If you often cook for a family, aim for a turntable of 12‑13 inches, which can handle a whole chicken or a 12‑inch pizza; models like the Toshiba 8‑in‑1 (12.4" turntable) and the Toshiba 4‑in‑1 (13.6" turntable) fit this need. For single‑serve or small‑apartment use, a 9‑10 inch turntable such as the Black+Decker 5‑in‑1 is sufficient and saves countertop space. Consider the interior volume (cubic feet) as well—larger cavities give more flexibility for baking trays and racks.

All models combine microwave, convection, and air‑fry, but the 8‑in‑1 Toshiba adds dedicated broil, low‑temp, odor‑removal, and defrost modes, giving the most specialized cooking options. The 5‑in‑1 Black+Decker focuses on essential functions with 11 air‑fry presets and 10 power levels, making it simpler to use. The 4‑in‑1 units (GE, Toshiba variants) provide the core trio plus a combo mode, which is ideal if you want versatility without extra specialty functions.

A two‑step child lock adds a safety layer by requiring two separate actions to start the appliance, preventing accidental activation by kids. Both Toshiba 8‑in‑1 and GE 4‑in‑1 include this feature, while some competitors like Black+Decker use a simpler press‑and‑hold lock. If you have young children, the added peace of mind often justifies the modest price difference.

Inverter microwaves, found in many Toshiba models, deliver continuous power adjustments for more even heating, reducing cold spots and preserving moisture. This results in better texture for meats and vegetables, especially when using the air‑fry or convection modes. Traditional magnetron units may be cheaper, but they often lack the precise control that inverter technology offers.

The Toshiba 8‑in‑1 strikes a strong balance with high wattage (1000 W microwave, 1600 W input), a large 12.4" turntable, and a full suite of 8 functions, making it a premium yet reasonably priced option. The Black+Decker 5‑in‑1 is more budget‑friendly and still includes 11 air‑fry presets, but it lacks the extra specialty modes of the Toshiba. If you need the most functions for the price, the 8‑in‑1 Toshiba generally offers the highest feature‑to‑cost ratio.

Black+Decker provides 11 preset air‑fry menus covering fries, chicken, fish, and vegetables, which are clearly labeled for quick use. Toshiba models (4‑in‑1 and 8‑in‑1) include a broader set of auto menus—up to 10 home‑fry presets plus sensor‑cook options—allowing more automated cooking without manual adjustments. GE’s presets focus on common items like fries and nuggets, but its menu list is shorter than Toshiba’s.

Higher microwave wattage (e.g., 1000 W in Toshiba 8‑in‑1 versus 900 W in Black+Decker) shortens cooking times and improves reheating performance. Convection power also matters; models with 1800 W convection (Toshiba 8‑in‑1, 6‑in‑1) can reach up to 425 °F, delivering faster browning and crisping. If speed is a priority, choose a unit with both high microwave and convection wattage.

Compact units like the Black+Decker 5‑in‑1 save countertop space but typically omit advanced modes such as low‑temp cooking or odor removal found in larger models. Larger models (Toshiba 8‑in‑1, 6‑in‑1) occupy more surface area but provide extra functions, higher power, and larger turntables. Decide whether space constraints outweigh the need for specialized cooking features.

Smart sensors in Toshiba models detect humidity and adjust power and time automatically, which helps prevent over‑cooking and delivers consistent results for items like pizza or frozen vegetables. Auto‑menus reduce the need to guess settings, but they work best when you follow the recommended food sizes and placement. While sensors add convenience, manual control remains useful for custom recipes.

Most Toshiba units include an air‑fry basket, bake tray, and wire racks, enabling a full range of cooking styles without extra purchases. Black+Decker typically ships with a basic air‑fry basket only, while GE includes a special convection rack for even airflow. If you plan to bake or roast frequently, choosing a model with a complete accessory set adds value and reduces future costs.