Microwave Air Fryer Combo Options for Families

With their popularity showing no signs of waning, it’s no secret that the best air fryers make a great energy-efficient addition to family kitchens. But with air fryers being both costly and chunky, not everyone has the budget (or the worktop space) for yet another gadget.

Enter the microwave air fryer combo (also known as an air fryer microwave combo): a multi-functional appliance that combines the speed and convenience of a microwave with the crispy, oil-free finish you’d expect from an air fryer. From chips and bacon to fluffy jacket potatoes and even a roast chicken, these space-saving machines can switch between functions (and often use clever combo modes) so you can get dinner on the table fast - without firing up the oven.

Looking for more Mumsnetter-approved kitchen gadgets? Don’t miss our guides to the best slow cookers and best food processors.

Best microwave air fryer combos UK, at a glance

Jump to review

Best microwave air fryer combo overall: Sage the Combi Wave™ 3 in 1 Microwave | £388
Best budget microwave air fryer combo: Tower AirWave Pro Oven 2-in-1 Microwave & Air Fryer | £200
Most stylish microwave air fryer combo: Salter DuoWave Air Fryer Combination Microwave | £237
Best microwave air fryer combo for versatility: Toshiba Air Fry Combo 5-IN-1 Microwave Oven | was £220, now £170
Best alternative to a microwave air fryer combo: Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven | £449

How we test and chose microwave air fryers

We started with the Mumsnet Talk boards, pulling together microwave air fryer combos that users repeatedly recommend (and actually use) for busy family meals. We also noted consistent complaints - anything fiddly, hard to clean, bulky, or disappointing for crisping.

Next, we sense-checked that shortlist against trusted expert coverage and any recognised awards, focusing on performance and reliability.

Finally, we combed through detailed customer reviews on major retailers (including Amazon, John Lewis and Currys) to spot real-world patterns around ease of use, cleaning, noise, durability and value for money.

Method step	What we did	What we looked for	How it influenced recommendations
1) Mumsnet user insights	Reviewed relevant Talk board threads and gathered models mentioned repeatedly by name	Real-life pros/cons, “would buy again”, common annoyances (cleaning, controls, size, results)	Models with consistent praise moved onto the shortlist; repeat negative themes were downgraded
2) Expert sense-check	Compared shortlist with trusted expert reviews and any awards/recognition	Consistent performance, reliability, ease of use, design quality	Helped confirm which popular picks are genuinely strong, not just hyped
3) Retailer review patterns	Read in-depth customer reviews on major retailers (e.g., Amazon, John Lewis, Currys)	Crisping results, microwave performance, noise, cleaning, accessory quality, durability over time	Flagged recurring issues and helped identify best value, not just best specs
4) What “best” means for this guide	Prioritised models that suit family kitchens and mixed cooking needs	Quick day-to-day cooking, simple controls, easy cleaning, decent crisping, good value	Final rankings balance convenience + results + long-term practicality

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate. Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents.

What's the right microwave air fryer combo for you?

1

Best microwave air fryer combo overall

Sage the Combi Wave™ 3 in 1 Microwave

£399 at Amazon

What we like

Stylish design with quiet running levels
Fast combi function for super efficient mealtimes
Cook from frozen function
Shortcut panel for melting chocolate and preparing popcorn

What we don't like

Costly
Some reviewers found it tricky to clean

Key specs

What Mumsnet users say

AreMyDucksinarow · Recommended brand

I have a Sage microwave – it’s an oven/air fryer/microwave/grill all-in-one thing. It’s absolutely amazing, I love it.

See Post

Our verdict

With three cooking functions, the clever Sage Combi Wave can revolutionise your family’s mealtimes, serving as an air fryer, convection oven and microwave—all in one sleek and compact appliance.

The handy food menu couldn’t be easier to use, featuring 19 built-in presets including must-have options like fries, chicken nuggets and bacon. It also includes a handy cook-from-frozen setting, which is ideal for simple midweek meals or reheating batch-cooked lunches.

The Fast Combo function is another highlight; it can cook your family's favourite dishes faster than your conventional oven, rapidly getting to temperature and combining oven, grill and microwave for the best results.

We love the handy shortcuts for melting chocolate, softening butter and preparing popcorn—perfect for baking sessions and family movie nights. There’s even a keep-warm function, which is ideal if you struggle to prise your teen away from the PS5 when dinner is ready.

It may not come cheap, but this air fryer microwave combo is quiet and intuitive to use. The downside? Some reviewers found it tricky to clean, especially after cooking meats such as chicken wings and sausages.

Related: The best dual air fryers according to Mumsnetters

2

Best budget microwave air fryer combo

Tower T17133 AirWave Pro Oven 2-in-1 Microwave & Air Fryer

£180 at Amazon £200 at Tower

What we like

Stylish design
Accessories included
Fast and efficient

What we don't like

Some reviewers felt the instructions could be better

Key specs

Our verdict

With a black glazed door and stylish silver accents, this air fryer microwave combo will look great on kitchen countertops, and at under £200 it's the most budget-friendly option in our guide.

Just like their stand-alone air fryers, the Tower AirWave Pro Oven 2-in-1 Microwave benefits from Vortx technology, which rapidly circulates hot air around the food to cook it up to 30% faster than a conventional oven.

With a tray, air fryer basket and glass microwave turntable included, the 26-litre capacity is ideal for families. There are also 20 easy-to-use presets, including air fryer presets for fries, wedges and wings, and microwave presets for pasta, soup, popcorn and reheating leftovers.

Thanks to MagnaWave technology, this appliance ensures perfect results by distributing heat evenly throughout the interior. If you love that crispy finish, however, the impressive combi mode promises air fryer quality at microwave speed.

3

Most stylish microwave air fryer combo

Salter DuoWave Air Fryer EK5817 Combination Microwave

£237 at Currys

What we like

10 air fryer auto-cook presets including chips, chicken and potato wedges
Can accommodate a whole roast chicken
Intuitive and easy to use

What we don't like

Recommended 30cm clearance space so check dimensions carefully
Can take some getting used to initially

Key specs

What Mumsnet users say

Una1066 · Recommended product

I have just bought [the Salter DuoWave] - it is really good and easy to use. Have used the air fryer and it is great. Micro is fine. Just take out the metal basket and tray if using it as a microwave. Has a three-year warranty, looks nice.

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HPFA · Recommended product

I had another go at making chips - this time a few were perfect, most were acceptable, a few were still underdone. So I hope to get it completely right in a couple more tries. As to whether an air fryer is 'worth it' - I'm glad I bought this microwave... I'm very glad I didn't buy a separate air fryer as I suspect it would be sitting in a cupboard a lot of the time.

See Post

Our verdict

If you’re trying to keep costs down in 2026 (aren’t we all?), the budget-friendly Salter DuoWave is an excellent choice, with the option to air fry, roast, bake, reheat and defrost in one sleek appliance.

The top-down heating element achieves the crispy results you’d expect from a high-quality air fryer, but this energy-efficient microwave combo can also cook a whole roast chicken using 61% less energy than a traditional electric oven.

The Salter DuoWave is intuitive and simple to use, with 10 air fryer auto-cook presets including familiar favourites like chips, chicken and potato wedges. We also love that it comes with a black and stainless steel crisper tray and baking tray included, which is a nice extra touch.

Best of all though, the keep-warm function can keep your meal at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to tuck in.

Related: Best Ninja air fryers for your kitchen

4

Best versatile microwave air fryer combo

Toshiba Air Fry Combo 5-IN-1 26L Countertop Microwave Oven

On Sale

On sale at Amazon

What we like

Five functions in one appliance
10 power levels
Easy-to-use presets
Speedy combi modes
Compact footprint

What we don't like

Some reviewers found the instructions lacked detail

Key specs

Our verdict

Combining both style and substance, this air fryer microwave combo offers excellent value for money, with five versatile functions in one compact footprint.

In addition to a powerful microwave and air fryer, you can also select from broil or bake modes, helping prepare pies and cakes without a soggy bottom in sight.

Finally, there’s the intelligent combi function, using a mix of microwave, convection and grill modes to prepare crisp, evenly-cooked dishes in next to no time.

As well as the must-have defrost and reheat functions that can make the most of leftovers, this microwave has 10 power settings and automatic presets for family favourites such as pasta and soup.

There’s also a baking tray and two wire racks included, plus we love the cook-from-frozen preset, which helps to take the stress out of manic family mealtimes.

Related: Best air fryer for two people

5

Best alternative to a microwave air fryer combo

Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven

£449 at Amazon

What we like

Steam cooking function
Stylish design with oven-like door
Easy to use
Built-in cleaning programmes

What we don't like

Some reviewers experienced condensation on the interior
No air fryer function
Fairly large size
Pricey

Key specs

What Mumsnet users say

Toomanysleepycats · Recommended brand

I have the Panasonic combi microwave oven. It’s very good and does a very good oven-like baked potato.

See Post

Our verdict

While this one is not technically an air fryer microwave combo, it has very similar functions, rightfully earning its place in our guide due to its versatility. With various cooking options, including a steam and low-fat fry function, as well as combined cooking methods for speed, it's an efficient and versatile option for families.

With 28 automatic presets to prepare everything from pizza to crispy roast potatoes, the low-fat fry programme uses the microwave and grill functions simultaneously, resulting in that divine crispy coating without the need for oil.

Thanks to the smart inverter technology, your food will cook evenly and consistently while using less power than a traditional oven. There’s even a smart sensor that automatically adjusts the cooking time and power levels based on the vapour released during cooking.

While some reviewers did struggle with condensation on the interior, we love the four built-in cleaning programmes that make it simple to keep hygienic and odour-free.

Related: Best bread makers

What is a microwave air fryer combo?

An air fryer microwave combo is a two-in-one appliance that offers versatile cooking methods in one space-saving design.

As well as using the microwave function for heating, reheating, and defrosting meals, you can switch to the air fryer to crisp, brown and fry, saving time when cooking food from frozen.

For the best of both worlds, most air fryer and microwave appliances feature an intelligent combo mode, which help you achieve the crispy air-fry finish with the speed and convenience of a microwave.

Is it worth getting a microwave air fryer combo?

Some Mumsnet users feel that separate air fryer appliances perform better than air fryer microwave combos. However, if you’re limited on countertop space or want versatility from one initial investment, a microwave air fryer combo could be a practical solution for your kitchen.

We love how you can easily switch between different functions to suit your needs while saving time and reducing energy consumption when compared to a conventional electric oven.

That being said, if you’re hoping to prepare large meals, you may prefer one of the best air fryers for families, as they tend to perform better than a combo appliance and may hold a larger capacity for more substantial portions.

What to consider when shopping for a microwave air fryer combo

Size: How big is the microwave? As well as considering the external dimensions and the overall footprint on your countertops, you should consider the internal capacity and ensure it’s large enough for your needs. Most air fryer microwave combo appliances have an internal capacity of between 25 and 27 litres.
Functions: How many cooking functions are there? Consider which functions are most important based on your usual cooking habits. For example, steam and bake functions may be ‘nice to have’ rather than essential.
Presets: How easy is the appliance to use? Many air fryer microwave combos come with handy presets for common foods and meals, helping you save time (and energy) by automatically selecting the appropriate temperature and timings.
Accessories included: Does the appliance include any extra accessories in addition to the microwave turntable or are these sold separately?
Cost: As you've probably gathered from our shortlist, microwave air fryer combos don't come cheap, but it's worth remembering that you're essentially getting two (or more!) gadgets in one. If you just want something basic, you can pick up a (relatively) pocket-friendly option for around £200. However, if you want a top-notch brand like Sage, you're more likely to be looking at around £400.

Related: Best soup makers

Can you use metal accessories in a microwave air fryer combo?

In air fryer or convection modes, metal racks/baskets are usually fine - that’s often what the crisping accessories are made from. But in microwave mode, metal can spark (arc), so you should only use accessories the manufacturer explicitly says are safe for microwave use, and only in the modes they specify.

Combo machines can be confusing because the same appliance may include a metal basket (for air frying) and a glass turntable (for microwaving). A good rule for busy real-life cooking: if you’re reheating/defrosting in microwave mode and you’re not 100% sure, stick to microwave-safe glass or ceramic and use the glass turntable.

Also, remember that “combi” programmes vary: some are designed to use microwave + grill/hot air in sequence, and may require a specific rack/tray. So the safest advice is boring but true: follow the manual for your exact model.
If you want a line that reassures readers you’ve covered this: “Always check which accessories are safe for microwave mode - metal baskets are typically for air frying only.”

About the author

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in family and kitchen product reviews and round-ups. Having written reviews on her blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising expert guidance and consumer feedback to help parents make confident purchases that benefit their families.

A fan of quick and easy family meals, Lucy has tried and tested several air fryers including her personal favourite, the Ninja Foodi Health Grill. She’s also written numerous Mumsnet Swears By guides on air fryers, including the best dual air fryers, best air fryers for two people, and the best budget air fryers.

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