When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

Youve heard of a convection oven and a microwave, but do you know how a convection microwave works?

Essentially, a convection microwave is like a mini oven and a traditional microwave all in one.

Convection microwave on countertop

Convection microwave on countertop

Having one lets you cook smaller portions of your favorite food or heat leftovers in seconds.

Luckily, weve got an expert at hand to learn more.

What is a convection microwave?

Microwave being set

Microwave being set

A traditional microwave uses electromagnetic waves to heat (or reheat) food in minutes.

[This is] unlike regular microwaves, which only heat or cook using microwave energy.

However, convection microwaves only allow you to do this with small portions.

Toshiba  EC042A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Convection Function

For larger portions, youll need to use a traditional oven or a convection oven.

Pros of convection microwaves

A convection microwave can be a handy addition to your kitchen.

Here are some of the most significant benefits of this appliance.

A person spraying cleaning solution onto a microwave

A person spraying cleaning solution onto a microwave

Good for small portions

A convection microwaves small size makes it ideal for cooking small portions or single-serving recipes.

Versatility

Convection microwaves give you more options for cooking or heating your food.

They give you versatile cooking options and faster cooking times, says Lewis.

Oven door opening

Oven door opening

Fast to preheat

Your traditional oven can take time to preheat, extending your cooking time.

Less energy usage

Heating your regular oven for a small portion wastes energy and makes your entire kitchen hot.

This versatile microwave oven comes with a convection function.

Aluminum foil next to cutting board and vegetables

Aluminum foil next to cutting board and vegetables

It offers four auto bake menus plus four auto roast menus.

It’s a great appliance and worth snapping up at this price.

Traditional ovens require less frequent cleaning and are generally lower maintenance than convection microwaves.

Farberware Countertop…

Less interior space

A convection microwave is perfect for small portions but not so much for larger ones.

confirm you read the instructions for your model thoroughly before using your convection microwave.

Can a convection microwave replace my oven?

Prime

Or you might enjoy cooking large meals for friends or hosting the holidays at your home.

Can I use aluminum foil inside my convection microwave?

Dont use foil inside when its in traditional microwave mode.

GE - 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop…

Foil can cause arcing and sparks during microwave use and damage your microwave.

More from Tom’s Guide

Best Buy

TOSHIBA 1.6 Cu.ft Countertop…

Wayfair

Article image

the cuisinart air fryer and toaster oven toa-60 with a black exterior, four temperature and timer dials

Our Place Large Wonder Oven

the cuisinart air fryer and toaster oven toa-60 with a black exterior, four temperature and timer dials

Ninja Oven

I cooked my favorite Super Bowl appetizers in the air fryer vs the oven

Ninja Crispi spring colors

the technivorm moccamaster cup-one, a single serving drip coffee maker that uses number 1 filters and brews exactly 10 oz of coffee in 5 minutes, in bright orange

AeroPress Clear XL

The Wacaco Nanopresso on a wooden surface with the Wacaco Barista Kit and some beans in the background

the magimix blender power 4 in silver with a control dial and three buttons with the glass blending pitcher against a blue background with a plant and fruit bowl

the ninja detect power pro with blendsense, a powerful blender with removable blades, a personal blender attachment, and control dial photographed against a blue background

A person holding a Nintendo Switch 2 playing Mario Kart World

2025 Rivian R1S Tri-Motor test drive review.

ChatGPT generated image

Garmin Vivoactive 6 in emerald green with the Morning Report shown on the screen

2025 Toyota bZ4X at New York Auto Show.

NYTimes Connections