Microwaves and toaster ovens are a god-sent for busy students and professionals. The former allows you to cook quick meals, including frozen ones. The latter is a perfect choice for frugal breakfasts. If you like to use both, you may be wondering whether a microwave-toaster oven combo could be a better choice.
A microwave that toasts comes with countless benefits. For one, it takes up a little space on your countertop and is a better choice for small homes. The appliance is also more versatile, boasting more cooking options.
When it comes to choosing the best microwave-toaster oven combo, there are a few things to take into account. To make things easy, I spend endless hours testing and researching the best microwave toaster ovens around. Check them out below to find the right one for you.
How Does a Microwave Toaster Oven Combo Work?
A microwave toaster oven combo works by combining the cooking speed of a microwave with the convection cooking of a toaster oven. The result is an oven that heats your foods up quickly and evenly while also cooking certain foods better than a traditional oven.
Like traditional toaster ovens, the microwave toaster combos distribute an even amount of heat from top and bottom, toasting your slices of bread on both sides.
Some models also have a broil function you can use to bake crispy pizza or to melt cheese on casseroles.
Benefits of Using a Microwave With Built-in Toaster
Microwave toaster ovens combine two appliances in one, but what are the benefits of getting such a combo? Let’s find it out.
Faster Cooking
One of the greatest advantages of toaster and microwave combos is that each function influences the other. When using the toaster – or other oven options such as baking or broiling – the microwave part of the appliance speeds up the cooking time.
Generally, you can expect this type of oven to cook your meals about 30% to 50% faster than a conventional oven.
Better Tasting Food
An advantage of cooking at high heat is that the exterior of the food gets seared quickly, trapping all juices and flavors inside. This means crispier and tastier meals.
Space-Saving
If toast is your go-to breakfast and you usually prepare quick meals in the microwave for lunch, you need both appliances.
The downside is that each oven will take up countertop space. But you may not have enough space for both in a small kitchen. Or maybe you want to save some countertop space for other appliances. No matter the purpose, a microwave and toaster oven combo can solve the problem.
Cooking Options
A microwave toaster oven comes with more cooking options than a microwave or toaster oven.
Moreover, most microwaves feature pre-programmed settings for a variety of snacks and meals; you can also use this oven to reheat leftovers or thaw frozen foods.
Money-Saving
Another huge benefit is the cost. A combi oven is less expensive than a toaster oven, and a microwave is bought separately – a great option if you’re on a budget.
How to Choose the Best Microwave With Built-in Toaster?
Choosing a microwave with a built-in toaster may seem easy, but there are a few things you should consider to avoid disappointment.
Size
The first thing to consider when buying a microwave with a built-in toaster – or any other type of microwave, as a matter of fact – is the exterior size of the appliance. Compare the size with the space available in your kitchen and the installation options.
Capacity
Next, consider the capacity. Microwaves with built-in toasters vary in capacity from one cubic foot or less to two cubic feet or more. Consider the size of your family and what type of meals you want to cook.
Power
There is only one rule to follow: the more powerful the unit, the better. While not all foods require high power, knowing that you can reach higher temperatures if necessary is a nice thing.
Cooking Options
All microwave ovens come with a number of pre-programmed cooking options. If you only need the appliance to make toast and cook some premade meals, you don’t need a fancy microwave with lots of cooking functions.
However, if you like versatility and want to speed up cooking, pre-programmed options can help you leave the guesswork out of the game.
Safety Features
If you have children, another thing to consider is the safety features. Make sure the oven you want has a child lock feature that you can activate when the oven is running but also when it’s not in use. This lock will prevent tiny hands from operating the appliance.
Cleaning Ease
Microwave ovens are generally easy to clean, but some have a quick clean button that creates steam inside the unit for easier wiping off grease and food residues.
Operation
An intuitive control panel is a key to a frustration-free operation. Some microwaves have quick-start buttons, whereas others don’t; one without quick-start buttons is safer for children since the oven won’t start unless you press the start button.
However, a quick start is more convenient if you’re not concerned about kids operating the oven.
Microwave With Built-in Toaster
1. Galanz GTWHG12S1SA10 4-in-1 ToastWave with TotalFry
Cooking enthusiasts looking for versatility may find everything they’re looking for in the Galanz ToastWave. More than a microwave toaster oven combo, this is a 4-in-1 appliance you can use to bake and roast, make toast, cook microwave meals, and more.
The convection microwave and oven functions are separate and grouped in two control panels. Each panel is intuitive, making the operation a cinch.
Between the toaster oven and microwave, the unit boasts 12 pre-programmed functions. Another highlight is the design. This oven has a sleek appearance and a brushed stainless steel finish that matches all interior styles.
Why I love it
Plethora of functions
Whether you want to reheat leftovers, defrost a meal, bake cookies or make toast, you can switch from microwave to convection oven effortlessly. Twelve pre-programmed functions add value for money, making it easy to cook when you’re in a hurry.
Perfect toast
Combi ovens aren’t famous for the toast they make, but that’s not the case with the Galanz. This microwave and toaster have three heating elements that help you make the perfect toast. The toast button features three pre-programmed settings for light, medium, and dark-
Air fryer
Fried foods are delicious but not particularly healthy. Air frying gives you the possibility to enjoy nuggets, French fries, and other fried foods minus the calories and fat.
Accessories
Alongside the oven, you’ll also get an air fryer kit, a cooking mat, and a non-stick turntable for pizza and pies – everything you need to start cooking straight out of the box.
What could be better
Cooking time increments
This convection microwave packs power and versatile cooking functions, but fine-tuning the cycle time is frustrating. The time increments are set at 10 seconds, which could be too much for certain foods. Likewise, the increments for the oven are set at two minutes.
Turntable
The appliance comes with a non-stick turntable and a cooking mat designed to cover the turntable when using the microwave functions.
However, it doesn’t have a glass turntable, meaning that you can’t use the microwave without the cooking mat. Should you damage the mat, you’ll have to invest in a compatible turntable made of glass.
2. Panasonic NN-GN68KS Countertop Microwave Oven 2-in-1
If you’re looking for a microwave that you can use to make toast – even though it doesn’t have a specific toast function – the Panasonic NN-G68KS could fit the bill.
This countertop microwave oven and broiler suits busy professionals and students who need a functional but not necessarily top-of-the-range appliance. As mentioned above, it lacks the toast function, but you can make toast just fine with the broiler (you’ll have to flip the slice of bread from one side to the other at some point).
Cooking-wise, this oven bursts with functions. You can select from 18 pre-programmed options to make quick meals, reheat foods, or defrost. A dedicated popcorn button with three levels and an auto-grill function brings even more value. All in all, an excellent choice.
Why I love it
Grill-like results
One of the main advantages compared to other microwaves with broil functions is the infrared heating element that produces crispy results time and time again. The auto-grill function allows you to set the temperature and cooking time with the touch of a button.
Compact design
This microwave has a spacious interior (1.1 cubic feet capacity) but a very compact footprint. It is an excellent choice for dorms or studio apartments.
Quick milk/coffee button
Whether you want to reheat your baby’s formula or a coffee, the quick milk/coffee button can set the right time and power for the perfect, warm beverage.
What could be better
Control panel design
This microwave oven has a sleek design and minimalist buttons. However, some users could find it difficult to read the fine print and use the slim buttons. Larger buttons and a more intuitive panel would have been preferred.
Glassdoor
The Panasonic NN-GN68KS has a black glass door that suits all interior designs. However, the door makes it hard to keep an eye on the food as it’s cooking.
3. Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) Multifunctional Microwave Oven
If you’re on a budget, this multifunctional microwave oven from Toshiba could be your best bet. Like Panasonic, it doesn’t have a specific toast function. However, it has a broil setting that you can use to make perfect toast.
The one cubic foot capacity provides plenty of cooking space for two or three people. But this oven’s true benefit stands in the number of pre-programmed functions. You can choose from 25 options meant to make your life easier each time you’re in the kitchen.
Crammed with innovative technologies, this microwave also boasts a position memory turntable that turns the turntable back to its original position at the end of the cycle. It may not seem like much, but you can rest assured it’ll always be easy to grab your mug’s handle.
Why I love it
Handy preset menus
All microwaves have pre-programmed cooking functions, but Toshiba brings 25 options to the table, including common, air fryer, and low-temperature menus.
Low-temperature cooking
Would you like to use your convection microwave for making yogurt, raising dough, or dehydrating fruit? The low-temperature cooking option allows you to do just that.
Eco-mode
While this microwave uses as much energy as other models on the market when cooking, the eco mode reduces energy consumption by 50% on standby.
What could be better
Specific toast function
Making toast with this oven is easy, but you’ll have to flip the bread slice at some point. A toast function would make it easier to toast your bread to perfection each time.
Air fry mode
This is one of the few combination microwave ovens with an air fry function that requires preheating. Waiting 5-10 minutes doesn’t seem like much when you have time, but it could make a difference when you’re in a hurry.
4. Emerson 1.2 CU. FT. 1100W Griller Microwave Oven
This 1.2 cubic feet microwave from Emerson is another great choice if you don’t want to spend too much. The unit is sleek yet unpretentious at the same time.
The oven combines a microwave and griller, allowing you to make toast despite not having a specific toast function. Its capacity is perfect for small to mid-sized families, and the nine pre-programmed cooking options add the right amount of versatility.
Overall, the design looks a bit antiquated, but if you like the vintage style, this microwave is right up your alley. All in all, an excellent choice for households on a budget.
Why I love it
Sturdy design
This combination microwave doesn’t burst with functions and cooking options, but it has a sturdy design and promises to stay by your side for the years to come.
Control panel
The control panel is simple yet intuitive. Anyone can learn how to use this unit without a user manual and even if they have never used a microwave before.
Power
Reaching 1,100 watts and boasting 11 power options, the Emerson makes it easy to set the right temperature for any dish you want to cook.
What could be better
Leg design
While the overall design is great, the legs are made of a smooth plastic that glides easily across a polished countertop.
Noise level
This microwave is loud. Perhaps not the best choice for households with young children.
Microwave With Built-in Toaster Comparison Chart
| Galanz GTWHG12S1SA10 | Panasonic NN-GN68KS | SHARP ZSMC1132CS | Emerson MWG9115SB | |
| Capacity | 1.2 cu. ft. | 1.1 cu. ft. | 1.0 cu. ft | 1.2 cu. ft. |
| Max power | 1,000 watts | 1,000 watts | 1,000 watts | 1,100 watts |
| Power levels | 10 | 10 | 10 | 11 |
| Cooking programs | 12 | 18 | 25 | 9 |
| Installation | Countertop | Countertop | Countertop | Countertop |
| Price | $$$$ | $$$ | $ | $$ |
How Do you Make Toast in a Microwave?
Making toast in a microwave is easy, whether it has a toast button or not.
If your oven has a toast button, place the rack and slices of bread inside, then press the toast button to select the darkness level. Once you’ve done that, press start and wait until the toast is ready.
If your oven doesn’t have a toast function, place the rack and slices of bread inside and select the broil option. Set the time to 60 seconds and press start. After 60 seconds, flip the slices of bread on the other side and broil for another minute. Inspect the results and broil some more if you like your toast a darker shade.
Conclusion
A microwave with a built-in toaster is an excellent choice if you want to save space and money. There are several options on the market, or you could use a combination microwave with broil function. I hope this guide can help you choose the right one.
