Comparison: Best Microwave Toaster (Updated | Dec 8th)
Tired of choosing between reheating leftovers and toasting your morning bagel? You’re not alone. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one truly delivers? We’ve tested the top models to find the **best microwave toaster** that balances power, convenience, and value. Spoiler: not all combos are created equal. Let’s break down the standouts so you can make the smartest choice—without the guesswork.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for compact air-fry pro: GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
- Best for family-size fryer: Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for smart ai cook: TOSHIBA OptiChef Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven with 2.4-Inch Color Screen
- Best for stainless multi-combo: Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for quiet soft-close: Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven
- Best for six-mode powerhouse: TOSHIBA 6-in-1 Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Healthy Air Fryer Combo
- Best for portable microwave grill: MKYSAIL Toaster
- Best for retro compact chef: Galanz GLCMKZ09BER09 Retro Countertop Microwave Oven with Auto Cook & Reheat
- Best for connected kitchen pro: Panasonic HomeChef Connect Microwave Oven
- Best for mini retro microwave: Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven – 0.7 Cu. Ft. – 700-Watts with LED Digital Display – Child Lock – Easy Clean Interior – Red
Product Comparison: Best Microwave Toaster
Compact Air-Fry Pro
GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven, 1050W Countertop Air Fry Microwave with Broil & Crisper Pan, Compact Stainless Steel Design
GE
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
- TWO-STEP CHILD LOCK: This mandatory feature helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, with the option to deactivate it if not needed
- GLASS TURNTABLE: Rotates food throughout the cycle for even through cooking of food
Family-Size Fryer
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6″ Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Black, ML-EC42P(BS)
TOSHIBA
- 4-in-1 Multifuntional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance; with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus; Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more.
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Black Stainless steel finish with easy to clean stainless steel interior.
- Convenience Features One-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, multistage cooking, clock and kitchen timer, mute function. Mute function: If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, press and hold the button “8” on the keypad for 3-5 seconds; The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep.
- Product Specs 1000 watts microwave power with 10 power settings; external dimension (WxDxH): 21.77×21.38×12.87 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH): 15.5×15.35×10.2 inches, 13.6″ position memory turntable
- Included components: 1 Turntable 1 Manual 1 Grill Rack 1 Grill Tray
Smart AI Cook
TOSHIBA OptiChef Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven with 2.4-Inch Color Screen, Origin Inverter Technology, Smart Sensor, Compatible with Alexa, 1100W, 1.3 Cu.Ft, Silver ML2-STC13SAIT(SS)
TOSHIBA
- Advanced User Interface: Equipped with a 2.4-inch colorful screen with an intuitive user interface that is highly responsive and easy to operate, making complex cooking tasks simple and more accessible.
- ChefFry Plus: Features a top fan and heating element that replicates an air fryer oven, allowing for healthier cooking options.
- Intuitive Humidity Sensor: Built-in sensor ensures even heating and retains moisture for perfectly cooked dishes every time.
- Origin Inverter: Ensures even cooking, precise temperature control, better textures, juicier meats, and enhanced flavor preservation. It also reduces cooking time and energy consumption to get your meals on the dinner table more quickly.
- Dimensions: This 1.3 cubic foot microwave easily accommodates a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. Overall measurements (W x D x H): 21.8 x 19.4 x 12.8 inches; cavity dimensions (W x D x H): 14.5 x 16.4 x 9.3 inches. Delivers 1100W of output power, 1250 input power.
- Chef Defrost Function: The sophisticated Chef Defrost not only speeds up defrosting time but also preserves the original texture and flavor of foods, offering up to 40% faster defrosting compared to traditional methods.
- Smart Connectivity: This microwave oven is compatible with the TSmartLife APP and Alexa Voice Control, enabling you to operate it remotely from your smartphone or through voice commands.
- AI-Chef Smart Microwave Oven: Combines cloud recipe updates, AI-optimized sensor cooking, and OTA firmware upgrades to bring a personalized, evolving cooking experience.
Stainless Multi-Combo
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6″ Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Silver, ML-EC42P(SS)
TOSHIBA
- 4-in-1 Multifuntional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance, with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus. Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Stainless steel finish (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with easy to clean stainless steel interior
- Convenience Features One-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, multistage cooking, clock and kitchen timer, mute function. Mute function: If you wish to mute the buzzer of the microwave, press and hold the button “8” on the keypad for 3-5 seconds. The buzzer is automatically switched off after a long beep
- Product Specs 1000 watts microwave power with 10 power settings; external dimension (W*D*H): 21.77*21.38*12.87 inches, internal dimension (W*D*H): 15.5*15.35*10.2 inches, Φ 13.6″ position memory turntable
- Included components: 1 Turntable 1 Manual 1 Grill Rack 1 Grill Tray
Quiet Soft-Close
Breville BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver
Breville
- With a 25L compact footprint and an easy shortcuts and foods menu, the Breville Compact Wave Soft Close Microwave is big on convenience; Designed to precisely reheat, defrost and cook; Countertop microwave oven engineered with 80% quieter soft close door
- COMPACT MICROWAVE: This countertop small microwave has a compact footprint with 25L capacity and all the space you need to cook, defrost and reheat delicious meals; Kitchen appliance works well in homes with limited space for cooking
- COOKING SHORTCUTS AND FOOD MENU: One touch auto buttons including Reheat, Defrost, Popcorn & Beverage providing access to your favorite settings; Food Menu functions such as reheat pizza, defrost vegetables or cook potatoes to create quick and easy snacks
- QUIET MICROWAVE WITH SOFT CLOSE DOOR: Countertop microwave has 80% quieter soft close door and is 50% quieter in operation; Clever touches like Child Lock, Breville Sound Suite and Mute button mean less beeps and clangs, more pops and crunches
- DEFROST & REHEAT FUNCTIONS: Breville microwaves deliver on versatility; Defrost function gently defrosts food without overheating and drying out edges; Reheat function uses lower power levels to carefully reheat meals without drying or overcooking
- PRIORITIZE SECURE USE WITH CHILD LOCK: Protect small children and reduce the potential for harm in your home kitchen while you use your compact microwave; It’s only one touch away with the Child Lock button
- SETTINGS: Popcorn Beverage, Food Menu, Defrost, Reheat, Power Level Adjustment, Child Lock and Clock Setting
- WARRANTY: 1 Year Limited Product Warranty; Power: 900 Watts; Voltage: 120 Volts; Capacity: 0.9 cu.ft/25L
Six-Mode Powerhouse
TOSHIBA 6-in-1 Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Healthy Air Fryer Combo, MASTER Series, Air Fryer, Broil, Convection, Speedy Combi, Even Defrost, Sound On/Off 27 Auto Menu Stainless Steel
TOSHIBA
- 【6-In-1 Ultimate Versatility】This multi-microwave with 10 power levels is your ultimate kitchen helper. The versatility as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defroster, Speedy-Combi, make it your best countertop space-saver
- 【Inverter Technology for Even Cooking & Defrost】TOSHIBA ORIGIN Inverter Technology allows more uniform distribution of heat in cavity, provides even cooking, reheating and defrosting, the maximum tender texture. Also the 50dB working noise level brings you and your family a quiet and undisturbed cooking environment.
- 【Less Fat and Crispier】TOSHIBA convection microwave with 360° heat circulation air fry cuts down on calories by using no added oil while delivering crispier and golden fried food like chicken nuggets, fried fish and French fries. The supplied bake tray and two wire racks are used for optimal air fry results. NOTE: Please use convection mode if need to customize timing and temperature, functions equally as air fryer.
- 【Speed up Cooking with Combi-Modes】Despite powerful output of 1800W under Convection up to 425°F and 1000W under Grill, Combi-Modes speed up your cooking with combination of Microwave, convection and grill function, while delivering perfect dishes with crispy, browned outsides and tender texture insides.
- 【Discover Amazing Recipes】Comes with an original cookbook with 27 classic recipes. Also, the microwave itself has 11 Auto Menus, 10 Air Fry Menus and 6 Defrost Presets, so that novice can also make Michelin-star meals at home. External Dimension: 19.5”W x 17.6”D x 11.5”H with 11.3” turntable.
- Energy consumption : 1800.0 watts
Portable Microwave Grill
MKYSAIL Toaster,Microwave Toaster, Sandwich Maker, Panini Maker, Dishwasher Safe,NO Electricity,Wireless,Time Saving,Fast,Toastie Safe in Microwave Oven(Blue, Microwave Sandwich Maker)
MKYSAIL
- 1.Innovative,Safe and Fast:MKYSAIL Microwave Sandwich Maker use metal microwave grill and advanced microwave heatwave technology. MicrowaveToastie Maker can quickly absorb heat and heat up to more than 260°C in 1 minute, providing you with delicious food quickly
- 2. MKYSAIL microwave toastie sandwich maker use Silicone material, high temperature resistance, can protect the hands from being burned by metal, and the full package of silicone can focus heat,easy to heat in a short time, better protect food moisture and nutrition.When taking food from the microwave, use thick gloves
- 3. Dishwasher Safe and No Electric Unplugged microwave sandwich toaster use a safe non-stick coating that does not stick to the surface of the food, microwave grilled cheese maker can be washed by hand in the dishwasher or soaked in washing water with a soft cloth. Do not scrub with sharp objects
- 4.Save time making breakfast: Use our microwave grilled cheese maker to cook a range of your favorite foods such as breads, sandwiches, croissants, panini, bagels, potatoes, burgers, sausages, fish, bacon, tortillas, etc. Just put the food on a grill pan, put it in the microwave and you can go do something else
- 5. MKYSAIL microwave cookware vs Conventional toaster: Micro grill revolutionizes your micro cookware, instantly heated up and toasted in minutes,timing control,wireless,dishwasher safe,detachable parts.Conventional electric toaster,powered by electric supply,slow and preheated toaster,electric wire,not taken apart,not be immersed in water and dishwasher.It may be presented as a gift to your friends,esp.,to old people.It’s portable,thus you may take it on travel,and used in the office,dormitory,RV,etc..It’s practical for the modern daily life.
Retro Compact Chef
Galanz GLCMKZ09BER09 Retro Countertop Microwave Oven with Auto Cook & Reheat, Defrost, Quick Start Functions, Easy Clean with Glass Turntable, Pull Handle, 0.9 cu ft, Blue
Galanz
- DEFROST & QUICK START – Defrost any of your frozen foods by either weight or time; Also includes a quick start, +30 seconds button for when you need additional cooking time for your meal.
- AUTO COOK & REHEAT – Includes 7 Auto Cooking programs and 10 Auto Reheat Programs making cooking and reheating meals and beverages simple, quick, easy & convenient!
- EASY TO CLEAN WITH GLASS TURNTABLE – Removable for easy clean up, includes a 10.5″ glass turntable that rotates 360 degrees for even and efficient cooking.
- RETRO LOOK – Vintage and retro look will accentuate any space! Mix and match with the other retro appliances from Galanz like the toaster oven, freezer, & refrigeration pieces.
- IDEAL FOR SMALL SPACES – Compact size is perfect for apartments, kitchenettes, dorms, and other small kitchen spaces – Measures 19.0″ W x 14.9″ D x 10.80″ H with a capacity of 0.9 cu ft.
Connected Kitchen Pro
Panasonic HomeChef Connect Microwave Oven, Smart Multi Oven, Connected App for Automated Meal Prep, 4 Cooking Modes, Air Fryer, Convection Bake, FlashXpress Broiler, 1000W, 1.2 cu. Ft. – NN-CV87QS
Panasonic
- All-In-One Multi Oven Does The Work So You Don’t Have To: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying family; 4-in-1 countertop oven creates easy, delicious meals by pairing with our Kitchen+ app to cook everything, from tender roasts to crisp and juicy air fry
- Mealtime Simplified, Powered by Our App: Pick your dish from the Panasonic Kitchen+ app, gather ingredients, and pair your phone with the oven; the built-in modes of microwave, broiler, airfryer, and convection oven automate to help you create perfectly-cooked meals with little effort
- Discover New Quick-and-Easy Family Favorites: You’ll never be stuck in a rut when deciding what to make; scroll the Panasonic Kitchen+ App and bookmark recipes they’ll love, so its always easy to find a meal everyone can agree on, and make it quickly
- Backed by Legendary Panasonic Quality: Reliable performance, made with your family’s needs in mind; Inverter technology for even defrosting, reheating, cooking, & warming; Genius technology prevents over-or under-cooking; Turbo Defrost, and more
- Sleek, Space Saving Design: Large capacity, small overall footprint – 22”W x 13.4”H x 17.7”D with 14.2” turntable; place on countertop or make it a built in microwave oven with optional trim kit (NN-TK81KCS)”
Mini Retro Microwave
Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven – 0.7 Cu. Ft. – 700-Watts with LED Digital Display – Child Lock – Easy Clean Interior – Red
Nostalgia
- 700-WATTS COOKING POWER : At 0.7 cubic foot, this microwave provides the cooking power needed to quickly cook and reheat foods
- CONVENIENT COOKING CONTROLS: 12 pre-programmed cooking settings, delay timer and express cooking provide options for the optimal heating of popular foods like popcorn, pizza, potatoes, veggies and more
- DIGITAL CLOCK : Easy-to-read LED display lights up the digital clock and highlights each cooking setting
- EVEN COOKING : Rotating glass carousel helps cook food evenly
- RETRO ACCENTS: A sleek chrome door handle, control panel and accents add fun and flair to this unique retro-styled appliance
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing between a compact microwave and a larger combo unit?
Look at the available countertop space, the typical portion sizes you cook, and whether you need extra functions like air‑fry or convection. Compact models such as the Breville or Nostalgia are great for dorms and small kitchens, while larger 1.0‑1.3 cu ft combos can handle whole chickens and 12‑13‑inch pizzas. Also compare power ratings; higher wattage usually means faster, more even cooking.
How does the air‑fry capability differ among the GE, Toshiba, and Panasonic models?
The GE GCST10A1WSS uses a dedicated Air Fry mode with a built‑in fan that crisps food without oil, while Toshiba’s 4‑in‑1 combos rely on a top fan and convection heating for similar results. Panasonic’s HomeChef Connect adds an app‑guided air‑fry function that automatically sets time and temperature. Generally, models with separate air‑fry presets (GE and Panasonic) provide more precise control than those that combine it with convection.
Which microwave offers the best value for families who need to cook a whole chicken or pizza?
Toshiba’s 4‑in‑1 models (both ASIN B089WBK1S8 and B089WC2P2K) feature a 13.6‑inch turntable that comfortably fits a whole roasted chicken or a 12‑inch pizza, and they include multiple cooking modes at a competitive price. The Toshiba OptiChef (B0F7XYT78Z) also offers a 1.3 cu ft cavity and 1100 W output, but its price is usually higher. For pure value, the Toshiba 4‑in‑1 combo balances capacity, features, and cost.
Are the retro‑styled microwaves like Galanz and Nostalgia worth the trade‑off in capacity?
Retro models such as the Galanz GLCMKZ09BER09 and Nostalgia Compact provide a unique aesthetic and fit well in small spaces, but they typically have under 1 cu ft of capacity and lower wattage (700‑900 W). If you mainly reheat beverages, snacks, or single‑serve meals, they work fine; however, for larger family meals or air‑fry functions, a bigger combo unit will be more practical.
How important is inverter or inverter‑like technology for even cooking?
Inverter technology, found in models like Toshiba’s OptiChef and Panasonic’s HomeChef Connect, delivers continuous power adjustments that prevent hot spots and over‑cooking, especially for defrosting and reheating. This results in juicier meats and more consistent textures compared to traditional on/off magnetrons. If you frequently cook delicate dishes, an inverter‑based microwave is a worthwhile upgrade.
What are the advantages of built‑in sensor and auto‑menu programs?
Sensor cooking automatically detects moisture and adjusts power and time, reducing guesswork and preventing over‑cooking. Auto‑menu presets (e.g., popcorn, pizza, fries) let you start a specific dish with one button, which is convenient for busy households. Models like Panasonic’s HomeChef Connect and Toshiba’s 4‑in‑1 combos include extensive preset libraries, making them beginner‑friendly.
How does the cleaning and maintenance differ across stainless‑steel, glass turntable, and dishwasher‑safe designs?
Stainless‑steel interiors, as seen on Toshiba’s 4‑in‑1 units, are easy to wipe down but can retain splatters if not cleaned promptly. Glass turntables, like those on Galanz and Nostalgia, are removable for thorough cleaning and provide smooth rotation. The MKYSAIL microwave‑toaster combo is dishwasher‑safe for its silicone and non‑stick components, offering the least manual effort among the listed options.
Is a separate toaster needed if I buy a microwave‑toaster combo like the MKYSAIL?
The MKYSAIL combo functions as both a microwave and a high‑heat grill that can toast bread, bagels, and paninis, eliminating the need for a traditional toaster. However, it requires a microwave‑compatible plate and may not produce the same crispness as a dedicated toaster with adjustable browning settings. If you value convenience and space savings over perfect toast, the combo is a solid choice.