Combination microwaves
Best combination microwaves for UK kitchens in 2026
Multi-function microwave picks for grilling, baking, air frying and oven-style cooking in UK kitchens.
- Products shortlisted
- 7
- Last updated
- 15 Jul 2026
A combination microwave is for buyers who want more than reheating. The best models can grill, bake, roast or air fry, making them useful as a second oven or a space-saving main appliance in smaller kitchens.
Focus on the cooking modes you will genuinely use, enough room for your usual dishes, clear controls and a footprint that leaves the required ventilation space.
Related buying guides
More guides for microwaves
Explore more focused guides in the same product family when you already know the type or feature set you want.
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Get a shortlist based on your needs, or compare the catalogue yourself.
Quick picks
Best options at a glance
See the main recommendations side by side, with enough detail to decide which picks deserve a closer look.
Best Overall Combination Microwave
Daewoo Actuate 5-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven
26L, 2400W, Black, with grill
Best all-round combi pick for buyers who want microwave speed plus air-fry flexibility at a sensible price.
Best Premium Combination Microwave
Sage The Combi Wave 3 in 1
32L air fryer, convection oven and microwave
Best for confident cooks who want a polished combi with microwave, grill, convection and air-fry style modes.
Best Air-Fryer Combination Microwave
Salter EK5817 DuoWave 2-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave
26L, 900W microwave, 1500W air fryer
Best for buyers who mainly want one countertop appliance for quick microwave meals and air-fryer style crisping.
Best Budget Combination Microwave
Russell Hobbs RHM2366B 3-in-1 Combination Microwave
23L, 900W, with grill and oven
Best low-cost combi pick for buyers who want grill and convection modes without premium pricing.
Best Slimline Combination Microwave
Panasonic NN-CD58JSBPQ Combination Microwave
27L, 1000W, Steel
Best for smaller households that want proper combi cooking in a slimmer Panasonic design.
Best Steam Combination Microwave
Panasonic NN-CS89LBBPQ Combination Steam Microwave
Stainless Steel
Best for households that want a larger combi microwave with steam cooking as well as grill and convection modes.
Best Smart Combination Microwave
Best for buyers who want app-guided cooking, air-fry options and a large cavity in one connected combi.
Comparison
Compare the products at a glance
See the main details and prices side by side to narrow down the products that suit your kitchen.
| Product | Price | Capacity | Power | Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daewoo Actuate 5-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven Best Overall Combination Microwave | Guide price: £190 | 26L | 900w | combination | 52.1 x 34 x 29.6cm |
| Sage The Combi Wave 3 in 1 Best Premium Combination Microwave | Typical price: £398-£400 | 32L | 1100w | combination | 51.9 x 51.3 x 31.6cm |
| Salter EK5817 DuoWave 2-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Best Air-Fryer Combination Microwave | Guide price: £177 | 26L | 900w | combination | 52 x 32.6 x 52cm |
| Russell Hobbs RHM2366B 3-in-1 Combination Microwave Best Budget Combination Microwave | Guide price: £119 | 23L | 900w | combination | 46.9 x 41.5 x 28cm |
| Panasonic NN-CD58JSBPQ Combination Microwave Best Slimline Combination Microwave | Typical price: £225-£269 | 27L | 1000w | combination | 31 x 52 x 39.5cm |
| Panasonic NN-CS89LBBPQ Combination Steam Microwave Best Steam Combination Microwave | Typical price: £520-£599 | 31L | 1000w | combination | 39.1 x 50 x 43.7cm |
| Samsung Air Fryer Combination Microwave MC32DG7646CKE3 Best Smart Combination Microwave | Typical price: £237-£299 | 32L | 900w | combination | 52.3 x 33 x 51.5cm |
Buying advice
How to choose a combination microwave
Use these checks to decide which features matter before comparing individual products.
Decide which cooking modes matter
A grill is useful for browning, convection helps with oven-style cooking, steam can help with gentler meals and air-fry modes suit crisping. Choose for the modes you will actually use, not the longest feature list.
Check the external footprint
Combination microwaves are usually larger than solo models and need ventilation space. Measure the worktop, the clearance above and the depth before choosing a 30L-plus appliance.
Check the cavity and accessories
Litres do not tell you everything about usable space. Check the turntable or flatbed size, door opening and whether your usual dishes fit. Racks, crisping trays and steam containers are useful only if they are easy to store and clean.
Look for usable manual control
Presets are helpful, but manual time, temperature and power control matter when you want to adapt recipes or finish food your own way.
Match capacity to the meals you cook
A 23-27L combi can suit smaller households, while 31-34L models make more sense for family cooking, roasting and larger dishes.
Full verdicts
Why these picks made the shortlist
A closer look at where each pick works best, what it gives up and what to double-check before buying.
Award Best Overall Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 26L
- Power
- 900w
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 52.1 x 34 x 29.6cm
The Daewoo Actuate is the strongest all-round combination pick because it balances a flexible cooking set, a manageable 26L capacity and a less intimidating price than many premium combis.
Guide price: £190
Key features
- Microwave and air-fry cooking in one appliance
- Responsive touch-screen controls
- Cooking presets for common meals
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Strong value for a multi-function model
- Air-fry mode broadens what it can cook
- Clear control panel suits regular use
Cons
- Turntable cannot be switched off
- Larger than a basic solo microwave
Verdict
This is the most sensible starting point if you want one appliance for microwave basics and air-fry style cooking without jumping straight to the most expensive models.
Award Best Premium Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 32L
- Power
- 1100w
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 51.9 x 51.3 x 31.6cm
Sage The Combi Wave 3 in 1
32L air fryer, convection oven and microwave
The Sage Combi Wave is the premium choice, offering a wide cooking range in a polished countertop appliance that can take on more than reheating.
Typical price: £398-£400
Key features
- Microwave, grill, convection and air-fry style cooking
- Large 32L capacity
- Premium-feeling controls and finish
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Excellent breadth of cooking modes
- Roomy enough for more ambitious meals
- Feels like a genuine oven-helper rather than a basic microwave
Cons
- Premium price
- Takes more learning than a simple combi
Verdict
It is overkill for quick leftovers, but persuasive if you regularly want grill, convection and crisping modes from the same appliance.
Award Best Air-Fryer Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 26L
- Power
- 900w
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 52 x 32.6 x 52cm
Salter EK5817 DuoWave 2-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave
26L, 900W microwave, 1500W air fryer
See product detailsThe Salter DuoWave gives buyers a clear microwave-and-air-fryer option with a compact 26L footprint, making it useful when one appliance needs to cover both quick heating and crisping.
Guide price: £177
Key features
- Microwave and air-fryer cooking in one unit
- 26L capacity for everyday meals
- Useful preset cooking programmes
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Good fit for kitchens without room for separate microwave and air fryer appliances
- Air-fry mode makes it more versatile than a simple grill combi
- Straightforward option for crisping smaller portions
Cons
- Less of a full oven replacement than larger convection combis
- Price comparison is narrower than for some bigger-name models
Verdict
It is a practical choice if your priority is replacing two compact countertop appliances rather than buying the most oven-like combi microwave.
Award Best Budget Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 23L
- Power
- 900w
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 46.9 x 41.5 x 28cm
Russell Hobbs RHM2366B 3-in-1 Combination Microwave
23L, 900W, with grill and oven
See product detailsThe Russell Hobbs RHM2366B is the practical budget combi choice, giving microwave, grill and convection cooking in a smaller, more affordable package.
Guide price: £119
Key features
- Microwave, grill and convection cooking
- Compact 23L capacity
- Auto-cook presets for everyday meals
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Strong feature set for the price
- Logical controls suit first-time combi buyers
- Smaller footprint than many larger multi-function models
Cons
- Interior has more cleaning traps than simpler designs
- Less manual flexibility than pricier combis
Verdict
It is the right starting point if you want oven-style flexibility but do not want a large premium appliance dominating the worktop.
Award Best Slimline Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 27L
- Power
- 1000w
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 31 x 52 x 39.5cm
Panasonic NN-CD58JSBPQ Combination Microwave
27L, 1000W, Steel
The Panasonic NN-CD58JSBPQ is a strong slimline-style combi for smaller households that still want convection and grill functions alongside normal microwave cooking.
Typical price: £225-£269
Key features
- Microwave, grill and convection cooking
- Adjustable combi power and temperature
- Auto-cook programmes for roast and everyday meals
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Good balance of capacity and footprint
- Manual control gives more flexibility than preset-only models
- Useful for one or two-person oven-style cooking
Cons
- Exterior marks easily
- Smaller cavity than the largest family combis
Verdict
It suits buyers who want a capable second oven for smaller meals without stepping up to the biggest and most expensive combi models.
Award Best Steam Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 31L
- Power
- 1000w
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 39.1 x 50 x 43.7cm
The Panasonic NN-CS89LBBPQ is the steam-focused combi pick, with a larger cavity and a cooking range that can stand in for more small-oven jobs.
Typical price: £520-£599
Key features
- Steam, grill, convection and microwave cooking
- Large 31L cavity
- Accessories for different cooking styles
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Steam mode gives it a clearer cooking role than basic combis
- Large capacity suits more substantial meals
- Intuitive controls help manage the wider feature set
Cons
- Large footprint
- Defrosting may not be its strongest mode
Verdict
It is a better fit for households that will use steam and convection regularly than for buyers who only need fast reheating.
Award Best Smart Combination Microwave
Key specs
- Capacity
- 32L
- Power
- 900w
- Type
- combination
- Dimensions
- 52.3 x 33 x 51.5cm
The Samsung smart combi is the connected pick, combining a large cavity with app-guided cooking support and a broad set of cooking modes.
Typical price: £237-£299
Key features
- Smart cooking support
- Air fry, grill, steam and oven-style modes
- Large 32L capacity
Where to buy
Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.
| Retailer | Price | Checked | Retailer link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | Price Check retailer | Checked - | View at Amazon |
Pros
- Broad mode list makes it unusually flexible
- Large window and easy-clean interior help day to day
- App support can help with timings and guided cooking
Cons
- Programmes still need to be started manually
- Auto-cook results may need small timing adjustments
Verdict
It is best for buyers who like guided cooking and multi-mode flexibility, while accepting that the smart features do not make it fully hands-off.
Questions
Combination microwave FAQs
Straight answers to the questions that usually come up before buying.
What is a combination microwave?
A combination microwave pairs normal microwave heating with at least one extra cooking mode, usually grill, convection oven, steam or air frying. That lets it brown, crisp or bake foods that a solo microwave would only heat.
Can a combination microwave replace an oven?
It can replace some oven jobs, especially smaller roasts, ready meals, baked potatoes and quick bakes. For large trays, multiple shelves or big family meals, a full oven is still more practical.
Are air-fryer combination microwaves worth it?
They are worth considering if you are short on counter space and will use the air-fry mode often. A standalone air fryer may still be faster or simpler if crisping is your main priority.
What size combination microwave should I buy?
Around 23-27L is a good starting point for smaller kitchens and one or two people. Larger households should look closer to 31-34L, as long as the appliance fits the available worktop space.
Can you use metal in a combination microwave?
Only use racks, trays or cookware that the manufacturer approves for the selected cooking mode. Metal that is suitable for grill or convection cooking may be unsafe in microwave mode, so follow the appliance instructions rather than relying on a general rule.
Calculators
Use calculators before you choose
Sense-check size, cost and practical fit before comparing the recommendations.
Calculator
Air fryer vs oven running cost calculator
Estimate how much common kitchen appliances cost to run by changing the power, cooking time and electricity price.
Calculator
Microwave size calculator
Estimate the litre capacity, turntable size and counter-space trade-offs before you compare microwave picks.
Buying advice
Helpful advice before you choose
Use these guides to settle the trade-offs that matter before comparing the recommendations.
Solo vs combination microwaves: which should you buy?
Solo microwaves are the simple, affordable choice for reheating and defrosting. Combination microwaves cost more, but add oven-style cooking for browning, baking and small meals.
Read advice
What size microwave do I need?
Choose the right microwave size by matching litre capacity to your plates, worktop space, household size and whether you want a simple solo model or a larger combi microwave.
Read advice
Flatbed vs turntable microwaves: which is better?
Flatbed microwaves give you more usable space and easier cleaning, but a normal turntable is still the best-value choice for many kitchens. Here is how to decide.
Read advice