A convection microwave oven is an appliance that combines the traditional cooking capabilities of a regular microwave with the browning and crispy textures of a convection oven. Its fan circulates heated air around the food, providing an even cooking experience. The fan also allows you to cook multiple dishes at once without any cross-contamination.
Generally, these ovens have features similar to traditional microwaves: they come with various power settings, defrost options, reheat options, and timer functions. However, the convection feature makes them more versatile in terms of cooking capabilities.
To help you find the best convection microwave, we rounded up the best options based on actual customer reviews on sites like The Good Guys, Appliances Online, Harvey Norman and more. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the convection microwaves with the highest review score within those parameters.
The Panasonic 34L Convection Microwave Oven is a top-tier appliance with a solid 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Appliances Online and Amazon.
Its most impressive features include the Easy One Push Reheating function that eliminates the guesswork of reheating leftovers and its Genius Sensor Auto Program with 7 Junior Menu Options that ensure perfectly cooked and reheated meals every time.
Additionally, the Inverter Microwave Technology offers precise cooking and defrosting control while simultaneously ensuring food is cooked evenly. This microwave also impresses with its simultaneous combination cooking, allowing for grill or convection baking combined with Inverter Microwave cooking. If you're a bread lover, you'll appreciate the Freshly Baked Taste with Re-Bake Bread Programs, which deliver bread that tastes as if it's straight from the bakery.
However, while this microwave boasts a large interior that accommodates 30cm wide dishes, the size may be overwhelming for more compact kitchens. Additionally, the high-grade, full stainless steel design may require frequent cleaning to maintain its shine.
How do Australians rate Panasonic's microwaves?
88% of surveyed Australians recommend Panasonic
4.3
Value for money
4.3
Overall
4.5
Performance
4.4
Ease of use
4.4
Cleaning and maintenance
4.2
Product features
How Panasonic compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For microwaves, Panasonic was ranked 8th for value for money, 4th for performance, 9th for ease of use, 6th for cleaning and maintenance and 9th for product features.
13 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
The Panasonic 27L 3-in-1 Convection Microwave Oven is a phenomenal kitchen companion, earning a stellar rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
This multi-purpose gadget is positively brimming with features that make it a standout choice. The convection mode gives you precision with temperature selection, ranging from 100-220°C for your bake and roast needs. Its combination cooking feature merges the efficiency of inverter microwave power and a convection oven mode, ensuring quality isn't compromised while saving time.
The inverter technology is another highlight, delivering graduated power sequences for more evenly cooked food. If you need to defrost, the turbo defrost feature is fantastic, defrosting food more uniformly and quickly. With 29 Auto Menu Programs on deck, you've got options galore, whether you're in the mood for a roast chicken, a casserole, or fish & chips.
The oven also caters to young ones with its Junior Auto Cook Programs, serving up 8 enticing recipes, from fresh vegetable fries to pasta bake.
However, it's not without its downsides. The complexity of the different cooking modes can be overwhelming, and the oven's exterior can get quite hot during prolonged use.
Valid for a limited time only at Appliances Online. T&Cs apply.
How do Australians rate Breville's microwaves?
82% of surveyed Australians recommend Breville
4.2
Value for money
4.3
Overall
4.4
Performance
4.4
Ease of use
4.4
Cleaning and maintenance
4.2
Product features
How Breville compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For microwaves, Breville was ranked 12th for value for money, 7th for performance, 9th for ease of use, 6th for cleaning and maintenance and 9th for product features.
13 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
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$64 off Panasonic 27L 3-in-1 Convection Microwave Oven
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Valid for a limited time only at Appliances Online. T&Cs apply.
For the best option with a grill function, we recommend the Whirlpool MWC25WH 25L Crisp & Grill Microwave Oven. This model has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
Apart from letting you grill your favourite food to perfection, this convection microwave lets you steam, crisp and heat up food in no time. It features 3D microwave hearing and a quartz grill for golden and crispy results. According to the brand, these features also help the unit prepare food 3 times faster than a conventional infrared grill.
It has a 25L capacity, which may be too small for larger households, but its plenty of room for preparing smaller batches of meals for 1–2 people. For added convenience, there's an auto-clean function and a jet menu defrost for quick defrosting.
Several customers found its beeps and chimes quite annoying, but this doesn't seem to be a deal-breaker. And despite this little drawback, the MWC25WH remains a favourite among customers looking for a relatively affordable and versatile convection microwave.
We picked the Kleenmaid 35L Built-In Combi Steam Oven as the best large convection microwave available online.
As a multifunctional appliance, it combines the conveniences of a microwave, convection oven, and grill, creating many cooking options. The 80 auto-cooking menus, 14 cooking and 8 steaming functions, and a rapid pre-heating feature highlight its versatility and efficiency.
Further, the hot air frying function is a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. Notably, the oven's omnidirectional microwave technology eliminates the need for a turntable, allowing larger dishes to fit within the cavity.
While it offers a myriad of benefits, it's worth noting a couple of downsides. The SMC4530 is a remarkably high-tech appliance, so navigating the many features and functions might take some time. Additionally, due to its large capacity, it may not be a perfect fit for smaller kitchens.
However, the overwhelming functionalities and large capacity make this model an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive cooking solution.
The Midea 34L 2100W Electric Grill Convection Microwave Oven is affordable and doesn't skimp on functionality. Its power is impressive, with a 1000W microwave, an 1100W grill, and a 2100W convection setting, all controlled digitally for precision.
The white LED display ensures easy monitoring of cooking progress. With 5 power levels and a 95-minute cooking timer, it presents variety and versatility, making it an excellent companion for any kitchen.
The oven also flaunts many useful features, including 10 auto cooking menus, a defrost setting, and a quick 30-second start function, which are particularly handy for those new to cooking or those looking for a hassle-free experience.
The child safety lock is a thoughtful addition, ensuring peace of mind when little ones are around. Its stainless steel cavity, front panel, and silver housing lend a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements any kitchen decor.
One possible downside could be its size. With a 34L capacity, it might be a bit too large for smaller kitchens. Secondly, those preferring a more traditional cooking experience might initially find the digital control complicated.
The Inalto 34L Built-In Convection Microwave is a top-of-the-line choice for those seeking a polished, integrated look for their kitchen. With an impressive 34L capacity, it suits families of various sizes and is designed to meet diverse cooking needs.
The frameless black glass adds a sleek touch to any decor, fitting seamlessly into your kitchen layout. Notably, it offers 10 pre-set food types, a feature that simplifies the cooking process by effortlessly defrosting, cooking popcorn, or preparing veggies.
Its advanced functionalities include Grill and Convection modes, extending its usage beyond a regular microwave. It has a child safety lock that ensures the utmost safety in homes with little ones, a thoughtful addition that parents will appreciate.
However, this model lacks a timer, an omission that might inconvenience users who prefer to have a precise timing method for their cooking. Also, the stainless steel cavity might require a little extra elbow grease to clean compared to non-stick interiors.
We also recommend the Panasonic 34L Convection Microwave Oven as the best choice for the brand. It has a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars on both Appliances Online and Amazon.
With a spacious capacity of 34 litres and a plethora of cooking functions – including convection baking and grilling – this microwave is a reliable companion for any cooking adventure. Its advanced sensor technology ensures precise cooking results, while the variety of preset cooking programs makes creating a wide range of delicious meals easy.
Plus, the stylish stainless steel finish adds a modern touch to your kitchen, and the control type is dial and button-operated, giving you more flexibility in your use. Plus, with 7 power levels and 30 functions, this microwave can easily handle all your cooking needs.
However, it's worth noting a couple of drawbacks. For one, it does not have a steaming function, which might be a deal-breaker for those who steam foods regularly. Additionally, it doesn't have an adjustable rack, which may limit your cooking options.
How do Australians rate Panasonic's microwaves?
88% of surveyed Australians recommend Panasonic
4.3
Value for money
4.3
Overall
4.5
Performance
4.4
Ease of use
4.4
Cleaning and maintenance
4.2
Product features
How Panasonic compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For microwaves, Panasonic was ranked 8th for value for money, 4th for performance, 9th for ease of use, 6th for cleaning and maintenance and 9th for product features.
13 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
Amazon prices last updated on 24 April, 2024 at 10:17 pmeBay prices last updated on 24 April, 2024 at 06:37 pm
How did we pick this list?
21 Brands considered
62 Products compared
7 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
We started our search for the best convection microwaves by finding the highest-rated products from customers at retailers like The Good Guys, Appliances Online and Harvey Norman. We then compared those top-rated convection microwaves against other popular options in the same category, considering factors such as capacity, ease of use and price to help us decide on our top picks.
In the "best cheap convection microwave" category, we considered models priced at less than $400. We considered convection microwaves from the following brands:
Artusi
Blanco
Bosch
Breville
DeLonghi
Electrolux
Esatto
Heller
Kleenmaid
Kmart
Kogan
Inalto
LG
Midea
Omega
Panasonic
Samsung
Sharp
Smeg
Smeg
Westinghouse
Frequently asked questions
While convection microwaves offer a lot of versatility, there are a couple of cons to consider. Firstly, they tend to be more expensive than standard microwaves. Secondly, their multi-functionality can make them more complex to use than traditional microwaves, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve.
Not necessarily. Although a convection microwave combines the speed of a microwave with the browning and crisping capabilities of a convection oven, it doesn't always mean quicker cooking times. The cooking speed will depend on the type of food and the specific cooking method used.
Yes, you can bake using a convection microwave. However, since it is smaller than a traditional oven, the size of the dishes used for baking may be limited. It also may not have all the features and settings of a dedicated convection oven so that the results may differ. But overall, a convection microwave is
We picked Panasonic's 34L Convection Microwave Oven NN-CD87KSQPQ as the best convection microwave you can buy online.
In the 2021 Finder Retail Awards, Samsung was named the best overall microwave brand.
A convection microwave can cook similar meals to an air fryer but it has more space to fit more food.
A normal microwave lets you reheat and cook frozen meals. It heats inside the food so you can enjoy leftover or ready-to-cook meals in minutes. On the other hand, a convection oven does all this and more. It also browns, crisps and fully cooks food. It heats both the inside and outside of your food as well. This unit is great for making pies, cookies, roast dishes and reheating.
A convection microwave doesn't have to be vented as it uses a fan to circulate air inside the unit. This helps food to cook faster and evenly.
On average, convection microwaves use around 1,200 watts. For comparison, an oven uses 2,000–5,000 watts and a microwave uses 1,200 watts.
Metal utensils shouldn't be used when heating food in microwave mode. However, you can use metal and foil in convection mode. Always check for your utensils and dishware to be oven-safe before using them. Avoid using paper plates, plastic containers and styrofoam containers on both convection and microwave modes as these materials can melt from the heat.
To remove food stains and caked-on grease, place 1 cup of water in a bowl inside your unit. Cook the water for about 3 minutes and let the steam stay inside the microwave for 5 more minutes. Take out the bowl and wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Then, let it dry.
Using commercially available oven cleaners on a convection microwave is not recommended because this appliance works differently than an oven.
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Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
This powerful 1200W inverter microwave is the perfect addition to any kitchen with the space to tame it.
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