Microwave convection ovens are multifunction appliances that provides baking, roasting, toasting, and even grilling in addition to microwaving. All that, and no additional space required.

Sharp R-820JS 0.9-Cubic Foot Grill 2 Convection Microwave

Convection microwave ovens, such as the Sharp R820JS, can bake, grill and roast in addition to functioning as a fully fledged microwave. The Sharp in particular has eleven power levels, a 900 watt convection microwave, a browner and crisper, and a 1500 watt double grill that emits heat both over and under the food. How’s that for heat coverage?

This multi functional microwave convection oven allows you to consolidate multiple appliances into one unit. Some reviewers have raved that grilled as well as roasted foods are rendered tender and juicy, akin to what one would expect from food prepared in a full sized oven. This applies not only to meats, but also to vegetables, which roasts perfectly as an accompaniment to the tender roasted meat that this Sharp produces.

Reheating pastries in this convection microwave oven has also yielded surprisingly good results, with those pastries coming out as if they were fresh baked, unlike pastries normally heated in a microwave, which tend to end up dry and hard. Other reviewers have also noted great results while preparing frozen food items, like a chicken pie. Convection heating no doubt plays a major role in getting food items warmed properly.

One thing to watch out for is the auto setting. While convenient, it is restrictive with respect to weight, thus being of little use if what you are preparing is nowhere near the expected weight, as is the case, for instance, when you want to defrost a single hamburger patty. In that case, best to avoid the auto setting and manually plug in the duration into the microwave convection oven. All in all, this is one Sharp machine, pardon the pun. Certainly worthy of consideration if you’re in the market for a countertop convection oven.

Panasonic NN-C994S Genius Prestige 1-1/2-Cubic-Foot 1100-Watt Convection Microwave Oven

The Panasonic NN-C994S can also bake, grill and roast in addition to fulfilling its obligation as a microwave. It is a 1100 watt convection microwave oven that boasts a proprietary Inverter Technology, enabling this microwave to deliver consistent energy, allowing foods to simmer without edges and surfaces overcooking. It boasts a fifteen inch turntable, ten power levels, five cooking stages and a three speed fan.

All the aforementioned features, coupled with a Genius sensor that adjusts power levels automatically, and you have a winning multi function microwave convection oven. The convection oven setting enables the Panasonic to perform much like a full size oven, enabling even browning and faster roasting. The stainless steel front has a fingerprint resistant finish, minimizing smudges commonly associated with stainless steel appliances.

Owners have complimented this unit for its ability to heat frozen entrees completely, and the sensor reheat works as advertised. It even handles popcorn duties with aplomb, boasting three different levels to accommodate different sized popcorn bags.

The controls on this Panasonic are intuitive and consequently easy to learn. It practically prompts you by highlighting the next appropriate button, so no need to decipher the operating sequence. It’s like the thing has a built in wizard. Wish I had such a thing when I first started doing RPN on my HP calculators back in the day. You may not need to refer to the manual much with the exceptional user interface on this Panasonic.

The convection oven feature works wonderfully on this unit, and performs like a full size. The meat cooked ahead of expected time, and it came out tender and juicy, not hard and dry. Cleanup was a breeze, and the tray came out easily and washed quickly. All told, the Panasonic NN-C994S is a multifunction microwave convection oven worthy of praise.