Choosing Your Next Combination Microwave: Our Top Recommendations for 2026
Modern kitchens often face a common challenge: a demand for high-performance cooking without the countertop clutter of multiple appliances. A combination microwave offers a practical solution, merging the speed of a microwave with the capabilities of a grill and a convection oven. This allows you to defrost, reheat, grill, roast and even bake, all from one compact unit.
As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the market and understand the features that truly matter. This guide is designed to cut through the clutter, providing clear, objective advice to help you select an appliance that fits your home, budget and cooking style.
How to Choose the Right Combination Microwave
Before looking at specific models, it helps to understand the key features that differentiate them. Focusing on these three areas will ensure you find a model that meets your household's needs.
1. Capacity and Internal Design
The internal capacity, measured in litres, determines how much you can cook at once.
- 20-25 Litres: Ideal for individuals, couples or kitchens with limited space. Suitable for standard dinner plates and smaller dishes.
- 28-32 Litres: A versatile size for most families. A 28L microwave can typically accommodate larger casserole dishes and even a small chicken.
- 32+ Litres: Best for large families or enthusiastic home cooks who plan to use the convection oven feature for baking and roasting regularly.
Also, consider the interior layout. Traditional models use a turntable to ensure even cooking. However, a flatbed microwave uses a different technology to distribute heat, removing the need for a rotating plate. This frees up the entire internal cavity, making it easier to fit large or rectangular cookware.
2. Core Cooking Functions
A combination microwave is defined by its multiple cooking methods.
- Microwave with Grill: This function adds a heating element at the top of the cavity, perfect for browning sausages, melting cheese on toast or giving lasagne a crispy top.
- Convection Microwave: This feature includes a fan to circulate hot air, turning your microwave into a small, efficient oven. It's what allows you to bake cakes, roast vegetables and cook with the same results as a conventional oven, often in less time.
- Air Fryer Microwave: A more recent innovation, this function uses intense, rapid hot air circulation to achieve a crispy, fried texture on foods like chips and chicken wings with very little oil. It's a great way to get the benefits of a standalone air fryer without another appliance on your worktop.
3. Smart Features and Power
For those who appreciate convenience, a smart microwave with Wi-Fi connectivity can be a useful addition. These models allow you to control the appliance via a smartphone app, access guided recipes and monitor cooking progress remotely.
Finally, check the power, measured in watts (W). A higher wattage generally means faster cooking times. Most combination models offer around 900W for the microwave function, which is ample for everyday tasks.
Our Top Recommendations for 2026
Here are a few models that stand out for their features, performance and suitability for different types of users.
Samsung 28L Combination Microwave, 900W - MC28A5125AK/EU
Why It Stands Out: This Samsung combination microwave offers an excellent balance of functionality and size. It combines microwave, grill and convection cooking, making it a true multi-purpose appliance. A key feature is the Smart Moisture Sensor, which automatically adjusts cooking time and power to prevent food from drying out.
Pros:
- Versatile Cooking: Full microwave, grill and convection microwave capabilities.
- Intelligent Cooking: The moisture sensor helps achieve consistent results when reheating or cooking fresh food.
- Flexible Space: The option to turn the turntable off allows you to use larger, square dishes.
- Durable Interior: The Ceramic Enamel Interior is scratch-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
Who is it for?: Families and couples seeking a reliable, do-it-all appliance that can handle everything from daily reheating to weekend baking and grilling.
Samsung 32L Smart Combination Microwave with Air Fry - MC32DG7646CKE3
Why It Stands Out: This model is a comprehensive cooking station, integrating an air fryer microwave function alongside its other capabilities. With a generous 32-litre capacity and Smart Wi-Fi Connectivity, it is designed for the modern, connected kitchen.
Pros:
- All-in-One Appliance: Microwave, grill, convection oven and air fryer in a single unit.
- Large Capacity: The 32-litre interior is spacious enough for large family meals.
- Smart Functionality: Wi-Fi connectivity enables app-based control, recipe guidance and notifications.
- Healthier Cooking: The dedicated Air Fry technology produces crispy food with minimal oil.
Who is it for?: Larger households, keen home cooks and anyone who wants the latest cooking technology, including air frying and smart features, consolidated into one powerful appliance.
Hisense 20L Digital Microwave Oven with Grill - H20MOMSS4HGUK
Why It Stands Out: While not a full combination oven (it lacks a convection function), this Hisense model is an excellent step up from a basic solo microwave. Its compact 20-litre frame houses both a microwave and an 800W grill, making it a versatile choice for smaller spaces.
Pros:
- Space-Saving Design: The 20-litre capacity is perfect for smaller kitchens, flats or student accommodation.
- Grill Function: Adds the ability to brown and crisp food, which a standard microwave cannot do.
- Simple Operation: Straightforward digital controls and auto-cook menus make it easy to use.
- Efficient Performance: The 700W microwave power is well-suited for everyday reheating and defrosting tasks.
Who is it for?: Individuals, students or households with limited counter space who want more functionality than a basic microwave without the size and complexity of a full combination model.
Looking for More Options?
If these specific models don't quite match what you're looking for, or if you'd like to compare a wider range of sizes and features, we have more to see. Explore our full collection of Combination Microwaves to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a combination microwave and a standard microwave?
A standard (or solo) microwave only uses microwaves to heat food. A combination microwave adds other heating elements, typically a grill and a convection fan, allowing you to bake, roast and brown food much like a conventional oven.
Can a combination microwave replace an oven?
For many households, yes. A good convection microwave can bake cakes, roast a chicken and cook pizzas. While it may be smaller than a conventional built-in oven, its versatility makes it a suitable primary cooking appliance for smaller kitchens or a valuable secondary oven for larger families.
Is an air fryer microwave worth it?
An air fryer microwave uses a powerful convection fan and high heat to circulate hot air, creating a crispy, fried-like texture with minimal oil. If you frequently cook items like chips, chicken wings or roasted vegetables and want a healthier alternative to deep-frying without buying a separate appliance, it can be a very worthwhile feature.