A plain microwave reheats a plate of taquitos and leaves them soft. A convection microwave adds a heating element and a fan, so the same box can bake, roast and air fry, and it can put the crunch back on flautas, tostadas and a reheated slice of pizza. For a small kitchen it can stand in for a toaster oven.
This guide narrows our best countertop microwave oven roundup down to models with true convection baking or air frying. It compares seven of them, from 0.9-cubic-foot compacts to a 1.5-cubic-foot family model, using each maker’s specifications on its Amazon listing. None of the seven repeats a pick from that guide.
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Quick verdict: which convection microwave to buy
The best convection microwave oven for most kitchens is the Toshiba 4-in-1 1.5 Cu Ft Air Fryer Combo Microwave: microwave, convection, air fry and combination cooking, with a 13.6-inch turntable that Toshiba says fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. For inverter power plus convection, choose the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1; for the strongest air frying, the Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer.
Already own a toaster oven or an air fryer? Then you may not need convection in your microwave at all; see our guides to the best toaster oven, the best small toaster oven and the best air fryer.
Five convection microwaves at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of kitchen, with the capacity, microwave power and convection features each maker states. All seven are reviewed in full below.
| Microwave | Capacity | Microwave power | Convection and air fry | Inverter | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 cu ft | 1,000 W | Convection, air fry, combi | Not stated | View on Amazon | |
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave Air Fryer ComboBest inverter combo
|
1.2 cu ft | 1,000 W | Convection, air fry, broil | Yes | View on Amazon |
Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air FryerBest for air frying
|
Not stated (flatbed) | 1,000 W input | Convection air fry to 450°F | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| 0.9 cu ft | 900 W | Convection, air fry | Not stated | View on Amazon | |
GE 4-in-1 Air Fry 1.0 Cu Ft Countertop MicrowaveSimplest controls
|
1.0 cu ft | 1,050 W | Convection, air fry, broil | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Our picks for the best convection microwave oven
The first five cover most kitchens: a family-size combo, an inverter combo, an air-fry-first flatbed, a compact multi-stage model and a small GE with simple controls. The last two add a BLACK+DECKER with the most air fry presets and a Toshiba OptiChef Classic with an inverter and the most auto menus. Each entry lists capacity, microwave power, convection and air fry details, inverter, turntable, size and warranty as the maker states them.
1. Toshiba 4-in-1 1.5 Cu Ft Air Fryer Combo Microwave – Room for a Whole Chicken
The Toshiba ML-EC42P is the convection microwave we would point most households toward because it is big enough to use as a real second oven. At 1.5 cubic feet with a 13.6-inch turntable, Toshiba says it fits a whole roasted chicken or a 12-inch pizza, which also means a 9-inch pan of enchiladas or a sheet of tostadas has room.
It has four modes: microwave, air fry, convection and combination cooking, which runs microwave and convection together so food cooks through faster while the outside browns. Toshiba lists auto bake, auto roast and defrost menus, plus sensor menus for foods like frozen pizza and vegetables. Microwave power is 1,000 watts with 10 power settings.
The turntable has a position memory, so it stops where it started and the handle of a dish ends up facing the door again. A grill rack and a grill tray come in the box. Toshiba gives the outside dimensions as 21.8 inches wide, 20.0 deep and 12.9 high, so measure your counter depth before you order. The buzzer can be muted by holding the 8 key for a few seconds, and the warranty is one year limited.
Why we like it
- Microwave, air fry, convection and combination modes
- 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or 12-inch pizza, per Toshiba
- Sensor menus and auto bake and roast programs
- Grill rack and grill tray included
Key specifications
| Model | Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS), black stainless |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.5 cu ft |
| Microwave power | 1,000 W, 10 levels |
| Convection and air fry | Convection, air fry, combination |
| Inverter | Not stated |
| Turntable or interior | 13.6 in turntable, position memory |
| Outside size | 21.8 W x 20.0 D x 12.9 H in |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Why we recommend it
Families who want one countertop box that reheats, bakes a small casserole and air fries frozen taquitos without a separate toaster oven.
Skip it if your counter is shallow: at 20 inches deep it takes more room than most microwaves.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest cavity and turntable of these seven
- Combination mode for faster browning
- Mute option
Cons
- Deep footprint
- No inverter listed
- Maximum convection temperature not stated in the listing
2. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 1.2 Cu Ft Microwave Air Fryer Combo – Inverter Power Plus Convection
Panasonic’s HomeChef NN-CV87QS combines four modes: microwave, broiler, air fryer and convection oven. It also has Panasonic’s inverter, which the maker says gives even defrosting, reheating, cooking and warming, along with its Genius sensor and Turbo Defrost. That pairing is the reason to choose it: steady low power for thawing a block of frozen chile colorado, then convection or broil to finish.
The cavity is 1.2 cubic feet with a 14.2-inch turntable, the largest turntable on this page, inside a body Panasonic gives as 22 inches wide, 13.4 high and 17.7 deep. The listing names 20 presets and pairs the oven with Panasonic’s Kitchen+ app, which sends recipe settings to the oven from your phone. You can also build it into a cabinet with the optional NN-TK81KCS trim kit.
Microwave power is 1,000 watts. The listing’s warranty field reads three years, the longest of these seven, though the bullets do not spell out what it covers. Like every countertop microwave sold in the U.S., it ships with the child lock switched on; Panasonic explains how to turn it off in the packaging.
Why we like it
- Inverter plus convection, air fry and broil
- 14.2-inch turntable
- Optional built-in trim kit
- Warranty field lists three years
Key specifications
| Model | Panasonic NN-CV87QS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.2 cu ft |
| Microwave power | 1,000 W |
| Convection and air fry | Convection, air fry, broil |
| Inverter | Yes, with Genius sensor |
| Turntable or interior | 14.2 in turntable |
| Outside size | 22 W x 17.7 D x 13.4 H in |
| Warranty | 3 years (listing field) |
Why we recommend it
Cooks who defrost and reheat a lot and also want to roast or crisp, and who like the option of building the oven into a cabinet later.
Skip it if you would rather not use an app; the recipe pairing is a big part of how Panasonic presents it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Inverter for gentle defrosting
- Biggest turntable here
- Can be built in
Cons
- Leans on the Kitchen+ app
- Maximum convection temperature not stated in the listing
- Warranty terms not detailed in the listing
3. Ninja Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer – Air Fryer Power, No Turntable
The Ninja Crispi MW101 starts from the air fryer side. Ninja describes it as a countertop microwave and a convection air fryer in one, with a 1,700-watt air fry element that reaches 450°F, and says it gives results equal to its own Crispi Pro air fryer. Its FusionCrisp setting microwaves first and then air fries automatically, which is meant for going from frozen to crisp in one cycle: think a bag of frozen flautas or a tray of chicken wings.
There is no turntable. The flatbed interior, Ninja says, gives 40 percent more usable space than a 0.9-cubic-foot turntable microwave and takes a 9 by 11 inch baking dish. Air frying happens in the included 5.5-quart CleanCrisp glass dish with a crisper plate, both dishwasher safe; Ninja says only that included glassware should be used in Air Fry and FusionCrisp modes.
You get 14 functions: eight microwave presets (popcorn, potato, defrost, beverage, soup, frozen dinner, frozen vegetable, soften butter), five air fry modes (Max Crisp, Crisp, Air Roast, Air Bake, Air Broil) and FusionCrisp. The microwave input is 1,000 watts. Ninja does not state the cavity in cubic feet or the outside dimensions on the listing. Warranty is one year.
Why we like it
- 1,700 W air fry element, up to 450°F
- FusionCrisp microwaves, then air fries, in one cycle
- Flatbed interior takes a 9 x 11 in dish
- Dishwasher-safe glass air fry dish
Key specifications
| Model | Ninja MW101 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Not stated (5.5 qt air fry dish) |
| Microwave power | 1,000 W input |
| Convection and air fry | Convection air fry, 1,700 W input, to 450°F |
| Inverter | Not stated |
| Turntable or interior | Flatbed, no turntable |
| Outside size | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Kitchens where the air fryer gets more use than the microwave and the goal is to replace both with one appliance.
Skip it if you want to bake in your own pans in convection mode; air frying is built around Ninja’s included glass dish.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strongest air fry element on this page
- No turntable to clean around
- Frozen-to-crisp combination program
Cons
- Capacity and dimensions not stated
- Microwave power given as input only
- Newer model, released mid-2026, so less buyer history
4. Sharp 3-in-1 0.9 Cu Ft Convection Air Fry Microwave – Defrost, Cook and Crisp in One Run
Sharp’s SMC0985KS combines a microwave, a convection oven and air frying in a 0.9-cubic-foot countertop box with 900 watts of microwave power. Its standout feature is multi-stage cooking: Sharp says it can run up to three functions in one operation, so you could defrost, cook and then crisp without stopping to change settings. That suits frozen foods that need both a thaw and a crust, such as a box of frozen empanadas.
Auto Defrost handles meat, poultry and fish and can be chained with cooking and crisping in the same run. There are preset buttons for popular foods and drinks, and a +30 key that starts the oven instantly or adds time.
For cleaning, Sharp lists a stainless steel interior, LED lighting, a 10.6-inch glass carousel turntable and a dishwasher-safe air fry basket and baking and roasting pan. The listing does not give outside dimensions or a maximum convection temperature. Warranty is one year limited.
Why we like it
- Up to three cooking stages in one operation
- Auto Defrost that chains into cooking and crisping
- Dishwasher-safe air fry basket and pan
- Stainless steel interior
Key specifications
| Model | Sharp SMC0985KS (ZSMC0985KS) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.9 cu ft |
| Microwave power | 900 W |
| Convection and air fry | Convection, air fry |
| Inverter | Not stated |
| Turntable or interior | 10.6 in carousel turntable |
| Outside size | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Why we recommend it
Small households that cook a lot from the freezer and want to set a thaw, cook and crisp sequence once and walk away.
Skip it if you need room for a full casserole dish; the 10.6-inch turntable is the smallest here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Three-stage programming
- Easy-clean stainless interior
- Dishwasher-safe accessories
Cons
- 900 W is slower than the 1,000 W models
- Dimensions and convection temperature not stated
- Small turntable
5. GE 4-in-1 Air Fry 1.0 Cu Ft Countertop Microwave – Simple One-Touch Controls
GE’s GCST10A1WWW is a 1.0-cubic-foot, 1,050-watt microwave that adds air fry, convection and broil. GE says the convection mode uses a wire rack so hot air circulates around the food for even browning, and that it suits everyday meals and smaller baked goods. The broiler is meant for searing and caramelizing, the job you would give it for melting and browning cheese on a plate of enchiladas.
The box includes a stainless steel crisper pan for air frying, a tall wire rack for broiling and a short one for convection. The controls are kept simple, with four convenience cook settings such as pizza and popcorn, and GE describes operation as quiet. A child lock can be turned off when it is not needed.
GE asks for 3 inches of clearance on each side and above, 1 inch at the back, and an unobstructed bottom. The listing’s stated measurements, 13.98 inches wide by 9.49 high by 13.23 deep, look too small for a 1.0-cubic-foot cavity, so check the size with GE before you plan your counter. The warranty field reads one-year replacement. This is the white version; the black one was scarce when we checked.
Why we like it
- Air fry, convection and broil from a familiar brand
- Crisper pan and two wire racks included
- 1,050 W microwave power
- Clear clearance requirements from GE
Key specifications
| Model | GE GCST10A1WWW |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.0 cu ft |
| Microwave power | 1,050 W |
| Convection and air fry | Convection, air fry, broil |
| Inverter | Not stated |
| Turntable or interior | Not stated |
| Outside size | Listing figures look implausible; confirm with GE |
| Warranty | 1 year replacement |
Why we recommend it
Anyone who wants convection and air fry with only a handful of buttons to learn, from a brand with a large service network.
Skip it if you need exact dimensions before buying; the listing’s figures do not add up.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple controls
- Full set of racks and a crisper pan
- Quiet operation, per GE
Cons
- Doubtful outside dimensions in the listing
- Only four convenience cook settings
- Turntable size not stated
6. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 0.9 Cu Ft Microwave Air Fryer Combo – Eleven Air Fry Presets
The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is a 0.9-cubic-foot, 900-watt microwave with five functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill and convection), bake and roast. It is the simplest way on this page to get a crisping mode into a small kitchen or an RV, which is how BLACK+DECKER pitches it.
It has more air fry presets than any other model here: 11 of them, including frozen French fries, steak fries, chicken nuggets, wings and legs, fish sticks, cheese sticks, vegetables and spring rolls. Seven microwave auto menus cover beverage, vegetables, oatmeal, potato, popcorn and frozen pizza, with 10 power levels.
Pressing Start runs full power for 30 seconds, and each press adds 30 more. Holding Stop for three seconds locks the panel. The listing does not give the turntable size, the outside dimensions or a convection temperature. Warranty is one year.
Why we like it
- Five functions including bake and roast
- 11 air fry presets
- One-press 30-second start
- Panel lock
Key specifications
| Model | BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.9 cu ft |
| Microwave power | 900 W, 10 levels |
| Convection and air fry | Air fry, combi (grill and convection), bake, roast |
| Inverter | Not stated |
| Turntable or interior | Not stated |
| Outside size | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Why we recommend it
Small kitchens and RVs where most of the crisping is frozen snack food and a preset button is easier than setting a temperature.
Skip it if you want firm specifications before buying; the listing leaves out dimensions, turntable size and temperatures.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Most air fry presets here
- Compact cavity
- Straightforward controls
Cons
- Thin listing specifications
- 900 W microwave power
- No inverter or sensor listed
7. Toshiba OptiChef Classic 1.0 Cu Ft Air Fryer Combo Microwave – Inverter and 27 Auto Menus
The OptiChef Classic (ML2-TC10AIS) is a 1.0-cubic-foot, 1,000-watt microwave that also air fries, bakes by convection and broils. Toshiba says a 360-degree fan and a top heating element circulate air at up to 425°F, which is the temperature to know if you want to crisp taquitos or flautas rather than just warm them.
It pairs that with Toshiba’s Origin inverter, which the maker says gives steady power instead of on-off pulses, and a humidity sensor that adjusts time and power. There are 27 one-touch auto menus, more than any other model here, plus a Smart Combi mode that runs the microwave together with convection or the broiler, and a child lock. The box includes an air fry basket that Toshiba lists as dishwasher safe, a baking tray, two wire racks and a crumb tray.
Toshiba gives the outside size as 20.6 inches wide, 11.8 high and 16.3 deep, with 3 inches of clearance at the sides and top and 1 inch at the back. The listing does not state the turntable size. Warranty is one year, covering parts and labor. This is a different model number from the Toshiba models named in the Consumer Reports letter described below.
Why we like it
- Inverter and humidity sensor
- Air fry and convection up to 425°F, per Toshiba
- 27 auto menus and a combi mode
- Basket, tray, two racks and crumb tray included
Key specifications
| Model | Toshiba ML2-TC10AIS |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.0 cu ft |
| Microwave power | 1,000 W |
| Convection and air fry | Air fry, convection to 425°F, broil, combi |
| Inverter | Yes, Origin inverter |
| Turntable or interior | Not stated; stainless interior |
| Outside size | 20.6 W x 16.3 D x 11.8 H in |
| Warranty | 1 year, parts and labor |
Why we recommend it
Cooks who want an inverter and a stated air fry temperature in a cavity that fits a standard 24-inch cabinet run, and who like preset buttons.
Skip it if you need room for a whole chicken or a large pizza; at 1.0 cu ft it is smaller than the Toshiba 1.5 and the Panasonic.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Inverter plus convection and air fry
- Most auto menus here
- Full accessory set
Cons
- Turntable size not stated
- 1.0 cu ft limits large dishes
How to choose a convection microwave oven
1. Real convection or just a grill
True convection means a heating element plus a fan that moves hot air around the food, which is what lets these ovens bake and air fry. Some microwaves only have a grill element on the ceiling, which browns the top but does not bake. Every pick here lists convection or air fry by name. If the listing does not mention a fan or convection, assume it cannot bake.
2. Capacity and what fits
Convection cooking needs room around the food for air to move, and the racks take up some height. A 0.9 cu ft model handles a plate, a small tray of taquitos or a few chicken thighs. For a whole chicken, a 12-inch pizza or a 9-inch pan, look at 1.3 cu ft or more, or a flatbed like the Ninja that takes a 9 by 11 inch dish.
3. Temperature and power
Few makers state a top convection temperature on these listings; the Ninja gives 450°F and the Toshiba OptiChef Classic 425°F. Microwave power on these picks runs from 900 to 1,050 watts. Combination modes, which run the microwave and convection together, are what make these ovens faster than a toaster oven for cooking through.
4. Inverter
An inverter lets the microwave run at steady low power instead of switching full power on and off. On a combo it helps most with defrosting before you crisp. The Panasonic HomeChef and the Toshiba OptiChef Classic have one.
5. Accessories and cleaning
Convection and air frying spatter grease inside the cavity, so look at what you will be cleaning. Most picks come with racks and a tray or basket; Sharp and Ninja say their air fry pieces are dishwasher safe. A flatbed interior or stainless steel cavity is easier to wipe than one with a turntable recess.
6. Counter space and clearance
Combos are deeper than plain microwaves; the Toshiba 1.5 is 20 inches deep. Add the maker’s clearance (GE asks for 3 inches on the sides and top and 1 inch at the back) and make sure the oven is not jammed under a cabinet, since convection models get hot outside.
Using a convection microwave for Mexican leftovers
The reason to own a convection microwave in a Mexican kitchen is texture. Crisp foods, such as taquitos, flautas, tostadas, chimichangas and fried empanadas, go limp in microwave mode. In convection or air fry mode, or a combination setting that warms the inside with microwaves while the fan crisps the outside, they come back much closer to how they started. Soft dishes, like enchiladas, tamales and rice and beans, are still better reheated with the microwave alone and covered.
Whichever mode you use, the food-safety basics are the same. Clemson Cooperative Extension’s Home & Garden Information Center notes that uneven microwave heating can leave cold spots where harmful bacteria may survive. It advises covering food when reheating in the microwave, stirring or rotating it midway, allowing standing time so the heat evens out, and using a food thermometer; leftovers and casseroles should reach 165°F. Our guide to reheating Mexican leftovers goes through it dish by dish, and our guide to what tamales are explains why they reheat best steamed in their husks.
How we picked these seven convection microwaves
We did not test these ovens. We compared what each maker states on its Amazon listing: capacity, microwave power, convection and air fry functions and temperatures, inverter, turntable or flatbed interior, size and warranty, and we point out where a listing contradicts itself or leaves something out. We kept only models that list convection baking or air frying, and only listings that were in stock on Amazon when we wrote this. We searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database for each brand and found no recall listed for these models.
We left out the Breville Combi Wave because it already appears in our countertop microwave guide, Toshiba’s 1.0 cu ft air fryer combo (ML2-EC10SA) for the reason in the note below, and the Toshiba OptiChef Basic because it shares its body and specifications with the MASTER Series model we dropped (see below). We also left out the black GE 4-in-1, which was scarce, and an Avanti 3-in-1 whose listing gave too little detail to compare. The Toshiba OptiChef PRO MAX 1.3 cu ft, an earlier pick, is no longer offered through Amazon’s product feed, so we replaced it with the OptiChef Classic.
A note on a model we dropped: this guide used to recommend the Toshiba MASTER Series ML2-EC09SAIT 0.9 cu ft air fryer combo as its compact pick. In June 2026 Consumer Reports asked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to investigate SaferProducts.gov reports of certain Toshiba-brand microwaves and air fryer combos, made by Midea, turning on by themselves; it counted at least 28 incidents and named four models, including the ML2-EC09SA, an air fryer combo whose model number this one shares apart from the suffix, and the ML2-EC10SA, and its safety alert advised owners to unplug them after use. Midea told Consumer Reports the products are not unsafe, and no recall had been announced when we updated this guide. We removed the pick while the question is open; the Sharp 3-in-1 and the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 are the compact options now.
Convection microwave questions, answered
What is the difference between a convection microwave and a regular microwave?
A regular microwave only heats with microwaves, so it cannot brown or crisp. A convection microwave adds a heating element and a fan, so it can also bake, roast and air fry, either on its own or combined with microwave power.
Can a convection microwave replace a toaster oven?
For most reheating and small batches, yes; that is the main reason to buy one. A dedicated toaster oven still toasts bread better and leaves the microwave free. If you would rather keep them separate, see our toaster oven guide.
Can I use metal pans in a convection microwave?
Follow your maker’s manual. The racks and trays that come with these ovens are meant for convection, air fry and grill modes. Ninja, for example, says only its included glassware should be used for air frying and FusionCrisp.
Are convection microwaves worth it in a small kitchen?
Usually. One 0.9 cu ft combo like the Sharp 3-in-1 or the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 takes the place of a microwave and a toaster oven or an air fryer, which frees up counter space.
Do I still need to stir food in a convection microwave?
When you reheat in microwave mode, yes. Clemson Extension advises stirring or rotating food midway, letting it stand and checking leftovers reach 165°F with a thermometer.
Our final pick for a convection microwave
Buy the Toshiba 4-in-1 1.5 cu ft for most families. Choose the Panasonic HomeChef for inverter defrosting plus convection, the Ninja Crispi if air frying matters most, and the Sharp 3-in-1 for a small kitchen. If you do not need convection at all, our countertop microwave guide covers plain sensor and inverter models.
Or skip the reheating and let us cook: see the menu and call to order.