Best Combination Microwaves UK: Four Models Compared
| Our verdict at a glance – four ways to choose Best budget grill model: Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI, around £104.98, a 25-litre 3-in-1 with a 1000-1100W grill and inverter. Best value with an oven mode: Russell Hobbs RHM2366B, around £129, a 23-litre model with a 1000W grill and 1700W oven setting. Best flatbed design: Sharp YC-GC52BU-B, around £149.99, a 25-litre model with no turntable, a 1200W grill, rack and baking tray. Best premium all-rounder: Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ, around £269.99, a 27-litre 4-in-1 with inverter, grill, convection and air fry. |
A combination microwave is a microwave that can also grill, convect or both. That extra heat is what separates it from a solo model: instead of only warming food from the inside, it can brown a cheese topping, crisp a jacket potato skin, roast a small chicken or bake a sponge. For households without a second oven, or those who want to avoid heating a full-size oven for a small meal, it is one of the most useful worktop appliances available. If you are still choosing between the main microwave types, our guide to the best microwaves UK sets out how solo, grill and combination models differ.
Not every combination microwave is built the same way, and the labels can be confusing. Some models add a grill only, some add a convection fan, and a few now add an air-fry basket on top. Price rises quickly with each extra function, and so does size. Combination models are generally deeper and heavier than solo ones, so the worktop matters as much as the spec sheet. The four models below run from an inexpensive grill-and-combi model at around £105 to a premium 4-in-1 with an air fryer at around £270, and every price is the figure listed on Amazon UK at the time of writing.
When comparing them, look at three things. First, the cooking modes: grill only, convection, or both, plus any air-fry function. Second, capacity and footprint, because a bigger cavity is only useful if the unit fits your worktop. Third, the practicalities, such as whether the grill and convection are easy to use, what accessories come in the box and how long the guarantee runs. The sections below cover each of these for every model.
Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI – best budget grill combination microwave
The Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI is a 25-litre, 900W digital microwave with a grill and a combi mode, listed at around £104.98 on Amazon UK. Toshiba sells it as a 3-in-1 model, meaning microwave, grill and combined microwave-plus-grill cooking. The listing gives the grill power as 1000-1100W, uses metal upper heating elements and includes a grill accessory. For the price, that is a lot of cooking flexibility, and it is the least expensive way into grill-and-combi cooking among the four models here.
The listing also highlights Toshiba’s Origin Inverter, which provides linear power output rather than the on-off pulsing of older transformer designs, and a quoted noise level of 57dB. It offers 10 power levels, seven auto menus, a chef defrost programme, a memory function and a 288mm turntable said to fit a 10-inch pizza. External dimensions are listed as 36.5cm deep, 46.9cm wide and 28cm high, which is compact for a 25-litre combination model.
The main limitation is that this is a grill combination model rather than a full convection oven, and the listing does not mention convection, so it should not be expected to bake like the other models here. It is best for anyone who wants toasted cheese, crisped toppings and quick grilled dishes without paying for convection.
- Crispy Grill: This Toshiba grill microwave oven with 10 power levers, priovide 900W microwave power and 1000-1100W grill power, the metal upper heating elements deliver heat directly at food evenly, creating an unforgettable texture that tastes crispy outside, and juicy inside
- 3-in-1 Combination Microwave: This Toshiba combination microwave oven versatile microwave, grill, and combi is a great countertop space-saving solution, providing quick and convenient cooking in your home, you can quickly select the cooking mode to prepare any dish you desire
- Origin Inverter: The ORIGIN INVERTER Toshiba inverter microwave deliver a linear power output with a precise temperature control, It shortens heating time and saves energy, replaces noisy transformers and capacitors to reduce noise levels to 57dB, making it super quiet
- Chef defrost: The Toshiba microwave oven has professional defrost program prevents food from overheating on the outside and under heating on the inside, Power is adjusted to generate a precise power control to prevent overcooking
- Cooking Convenience: From popcorn, potatoes, frozen vegetables, hot beverages, dinner plate and meat, this Toshiba digital microwave provides you 7 auto menus,you can cook any of your family favourites from a roast chicken to crunchy vegetables and even fresh baked goods
Russell Hobbs RHM2366B – best value 3-in-1 with an oven mode
The Russell Hobbs RHM2366B is a 23-litre combination microwave that packs a 900W microwave, a 1000W grill and a 1700W oven setting into one black unit. It is listed at around £129 on Amazon UK. The three separate modes make it a proper alternative to a small oven for many everyday jobs, and the listing says the cavity has space for a whole chicken.
It has five power levels, ten auto-cook menu options and a defrost setting, and the listing gives dimensions of 28cm high, 46.9cm wide and 41.5cm deep, with a weight of 14.9kg. That depth means it needs more worktop room than a solo microwave or the Toshiba, and the weight makes it worth positioning carefully. Russell Hobbs supplies a one-year guarantee, and the listing notes that packaging is 99% plastic-free.
This model suits buyers who want a convection-style oven mode as well as a grill without going above the £130 mark. The compromises are the modest five power levels and the greater depth. It is a good fit for a family kitchen where the combination microwave will regularly stand in for the main oven on smaller meals.
- 3-IN-1 CAPABILITY – This 3-in-1 combi microwave features a 900W microwave function, 1000W grill option, and even a 1700W oven setting
- 23L CAPACITY – Perfect for accommodating families whatever the meal choice, this 23L combi microwave boasts space and functionality to cook a full chicken, just as a full-sized oven would
- 10 AUTO COOK MENU OPTIONS – Offering 10 preset auto cook menu options, as well as a handy defrost function, this microwave is easy to use and simple to navigate
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PACKAGING - We’ve reduced our packaging to be 99% plastic free, meaning our packaging is sturdier whilst also doing our bit to help the planet
- 1 YEAR GUARANTEE - This Russell Hobbs combination microwave comes with a free one-year manufacturer guarantee
Sharp YC-GC52BU-B – best flatbed combination microwave
The Sharp YC-GC52BU-B is a 25-litre, 900W digital combination microwave with a 1200W grill, listed at around £149.99. Its main talking point is the flatbed design: there is no turntable, just a flat, fixed base, which makes the cavity easy to wipe clean. The listing describes it as a semi-digital combi oven with a grill and convection cooker, and it has a handle-less opening.
Sharp lists 11 power levels, 14 automatic cooking programmes, time and weight defrost, an ECO mode, an LED clock and a child safety lock. A grill rack and baking tray are supplied, which is helpful because accessories are often extras with other brands. The listing gives dimensions of 49.5cm deep, 49cm wide and 28.7cm high. That depth is the greatest of the four models here, so it is the one most likely to challenge a shallow worktop.
The flatbed layout suits people who cook with rectangular dishes or hate cleaning around a turntable. Sharp provides a 12-month warranty. It costs more than the Toshiba and Russell Hobbs, but the accessories, extra programmes and easy-clean cavity give it a distinct place in the line-up.
- 900 watt flatbed combination microwave: From SHARP’s unique flatbed range. Semi digital combi oven with grill, convection cooker, spacious 25L capacity, handle-less opening and energy-saving eco mode
- Easy touch control, dial and digital display: Simple to read LED clock screen shows the time when the combi microwave is not in use, and features a handy kitchen timer function and child safety lock
- Powerful cooking at home: Comes with grill rack, baking tray, 14 automatic cooking programmes and 11 levels of power; features timeweight defrost, meat roasting, grilling, cake baking, eggs and more
- Easy to use, easy clean counter-top microwave: The adjustable timer helps ensure your food is cooked ideally, while the flat contours are designed to be simply wiped clean. 12 month warranty included
- Compact, space-saving oven with no turntable: Wipe-clean flat, fixed base. Cooks, defrosts and re-heats food evenly and quickly. Enjoy soups, popcorn, sponges, grilled steaks, roast dinners and more
Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ – best premium 4-in-1 with air fryer
The Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ is the most advanced model here: a 27-litre combination microwave with a 1000W inverter microwave, 1300W grill, convection oven and an air-fry mode with a dedicated basket. Panasonic lists it as a 4-in-1 in silver, and it is priced at around £269.99 on Amazon UK. That is more than double the Toshiba, so it makes sense only if you will use the extra functions.
The listing quotes 19 auto programmes and seven power levels. It says the cavity, at 14.1 inches by 13.8 inches, fits 800g of chips or a whole roast chicken. Combination modes let you mix microwave, grill and convection to cut cooking times, and the listing says the accessories are free from PFAS and PTFE. External dimensions are listed as 39.1cm deep, 52cm wide and 31cm high, so this is also the widest and tallest model here.
The Panasonic is the option for buyers who want one appliance to cover microwave, oven, grill and air fryer. The obvious drawbacks are the price and the size. It is best suited to households that can spare the worktop space and would otherwise buy a separate air fryer.
- 4-IN-1 COMPLETE COOKING SOLUTION: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Grill and 1000W Inverter Microwave in one appliance, saving 20% worktop space whilst delivering professional cooking results
- CRISPY AIR FRYING PERFORMANCE: Authentic top-fan structure and dedicated Air Fry basket deliver perfectly crisp, healthy meals with less oil, whilst the flat ceiling design makes cleaning effortless
- FAMILY-SIZE 27L CAPACITY: Wide 14.1" x 13.8" cavity fits 800g of chips or a whole roast chicken in one go, spacious enough for large casseroles that won't fit in standard air fryer baskets
- INVERTER TECHNOLOGY FOR EVEN COOKING: 1000W microwave with 7 power levels ensures gentle, even heating without cold spots or overheating, preserving nutrients and natural flavour in every meal
- COMBINATION COOKING SAVES TIME: Mix microwave, grill and convection modes to save up to 70% cooking time and 50% energy with no preheating required, perfect for busy weeknight dinners and entertaining
How combination modes work
Combination microwaves use several heat sources, and understanding them helps you pick the right one. Microwave mode heats water molecules inside the food, which makes it quick but leaves the surface pale. Grill mode uses an upper element to radiate heat onto the surface, which browns and crisps. Convection mode adds a heating element and a fan that circulate hot air, which lets the appliance bake and roast like a small oven.
Combination or combi mode mixes microwave energy with grill or convection heat. The microwave cooks the middle quickly while the other source browns the outside, so a jacket potato or a small chicken can finish faster than in an oven alone. The trade-off is that combi settings need a little trial and error, and the manuals for each model list suitable dishes and times. Air-fry mode, as on the Panasonic, uses a top fan and a basket to give a crisper finish with little oil.
It is also worth knowing that running an oven-style mode is slower to start than a microwave-only cycle, because the elements need time to heat. For quick reheating, most owners will still use the plain microwave mode, so make sure the model you choose is easy to use in that mode as well.
How to choose a combination microwave
Start with the cooking modes. Grill-only combination models, like the Toshiba, brown and crisp from above and are the cheapest. Adding convection, as with the Russell Hobbs and Sharp, allows baking and roasting. Adding an air-fry mode, as on the Panasonic, gives a crisp finish closer to a dedicated air fryer. Choose the simplest set that covers what you actually cook, because each extra function adds to the price.
Then check size. Combination microwaves are deeper and heavier than solo models, and the cavity needs clearance for ventilation. Compare the listed depth, width and height with your available space, and remember that a larger cavity is useful only if the unit fits. Also consider accessories: a grill rack or baking tray in the box saves money, and it is worth checking what is included before buying.
Finally, consider how you will use it. Combination modes take a little learning, and the manual is worth reading for advice on which dishes and containers are suitable. Metal accessories should only be used in the modes the manufacturer specifies. For everyday reheating alone, a solo model will do, and our round-up of the best solo microwaves covers those.
Which combination microwave should you buy?
The Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI is the best entry point at around £104.98 if you mainly want a grill. The Russell Hobbs RHM2366B at around £129 adds a 1700W oven mode and is the strongest value pick for family kitchens. The Sharp YC-GC52BU-B at around £149.99 is the choice for anyone who prefers a flatbed cavity and wants a grill rack and baking tray included. The Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ at around £269.99 is the premium option for those who want an air fryer built in.
Frequently asked questions
What is a combination microwave?
A combination microwave can microwave, grill and often convect, and some models add an air-fry function. Combined modes let you use microwave energy and oven heat together to cook faster and brown food.
Can a combination microwave replace an oven?
For small and medium meals, often yes. The Russell Hobbs RHM2366B, for example, offers a 1700W oven setting in a 23-litre cavity. For large roasts, several trays or big family meals, a full-size oven remains more practical.
Is a grill microwave the same as a combination microwave?
Not exactly. A grill microwave adds an upper heating element for browning, as the Toshiba does at around £104.98. A full combination model also adds convection, which circulates hot air for baking and roasting.
Can I use metal dishes in a combination microwave?
Only where the manufacturer allows it. Supplied metal racks and trays are usually designed for grill or convection modes and must not be used in microwave-only mode. Always follow the instructions supplied with your model.
Are combination microwaves bigger than solo microwaves?
Generally yes. The four models here range from 23 to 27 litres, and the Sharp is listed at 49.5cm deep. Measure your worktop before buying.
The final word
The best combination microwave depends on how much cooking you want it to do. The Toshiba MW3-AG25PFI at around £104.98 is the low-cost grill model, the Russell Hobbs RHM2366B at around £129 adds an oven mode, the Sharp YC-GC52BU-B at around £149.99 brings a flatbed design and included accessories, and the Panasonic NN-CT57RMBPQ at around £269.99 adds air frying. Check current prices and availability on Amazon UK, and see the wider best microwaves UK guide guide for help choosing between types.
Related guides
If you are still deciding, these related Kitchen Kit guides are worth a look:
