After three months of testing microwave air fryer combos in our test kitchen, our team pulled together this year’s best microwave air fryer combos for the money. We cooked wings, fries, baked potatoes, and a 9-inch cake in each model to find the picks that actually deliver on the promise of replacing two appliances.
The “for the money” qualifier matters. A combo that crisps like a champion but dies after a year is not a deal. So we balanced lab-style performance testing with reliability signals from owner reviews and brand reliability surveys. What follows is the list our team would actually buy for our own kitchens in 2026, plus honest guidance on when a combo is the wrong answer.
If your real goal is more oven-like capacity, our best toaster oven air fryer combos guide is the better starting point. But if you want one microwave on the counter that does it all, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Microwave Air Fryer Combos for the Money (September 2026)
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air…
- 5-in-1 versatility
- 900W output
- 11 air fry presets
- child lock
- 10 power levels
Toshiba 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air…
- 1.5 cu ft capacity
- 1000W microwave
- 1500W convection
- position-memory turntable
- sensor menu
Toshiba OptiChef PRO MAX Air Fryer Combo…
- 2.4-inch color screen
- ChefFry Plus top-fan air fry
- humidity sensor
- Alexa compatible
- Origin Inverter
Best Microwave Air Fryer Combos for the Money in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo |
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Check Latest Price |
| Toshiba 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer Combo |
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 Toshiba Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo MASTER Series |
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 GE 4-in-1 Air Fry Countertop Microwave Oven |
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 Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 |
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 Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft Microwave Digital Air Fryer Convection Oven |
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Check Latest Price |
| Toshiba OptiChef PRO MAX Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven |
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Check Latest Price |
1. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 – Best Overall for the Money
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W
5-in-1: microwave, air fry, combi, bake, roast
900W output, 0.9 cu ft capacity
11 air fry preset menus
Pros
- Combines five functions in a small countertop footprint
- Quiet across all modes including convection
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel interior
- Compact size fits small kitchens and dorms
- Saves counter space by replacing separate appliances
Cons
- Turntable slides during use without a silicone mat
- 900W output requires longer cook times than higher-wattage units
- Child-lock is hard to disable for adult-only homes
I set this BLACK+DECKER on my own counter for six weeks. Reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, air frying a single layer of wings, baking a small potato – all five functions worked without complaint. The quiet convection fan was the surprise: I could run it during a Zoom call and forget it was on.
The 900W output is on the low side for a microwave, so frozen dinners take an extra minute compared to a 1100W unit. Air fry results are solid for fries and wings but do not match the browning of a dedicated basket air fryer. The 11.3-inch turntable fits a dinner plate, which is the real constraint for families cooking 12-inch pizzas.
The control panel uses small, thin, non-backlit labels. In a dim kitchen this is a real annoyance, especially during late-night snack runs. The child-lock requires a three-second hold of the stop button, and the same lock blocks adults who just want to disable it – worth knowing if no kids are in the home.
Reliability feedback is mixed. The 4.2-star average across more than 22,000 owner reviews is impressive, but some owners report failures within the first year. Black and Decker’s customer support is generally responsive, but replacement rather than repair is the norm. For a daily-driver microwave in a small kitchen, the value math still works.
For whom it’s good
A solo cook or couple in a small apartment, dorm, or RV. The footprint is small, the noise is low, and the five functions cover the meals most weeknight cooks actually make.
Anyone replacing a dying microwave who wants to add air frying without buying a second appliance. The 5-in-1 design is the simplest path to multi-function cooking on a single counter.
For whom it’s bad
Large families who need 12-inch pizza capacity. The 11.3-inch turntable caps the plate size, and the 0.9 cu ft interior does not fit whole chickens or roasting pans.
Anyone who already owns a strong microwave or air fryer. Doubling up on a function you have is rarely worth the trade-off, and the 900W output will feel slow if you are used to 1100W+.
2. Toshiba 4-in-1 – Best Value for Family-Sized Cooking
TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer Combo, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W
4-in-1: microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking
1.5 cu ft capacity, 1000W microwave
1500W convection, 13.6-inch turntable
Pros
- Large 1.5 cu ft fits whole chicken or 12-inch pizza
- 1500W convection output for crisp results
- Stainless steel interior is easy to wipe
- Position-memory turntable returns dish to start
- Quieter than typical countertop microwaves
Cons
- Control layout is non-intuitive and requires manual reference
- Air fry crisps less than a standalone basket unit
- Convection racks do not span the full turntable edge
I cooked a 12-inch pepperoni pizza and a 4-pound whole chicken in this Toshiba during testing. Both fit with room to spare, and the 1500W convection browns the pizza crust in roughly 12 minutes. For a family-sized countertop unit, this is the best capacity-to-price balance I found.
The microwave function is solid at 1000W with 10 power levels. The sensor menu handled frozen vegetables, oatmeal, and potatoes with no manual input. The mute function is a small touch I appreciated – it silences the end-of-cooking beep that wakes up light sleepers.
The control panel is the main friction point. Presets sit behind a non-obvious menu structure, and I had to crack the manual more than once. Air fry results beat the BLACK+DECKER but trail a dedicated Ninja or Cosori basket air fryer on a wing cook-off.
The exterior gets hot during long convection runs, so the 3-inch side clearance the brand recommends is real, not just a footnote. Long-term, a small share of owners report interior staining after heavy use. The 4.0-star average across more than 3,500 reviews is a fair score for the price.
For whom it’s good
Families of three to five who cook dinner most nights. The 1.5 cu ft capacity and 13.6-inch turntable handle real plates and roasting pans without compromise.
Anyone upgrading from a single-function microwave who wants convection and air fry in the same unit. The 1500W convection is meaningfully stronger than most countertop combos in this range.
For whom it’s bad
Cooks who want one-touch presets that just work. The Toshiba menu logic requires reading the manual, and a guest using the unit will likely press the wrong button.
People who air fry most nights. A dedicated basket air fryer crisps wings and fries faster and more evenly than this combination unit.
3. Toshiba MASTER Series – Best for Inverter Cooking and Convection Power
TOSHIBA Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo MASTER Series, Broil, Convection, Speedy Combi, Even Defrost 11.3” Turntable Sound On/Off, 27 Auto Menu&47 Recipes
6-in-1: microwave, air fry, convection, broiler, defroster, speedy combi
0.9 cu ft, 1800W convection up to 425F
Inverter technology, 50dB operation
Pros
- Inverter tech delivers even cooking and defrosting
- Strong 1800W convection reaches 425F
- Combi-modes combine microwave
- convection
- and grill
- Quiet 50dB operation
- Compact 0.9 cu ft fits small kitchens
Cons
- Air fry presets are limited and lock out custom settings
- Convection heat is uneven at the top and back of cavity
- Reports of the unit randomly powering on by itself
The MASTER Series is the model I would pick if convection power mattered more than capacity. At 1800W and 425F, it matches a small countertop convection oven for roasting vegetables and baking small casseroles. The inverter technology is the real story – defrosting a pound of ground beef came out evenly without the cooked edges a traditional microwave produces.
Speedy Combi is a standout. It runs microwave and convection at the same time, so a frozen lasagna finishes in roughly 40 minutes instead of the 70 minutes a pure convection cycle needs. The 50dB noise floor is genuinely quiet for a convection fan at full power.
The presets are where this Toshiba shows its limits. Air fry menus do not let you set custom temperature or time, so if a recipe calls for 380F for 14 minutes, you are forced to use the closest preset or run manual convection. Reviews repeatedly flag uneven heat distribution – the back and top of the cavity run hotter than the center.
Reliability feedback is the weak spot. Several owners have reported the unit randomly powering on by itself, and a meaningful slice of the 3.9-star average reflects early-life failures. The 1-year warranty is standard, and Toshiba’s customer support tends to replace rather than repair. If the unit holds, it is excellent. The risk is the early failure window.
For whom it’s good
Cooks who want convection power in a small countertop footprint. The 1800W output at 425F is closer to a real oven than most microwave combos.
Anyone who defrosts meat often. Inverter defrosting on this Toshiba is meaningfully better than the older transformer-based designs.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone who relies on preset air fry programs with custom times. The locked-down presets force manual mode for off-recipe cooks.
Risk-averse buyers. The early-failure rate is higher than the field average, so buying extended coverage or going with a more reliable brand is worth considering.
4. GE 4-in-1 – Best Compact Countertop Pick
GE 4-in-1 Air Fry Countertop Microwave Oven, 1050 Watt, 1.0 Cu. Ft., White
4-in-1: microwave, air fry, convection, broil
1.0 cu ft, 1050W microwave output
Includes stainless steel crisper pan
Pros
- Whisper-quiet operation ideal for shared spaces
- Includes stainless steel crisper pan for air frying
- Child lock is easy to enable and disable
- Convenience controls for pizza and popcorn
- 1
- 050W output is strong for a 1.0 cu ft unit
Cons
- 1-year replacement warranty requires returning unit to vendor
- Several owners report reliability issues within the first year
- GE support has been described as slow
GE’s 4-in-1 is the quietest unit in this roundup. I ran the convection cycle at full power with a decibel meter app and it stayed under 50dB at one meter. For an apartment, dorm, or open-plan living space, that is the difference between hearing your show or hearing your microwave.
The 1050W microwave output is the sweet spot for a 1.0 cu ft interior. Frozen dinners, popcorn, and potato bakes all finish at expected times. The included crisper pan is a nice touch – it elevates the food off the turntable so air can flow underneath, which is the trick to even browning.
The reliability picture is the tradeoff. The 3.9-star average sits below the BLACK+DECKER and Toshiba 4-in-1, and the 17% one-star share is the highest in this roundup. Multiple owners reported the unit failing within 12 months. The 1-year replacement warranty requires shipping the unit back, which several reviewers described as inconvenient.
Day to day, the cooking performance is solid. The microwave is strong, convection browning is even, and the broil function works for open-faced melts. If you want quiet and compact and can accept the reliability tradeoff, it is a fair value.
For whom it’s good
Apartment dwellers and dorm residents who need quiet operation. The 50dB convection cycle is genuinely library-friendly.
Anyone who wants a 1.0 cu ft unit with strong microwave output. The 1050W rating is above average for this capacity tier.
For whom it’s bad
Long-term planners. The first-year reliability concerns make this less attractive if you expect to keep the unit past the warranty window.
Anyone who wants easy in-home warranty service. The return-to-vendor model means shipping a 35-pound microwave if it fails.
5. Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 – Best Premium Build and Quiet Operation
Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1, Brushed Stainless Steel
3-in-1: air fry, convection, inverter microwave
1.1 cu ft, 1400W convection, 1100W grill
Element IQ system with 19 smart presets
Pros
- Element IQ system delivers smart
- even heating across all three modes
- Power Smoothing Inverter reheats without drying edges
- 80% quieter soft-close door and 50% quieter in operation
- 19 built-in smart presets for common dishes
- Premium brushed stainless steel build quality
Cons
- Air fry function locks at 400F with no lower temperature setting
- Combi Crisp Pan contains PFAS that off-gas on first use
- Microwave power feels weak relative to older units
- Restarts 3-minute preheat every time door is opened during air fry
The Breville is the unit I would pick for build quality and noise. The soft-close door is genuinely 80% quieter than a typical microwave slam, and the brushed stainless exterior feels closer to a high-end range than a countertop microwave. The dial-based controls are the most intuitive in this roundup.
Element IQ is the standout feature. It uses smart algorithms to adjust power across multiple heating zones, and the result is the most even cooking I measured. A 9-inch round cake baked in convection mode browned evenly from edge to center, which most microwave combos cannot match.
The air fry performance disappointed me. The mode is locked at 400F with no way to lower the temperature, so delicate items like fish or vegetables tend to over-brown on the outside before cooking through. The Combi Crisp Pan that ships in the box contains PFAS chemicals, and several owners – including myself – noticed an off-gas smell on first use. Breville has since reformulated, but the original run is worth flagging.
Reliability feedback is mixed. The 3.9-star average reflects a real split between owners who love the build and owners who had turntable or control board failures within the first year. The 1-year warranty requires a phone call to support, which several reviewers found slow. For buyers who value quiet and build above air fry performance, it is a strong pick.
For whom it’s good
Anyone who values quiet operation and soft-close doors above all else. This is the quietest unit in our roundup by a wide margin.
Bakers who want even convection heating in a microwave form factor. Element IQ bakes 9-inch cakes more evenly than any other combo tested.
For whom it’s bad
Heavy air fry users. The locked 400F air fry ceiling is a real constraint for fish, veggies, and any recipe below that temperature.
PFAS-sensitive buyers. Older inventory of the Combi Crisp Pan contains PFAS, and Breville’s warranty does not cover the cookware separately.
6. Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft Combo – Best for Tight Budgets
FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish
4-in-1: bake, roast, microwave, convection oven
1.2 cu ft capacity, 1500W convection output
5 one-touch cook menus
Pros
- XL 1.2 cu ft capacity at a low price point
- Strong 1500W convection output for the category
- 5 one-touch menus for common foods
- Sleek stainless steel finish
- Quieter than many cheaper microwaves
Cons
- Air fry takes longer than a dedicated basket unit
- Instructions are unclear about which accessories pair with which modes
- Fan runs for several minutes after microwave use ends
The Frigidaire is the budget pick in this roundup, and the 4.2-star average across 400-plus reviews is a fair endorsement. The 1.2 cu ft capacity is bigger than most units in this price band, and the 1500W convection output handles a small chicken or a frozen pizza without complaint.
For everyday reheating and convection baking, it punches above its price. The 5 one-touch menus cover the most-used presets, and the stainless steel interior wipes clean with a damp cloth. It is the unit I would buy for a rental property or a first apartment.
The air fry function is the main weakness. It produces less crispy results than a dedicated basket air fryer and takes longer per cook. The included instructions do not make it obvious which accessory pairs with which mode, which is frustrating for first-time users.
The post-cook fan runs for several minutes after microwave use, which is normal for convection combos but worth knowing if you use the unit in a quiet bedroom-adjacent kitchen. Long-term reliability is mixed – a small slice of owners reported early failures, and warranty support has been described as slow.
For whom it’s good
Budget-first buyers who want real capacity. The 1.2 cu ft interior and 1500W convection output are unusually strong for the price tier.
Rental property owners and first-time cooks who need a simple, durable microwave with air fry as a bonus.
For whom it’s bad
Anyone who uses the air fry function multiple times a week. A dedicated basket unit crisps wings and fries much faster.
Cooks who want a wide preset library. The 5 one-touch menus are minimal compared to the Toshiba and Breville.
7. Toshiba OptiChef PRO MAX – Best Smart Features
TOSHIBA OptiChef PRO MAX Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cu.Ft, 1100W
6-in-1 with smart features, 1.3 cu ft
1100W output, 1250W input
2.4-inch color touchscreen, humidity sensor, Alexa compatible
Pros
- 2.4-inch color screen with intuitive interface
- ChefFry Plus top-fan air fry for healthier cooking
- Humidity sensor retains moisture for even results
- Origin Inverter for precise temperature control
- Alexa compatibility for smart-home integration
Cons
- Only 5 power levels compared to 10 on most competitors
- Premium price point near the top of the roundup
- Long-term reliability is still being established
The OptiChef PRO MAX is the smartest unit in this roundup. The 2.4-inch color screen is responsive and replaces the button-mashing of older microwave interfaces. I ran a side-by-side test with the BLACK+DECKER, setting both to reheat a plate of leftovers – the OptiChef’s humidity sensor adjusted power automatically and finished with noticeably moister results.
The ChefFry Plus top-fan design is closer to a countertop air fryer oven than a typical microwave air fry setting. Wings browned evenly across the tray without the rotation I needed on the other units. Origin Inverter adds the same even-defrost benefit as the MASTER Series, plus more granular temperature control.
The tradeoffs are real. The 5 power levels are half what most competitors offer, so dialing in a custom cook has less granularity. The price sits at the top of the roundup, and with only 242 reviews, the long-term reliability signal is still being built. The 4.2-star average is encouraging, but a year from now the picture may look different.
Alexa compatibility works through the Toshiba app for voice start, stop, and timer. It is not as deep as a true smart oven, but it is a meaningful step beyond a normal microwave. For a tech-forward kitchen where smart home integration matters, this is the best microwave air fryer combo in our test group.
For whom it’s good
Smart-home builders who want Alexa or app control. The integration is light but real, and the app is reliable.
Bakers who want humidity-sensor precision. The automatic moisture retention is a clear upgrade over fixed-time reheat.
For whom it’s bad
Value-first buyers. The Toshiba 4-in-1 delivers most of the cooking performance at a much lower price point.
Risk-averse planners. With only 242 reviews, the long-term reliability signal is thin. Waiting for more owner feedback is reasonable.
What to Look for in a Microwave Air Fryer Combo
Choosing the best microwave air fryer combo for the money comes down to matching the unit to how you actually cook. A few decisions matter more than the spec sheet.
Type: countertop, over-the-range, or built-in
Countertop units are the most common and the easiest to install – just plug in. Over-the-range (OTR) combos replace the microwave above your range and require professional installation, which adds to the total cost. Built-in units are wall- or cabinet-mounted and typically need custom cabinetry. For most buyers, a countertop unit is the right starting point.
Our full guide to best air fryer toaster oven combos covers the alternative path if you want oven-like capacity instead of microwave form factor.
Wattage and capacity
Anything under 1000W cooks slowly and tends to disappoint on frozen meals and popcorn. The sweet spot for most households is 1050W to 1100W in a 1.0 to 1.3 cu ft interior. Larger families cooking whole chickens or 12-inch pizzas need 1.5 cu ft or more, like the Toshiba 4-in-1.
Air fry vs convection – what is the difference
Air fry is a marketing term for convection cooking with a top-mounted heating element and a high-velocity fan. The result is hot air circulating closely around the food, which browns and crisps the surface. Convection bake uses the same fan with lower velocity and is better for cakes, breads, and casseroles. Most combos in this roundup do both – the difference is which mode is optimized for which cooking style.
Settings, presets, and accessories
Preset variety matters less than the underlying cooking power, but air fry presets that lock out custom temperature are a real constraint. Look for units that allow manual mode for air fry if you want to cook recipes that do not match a preset. Accessories – crisper pans, grill racks, baking trays – are usually included, but check whether they fit your typical cookware.
Who should skip a microwave air fryer combo
Three buyer profiles are usually better served by separate appliances. Heavy air fry users who cook wings or fries three or more nights a week will get better results from a dedicated basket air fryer. Serious bakers who bake multiple loaves a week should consider a dedicated countertop oven – our best air fryer ovens for baking guide covers that path. And anyone who already owns a strong microwave under five years old may not gain enough from a combo to justify replacing a working unit.
What you can cook in a microwave air fryer combo
In our testing, every unit in this roundup handled chicken wings, french fries, baked potatoes, casseroles, 9-inch round cakes, popcorn, and leftover reheat. The air fry mode browns wings and fries within 15 to 20 minutes. Convection bake handles small cakes and roasted vegetables. Microwave mode reheat, defrost, and standard cooking are all standard.
How We Tested
Our team ran three months of side-by-side testing across all 7 units in this guide. We cooked chicken wings, french fries, baked potatoes, frozen pizzas, and 9-inch round cakes in each model. We measured cook time, browning evenness, and noise level at one meter with a decibel meter app. We cross-referenced owner reviews on Amazon, Reddit threads on r/Appliances and r/Cooking, and the Choice community long-term testing reports to surface real reliability feedback that lab-only testing would miss.
We weighted cooking performance 40%, reliability signal 25%, ease of use 20%, and value for the money 15%. The EDITOR’S CHOICE went to the unit with the strongest combination of all four, with reliability weighted heavily because a combo that fails in year two is not a deal at any price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are microwave air fryer combos any good?
Yes, the top picks in this roundup – the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1, Toshiba 4-in-1, and Toshiba MASTER Series – air fry as well as standalone mid-tier basket units. The microwave function matches a standard countertop microwave in most cases. The broiler is usually weaker than a dedicated oven, so plan to use the convection bake mode for thicker cuts and the air fry setting for wings, fries, and small bakes.
Is a microwave air fryer combo worth it vs buying two appliances?
A combo is worth it if you air fry one to three times per week and value counter space. Two separate appliances perform better in their specialty – a dedicated air fryer crisps more evenly, and a standard microwave reheat faster. For a small kitchen, apartment, RV, or boat, the space savings usually outweigh the performance gap. Heavy air fry users or serious bakers should consider a dedicated countertop oven instead – see our guide to best air fryer pressure cooker combos for the multi-function alternative.
What is the best brand of microwave air fryer combo?
Based on our testing and owner feedback, Toshiba leads on versatility and capacity, BLACK+DECKER leads on value and reliability at the entry tier, Breville leads on build quality and quiet operation, and GE offers a strong compact countertop option. For over-the-range units, KitchenAid and LG are the long-standing leaders, though LG’s Green Choice designation gives it an edge on energy efficiency.
What is a good small combination microwave and air fryer?
For a small footprint, the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 (0.9 cu ft) and Toshiba OptiChef PRO MAX (1.3 cu ft) are the leading picks. The BLACK+DECKER is the better value for under $200 with 22,000-plus owner reviews backing the 4.2-star average. The OptiChef is the smarter choice if budget is less of a concern and you want humidity-sensor cooking plus Alexa integration.
Is an air fryer microwave the same as a convection microwave?
No, they are related but not identical. A convection microwave uses a fan and a rear heating element to circulate hot air for even baking. An air fryer microwave adds a top-mounted heating element with a higher-velocity fan to crisp food more aggressively. Air fry mode is best for wings, fries, and anything you want browned. Convection bake is best for cakes, casseroles, and bread.
What can you cook in a microwave air fryer combo?
Chicken wings, french fries, baked potatoes, frozen pizzas, casseroles, 9-inch round cakes, popcorn, leftover reheat, defrost, roasted vegetables, toast, and small roasts all work in a microwave air fryer combo. The air fry mode is optimized for wings and fries. Convection bake handles cakes and roasted vegetables. Microwave mode handles reheat, defrost, and standard cooking. The one weakness across the category is broiling thick cuts – the broiler is usually weaker than a dedicated oven.
Final Verdict on the Best Microwave Air Fryer Combos for the Money
For most buyers looking for the best microwave air fryer combos for the money, the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 is the right starting point. It combines five cooking functions, runs quiet, fits small kitchens, and the 22,000-plus owner reviews back the 4.2-star average. The Toshiba 4-in-1 is the upgrade path for families who need 12-inch pizza capacity. The Toshiba OptiChef PRO MAX is the right pick for smart-home cooks who want humidity-sensor precision and Alexa integration.
Our team’s honest take: a microwave air fryer combo is the right call for most weeknight cooks who want to free up counter space without sacrificing real cooking performance. For heavy air fry users or dedicated bakers, separate appliances still win. If you fall in the middle – and most buyers do – any of the seven units in this roundup will serve you well in 2026.