Last Edited: 30/06/2026

Convection Microwaves are a versatile piece of cooking machinery. Heat, defrost, bake, roast, grill and sometimes steam, they do it all. If you’ve been in the market for a new microwave, read on and find out if a convection microwave is right for you.

What Is a Convection Microwave?

A convection microwave is essentially two appliances in one. It combines the speed of a standard microwave with the dry, circulating heat of a convection oven, giving you the flexibility to heat, defrost, bake, roast, grill and, depending on the model, even steam your food.

The real magic happens when you use both settings at the same time. The microwave function speeds up the cooking process while the convection heat browns and crisps the outside, so you get a result closer to what you would expect from a full-size oven, in a fraction of the time. That means roast chicken with crispy skin on a Tuesday night is entirely doable, without heating up your whole kitchen.

For smaller households, renters, or anyone short on bench space, a convection microwave can genuinely replace a second oven.

What to Look for When Buying a Convection Microwave

Cooking Functions

At a minimum, look for microwave, bake or roast, and combination modes. From there, consider how you actually cook. If you regularly steam fish or vegetables, look for a model with a dedicated steam function. If you like melted cheese on toast or want to brown the top of a gratin, a grill function is worth having.

Auto Cook Programs

These are a brilliant time-saver. You select the type of food, enter the weight, and the microwave does the thinking for you. The better models come with a wide range of preset options, covering everything from reheating leftovers to cooking a whole piece of fish. Look for a model with at least 10 to 15 auto programs to get real value from this feature.

Ease of Use

Do not underestimate how important this is. A microwave with a confusing control panel will frustrate you every single day. Look for clear labelling, an easy to read display, and intuitive navigation. If you have to refer to the manual just to reheat soup, the design has failed.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Convection microwaves run hot, and food splatters. Check the interior cavity for smooth surfaces without too many crevices, ridges or exposed elements that will trap grease. Stainless steel interiors tend to be easier to wipe down and are more durable over time. Also check whether the grill element is exposed, as these can be awkward to clean around.

Size and Clearance

Measure your bench space before you fall in love with a model. Most manufacturers recommend at least 5cm clearance on the sides, 10cm at the back, and 15cm above the unit for proper ventilation. Make sure your largest baking dish or casserole fits inside with the door closed, otherwise you will find yourself working around the appliance rather than with it.

Bonus Features Worth Considering

Some features sound like marketing fluff until you realise you use them every day. Things like adjustable cooking time mid-cycle, sensor cooking that detects moisture and adjusts automatically, multi-stage cooking (for example, defrost then cook then warm), a child lock, and a cooling fan are all worth factoring in when comparing models.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Convection Microwave

The biggest mistake people make is treating a convection microwave like a standard microwave. When you are using the convection or combination modes, the interior cavity gets just as hot as a conventional oven. Always use oven gloves, and let the inside cool down completely before you wipe it out.

Preheating matters too. If you are baking, treat it like an oven and allow time for it to reach the right temperature first.

Use the combination mode when you want speed without sacrificing texture. It is particularly good for things like jacket potatoes, casseroles, and roast vegetables.

A Model Worth Looking At

If you are after a solid all-rounder that will not take over your entire bench, the Panasonic 27L Combination Microwave Oven NNCD58JSQPQ is worth a close look. It has a slimmer profile than most convection microwaves, which makes it a practical choice for smaller kitchens.

Despite its compact footprint, the interior cavity is generously sized. Panasonic achieved this by moving the fan to the top of the unit rather than the back, freeing up more usable space inside.

Key features include:

• 29 auto cook programs, including eight programs specifically designed for children under the Junior Menu

• Six microwave power levels and three grill power levels

• Combination cooking mode

• Child lock

• Dimensions: 520mm x 395mm x 310mm

It is a well thought out unit that suits everyday cooking without fuss.

Is a Convection Microwave Right for You?

If you cook regularly and want more flexibility from your bench appliances, a convection microwave is a smart investment. It is particularly well suited to people in apartments or smaller homes where a second oven is not practical, or for anyone who wants to reduce reliance on a large oven for smaller meals.

If you mainly use your microwave to reheat leftovers and defrost meat, a standard microwave will do the job just fine and cost you less upfront.

Still not sure? Come into your nearest Bi-Rite store and have a chat with one of our appliance specialists. We can walk you through the options and help you find the right fit for the way you cook.