Most of us love a benchtop appliance that multi-tasks – one that can help us create a variety of meals while limiting the amount of gadgets we have cluttering up our benches and cupboards.
But they’re only worth buying if they actually do a good job. While CHOICE experts are generally big fans of multi-cookers, for example, when we put wall ovens with an air fryer functions through their paces we got mixed results.
But what of microwaves that promise the benefits of air-frying?
Most of us love a benchtop appliance that multi-tasks
If you’ve been eyeing off an air fryer with its handy crisping capabilities but you also appreciate the reheating and cooking power of a microwave, then a convection microwave that combines the two could be the space-saving answer you’re looking for.
CHOICE kitchen appliance expert and home economist, Fiona Mair says: “We’ve reviewed a few convection microwave models that double as air fryers – in addition to their standard functions, they have an air fryer mode that can be used to brown, crisp and reheat frozen foods.”
If you choose a convection microwave over an air fryer, you will have a microwave, a grill and an oven all in one, so it’s very versatile
CHOICE kitchen expert Fiona Mair
Many of these appliances will also come with air fryer-style accessories such as racks or an air fryer basket, which you’ll need to use in order to get the most out of this function. Because they are smaller than conventional ovens, convection microwave ovens are ideal for smaller spaces, such as kitchenettes, caravans, campervans, holiday homes and granny flats.
They would also suit smaller households, people cooking smaller quantities of food, or large families that need extra oven space.
“If you choose a convection microwave over an air fryer, you will have a microwave, a grill and an oven all in one, so it’s very versatile,” Fiona says.
The main difference between a regular air fryer and a convection microwave is that an air fryer has the element and fan positioned on the top of the unit whereas with a convection microwave, they’re on the back wall.
Convection microwaves can cook similar foods to air fryers, but they have a slightly larger capacity than many standard single-compartment air fryers so you can cook larger quantities in one go.
Convection microwaves can cook similar foods to air fryers, but they have a slightly larger capacity
“They do take up a bit more bench space and you will need a dedicated permanent spot with good ventilation around it. Running costs may also be slightly higher than with an air fryer, but why have more appliances in your kitchen than you need?” says Fiona.
Although convection microwaves can be slightly more expensive to buy than air fryers, there are options to suit different budgets. You can pick up an air fryer for under $100 but the top-of-the-range models cost around $600. The cheapest convection microwave we’ve tested is a Kmart model for $169 but other brands can cost $1000 or more.
As with many appliances we review, our testing of convection microwaves has found that spending more doesn’t necessarily always get you the best performing product, so be sure to check our reviews before you buy.
The best convection microwaves with air-fryer functionality
When testing convection microwaves, our experts give each model a score that reflects its cooking performance as well as how easy it is to use. We perform some specific cooking tests to assess each appliance’s reheating and defrosting functions, by measuring how well they perform tasks such as cooking broccoli, melting chocolate, baking scones (at a high temperature) and roasting a chicken, as well as other tasks to assess each model’s baking and grilling capabilities.
We have only tested how well each model performs as an air fryer when it has a pre-set function or manual setting that aligns with our air fryer testing method. If we have results on the model’s air-frying abilities, they’re detailed in the profiles below.
Our detailed convection microwave testing data is available exclusively for CHOICE members. Below, CHOICE members can view the top performing convection microwaves in our review that have an air fryer functionality.
If you’re not yet a member, join CHOICE to get instant access to our expert, independent reviews of microwaves and air fryers, plus hundreds of other products, from fridges and freezers, toasters and TVs, kettles and cots, and more.
Or log in to unlock this article and find out which microwaves with air fryer functionality are rated the best by our experts.
If you’re interested in stand-alone air fryers, you can view our air fryer reviews.
Pru Engel is the Audience and Engagement editor at CHOICE. Her job is to ensure as many Australians as possible know about the great work we do at CHOICE.
She works closely with our testers and experts to find the gems of information in our data and research that will resonate with Australian consumers and help them make the best decisions, whether they're purchasing an air fryer, looking for a new mattress or trying to find the cheapest car insurance. She also helps to drive meaningful change for consumers by collaborating with our Campaigns team on content covering issues such as grocery pricing, product safety and scams.
Prior to CHOICE, Pru worked as an editor at many of Australia's leading food and lifestyle titles.
Pru has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Find Pru on LinkedIn.
Pru Engel is the Audience and Engagement editor at CHOICE. Her job is to ensure as many Australians as possible know about the great work we do at CHOICE.
She works closely with our testers and experts to find the gems of information in our data and research that will resonate with Australian consumers and help them make the best decisions, whether they're purchasing an air fryer, looking for a new mattress or trying to find the cheapest car insurance. She also helps to drive meaningful change for consumers by collaborating with our Campaigns team on content covering issues such as grocery pricing, product safety and scams.
Prior to CHOICE, Pru worked as an editor at many of Australia's leading food and lifestyle titles.
Pru has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism) from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Find Pru on LinkedIn.
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