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Combination microwaves

Best combination microwaves for UK kitchens in 2026

Practical choices for family meals, smaller budgets, air frying, steam cooking and rectangular dishes.

Products shortlisted
8
Last updated
1 Oct 2026

Choose a combination microwave for the extra cooking you will actually do. A grill browns, convection works like a small oven, and air frying can help with crispy sides. Steam needs its own cooking function. For reheating alone, a simpler solo microwave may be a better buy.

The Panasonic CD88 is our first choice for family cooking across several modes. Choose the Russell Hobbs RHM2366B for a smaller budget, the Sage Combi Wave for premium controls, or the Panasonic DS59 for steam cooking. The Sharp flatbed helps with rectangular dishes; Samsung adds app updates, while Daewoo and Salter offer different approaches to microwave and air-fry cooking.

Think about the dishes competing for oven space: vegetables, sides, a small roast or a bake. Check cooking modes, dish dimensions and ventilation clearances. If microwave reheating is not needed, compare our mini ovens too.

Related buying guides

More guides for microwaves

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Comparison

Compare the products at a glance

See the main details and prices side by side to narrow down the products that best match your priorities.

Product Price Capacity Microwave power Cavity layout
Panasonic 4-in-1 Air Fryer Combination Microwave NN-CD88QSBPQ Best Combination Microwave For Family Cooking Retailer price: £379 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST

 34L 1,000W Turntable
Daewoo Actuate 5-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven Best Air-Fryer Combination Microwave Guide price: about £190 26L 900W Turntable
Sage The Combi Wave 3 in 1 Best Premium Combination Microwave Retailer price: £359.95 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST

 32L 1,100W Turntable
Russell Hobbs RHM2366B 3-in-1 Combination Microwave Best Budget Combination Microwave Retailer price: £125 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST

 23L 900W Turntable
Panasonic NN-DS59NBBPQ Steam Combination Microwave Best Steam Combination Microwave RRP: £449 27L 1,000W Flatbed
Samsung Air Fryer Combination Microwave MC32DG7646CKE3 Best Large Smart Combination Microwave Retailer price: £269 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST

 32L 900W Turntable
Sharp YC-QC254AU-B Flatbed Combination Microwave Best Flatbed Combination Microwave Guide price: about £169 25L 900W Flatbed
Salter EK5817 DuoWave 2-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Best Air-Fryer Microwave For Side Dishes Retailer price: £199.99 at Amazon

Price checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST

 26L 900W Turntable

Buying advice

How to choose a combination microwave

Use these checks to decide which features matter before comparing individual products.

Choose a job before a cooking mode

For browning toppings, look for a grill. For smaller oven meals, choose convection. For frequent crispy sides, compare air-fry performance and tray space. Steam is a separate feature: neither an air-fry badge nor a long programme list guarantees it.

Measure the dishes you already use

A turntable needs room for a dish to rotate. A flatbed removes that requirement, which can help with rectangular cookware. Capacity in litres does not describe usable height: the Salter heating element is a particular reason to check tall bowls.

Allow space outside the appliance

Large combis such as the Sage and Samsung need around half a metre of worktop depth before ventilation clearance. Check the exact model instructions for space behind, beside and above it, plus enough room to open the door and remove a hot dish.

Check manual controls and presets

Automatic programmes are convenient for familiar meals, but they give less freedom to adapt recipes. Check whether microwave power, oven temperature and time can be changed in the modes you intend to use; a preset count tells you little about that flexibility.

Plan for the tray and cleaning

Air-fry trays, racks and crisping plates need storage when you are microwaving an ordinary bowl. Check which parts can go in the dishwasher. A flat floor is easier to wipe, while elements and interior crevices can need more attention.

Be realistic about a second oven

A combi can help with smaller meals and extra sides, but a large roast, several trays or delicate baking may still favour your main oven. Work out what needs to cook at the same time before choosing extra cooking capacity.

Make steam worth the extra upkeep

Choose the Panasonic DS59 if you want to cook with steam regularly. Allow for filling the water container and drying the cavity afterwards. Its fixed floor helps with dish shape, but steam cooking does not guarantee better defrosting or perfect automatic microwave programmes.

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.

Our pick Best Combination Microwave For Family Cooking

Panasonic 4-in-1 Air Fryer Combination Microwave NN-CD88QSBPQ

Key specs

Capacity
34L
Microwave power
1,000W
Cavity layout
Turntable

Panasonic 4-in-1 Air Fryer Combination Microwave NN-CD88QSBPQ

34L family combi with microwave, air-fry, grill and oven modes

See product details

The CD88 offers the largest cavity here. Its 34L capacity suits bigger dishes, while microwave, grill, convection and air-fry modes cover reheating through to oven meals. It is a strong all-round choice for households that will use several functions.

Reheating and crisping are both strengths. Combination cooking helps warm food through before browning the outside, though a drawer air fryer can crisp chips more uniformly. Keep the manual nearby while learning the settings, and allow storage for the basket, tray and rack.

Key features

  • 34L cavity with a 36cm turntable
  • 1000W inverter microwave
  • Microwave, grill, convection and air-fry modes
  • Air-fry settings at 180°C, 200°C and 220°C
  • Convection temperatures from 40°C and 100–220°C
  • Sensor cooking and automatic programmes
  • Air-fry basket, enamel tray and wire rack supplied
  • Body measures 56cm wide, 45cm deep and 34.3cm high

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £379 Checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Large cavity accommodates bigger family dishes
  • Strong reheating alongside useful crisping
  • Combination modes help heat food through and brown it
  • Can take on smaller oven meals or extra sides
  • Interior can be wiped clean after splashes

Cons

  • Wide body needs plenty of worktop space
  • A drawer air fryer can give more even crispness
  • Accessories need separate storage
  • Extra programmes take practice
  • Too much appliance for occasional reheating

Verdict

The CD88 is our first stop for family meals and extra oven space. It gives family meals more room than the smaller Russell Hobbs. The DS59 adds steam instead; Sage offers its own premium controls. Check dish rotation and ventilation clearances before buying.

Our pick Best Air-Fryer Combination Microwave

Daewoo Actuate Range 26 Litre 5-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven

Key specs

Capacity
26L
Microwave power
900W
Cavity layout
Turntable

Daewoo Actuate 5-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven

26L microwave and air fryer with touch controls

See product details

The Daewoo Actuate suits a kitchen where both the microwave and the air fryer would earn their keep. Its 26L cavity sits between the small Russell Hobbs and the larger Sage or Samsung, making it a useful compromise for everyday meals and occasional extra cooking.

Its cooking performance supports that role, particularly for chicken, sausages and microwave meals. The limitation is dish flexibility: the turntable cannot be stopped. Allow for hand washing the air-fry tray too, and do not expect every topping to brown equally well.

Guide price: about £190

Key features

  • 26L cavity and 900W microwave output
  • Air-fry, baking, reheating and defrosting functions
  • 28 cooking presets and ten microwave power levels
  • Touch controls for selecting cooking programmes
  • Supplied cooking basket and baking tray

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Covers reheating and useful air-fry cooking with one worktop appliance
  • Good cooking range for households using more than microwave mode
  • 26L capacity offers a middle ground between small and large combis
  • Touch controls keep the front panel uncluttered

Cons

  • Fixed turntable limits rectangular and oversized dishes
  • Air-fry tray needs hand washing
  • Some cheese toppings brown less convincingly

Verdict

Regular air frying is the strongest reason to buy the Daewoo. It offers a useful balance of microwave convenience and oven-style meals without stepping up to a 32L machine. The Salter is more specifically suited to shallow crispy sides; the Sage gives you more capacity and a wider premium package. Before buying, check the exact finish, current stock and whether your usual dishes can rotate freely.

Our pick Best Premium Combination Microwave

Sage the Combi Wave 3-in-1 microwave oven

Key specs

Capacity
32L
Microwave power
1,100W
Cavity layout
Turntable

Sage The Combi Wave 3 in 1

32L premium combi with convection and air-fry modes

See product details

The Sage Combi Wave is the premium option for households that want their microwave to take on smaller oven jobs as well. You get a 32L cavity, 1100W microwave output and dedicated combination, convection and air-fry modes, with a crisping pan and trivet for the appropriate programmes.

Its shortcut buttons and food settings help with everyday use, but the number of options still takes learning. The body is roughly 52cm wide and 51cm deep before you allow ventilation room. It makes most sense when its extra functions will be used several times a week.

Typical price: £398–£400

Key features

  • 32L capacity and 1100W microwave output
  • Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen programmes
  • Convection and air-fry modes alongside microwaving
  • Crisping pan and trivet for compatible cooking modes
  • Soft-close door
  • Turntable-off option for appropriate dishes

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £359.95 Checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Large cavity suits bigger portions and more ambitious cooking
  • Combination programmes can reduce the need for separate appliances
  • Useful shortcuts make familiar jobs quicker to set up
  • Soft-close door is a thoughtful everyday feature
  • More dish flexibility than a permanently rotating turntable

Cons

  • Premium cost is hard to justify for reheating alone
  • Deep body needs substantial worktop space
  • Extra settings take time to learn
  • Oven recipes may need temperature adjustment

Verdict

Sage makes a convincing premium upgrade when its extra modes get regular use. It is a persuasive upgrade for family portions and extra oven capacity, particularly if you want one machine rather than several. A smaller Russell Hobbs is a better budget starting point; a dedicated air fryer may be simpler for frequent crisping. Measure the depth, ventilation space and door access before committing to this substantial appliance.

Our pick Best Budget Combination Microwave

Russell Hobbs RHM2366B 23 Litre Combination Microwave 900W

Key specs

Capacity
23L
Microwave power
900W
Cavity layout
Turntable

The Russell Hobbs RHM2366B is the sensible starting point when a solo microwave is too limited and a premium combi is more than you need. Its 23L cavity and 900W microwave output cover everyday portions, while grill and convection modes add browning and oven-style cooking.

It performs well with ordinary microwave meals and keeps the controls approachable. The smaller cavity is the practical compromise: check your dinner plates and roasting dish rather than judging it by litres alone. Interior crevices also make cleaning less straightforward than the uncluttered Sharp flatbed.

Guide price: about £119

Key features

  • 23L capacity and 900W microwave output
  • Microwave, grill and convection cooking
  • Ten automatic cooking presets
  • Five microwave power levels
  • Removable 28.8cm turntable
  • Grill rack supplied

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £125 Checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Adds useful oven-style cooking at a more accessible price
  • Approachable controls for everyday meals
  • Smaller cavity suits modest portions
  • Removable turntable is easy to take out for washing

Cons

  • 23L space is limiting for larger family dishes
  • Automatic programmes give less temperature flexibility
  • Interior crevices need attention when cleaning
  • Rotating dishes must clear the cavity walls

Verdict

For smaller meals on a tighter budget, Russell Hobbs keeps the essentials within reach. It earns its place through useful cooking modes rather than a long premium feature list. The Sage and Samsung offer more capacity, while the Sharp gives awkward dishes a flat floor. Check the manual controls you need before buying: the automatic cooking programmes are less flexible than those of a full oven.

Our pick Best Steam Combination Microwave

Panasonic 4-in-1 combi microwave oven NN-DS59NBBPQ

Key specs

Capacity
27L
Microwave power
1,000W
Cavity layout
Flatbed

The DS59 adds genuine steam cooking to microwave, grill and oven modes. Its 27L flatbed gives dishes a fixed floor, and the drop-down door opens like an oven. Choose it for steam cooking as well as reheating.

Steam with oven heat works well for moist puddings. Everyday microwave results are more mixed: porridge heats evenly, but defrosting can cook thin edges and a large potato may need extra time beyond its automatic programme. Learn the presets rather than expecting every setting to look after itself.

RRP: £449

Key features

  • 27L flatbed cavity without a turntable
  • 1000W inverter microwave
  • Steam, oven (top/bottom heat), grill and microwave cooking
  • Six combination programmes
  • Touch controls and a dial
  • Drop-down oven-style door
  • Cleaning programmes and dishwasher-safe grill tray
  • Body measures 51.4cm wide, 45.6cm deep and 34.7cm high

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Steam extends the cooking options beyond ordinary combis
  • Fixed floor suits dishes that cannot rotate
  • Water containers are easy to fill and empty
  • Cleaning programmes help with upkeep
  • Grill tray can go in the dishwasher

Cons

  • Steam obscures the window and leaves moisture inside
  • Defrosting can start cooking thin areas
  • Large potatoes can need longer than the automatic setting
  • Presets take learning
  • 16kg body needs care when positioning
  • Retailer choice is more limited than for several other picks

Verdict

Steam cooking gives the DS59 its clearest advantage. Otherwise, the CD88 offers a broader family-cooking starting point, while Sharp supplies a simpler flatbed. Check retailer stock and delivery coverage before buying: availability varies.

Our pick Best Large Smart Combination Microwave

Samsung Air Fryer Combination Microwave MC32DG7646CKE3

Key specs

Capacity
32L
Microwave power
900W
Cavity layout
Turntable

The Samsung MC32DG7646CKE3 gives larger meals a 32L cavity and combines microwave, grill and convection cooking with SmartThings support. It is the pick for buyers who like to prepare settings and follow cooking progress from their phone, while keeping the main controls on the appliance.

Microwave and oven-style cooking are its stronger jobs. Air frying is less convincing than a dedicated machine, so do not buy it chiefly for quick crispy chips. This exact model does not have the steam mode offered by the differently numbered MC32DB7746KCE3.

Typical price: £237–£299

Key features

  • 32L cavity with microwave, grill and convection modes
  • Air-fry setting and automatic cooking programmes
  • SmartThings settings and progress updates
  • Cooking starts with a press on the appliance
  • Crisping plate and racks supplied
  • Body measures 52.3cm wide, 51.5cm deep and 33cm high

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £269 Checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Large cavity provides room for bigger portions
  • Useful microwave, grill and convection performance
  • Main controls remain accessible without the app
  • App updates help when you are doing other kitchen jobs

Cons

  • Air frying is slower and less crisp than a dedicated air fryer
  • Large, deep body needs generous worktop and ventilation space
  • The app cannot start cooking remotely
  • No steam mode on this exact model

Verdict

The Samsung combines room for larger meals with helpful cooking updates. The app is an extra convenience, not the reason to pay for modes you will rarely use. Its microwave and convection functions make a stronger case than its air frying. If crispy sides are the main goal, compare the Daewoo and Salter; if dish shape is the problem, the Sharp flatbed is more relevant.

Our pick Best Flatbed Combination Microwave

Sharp digital combination microwave YC-QC254AU-B

Key specs

Capacity
25L
Microwave power
900W
Cavity layout
Flatbed

The Sharp YC-QC254AU-B addresses a different problem from the air-fry models: fitting dishes into the cavity. Its 25L flatbed has no rotating glass plate, so rectangular cookware does not need clearance to turn. Microwave, grill and convection modes make it more flexible than a basic flatbed reheater.

The flat floor also simplifies wiping up spills. It is a practical choice for dishes that are awkward in a turntable model, but not a compact appliance: the body is about 51cm deep. Slow defrosting is another trade-off if you often cook straight from the freezer.

Guide price: about £169

Key features

  • 25L flatbed cavity without a rotating plate
  • 900W microwave output
  • Grill and convection cooking
  • Fourteen automatic programmes including defrost
  • LED cavity light

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Rectangular dishes can use the cavity without needing to rotate
  • Flat floor removes the turntable mechanism from cleaning
  • Adds grill and convection modes to flatbed reheating
  • Useful cavity lighting for checking food

Cons

  • Deep body takes up considerable worktop space
  • Defrosting is slow and may begin cooking the edges
  • Grilling is less persuasive for delicate food

Verdict

Awkward dishes are where the Sharp earns its place. A flatbed can be more useful than extra litres if your usual casserole dish catches on a rotating plate. The compromise is a large external footprint and less impressive defrosting. Check the seller and condition carefully, especially when comparing used listings with new appliances.

Our pick Best Air-Fryer Microwave For Side Dishes

Salter EK5817 DuoWave 2 In 1 Air Fryer & Microwave -- 26L

Key specs

Capacity
26L
Microwave power
900W
Cavity layout
Turntable

Salter EK5817 DuoWave 2-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave

26L microwave and air fryer for smaller crispy dishes

See product details

The Salter DuoWave is the more specialised choice for households that want to microwave everyday food and crisp up side dishes in the same worktop space. Its 26L capacity sounds generous, but the heating element reduces usable height, so check tall bowls and dishes carefully.

Shallow foods such as chips and tofu suit it better than thick bakes. It can help with the sides for a larger meal without being a replacement for a full family oven. Buttons share functions, so expect to use the manual while learning the controls.

Guide price: about £177

Key features

  • 26L capacity and 900W microwave output
  • 1500W oven and air-fry function
  • Ten automatic programmes
  • Crisper and baking trays supplied

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £199.99 Checked 4 October 2026 10:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Good fit for crisp side dishes as well as reheating
  • Combines two commonly used kitchen functions
  • Crisper tray gives shallow foods room to spread out

Cons

  • Heating element reduces usable internal height
  • Deep dishes and baking are not its strengths
  • Dual-purpose controls can be fiddly
  • Cleaning around the element takes care

Verdict

The Salter is at its best with shallow, crispy sides. Its narrower role is what earns it a place alongside the more versatile Daewoo. It can be useful for crispy accompaniments, but a deep baking dish or tall microwave bowl may expose its limitations. Compare the controls and usable cavity height before buying; those details matter more here than the headline 26L capacity.

Questions

Combination microwave FAQs

Straight answers to the questions that usually come up before buying.

Which combination microwave should I buy?

The Panasonic CD88 is our starting point for family cooking across several modes. Russell Hobbs suits a tighter budget, Sage offers premium controls, and the Panasonic DS59 adds steam cooking. Sharp helps with rectangular dishes; Samsung supplies app updates, while Daewoo and Salter combine microwaving with air frying.

Can a combination microwave replace an oven?

It can take on smaller oven meals, browning and some baking, but it is not a like-for-like replacement for a full oven. Check the dish size, temperature control and accessories. If you mainly want baking and roasting without microwave reheating, a mini oven may fit the job better.

Is an air-fryer microwave as good as a separate air fryer?

It depends on the model and the food. Combining functions saves worktop space, but a dedicated air fryer may be quicker or crisp better. Samsung's air-fry mode is a weaker reason to buy than its microwave and oven functions; Salter is better suited to shallow sides than deep bakes.

Are flatbed combination microwaves better?

A flatbed has no rotating glass plate, so rectangular dishes can fit without turning and there are fewer parts to remove for cleaning. Sharp is our flatbed choice without steam; the Panasonic DS59 adds steam cooking. Neither layout guarantees better defrosting or a smaller external footprint.

Do all combination microwaves steam food?

No. The Panasonic DS59 has a built-in steam function; the CD88 does not. The Samsung MC32DG7646CKE3 also lacks the steam mode of the differently numbered MC32DB7746KCE3. Check the exact model rather than assuming similar-looking appliances share functions.

What size combination microwave do I need?

The 23L Russell Hobbs suits smaller portions; 25–27L models provide a middle ground, while the 32L Sage and Samsung and 34L Panasonic CD88 offer more room. Measure your dishes and worktop space. Internal height, a rotating plate and ventilation clearance can matter more than litres.

Can I use metal trays in combination cooking?

Use only the accessories and cookware approved in the exact model instructions for the selected cooking mode. An accessory suitable for convection or grilling is not automatically suitable for microwave or combined modes. Follow the mode-specific instructions and use oven gloves for hot trays.

Calculators

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Air fryer vs oven running cost calculator

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Calculator

Microwave size calculator

Estimate the litre capacity, turntable size and counter-space trade-offs before you compare microwave picks.

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Buying advice

Helpful advice before you choose

Use these guides to settle the trade-offs that matter before comparing the recommendations.

Microwave on a kitchen worktop beside a dinner plate and measuring tape
Guide Microwaves

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.

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