4 Best Grill & Microwave Combos That Save Counter Space

counter space saving combos

You’ve probably noticed how your kitchen countertop‘s filled up fast. Between your microwave, toaster, and grill, space’s become a premium. Combining these functions into one unit could transform your setup. But you’re wondering which model actually delivers on that promise. We’ll show you what separates the best performers from the rest.

Quick Overview

  • Combo appliances integrate grilling and microwaving functions, eliminating the need for separate units and maximizing limited counter space.
  • Models like Cuisinart TOA-70NAS and NUWAVE Bravo XL offer multiple cooking methods in compact designs for versatile meal preparation.
  • Stainless steel interiors and non-stick coatings simplify maintenance while reducing cleaning time and oil usage during daily use.
  • Dual heat zones and convection systems provide even heat distribution, reducing cooking times by up to 30% for efficiency.
  • Energy-efficient features like auto shut-off and eco modes minimize electricity consumption while delivering professional-quality grilling and microwave results.

Our Top Grill & Microwave Combo Picks

Cuisinart 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-70NAS) Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W 8-1 Air Reliable WorkhorseCooking Functions: Air fry, toast, convection bake, bake, broil, grill, warm (7 functions)Temperature Range: Warm to 450°FCooking Capacity: 6 slices bread, 3 lbs chicken wings, 12″ pizza, 4-lb chickenVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
Cuisinart 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, 8-1 Oven with Best OverallCooking Functions: Air fry, toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, warm (8 functions)Temperature Range: Warm to 450°FCooking Capacity: 6 slices bread, 3 lbs chicken wings, 12″ pizza, 4-lb chickenVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
NUWAVE Bravo XL Air Fryer Convection Toaster Oven NUWAVE Bravo XL Air Fryer Convection Toaster Oven Countertop, 112-in-1 Smart Home IntegrationCooking Functions: 112 presets including air fry, grill, bake, roast, and more with 100 pre-programmed recipesTemperature Range: 50°F to 500°F (5°F increments)Cooking Capacity: 30QT capacity, 4 rack positions, holds over 30 poundsVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven Grill Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill Professional-Grade PerformanceCooking Functions: 142 cooking presets including air fry, toast, grill, bake, roast, slow cook, dehydrateTemperature Range: 50°F to 500°FCooking Capacity: 30QT capacity, accommodates two 13-inch pizzas, 10-lb chicken, 6-lb roastVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Cuisinart 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven (TOA-70NAS)

    Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill, 1800W 8-1 Air

    Reliable Workhorse

    View Latest Price

    If you’re looking for a single appliance that’ll handle everything from grilling and air frying to toasting and baking, the Cuisinart TOA-70NAS won’t let you down. This 1800W powerhouse combines eight cooking functions into one compact unit, eliminating the need for multiple countertop appliances. You’ll enjoy air frying, convection baking, broiling, grilling, toasting, and warming capabilities all in one sleek design. Its spacious interior accommodates 6 bread slices, 3 lbs. of wings, a 12″ pizza, or a 4-lb. chicken. The adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff, and included accessories like the ceramic non-stick grill and air fry basket make cooking effortless. Plus, the stainless steel interior simplifies cleanup remarkably.

    • Cooking Functions:Air fry, toast, convection bake, bake, broil, grill, warm (7 functions)
    • Temperature Range:Warm to 450°F
    • Cooking Capacity:6 slices bread, 3 lbs chicken wings, 12″ pizza, 4-lb chicken
    • Power & Performance:1800W
    • Timer & Controls:60-minute timer with auto-shutoff, adjustable temperature dial, toast shade selector
    • Included Accessories:Oven rack, baking pan/drip tray, air fry basket, ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle
    • Additional Feature:Toast shade selector customization
    • Additional Feature:Ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle
    • Additional Feature:Stainless steel interior easy cleanup
  2. Cuisinart 8-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill

    Cuisinart Air Fryer + Convection Toaster Oven, 8-1 Oven with

    Best Overall

    View Latest Price

    The Cuisinart TOA-70BKS stands out for home cooks who want versatility without sacrificing counter space. You’ll appreciate its eight cooking functions—air frying, toasting, baking, broiling, grilling, and more—all in one compact unit. With 1800 watts of power and AirAdvantage technology, you’re getting optimized hot air circulation that delivers fast, crispy results while preserving flavor and texture. The adjustable temperature dial reaches 450°F, and you’ll handle substantial meals: six-slice toast, three pounds of chicken wings, or a four-pound roasted chicken. Its ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle, included oven rack, and baking pan provide everything you need. The stainless steel interior cleans easily, making this an efficient, space-saving solution.

    • Cooking Functions:Air fry, toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, grill, warm (8 functions)
    • Temperature Range:Warm to 450°F
    • Cooking Capacity:6 slices bread, 3 lbs chicken wings, 12″ pizza, 4-lb chicken
    • Power & Performance:1800W with AirAdvantage technology
    • Timer & Controls:60-minute timer with auto shut-off, adjustable temperature dial, toast shade selector
    • Included Accessories:Oven rack, baking pan/drip tray, air fry basket, ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle
    • Additional Feature:AirAdvantage technology optimized airflow
    • Additional Feature:Ceramic non-stick reversible grill/griddle
    • Additional Feature:Hand wash recommended accessories
  3. NUWAVE Bravo XL Air Fryer Convection Toaster Oven

    NUWAVE Bravo XL Air Fryer Convection Toaster Oven Countertop, 112-in-1

    Smart Home Integration

    View Latest Price

    For those seeking a versatile countertop powerhouse that combines air frying, grilling, baking, and roasting in one unit, NUWAVE’s Bravo XL delivers impressive performance with its 112-in-1 smart cooking capabilities. You’ll appreciate its 30-quart capacity and dual heat zones that independently control top and bottom heaters for ideal results. The smart digital thermometer monitors internal temperature and automatically ends cooking at your desired doneness. With 100 pre-programmed recipes and adjustable temperatures from 50–500°F, you’ve got flexibility for virtually any dish. Its non-stick reversible grill/griddle produces excellent searing and grill marks. Four rack positions accommodate multi-layer cooking, supporting over 30 pounds. At 4.4 stars from 1,586 reviews, customers praise its reliability and versatility. This brushed stainless steel unit genuinely maximizes limited counter space while eliminating the need for multiple appliances.

    • Cooking Functions:112 presets including air fry, grill, bake, roast, and more with 100 pre-programmed recipes
    • Temperature Range:50°F to 500°F (5°F increments)
    • Cooking Capacity:30QT capacity, 4 rack positions, holds over 30 pounds
    • Power & Performance:Linear Thermal Technology with dual heat zones
    • Timer & Controls:Smart digital thermometer, button control, fine-tuning during cooking
    • Included Accessories:Non-stick reversible grill/griddle, cooking racks, crumb tray, smart digital thermostat, recipe book
    • Additional Feature:Linear Thermal Technology temperature monitoring
    • Additional Feature:Smart digital thermometer built-in
    • Additional Feature:4 rack positions available
  4. Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven Grill

    Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill

    Professional-Grade Performance

    View Latest Price

    Serious home cooks and outdoor enthusiasts who crave versatility without sacrificing counter space should consider this powerhouse. The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro combines air frying, grilling, toasting, baking, and dehydrating in one 30QT unit. You’ll appreciate the 1800W power delivering 3X faster cooking and 35% crispier results. The professional reversible grill plate adds authentic char-grilled flavor for indoor and outdoor use. With 142 presets, customizable heating zones, and temperatures reaching 500°F, you’re equipped for virtually any dish. Smart features include precision thermometer control and intuitive programming. Food-grade stainless steel construction guarantees durability while PFAS-free accessories prioritize your family’s safety.

    • Cooking Functions:142 cooking presets including air fry, toast, grill, bake, roast, slow cook, dehydrate
    • Temperature Range:50°F to 500°F
    • Cooking Capacity:30QT capacity, accommodates two 13-inch pizzas, 10-lb chicken, 6-lb roast
    • Power & Performance:1800W high power, 3X faster cooking, 35% crispier results, Ultra-Fast Convection System
    • Timer & Controls:Up to 100-hour timer, smart digital thermometer, customizable heating zones, pull-out crumb tray
    • Included Accessories:Heavy-duty cooking rack, mesh rack, reversible grill/griddle, crumb tray, recipe book, dishwasher-safe accessories
    • Additional Feature:3X faster cooking speeds
    • Additional Feature:95% reduced oil usage
    • Additional Feature:PFAS-free dishwasher-safe accessories

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Grill With Microwave Oven

When you’re shopping for a grill and microwave combo, you’ll want to evaluate the cooking capacity to guarantee it fits your kitchen and meets your household’s needs. You should also examine the temperature range, cooking functions, heat distribution technology, and energy efficiency to determine which model delivers the performance and value you’re seeking. These factors work together to define how well the appliance handles everything from quick reheating to serious grilling.

Cooking Capacity and Size

Three key dimensions define whether a grill-microwave combo will truly work for your kitchen: internal volume, rack configurations, and weight limits. You’ll want to assess the internal capacity first—a 30QT unit, for example, accommodates whole chickens or multiple pizzas far better than standard-size models. Check the maximum weight capacity, guaranteeing it handles items like a 4-lb chicken comfortably. Multi-layer cooking options with adjustable rack positions enhance your versatility, letting you cook different foods simultaneously at various heights. For compact kitchens or RVs, you’ll appreciate space-saving designs, but don’t sacrifice functionality. Verify the combo still provides adequate room to fit larger items without overcrowding. Balancing size constraints with genuine cooking capacity determines whether you’re making a smart investment.

Temperature Range and Control

You’ll find that precise temperature management can make or break your grill-microwave combo’s effectiveness. Look for models offering wide temperature ranges, ideally from 50°F to 500°F, enabling you to tackle everything from slow cooking to high-heat searing. Adjustable controls in small increments—like 5°F adjustments—give you the fine-tuning capability you need throughout your cooking process. Advanced monitoring technologies help maintain consistent temperatures, preventing overcooking and delivering excellent results. Independent top and bottom heater controls prove invaluable, letting you customize heat distribution based on what you’re preparing. Whether you’re defrosting delicate items or searing steaks, a combo unit with extensive temperature control adapts to your culinary needs, maximizing versatility in your kitchen.

Multiple Cooking Functions

Beyond precise temperature control, the cooking functions your grill-microwave combo offers determine how well it’ll serve your kitchen’s needs. You’ll want an appliance featuring at least eight cooking methods—air frying, grilling, roasting, baking, toasting, convection baking, and broiling—to eliminate the need for multiple stand-alone appliances and maximize kitchen efficiency.

These diverse functions enable you to prepare varied meals without sacrificing counter space. Convection baking and broiling features particularly enhance cooking quality by ensuring even heat distribution and faster cooking times. Additionally, you’ll benefit from adjustable temperature ranges up to 500°F and preset cooking functions that simplify the process while delivering consistent results. Accessories like grill plates and non-stick surfaces provide specialized cooking areas optimized for specific meal preparations, transforming your combo unit into a thorough culinary solution.

Heat Distribution Technology

Even heat distribution makes or breaks your cooking results, preventing the hotspots and cold zones that ruin meals. When selecting a grill-microwave combo, you’ll want to prioritize models featuring advanced heat distribution technology that continuously monitors and adjusts temperatures throughout the cooking process.

Dual heat zones give you independent control over top and bottom heaters, allowing you to customize heat distribution based on your specific cooking method. This targeted approach greatly improves overall results.

Convection systems take efficiency further by circulating hot air around your food, reducing cooking times by up to 30% while minimizing temperature variations across multiple racks. You’ll achieve uniform cooking for large meals, ensuring every dish turns out perfectly cooked without babysitting your appliance.

Energy Efficiency and Power

While heat distribution technology optimizes your cooking performance, the appliance’s power consumption determines how efficiently it converts electricity into results. You’ll find microwave functions typically range from 800 to 1800 watts—higher wattage means faster, more efficient cooking. Select models offering multiple cooking functions so you can consolidate tasks into one appliance rather than operating several devices simultaneously. This approach considerably reduces your overall electricity usage.

Look for energy-saving features like auto shut-off and eco modes, which greatly minimize consumption during operation. Well-insulated designs retain heat effectively, shortening cooking times and lowering energy demands. By prioritizing wattage, multifunctionality, and built-in efficiency features, you’ll maximize performance while minimizing your electrical footprint and utility costs.

Durability and Materials

The materials you choose directly impact your combo appliance’s longevity and performance. You’ll want to prioritize food-grade stainless steel construction, which resists corrosion and withstands daily use while maintaining safety standards.

Look for high-quality non-stick coatings on grill plates—these reduce cleaning time and minimize oil requirements for healthier cooking. Thicker materials matter too; they retain and distribute heat more effectively, improving cooking results and durability.

Advanced technologies like Ultra-Fast Convection Systems and Dual Heat Zones guarantee even cooking and extend your appliance’s lifespan. Finally, examine the manufacturer’s warranty carefully. A thorough, lengthy warranty indicates the company’s confidence in their product’s durability and protects your investment against defects.

Included Accessories and Maintenance

Your grill-microwave combo’s true value extends beyond its core functions—it’s determined by what you get in the box and how easily you can maintain it. You’ll want to evaluate included accessories like racks, baking pans, and air fry baskets that expand your cooking possibilities. Check whether components feature stainless steel interiors and non-stick coatings for straightforward cleaning. Many modern models offer dishwasher-safe parts that greatly reduce cleanup time, though some require hand washing. You should also prioritize thorough user manuals and quick start guides that help you maximize the appliance’s features. Look for recipe books included in the package—they’ll inspire you to explore varied cooking methods and fully leverage your investment’s potential.

Similar Posts