more auto programs, and larger capacity. See our range of combination microwave ovens for available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a combination microwave replace a conventional oven?

For a single person or couple with modest baking and roasting needs, a large combi microwave can serve as the only cooking oven in addition to a cooktop. For larger households or anyone who bakes heavily, it's better suited as a secondary oven to complement a main oven rather than replace it entirely.

Can I use metal baking tins in a combination microwave?

In microwave-only mode, metal must not be used as it can cause arcing. In convection-only or grill-only mode, metal tins and trays are fine. In combination modes (microwave plus convection), only microwave-safe cookware should be used. Check the manufacturer's guidance on cookware compatibility for your specific model.

How do I clean a combination microwave?

Wipe the interior after each use while still slightly warm. For baked-on residue from convection or grill use, heat a bowl of water with lemon juice in microwave mode for two to three minutes. The steam softens residue for easy wiping. The grill element and wire rack should be cleaned separately according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our full range of combination microwave ovens. You can also explore our complete microwaves range, including built-in microwaves, and our full kitchen appliance collection.