12 Microwave and Oven Types and How to Choose Them

Ah, the countertop microwave – the OG of kitchen convenience. If you've ever rented an apartment or lived in a small space, this is probably the one you're most familiar with. These bad boys sit right on your kitchen counter, no installation required – just plug them in and you're good to go. They come in all sizes, from compact models that fit under cabinets (great for dorm rooms or tiny kitchens) to larger ones with more capacity for family-sized meals.

Pros? They're affordable, portable (so you can move them if you rearrange your kitchen), and super easy to use – perfect for reheating leftovers, popping popcorn, or melting butter. Cons? They take up valuable counter space, which can be a bummer if your kitchen is already tight on real estate. Also, while they're great for basic heating, they don't do much else – no baking, no roasting, just good old-fashioned microwave magic.

If you're all about that sleek, integrated kitchen look, built-in microwaves are where it's at. These are designed to be installed into your kitchen cabinets or a dedicated niche, so they blend right in with your cabinetry – no clunky appliance sitting on the counter. They often come with trim kits to match your kitchen's style, whether you're going for modern, traditional, or something in between.

Pros? Space-saving, for sure – they free up counter space and make your kitchen look more polished. Many also have higher power outputs than countertop models, so they heat food faster. Cons? They're not cheap – you'll pay more for the built-in design, plus installation costs if you hire a pro (and trust us, you probably want to hire a pro to make sure it's installed safely). They're also not portable – once they're in, they're in. So if you move, you might leave them behind or have to pay to uninstall and reinstall.

Ever seen a microwave that's mounted above the stove? That's an over-the-range (OTR) microwave, and it's a space-saving hero for small kitchens. These models combine a microwave with a range hood, so they not only heat your food but also vent smoke and steam from your stove. Talk about multitasking! They're installed under your kitchen cabinets, above the cooktop, which means they don't take up counter or floor space.

Pros? Dual functionality (microwave + vent) saves space and money (no need to buy a separate range hood). They often have larger capacities than countertop models, which is great for families. Cons? The height can be a problem – if you're on the shorter side, reaching up to grab a hot dish might be tricky (and risky). Also, the venting power isn't always as strong as a standalone range hood, so if you do a lot of high-heat cooking that produces a lot of smoke, this might not cut it. And like built-ins, installation can be a hassle – you'll need to make sure it's properly mounted to the cabinet and has the right electrical connections.

Okay, let's step up the game with convection microwaves. These are like the Swiss Army knives of kitchen appliances – they do regular microwave heating, but they also have a convection fan and heating element, which means they can bake, roast, and even crisp food, just like a regular oven. Think: cookies, roasted veggies, or even a small chicken. How do they work? The convection fan circulates hot air around the food, cooking it more evenly and giving it that golden, crispy exterior you can't get with a standard microwave.

Pros? Versatility – one appliance for heating, baking, and roasting. They cook faster than traditional ovens because they combine microwave energy with convection heat, so you can have a batch of muffins ready in half the time. Cons? They're pricier than basic countertop microwaves. They also tend to be larger, so they might still take up counter space (unless you get a built-in convection model). And while they're great for small to medium-sized dishes, they might not have the capacity for a big Thanksgiving turkey – but hey, that's what full-sized ovens are for, right?

Toaster ovens are like the cute, compact cousin of the full-sized oven. They're small enough to sit on your counter (or even tuck away when not in use) but can do way more than just toast bread. Most models can bake, broil, roast, and even air fry (if you get a newer model with air fry functionality). They're perfect for single people, couples, or small families who don't need to cook huge meals.

Pros? Energy-efficient – they heat up faster than full-sized ovens and use less electricity, which is great for your utility bill. They're also super easy to clean (many have removable crumb trays) and ideal for small portions, so you don't have to heat up a big oven for a single slice of pizza or a handful of fries. Cons? Capacity is limited – you might struggle to fit a 9x13 inch baking dish or a large roast. They can also get pretty hot on the outside, so you need to make sure there's space around them on the counter to avoid heat damage. Oh, and while they're good for toasting, some cheaper models might toast unevenly – so read reviews before you buy!

Convection ovens are the workhorses of home baking and roasting. Unlike regular ovens that heat from the bottom or top, convection ovens have a fan and an extra heating element that circulates hot air throughout the oven cavity. This means food cooks faster, more evenly, and with a crispier exterior – no more burnt edges and undercooked centers! They're available as standalone models (either countertop or built-in) or as part of a range (stove + oven combo).

Pros? Even cooking – whether you're baking cookies, roasting a turkey, or making a batch of croissants, the convection fan ensures every part of the food gets the same amount of heat. They also reduce cooking time by about 25%, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Cons? They can be more expensive than standard ovens. The fan can be noisy on some models. And if you're used to baking with a regular oven, you might need to adjust recipes – convection ovens often require lower temperatures (about 25°F less) and shorter cooking times to prevent overcooking. But once you get the hang of it, you'll never go back!

Wall ovens are the epitome of kitchen luxury – and for good reason. These ovens are installed into a wall (usually at eye level or slightly lower), which means you don't have to bend down to check on your food (goodbye, back pain!). They come in single or double oven configurations – double ovens are perfect if you love hosting dinner parties (roast the turkey in one, bake the pies in the other!). They also pair well with cooktops, giving you more flexibility in kitchen layout.

Pros? Ergonomic design – no bending, which is great for anyone with mobility issues. More cooking space than a standard range oven, and the ability to cook at different temperatures in double ovens. They also add a high-end look to your kitchen. Cons? They're expensive – not just the oven itself, but installation costs (you'll need to cut into the wall, run electrical wiring, etc.). They also require dedicated space in your kitchen layout, so they're not ideal for tiny kitchens. And if they break, repairs can be costly since they're built into the wall.

Steam ovens are all about healthy cooking – they use steam to cook food, which helps retain nutrients, moisture, and flavor better than boiling or microwaving. Think: perfectly cooked fish that's flaky and tender, steamed veggies that stay bright green and crisp, or even homemade bread with a crusty exterior and soft interior (steam helps the bread rise better). Some models also have a convection function, so you can switch between steam, convection, or a combination of both (hello, roasted veggies with a crispy outside and tender inside!).

Pros? Healthier meals – no added oils or fats needed, and nutrients like vitamins and minerals are preserved better than with traditional cooking methods. They're also great for reheating leftovers without drying them out (no more rubbery chicken!). Cons? They're on the pricier side, especially if you get a combo steam/convection model. They require regular maintenance – you'll need to refill the water tank and clean the steam vents to prevent mineral buildup (especially if you have hard water). And while they're amazing for certain foods, they're not great for things that need to be crispy (unless you use the convection function).

Air fryer ovens have taken the cooking world by storm in recent years – and for good reason. They use hot air circulation (like a convection oven) to mimic the taste and texture of fried food, but with up to 80% less oil. So you can enjoy crispy fries, juicy chicken wings, or even fried shrimp without the guilt. They come in various sizes, from compact countertop models to larger ones that can fit a whole chicken or a batch of cookies. Many also have additional functions like baking, roasting, toasting, and dehydrating, making them super versatile.

Pros? Healthier fried food – who doesn't love that? They cook fast (faster than a regular oven) and are easy to clean (many have non-stick baskets or trays that are dishwasher-safe). They're also great for small kitchens since they ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ multiple appliances (toaster, convection oven, fryer). Cons? Some smaller models have limited capacity – you might have to cook in batches if you're feeding a family. The basket or tray can get hot, so you need to be careful when handling. And while they're good for crispy foods, they might not ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ a full-sized oven for large roasts or big baking projects.

Combi ovens (short for combination ovens) are the pros' choice – you'll find them in commercial kitchens, bakeries, and high-end home kitchens. They combine steam, convection, and sometimes even grill functions, giving you ultimate control over the cooking process. Want to steam a salmon to keep it moist, then switch to convection to crisp the skin? No problem. Need to proof dough with steam, then bake it with dry heat? Combi ovens have you covered. They're designed for precision, with adjustable temperature, humidity, and fan speed settings.

Pros? Unmatched versatility and precision – perfect for serious home chefs or anyone who loves experimenting with recipes. They can handle everything from delicate pastries to large roasts, and they cook food more evenly than most home ovens. Cons? They're *expensive* – we're talking thousands of dollars, which is way out of budget for most home cooks. They're also large and require professional installation, so they're not practical for small kitchens. Unless you're running a home bakery or hosting weekly dinner parties for 20, a combi oven might be overkill.

Microwave oven combos are like the ultimate space-savers for kitchens that can't fit both a microwave and a full-sized oven. These appliances combine a microwave and a traditional oven in one unit, either as a countertop model or a built-in. They're perfect for small apartments, RVs, or tiny homes where every inch counts. You can reheat soup in the microwave, then bake a cake in the oven without switching appliances.

Pros? Saves space – one unit instead of two. Convenient for basic cooking needs – no need to run back and forth between appliances. They're often more affordable than buying a separate microwave and oven. Cons? The trade-off is that neither function is usually as powerful as standalone appliances. The microwave might have lower wattage, and the oven might have smaller capacity or take longer to preheat. They also tend to be heavier and bulkier than standalone microwaves, so countertop models can still take up a lot of space.

Last but not least, smart microwaves and ovens are for the tech lovers out there. These appliances connect to your Wi-Fi, allowing you to control them with your smartphone, tablet, or even voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home. Forgot to start preheating the oven before leaving work? No problem – just open the app and start it remotely. Want to cook a recipe from your favorite food blog? The smart oven can pull up the instructions and automatically set the temperature and time. Some even have cameras inside, so you can check on your cookies without opening the door (and letting heat escape).

Pros? Convenience and connectivity – perfect for busy lifestyles. Smart features can help prevent overcooking (some models send alerts when food is done) and make cooking easier for beginners with guided recipes. Cons? They're more expensive than non-smart models. They rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection – if your internet goes out, you might lose some features. And let's be real, do you *really* need to control your microwave from your phone? For some, it's a game-changer; for others, it's just a fancy extra.