Some families prefer to purchase a microwave toaster oven combo than to have 2 separate appliances, and that is often a good idea.
While toaster ovens and microwave ovens excel in different areas, what you are about to read combines the best of both worlds so you don’t have to choose one over another.
With the right choice, you can save a lot of space by combining all the essential functions into a single microwave toaster oven, rather than owning a two cumbersome appliances that take up the precious counter top space. The key to finding a good microwave toaster oven combo is to find one that integrates the speed of a microwave oven and the versatility of a toaster oven.
Just like any popular product category, microwave toaster oven combo is highly sought after and Jay’s Beef has a slew of products to choose from. I own an affordable and versatile Panasonic Flash Xpress Toaster Oven, and it handles all the tasks I throw at it without fail.
List of 4 Best Microwave Toaster Oven Combo Reviews
We have selected the few models that represent the best microwave toaster ovens you can buy right now. These models usually comes with a bit of a premium over regular microwave oven or toaster oven, but their versatility and space-saving feature often make them a good investment in the long run.
1. Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro
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Breville is a household name when it comes to microwave toaster oven combo, and their best model does not disappoint. It’s clad with stainless steel and powered by Quartz Elements at 1800W.
Equipped with smart Element IQ, this model is capable of moving the heat to where and when it’s needed, achieving the best results when it comes to heat distribution and cooking speed.
It’s also one of the few models that combine digital control panel with interior light, making it extremely user-friendly and simple to operate.
Features
Measuring at 18.5″ x 15.75″ x 11″, the Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro can accommodate up to 6 slices of breads at once. It’s also equipped with a 13″ non-stick pizza pan, allowing users to bake and re-heat 12″ pizzas without a hitch.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] High Powered 1800W Smart Elements
The 5 Quartz Elements located at the top and bottom of the oven are controlled by patented Element IQ, which distributes heat to where it’s needed. This feature is enhanced by using a convection fan to circulate heat evenly. At the same time, food are heated up and cooked quickly, all while preserving the crunchiness and texture.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Huge Interior Dimensions
Measuring at 0.8 cubic foot, the microwave toaster oven has one of the best interior vs. exterior dimensions. It is compact and doesn’t take much space on your counter top.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Included Accessories
Unlike other models, the Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven comes with generous accessories, which includes:
- 12″ x 12″ Enamel Baking Pan
- 12″ x 12″ Enamel Broiling Pan
- 13″ Non-Stick Pizza Pan
Advantages
This microwave toaster oven combo toasts evenly, bakes delicious cookies and perfect pizza, roasts succulent meat, and reheats in a very short amount of time. The reason for its popularity and the premium it commands is simply because it gets the job done, often beyond expectations.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] All Rounder Microwave Toaster Oven
The Breville BOV845BSS smart oven combines the advantages of both microwave ovens and toaster ovens with quick heating using Quartz Elements, and versatile toaster oven-like functions that encompass 10 preset functions.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Unique Slow Cook Function
While most ovens are limited to 60 minutes or 120 minutes timer, this smart oven incorporates a slow cook function that lasts up to 10 hours. It’s often used to tenderize meat.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Auto-eject Baking Tray
This model comes with magnetic baking tray that ejects when you open the door of the oven, preventing the common injuries while manually removing tray from the oven.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Exceptional Build Quality
The Breville BOV845BSS is built with brushed stainless steel, giving it not only an elegant touch, but also durability with sufficient sturdiness. This is one of the most impressively built oven we have seen in a while.
What Could be Better?
Despite all its bells and whistles, there are still some minor improvements that can be made to make it a perfect microwave toaster oven.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-down” background=”#d40202″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] High Price Point
Compared to other microwave toaster ovens, the Breville BOV845BSS resides in the higher price category. However, there are still less equipped models that command a higher price than this model, so we think it delivers an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
Special mentions: The Breville smart oven series features a few more models with similar functions at varying price points if you find the price of Breville BOV845BSS a tad uninviting.
2. Panasonic PAN-NB-G110PW Flash Xpress
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Panasonic is the pioneer of utilizing infrared heating technology in microwave toaster ovens. Unlike toaster ovens that use heating elements and microwave ovens that use electromagnetic wave, the Panasonic Flash Xpress uses infrared technology to quickly heat and cook food.
It’s one of the few models that offer no compromise when it comes to selecting a true microwave toaster oven combo. It doesn’t require much time to preheat like a microwave oven, and at the same time it is capable of browning and toasting food like a traditional toaster oven.
Features
The main selling point of the model lies in its proprietary double infrared heating technology. It eliminates the need to preheat, unlike a traditional toaster oven, while still retaining the versatility of baking and toasting foods.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] “FlashXpress” Double Infrared Light
It cooks up to 40% quicker than traditional toaster ovens and removes preheating for fast cooking (with temperature range between 250 – 500 Degree F)
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Automatic Digital Calculation
The preset functions automatically calculates the cooking time for bread, frozen foods, baking and reheating, thus eliminating the guesswork from the user.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] 6 Preset Menu Functions
The more common cooking tasks have been automated using a click of a digital button. The preset functions include Toast, Waffle, Roll, Pizza, Hash Brown and Quick Reheat. You can still perform other tasks such as baking cookies by manually adjusting the settings.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Included Accessories
The accessories that come with the oven purchase include:
- 9″ x 9″ Inner Tray
- 9″ x 9″ Baking Tray
- Removable Crumb Tray
Advantages
The Panasonic Flash Xpress is packed full of features considering its mid-range price point. This is one of the reasons why it has dominated the infrared oven category for years, and managed to amass loyal supporters that swear by this model.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Versatile Food Options
Combining the convenience of a microwave oven and the versatility of a toaster oven, the Panasonic Flash Xpress provides a host of functions apart from just reheating food quickly. Toast breads, bagels, English muffins, croissants and pastries easily, or bake pizza and party snacks in a jiffy. It can even bake french fries and onion rings with its hash brown settings.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Precise Temperature Control
The digital control panel offers a more precise control over traditional knob controllers. Even though it’s not as precise as smart toaster ovens, the digital panel still offers 8 incremental settings from 250°F – 500°F.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Easy Repair
Unlike ovens that rely on heating elements or microwave, the Panasonic Flash Xpress cook using 3 infrared light bulbs that can be easily replaced if they go out. It’s as simple as unscrewing the old bulb and installing the new bulb, and you are good to go. Panasonic is currently selling the bulbs at following price point:
- ABA80-17500U Heater – $22.25
- ABA86-17500U Heater – $44.15
- ABA83-1700U Heater – $17.55
What Could be Better?
There is no perfect microwave toaster oven, and this model is no exception. Here are some improvements that can be made to the Panasonic Flash Xpress a more desirable product:
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-down” background=”#d40202″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Weirdly Placed Power Cord
Unlike majority of ovens that place their power cords at the back, the power cord of Panasonic Flash Xpress is located at an awkward position – the left side of the oven (near the front). This may be inconvenient if you have limited counter top space and power outlet on the right side.
3. Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology
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Even though it’s technically a full-fledged microwave oven, it’s included in the list because of its unique inverter technology. Unlike normal microwave ovens that uses electromagnetic pulses, the inverter microwave uses a consistent wave to produce a steady stream of cooking power.
The result? You get a consistent, evenly prepared food – from the edges to center, across a wide range of cooking techniques and food items. This is why we include the Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ as one of the recommended microwave toaster oven combo.
Measuring at 15.8″ x 20.7″ x 12.2″, it doesn’t have the smallest footprint, but the inverter technology devotes lesser space to electronics and provides more interior capacity. It’s a compact oven that offers an interior dimensions of 14.4″ x 13.9″ x 9.9″ and a turntable measuring 13.5″, enough to accommodate 12″ pizzas and trays with handles.
Features
The main feature of the Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ lies in its inverter technology, but it is also a good all-rounder that excels in various modes, including defrost, reheat and keep warm. One notable feature is the Genius Sensor cook, which we’ll get to in a minute.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Inverter Technology
Regular microwave ovens use periodic electromagnetic waves throughout the heating period. One downside to this method is that the surface are often burnt by high energy while the center is under-cooked. The inverter technology provides consistent heating throughout, much like a toaster oven. This creates a crispier surface and evenly cooked food, much like the superior results you would expect from a toaster oven.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Genius Sensor Feature
The Genius Sensor equipped with Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ detects steam from the heated food and automatically calculate the optimal cooking temperature and time. Because of this, you should always make sure the glass container is dry (residual beads of moisture turning into steam can mislead the sensor) and not to open the door before the food is finished cooking. This may result in inaccurate cooking time since the steam from food is no longer contained in the oven cavity.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Auto Cook Functions
This model comes with 12 dedicated settings to cater for the most common menu items, including frozen entrees and vegetables, oatmeal, soup, pizza and pasta.
Advantages
Apart from its smart features and affordable price, the Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ has earned a very good reputation among its users. Many have described it as the best microwave oven they have ever owned.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Faster Than Usual Microwave
Thanks to the inverter technology, the Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ heats and cooks food faster than the average microwave ovens. Evidently, a consistent electromagnetic output achieves faster and better results than periodic bursts of waves. For instance, it boils a bowl of water in 45 seconds and heat up a bowl of soup in 20 seconds.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Easy Cleaning
The turn-table included in the unit can be removed for washing, and the interior surface can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth thanks to its non-sticky nature.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Poach, Braise and Steam Very Well
Delicate foods like salmon can get their texture destroyed very easily, but the consistent heating of Inverter Technology and optimal settings with Genius Sensor allows these foods to simmer without overcooking. Salmon that we poached with this oven retained its texture and produced very good results.
What Could be Better?
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-down” background=”#d40202″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Interior Light Settings
The interior light of the Panasonic NN-SN651BAZ lights up only when it’s in cooking mode. Unlike some other models, the light does not switch on when you open the oven door. Even though the oven cavity can still be observed with surrounding light, it’s best if the interior light is programmed to switch on every time the door is opened for easier operation.
4. Samsung MG14H3020CM Countertop Grill Microwave Oven
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We have another microwave oven entry in this list that can fulfill the role of microwave toaster oven combo just fine. The Samsung MG14H3020CM Counter Top Grill Microwave is a special breed that combines the speed and convenience of microwave ovens with the toasting prowess of a regular toaster oven.
This model comes with Grilling Element and ceramic plate to prepare crispy foods including pizza. While normal microwave ovens are incapable of browning or toasting food, the grilling elements help to prepare sandwiches, bacon, fish and other foods that are improved by a crispy finish.
Measuring at 12.3″ x 21.9″ x 18″, this microwave toaster oven takes up quite a bit of space on your countertop. However, the interior space is equally spacious, measuring at 10.4″ x 14.8″ x 15.4″ with 1.4 cubic foot. It was hard to lift the unit and move it around, as it weighs 41.9 pounds. It’s definitely not a portable unit and is meant to be a semi-permanent addition to your countertop.
Features
The highlight of this model comes in the form of grilling elements that are absent in other microwave ovens. Instead of using just electromagnetic waves to heat and cook foods, the grilling elements mimic the heating elements found in toaster ovens that contribute to the browning and crisping of foods.
Since the grilling elements are located at the top of the oven cavity, a raised platform is provided to lift the food to the top of the oven, allowing the food to become crisp and crunchy. For example, pizza crust can be browned and toasted crispy, and bagels are naturally the perfect candidate for this function.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Ceramic Enamel Interior
Instead of using stainless steel like most other models, this Samsung Microwave features a ceramic enamel interior that is scratch resistant and easy to clean. It’s non sticky and food debris can be easily wiped off with a dampen clean cloth.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Full Digital Control
The control panel is fully digital and comes with the options of 10 power levels, accompanied by a LED display. Normal menu items are pre-programmed in auto cook functions, including popcorn, potato, pizza, vegetables, kids meals, auto-reheat, soften/melt, snacks, auto-defrost, grill and cook, taking the guesswork out of cooking.
[wps_icon icon=”check” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Shiny Mirror Exterior
The exterior of the microwave oven is made of textured metal finish that is clean and shiny, giving it a sophisticated look.
Advantages
There are plenty to like about this microwave toaster oven combo, and its versatility is just one of them.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Grill / Microwave / Combo Mode
This might be confusing to some, but the grill rack for the Samsung oven is not used for grilling only. It can also be used for combination cooking to enhance the texture and heat distribution for foods such as pizza, pasta and crusts.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Fast Cooking with Lower Wattage
The unit runs on a relatively low 950 wattage rating, which is lower than most other microwave and toaster oven units (some go as high as 1800W). However, the speed of cooking does not seem to be compromised, as the unit cooks just as fast as other microwave ovens.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Energy Efficient
Thanks to the low wattage rating, the unit is more energy efficient and costs less electricity usage in the long run. This is after considering the unit comes with a separate grilling element that is absent in other microwave ovens, which is honestly quite impressive.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-up” background=”#49ea25″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Highly Affordable
This model resides in the middle price bracket compared to its more reputable competitors, but keep in mind that the rival units does not come with grilling elements. Considering the construction quality it has and the features it carry, it seems like a bargain to us.
What Could be Better?
Even though the Samsung MG14H3020CM Microwave Oven is high versatile and efficient, there are some nagging issues that can potentially compromise the experience with the model.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-down” background=”#d40202″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Door Doesn’t Eject Upon Pressing Lever
There is a lever located at the bottom right corner of the microwave oven, where users can press it to unlock the door. However, pressing the lever alone does not eject the door as one might expect. In fact, you have to press the lever with one hand and open the door with the other hand at the same time, which seems to be a minor design flaw to us.
[wps_icon icon=”thumbs-o-down” background=”#d40202″ color=”#fff” size=”20″ padding=”5″ radius=”5″] Reflective Door Makes It Harder to See Through
Even though the textured glass door gives it a sophisticated look, it makes the door harder to see through at the same time. It’s a bit harder to monitor cooking progress compared to other microwave ovens, and you’ll have to look closer to see the interior when it’s running.
The Bottom Line
There you have it, the best models that we have hand-picked for the microwave toaster oven combo category. You can’t really go wrong with any of these choices, as they are some of the most popular and well-liked models out of the hundreds of selections out there.
If you are looking for a single kitchen appliance to replace both your toaster oven and microwave oven, a microwave toaster oven combo is definitely the ideal compromise which combines the best of both worlds.
I hope you found the article useful. Be sure to check out our top picks for toaster ovens that represent the best bang for your bucks.
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