At a Glance:
About Microwave Air Fryer Combos
5 Reasons Why We Love Microwave Air Fryer Combos
Microwave Air Fryer Combos vs Speed Ovens
Other Microwave Air Fryer Combo Features
Recommended Microwave Air Fryer Combo Brands
Our Favorite Microwave Air Fryer Combos
From mug cakes to TV dinners, the microwave has proven itself to be a useful tool in the kitchen when it comes to preparing quick meals. The only drawback is how much space one of these appliances uses to perform one job. Bottom line, unitaskers are quickly becoming obsolete in modern kitchens, but microwave manufacturers may have found a solution to the problem: the microwave air fryer combo.
Yup, you guessed it. These appliances take the practicality of microwaving and pair it with the ever-so-popular air fryer to create a two-in-one appliance that handles both jobs. Sounds convenient, but is this new technology a trend or here to stay? We can give you five reasons to give these new appliances two thumbs up. You’ll find them in this complete microwave air fryer combo guide, where we detail the advantages of adding one of these appliances to your kitchen, the brands to shop, and a couple of recommendations you’ll find at Spencer’s TV & Appliance.
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What is a Microwave Air Fryer Combo?
Without a doubt, the air fryer is the most popular small kitchen appliance to hit the market since the latest generation of pressure cookers. The Air Fry function can be found on ranges and wall ovens, so it makes sense that the feature is also becoming an option on premium microwaves.
So, how does a combo microwave air fryer combo work? Simple. Use the microwave function to quickly heat up leftovers, frozen meals, or a bag of popcorn. If you want to crisp up foods like pizza or appetizers without having to use an oven, all you have to do is select the Air Fry mode.
Combining an Air Fry setting on a microwave is especially beneficial since most people already know how to use a regular microwave. On the other hand, countertop air fryers come in an assortment of designs, depending on the brand. Not all features work the same, which isn’t always intuitive for first-time users.
Explore More: Best Built-in Microwaves
5 Reasons Why We Love Microwave Air Fryer Combos
Air fryers are wildly popular, so why would anyone choose a microwave air fry combo over countertop models? Here are five reasons you should reconsider.
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Microwave Air Fryer Combos Save Countertop Space
Kitchen workspace is valuable real estate — and small kitchen appliances can be space hogs. By combining two appliances in one, a microwave air fryer can help regain usable meal prep area, helping to increase the workflow in your kitchen. Upgrade to an over the range microwave with air fry (such as the two we review below), and you can essentially increase your countertop workspace twofold while simultaneously doubling on appliances.
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Microwave Air Fryer Combos Provide (At Least) Twice the Cooking Methods
Whether you’re an adventurous cook or not, high-performance kitchen tools make preparing meals simple. Adding a microwave with air fry to your kitchen setup is a convenient way to add more cooking functions without having to purchase separate appliances. Aside from microwaving and Air Fry, other common features of air fryer microwave combos include:
- Convection baking
- Steam cooking
- Toasting & broiling
- Dehydrating
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You Can Prepare Foods Using Less Oil
One of the biggest benefits of cooking with an air fryer appliance is it’s healthier. Super-heated air circulated by a fan wraps around food for golden-brown results using drastically less oil.
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Microwave Air Fryer Combos Have More Wattage
While the average microwave uses around 1,000 watts of power, combination microwave air fryers run on 1,500 watts or even more, depending on the brand. More wattage means foods spend less time cooking under microwaves, which prevents items from turning rubbery or overcooked.
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Microwave Air Fryer Combos are Larger than Countertop Air Fryers
There are two pluses to using an air fry feature in a microwave/air fryer combo versus a countertop air fryer. First, you have access to more cooking space, allowing you to cook more food at a time. But a microwave configuration also allows users to do multi-level cooking. Many microwave air fryer combos come with a metal rack accessory to prepare foods similar to an oven, providing even more versatility than a counter air fryer.
Microwave Air Fryer Combos vs Speed Ovens
Microwave air fryer combos and speed ovens overlap on several levels. Both provide the ability to microwave, plus convection baking, and are available from leading kitchen appliance brands. However, microwave air fryer combinations come either as countertop models or over-the-range units, while speed ovens install into a wall like a standard oven.
Additionally, speed ovens tend to be larger, with the most common size being 30” wide (the size of a standard wall oven). In terms of pricing, speed ovens are generally more expensive than microwave air fryer combos, not including the extra cost for installation.
Other Microwave Air Fryer Combo Features
Sure, the air fry mode is the major selling point of these latest microwaves, but the beauty of these appliances is that they’re multifunctional. Here are a few other great features to consider if you’re thinking of making an upgrade to a microwave air fryer combo.
✱ Steam Clean Function
You’ll be using one of these appliances a lot, so a steam-cleaning feature will help make cleanup easy and safe using just water.
✱ Ventilation
Over-the-range microwave air fryers often come with the added perk of ventilation. Airflow on these appliances is generally standard (around 300 cubic feet of airflow per minute) and is not intended to be used with gas cooking appliances with high heat output.
✱ Food Sensors
There’s not much worse than rubbery microwaved food. Food sensors help prevent that by actively monitoring food temperatures, stopping the process once food is cooked.
✱ Cooktop Lighting
Handy overhead lighting is great for working late in the kitchen or adding ambience.
✱ Convection Baking Rack
Microwave air fryer combos with baking racks let users double up on the amount of food that can be prepared at a single time.
Recommended Microwave Air Fryer Combo Brands
The market for this latest kitchen appliance is soon to boom. Until then, select brands are manufacturing microwave air fryer combos. Here are a few major brands you can find at Spencer’s TV & Appliance.
Café Microwave Air Fryer Combos
True to Café’s refined design, these microwave air fryer combos look and perform to a professional degree. Along with air frying, ventilation, task lighting, and Wi-Fi compatibility make these high-end microwaves great for the kitchen multitasker.
GE Microwave Air Fryer Combos
GE offers a considerable lineup of Air Fry microwaves in both countertop and over-the-range models. Models price around $220–$580, making the brand accessible to buyers from low to mid-end budgets.
Samsung Microwave Air Fryer Combos
Ever the trendsetters, Samsung refers to its Air Fry mode as Slim Fry technology. Like GE, Samsung makes microwave air fryers for countertops and over the range. While not the largest models on the market, starting at 1.1 cubic feet of capacity, these appliances are still larger than standard microwaves. Models start around $400 and go up to $680.
LG Studio Microwave Air Fryer Combos
It’s no surprise LG Studio, the premier line of appliances from LG, would also include a microwave air fryer combo in its repertoire. These models are the most expensive of the brands we mention, starting around $900. Currently, only two models are available from the brand, both of which showcase LG Studio’s modern aesthetic and innovative approach to cooking practicality intended for intermediate home cooks.
Our Favorite Microwave Air Fryer Combos
These appliances are just starting to make a blip on the radar, but these two recommended microwave air fryer combos are early contenders worth checking out.
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GE Profile™ 1.7 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Over The Range Microwave
With even convection baking and a powerful blast of Air Fry technology, this GE Profile air fryer microwave combo is a multifunctional cooking tool made for busy kitchens. This model also features kitchen ventilation with air filtration to keep cooking conditions comfortable, plus Chef Connect thatsyncs with compatible GE Profile appliances for a seamless user experience.
Key Features:
- Air Fry mode
- Convection baking
- Three-speed ventilation (300 CFM)
- LED cooktop lighting
- Removable oven rack
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Cafe´™ 1.7 Cu. Ft. Matte Black Over The Range Microwave
Nearly 9/10 users agree that this Café microwave air fryer combo is convenient, easy to use, and stylish. Showcasing Café’s black matte finish and signature handle design, this sleek over-the-range microwave oven is also a looker. From frozen entrées to quick appetizers, the power of air fry technology, microwave cooking, and convection baking gives you the flexibility to quickly whip up food for every occasion.
Key Features:
- Air Fry mode
- Convection baking
- Sensor cooking technology
- Three-speed ventilation (300 CFM)
- LED cooktop lighting
- Chef Connect feature
Kitchen gadgets come and go, but the microwave is a staple found in nearly every kitchen across America. Add the function of air fry, and you have a versatile cooking appliance that can be used for more than one purpose. Chances are you already have a microwave in the kitchen, so upgrading to a microwave air fryer combo is an easy way to use that same amount of space to expand your kitchen’s possibilities.
Microwave Air Fryer Combo FAQs
Still curious? Let’s answer a couple of questions buyers are asking about microwave air fryer combos.
Are microwave air fryer combos bigger than regular microwaves?
In most cases, a combination air fryer microwave will be the same size as a countertop microwave. Depending on the brand, models typically start around 1.1 cubic feet of capacity.
Are microwave air fryer combos expensive?
Air fry microwave combos cost about the same as conventional countertop and over-the-range microwaves. However, additional features, installation costs, and appliance finishes can add to the price of one of these appliances.
Why Trust Us?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction have always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Microwave Air Fryer Combos at Spencer’s TV & Appliance
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop microwaves online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you discover a microwave air fryer combo for your cooking routine. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Best Over the Range Microwaves