What Is a Convection Microwave and Do You Need One?
A convection microwave combines two appliances into one: a standard microwave for reheating and defrosting, and a convection oven that uses a fan and heating element to cook food properly. If you have a small kitchen, they're worth considering — but they're not for everyone.
How a Convection Microwave Works
A standard microwave uses microwave radiation to excite water molecules in food, heating it quickly from the inside out. This is great for reheating but doesn't brown or crisp food.
A convection microwave adds a heating element (usually electric) and a fan. The fan circulates hot air around the food cavity, cooking it the same way a conventional oven does. You can use:
- Microwave mode only: Fast reheating, defrosting
- Convection mode only: Baking, roasting, grilling — like a small oven
- Combination mode: Both at once — fast cooking with browning and crisping
What Can You Cook in a Convection Microwave?
In convection mode, you can cook almost anything you'd put in a conventional oven:
- Roast chicken and vegetables
- Baked goods (cakes, biscuits, muffins)
- Casseroles and baked pasta
- Pizza (crispy base achieved in combination mode)
- Roasted potatoes and wedges
The cavity is smaller than a full-size oven, so large roasts and multiple trays are limited — but for 1–2 people or supplementary cooking, they work very well.
Advantages of a Convection Microwave
- Space saving: One appliance replaces two
- Speed: Combination mode cooks faster than a regular oven
- Energy efficiency: Smaller cavity heats faster, using less power than a full oven
- Versatility: Great for small kitchens, granny flats, home offices and rental properties
- No preheating required in most cases
Disadvantages
- Smaller capacity than a dedicated oven
- Can't run microwave and convection simultaneously on most budget models
- Higher price than a standard microwave
- Cleaning is more involved (food splatters more with convection fan)
- The inside can't be lined with foil (causes arcing)
Who Should Buy a Convection Microwave?
A convection microwave makes most sense if you:
- Have a small kitchen or no room for a separate oven
- Cook for 1–2 people regularly
- Want occasional baking or roasting without heating a full-size oven
- Live in an apartment, studio or granny flat
- Have limited bench space
It's less suitable if you regularly cook for a family, bake large batches or need to roast large cuts of meat.
Find Convection Microwaves at Oceania Appliances
We stock a range of microwaves including convection models from leading brands. Free delivery across Sydney and 3–6 month warranty. Contact us to check current stock.