What Is a Combi Microwave Oven?
A combi microwave oven (also called a combination microwave or microwave convection oven) is a microwave that also functions as a convection oven and grill. Instead of just heating food with microwave energy, it can bake, roast and grill like a conventional oven — alone or in combination with the microwave for faster, more even results.
How Does a Combi Microwave Work?
A combi microwave has three cooking modes:
- Microwave only: Standard microwave heating for reheating and defrosting
- Convection oven only: Uses a heating element and fan to bake and roast at standard oven temperatures
- Combination mode: Uses both microwave energy and convection heat simultaneously — food cooks faster than in a standard oven while still browning and crisping on the outside
Many models also include a grill element for browning and grilling.
Combi Microwave vs Standard Microwave
| Feature | Standard Microwave | Combi Microwave |
|---|---|---|
| Reheating | Yes | Yes |
| Defrosting | Yes | Yes |
| Baking/roasting | No | Yes (convection mode) |
| Grilling | No | Yes (grill element) |
| Faster cooking than oven | N/A | Yes (combi mode) |
| Price range (AUS) | $80–$500 | $300–$1,200 |
| Size | Compact | Larger (oven-sized) |
Who Should Buy a Combi Microwave?
A combi microwave is a great choice if:
- You live in an apartment or home without a full-size built-in oven
- You want to bake or roast occasionally but don't want a full oven
- You have limited kitchen space and want to combine two appliances in one
- You want faster cooking times — combi mode is typically 25–40% faster than a standard oven
- You're a student or renter without a full kitchen setup
Limitations of a Combi Microwave
- Smaller cavity than a standard oven (usually 25–40L vs 65–75L)
- Can't match a full oven for large roasts or baking multiple trays at once
- Some models have limited convection performance compared to a dedicated oven
Built-In Combi Microwave Ovens
Premium built-in combi microwaves from brands like Bosch, AEG and Samsung can be installed in a wall cavity next to or above a built-in oven, giving you a matched kitchen setup with both a full oven and a combi microwave. These are popular in kitchen renovations.
Top Combi Microwave Brands in Australia
- Panasonic — excellent range, reliable, good value
- Samsung — feature-rich, smart options available
- Bosch — premium built-in models for kitchen renovations
- LG — NeoChef range with good combi performance
Shop Combi Microwaves at Oceania Appliances
We stock combi microwave ovens at our Wetherill Park showroom. Our team can help you find the right model for your kitchen. We deliver across all of greater Sydney.
- Showroom: 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
- Phone / WhatsApp: 0422 489 492
- Email: support@oceaniaappliances.com.au