The range of combi microwaves are huge. I am Siem and with my TOP-7, I hope to make the choice easier based on your budget and needs.
By Siem
With a combi microwave, you can do much more than just heat up meals. You can also use microwaves to prepare all kinds of meals, bake or grill dishes, defrost food, you name it. But which microwave oven should you choose?
What is the best combi microwave oven for you?
You have a lot to choose from when buying a new microwave with combi oven. First of all, there are built-in microwave ovens and freestanding microwave ovens. There are large and small microwave ovens, with many or few features. And, of course, there are expensive and inexpensive ones. We looked at the best built-in and freestanding microwave ovens from well-known brands and compiled this Top 10.
The best microwave oven in the test
Panasonic NN-CS88LBEPG
You buy a combi microwave because of its versatility. As far as that goes, the combi is just fine. This combi microwave oven detects by itself the required power and cooking time. You can choose from 36 pre-programmed preparation programmes. As an oven, it has a steam function and a crisp function, which allows you to prepare chips and snacks like in an air fryer. Because of its size and the downward-opening lid, you do need to reserve enough space for it.
- Automatic power and cooking time
- 36 automatic programmes
- Steam, grill and crisp function
- Very solid construction
- No rotisserie
- Takes up a lot of space
- Microwave oven 1,000 W
- Capacity 31 litres
- Max. diameter 35 cm
- Oven range 30 – 230 degrees
- Steam, crisp and grill function
- Housing: steel/inside stainless steel
- Without turntable
- Opens with flap
The microwave oven with the best value for money
Samsung MC28H5015AS
The Samsung MC28H5015AS is affordable, with excellent features and ease of operation. You can turn off the rotation function of the turntable, leaving plenty of room for large oven dishes. There are 35 pre-programmed preparations, including defrosting. This combi microwave also chooses the right time and preparation method by itself when you enter the weight and type of dish. Thanks to its enamelled interior, the Samsung MC28H5015AS is easy to clean. Read more…
- Good value for money
- 35 automatic programmes
- Space for large baking dish
- Does not take up much space
- Easy to clean
- No timer
- Microwave oven 900 W
- Contents 28 litres
- Max. diameter 32 cm
- Oven range 40 – 200 degrees
- Grill function
- Housing: steel/inside enamelled
- Opens with door
The best cheap microwave oven
ETNA ECM153WIT
The is a combi microwave for less than 200 euros, which does an excellent job of what it is supposed to do. The capacity is on the tight side, but with pre-programmed cooking modes, defrost modes and a grill, it is simply a complete and good combi microwave. The exterior is beautifully lacquered and easy to clean, as is the stainless steel interior. Too bad, though, that even the rotating grid has been skimped on. The combined high/low grid results in three awkward raised obstacles.
- Microwave, oven and grill function
- Many options
- Simple operation
- Easy to clean
- Clumsy top grid
- Microwave oven 900 W
- Capacity 25 litres
- Max. diameter 31.5 cm
- Fan oven range 140 – 230 degrees
- Top grill
- Housing: painted steel/inside stainless steel
- Opens with door
The best built-in microwave oven
Bosch CMA583MSO
If you are looking for a built-in microwave, we think this is the best choice. With a 44-litre capacity and a 36 cm tray, this is a spacious appliance, serving as a microwave, hot air oven and grill. A no-fuss combi microwave suitable for everyday use. Be sure to check the installation dimensions and make sure there is a socket nearby. Also make sure the heat can be dissipated.
- 8 oven and 3 microwave programmes
- Good heat distribution
- Simple operation
- Substantially priced
- No steam function
- Microwave oven 900 W
- Capacity 44 litres
- Max. diameter 36 cm
- Oven function range 40 – 230 degrees
- Top grill
- Installation dimensions (W x H x D): 56 x 45 x 55 cm
- Opens with door
The best built-in microwave for a limited budget
Inventum IMC6132F
A good and cheap built-in microwave is this With a capacity of 32 litres, it is not very spacious, but otherwise it is an appliance with extensive capabilities. Many preset programmes, also as a combi between microwave and convection oven. The oven temperature goes up to 220 degrees. Sometimes you would like it a bit higher. And a 1-metre power cord is rather short for a built-in appliance.
- Microwave, oven and grill function
- Many options
- Simple operation
- Easy to clean
- Oven temperature could be higher
- Short connecting cable
- Microwave oven 1,000 W
- Capacity 32 litres
- Max. diameter 31.5 cm
- Oven temperature: 130 – 220 degrees
- Top grill
- Installation dimensions (W x H x D): 56 x 38 x 55 cm
- Opens with door
The best combi microwave for large households
Sharp R-961INW
With its 40-litre capacity, it offers enough space for a large oven dish. The turntable is also generously sized at over 36 cm. You can even fit two grids at the same time in this freestanding microwave oven. Ideal for large families.
- Microwave, oven and grill function
- Large capacity
- Simple operation
- Easy to clean
- Takes up a lot of space
- Microwave oven power 900 W
- Capacity 40 litres
- Max. diameter 36.2 cm
- Range of hot air oven 40 – 250 degrees
- Grill function
- Housing: coated steel/inside stainless steel
- Opens with door
The best small microwave oven
Panasonic NN-DF385MEPG
The combi microwave is great for defrosting food and reheating meals. It offers enough space for a small household. Smaller microwaves like this often have to make do with a small output, but this one has an output of 1,000 watts. And a grill is also part of the equipment of this complete appliance.
- Microwave, oven and grill function
- Many options
- Simple operation
- Easy to clean
- Clumsy top grid
- Microwave power output 1,000 W
- Capacity 23 litres
- Hot air oven range 40 – 220 degrees
- Top grill
- Stainless steel interior
- Opens with door
Buying guide: what should you look out for when buying a microwave oven?
There are a number of questions you need to answer for yourself before buying a combi microwave oven:
- Looking for a built-in microwave or a freestanding one?
- How much money can you spend on your new combi microwave?
- What features should the microwave oven have? Is 800 W power enough, should it be able to defrost and bake, only top grill or also bottom heat, etc.?
- Looking for a big one or a small one?
Once you have answered these questions, you can compare the products in our Top 10 and choose the combi microwave that suits you best.
Conclusion: which is the best combi microwave for you?
Of all the products in our Top 10, we think the Panasonic NN-CS88LBEPG is the best freestanding and the Bosch CMA583MSO is the best built-in microwave. But if you have specific requirements or, for example, a limited budget, your choice may well fall on other microwaves. We hope this Top 10 will help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
It is important to know the exact installation dimensions and the installation space you have.Also check whether the connecting cable is long enough.
There are several with maximum temperatures of 230 degrees or more. Take a look at our Top 10.