Imagine a kitchen where one appliance does it all – it heats your leftovers, roasts your chicken to crispy perfection, and even fries your favorite snacks without all the oil! Sounds amazing, right? But when it comes to finding the best Over The Range Microwave Air Fryer Combo, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want something that cooks well, fits your kitchen, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s tough to know which one is truly worth your money.
That’s where Consumer Reports steps in! We’ve done the hard work for you, testing out a bunch of these handy kitchen helpers. In this post, we’ll share what we learned so you can feel confident picking the perfect combo. You’ll discover which models are the top performers for air frying and microwaving, what features actually matter, and which ones to skip. Get ready to upgrade your kitchen game!
Our Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Air Fryer Combo Consumer Reports Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Over The Range Microwave Air Fryer Combo Consumer Reports Detailed Reviews
1. GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS
Rating: 9.4/10
The GE Profile 1.7 cu. ft. Over The Range Microwave in Stainless Steel with Air Fry PVM9179SRSS offers a blend of convenience and modern cooking features. This appliance is designed to be a central part of your kitchen, helping you prepare meals quickly and efficiently. Its over-the-range design saves valuable counter space, and the stainless steel finish adds a sleek, professional look. Plus, the built-in air fryer function means you can enjoy crispy favorites without needing a separate appliance.
What We Like:
- The air fryer feature is a big plus. You can make crispy fries or chicken wings right in your microwave.
- It has a good amount of space inside, 1.7 cubic feet, which is enough for most family meals.
- The microwave is easy to use with its simple controls.
- The stainless steel look fits well with many kitchen styles.
- It’s a GE Profile appliance, which usually means good quality.
- The price is very reasonable for all the features it offers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the learning curve for the air fryer settings a little steep at first.
- While the price is great, the availability might sometimes be limited, so you might have to search for it.
This GE Profile microwave is a smart buy for anyone wanting more from their kitchen appliance. It delivers great tools at a great price.
2. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
Rating: 8.8/10
The BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, Convection, and Bake Modes is a kitchen game-changer. This stainless steel appliance boasts a generous 1.5 cubic feet of space, perfect for cooking family meals. It’s not just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking powerhouse that handles everything from reheating leftovers to air frying crispy snacks.
What We Like:
- It offers six cooking functions: microwave, air fryer, convection, combi (grill), bake, and roast. This means you can cook almost anything!
- The air fry mode lets you enjoy healthier, crispy foods with less oil.
- Sensor Reheat Mode keeps your leftovers tasting fresh and delicious.
- The large 1.5 cubic feet capacity and 13.6-inch turntable easily fit big dishes.
- A powerful 300 CFM vent fan with two speeds effectively removes cooking smells and smoke.
- The integrated light brightens your cooktop, making prep easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the convection and air fry settings take a little practice to master.
- The 900 watts of power is good, but for very fast cooking, higher wattage might be preferred by some.
This BLACK+DECKER oven is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen with a multi-functional and efficient appliance. It simplifies cooking and expands your culinary possibilities.
3. GE PVM9179SRSS Profile 1.7 Cu. Ft. Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven Stainless Steel Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your kitchen with the GE PVM9179SRSS Profile Convection Over-the-Range Microwave Oven. This sleek stainless steel appliance does more than just reheat leftovers. It’s a powerful cooking tool that can air fry your favorite foods, cook them fast, and even bake like a regular oven thanks to its convection feature. With a spacious 1.7 cubic feet of room, it handles family-sized meals with ease. Plus, this bundle comes with a special protection plan, giving you extra peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Versatile cooking options: Air Fry, convection baking, and fast cooking save you time and expand your meal choices.
- Generous capacity: 1.7 cubic feet is plenty of space for most dishes.
- Sleek stainless steel design: It looks great in any modern kitchen.
- Enhanced protection: The bundle includes a 2-year extended service plan on top of the standard manufacturer warranty, offering great value and security.
- Easy installation: Comes with a recirculating charcoal filter kit for immediate use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dimensions might be a consideration for very small kitchens.
- Convection cooking might require some learning for those new to it.
This GE Profile microwave bundle offers a fantastic combination of features and protection. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to add advanced cooking capabilities and convenience to their kitchen.
4. Tough Grade RV Convection Microwave with Air Fryer
Rating: 9.4/10
This Tough Grade RV Convection Microwave with Air Fryer is a game-changer for RV kitchens. It packs six cooking functions into one appliance, so you can microwave, grill, bake with convection, broil, air fry, and even use a combo mode. This means you get all the cooking power of a full kitchen without taking up too much space. It even comes with a trim kit to make it look sleek and built-in, and it’s designed to swap out older High Pointe and Greystone models easily.
What We Like:
- It’s a 6-in-1 cooking machine: microwave, grill, convection, broil, air fry, and combo.
- It has easy auto menus and one-touch buttons for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- You can customize cooking with multi-stage options and save energy with ECO mode.
- Safety features like a child lock and a clear glass turntable are included.
- The trim kit makes installation look professional and it fits right into RVs.
- It’s built tough for travel but weighs only 45.4 lbs, making it easy to handle.
- The 1.0 cu ft size is generous for cooking meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s designed for built-in use only, not for mounting under a cabinet.
This oven offers incredible versatility and convenience for any RVer. It’s a smart upgrade that simplifies cooking on the road.
5. FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave
Rating: 8.6/10
The FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish is a kitchen powerhouse that does it all. This appliance is designed to simplify your cooking with its many functions. It can bake, roast, microwave, and even act as a convection oven. Plus, it has special buttons for common foods like potatoes and popcorn, making meal prep a breeze. You can also air fry your favorite foods with up to 70% less fat, which is a healthier way to enjoy crispy treats. This microwave offers a lot of cooking power with its 1000W microwave and 1500W convection heat. Its large capacity means you can cook bigger meals for your family.
What We Like:
- Multi-functional: BAKE, ROAST, MICROWAVE, CONVECTION OVEN, and AIR FRYER all in one.
- Five One-Touch Cook Menus for easy cooking of POTATO, POPCORN, BEVERAGE, REHEAT, and FROZEN DINNER.
- Air fryer feature cooks food with up to 70% less fat.
- Special DEFROST/TIME/WEIGHT program for precise cooking.
- Powerful cooking performance with 900W Microwave, 1000W Oven, and 1500W Convection.
- XL Capacity fits larger dishes.
- Sleek Stainless Steel Finish looks great in any kitchen.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.2 cu ft capacity, while XL for some, might be too small for very large families or extensive meal prepping.
- Learning all the functions and settings might take a little time initially.
Overall, this Frigidaire combo appliance is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to save space and cook a wider variety of meals more healthily. It’s a versatile tool that can handle most of your kitchen needs.
Finding Your Perfect Over-the-Range Microwave Air Fryer Combo
So you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen with a super-powered appliance that can do it all? An over-the-range microwave air fryer combo is a fantastic choice! It saves counter space and gives you a whole lot of cooking options. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these important features. They make a big difference in how well your appliance works and how easy it is to use.
- Microwave Power (Wattage): Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most good microwaves have at least 1000 watts.
- Air Fryer Capacity: How much food can you cook at once? Look for a basket or tray size that fits your family’s needs. Some have large, roomy interiors.
- Convection Cooking: This feature uses a fan to circulate hot air. It’s great for baking and roasting, giving you crispy results.
- Sensor Cooking: This takes the guesswork out of cooking. The microwave senses the moisture in your food and adjusts the cooking time and power.
- Pre-set Cooking Modes: Many combos come with buttons for popular foods like popcorn, pizza, or baked potatoes. This makes cooking simple.
- Turntable or No Turntable: A turntable helps food cook evenly. Some newer models use a flat ceramic interior without a turntable, which can be easier to clean.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for smooth interiors and removable parts that are dishwasher safe. Stainless steel exteriors are usually easy to wipe down.
- Ventilation System: Since it’s over the range, it needs to vent smoke and steam. Check the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) to see how strong the fan is. Higher CFM means better ventilation.
Important Materials
The materials used in your appliance affect its durability and how it looks.
- Stainless Steel: This is a popular choice for exteriors. It’s strong, looks sleek, and resists fingerprints well on many models.
- Ceramic Enamel Interior: This is common for microwave interiors. It’s non-stick, making it very easy to clean up spills and splatters.
- Glass Turntable: This is the rotating plate inside the microwave that helps cook food evenly. It’s usually made of tempered glass for safety.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make an appliance great or not so great.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often mean better quality and customer service. Consumer Reports reviews can help you see which brands are reliable.
- Build Quality: Does the appliance feel sturdy? Open and close the door. Does it feel solid? A well-built appliance will last longer.
- User Reviews: Reading what other people say about a product is super helpful. Look for common complaints or praises.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows the company stands behind its product. Check how long the warranty is and what it covers.
- Noise Level: Some microwaves and air fryers can be quite loud. If noise bothers you, look for models that are known to be quieter.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your new appliance.
- Busy Families: If you’re always on the go, pre-set cooking modes and sensor cooking are lifesavers. You can quickly heat up leftovers or cook a weeknight meal.
- Small Kitchens: This combo is perfect for saving space. It replaces two appliances with one, freeing up valuable counter space.
- Health-Conscious Cooks: The air fryer function lets you enjoy crispy foods like fries and chicken wings with much less oil. It’s a healthier way to get those satisfying textures.
- Baking and Roasting: The convection feature turns your microwave into a mini oven. You can bake cookies or roast vegetables right above your stovetop.
- Entertaining: Quickly reheat appetizers or cook small batches of food for guests. The versatility is a big plus when you’re hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a regular microwave and an over-the-range microwave air fryer combo?
A: A regular microwave just heats food. An over-the-range microwave air fryer combo can do that, plus it can air fry, bake, and roast food using a fan to circulate hot air. It also sits above your stove and has a ventilation system.
Q: Is an air fryer function in a microwave as good as a standalone air fryer?
A: For most everyday cooking, yes! The air fryer function in these combos gets food crispy and delicious. Standalone air fryers might be a bit faster or have larger capacities, but the combo is very convenient.
Q: Do I need special cookware for the air fryer function?
A: Generally, no. You can often use the metal rack that comes with the microwave. Avoid plastic or materials that can’t handle high heat. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Q: How do I clean the air fryer basket or tray?
A: Many air fryer baskets and trays are dishwasher safe. If not, you can usually wash them with warm, soapy water. Make sure to dry them completely before putting them back.
Q: What does “over-the-range” mean for installation?
A: It means the appliance is designed to be mounted on the wall above your stove. It usually comes with mounting hardware. You might need help from someone to install it safely.
Q: How powerful should the ventilation fan be (CFM)?
A: For most kitchens, a fan with at least 300 CFM is good. Higher CFM helps remove smoke and odors more effectively, especially if you do a lot of cooking.
Q: Can I still use my stovetop normally with this appliance above it?
A: Yes! The appliance is designed to be mounted above the stove, so it won’t get in the way of your cooking. The ventilation system helps clear the air.
Q: Are these combos noisy?
A: Some can be. The fan for ventilation and the convection fan can make noise. It’s a good idea to read reviews to see if a particular model is known for being loud.
Q: What is sensor cooking, and why is it useful?
A: Sensor cooking uses sensors to detect how much moisture is in your food. It then automatically adjusts the cooking time and power level. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking your food.
Q: How much space do I need for an over-the-range microwave air fryer combo?
A: You’ll need standard cabinet space above your stove. Most models are around 30 inches wide. Always measure your space before buying to ensure a good fit.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.