Combination Ovens – Combi Microwave & Combi Steam Ovens

Combination ovens bring two or more cooking technologies together in one built-in appliance. The range includes combination microwave ovens, combi steam ovens and selected multi-function models that combine conventional oven cooking with microwave, steam or both.

Many combination ovens use a compact 45cm format, making them useful for appliance banks and kitchens where several cooking functions need to fit into a smaller space. Full-height combination ovens are also available, so check the appliance dimensions as well as the cooking functions before choosing a model.

Types of Combination Oven

Combination Microwave Ovens

A combination microwave oven combines microwave cooking with conventional oven functions such as fan cooking and grilling. This allows the appliance to be used as an oven, a microwave or with selected functions working together to reduce cooking time.

Combi microwave ovens are particularly common in compact built-in formats and can be useful as a second oven or as a space-saving alternative where separate microwave and oven appliances are not required.

Combination Steam Ovens

A combination steam oven combines conventional dry heat with steam cooking. Depending on the model, it may offer full steam cooking as well as modes that combine steam with fan heat for roasting, baking and reheating.

This is different from a conventional oven that simply adds a small amount of moisture during cooking. Check the individual specification if full steam cooking is important to you.

Multi-Technology Combination Ovens

Selected premium appliances combine conventional oven cooking, microwave power and steam within a single appliance. These models can provide considerable flexibility where several cooking methods are required but kitchen space is limited.

Compact or Full-Height?

Many combination ovens are around 45cm high and are designed to coordinate with other compact built-in appliances. However, combination cooking is a feature rather than a size, and some full-height ovens also provide microwave or steam combination functions.

If appliance height is your main consideration rather than cooking technology, browse our Compact Ovens & Microwaves range.

What to Compare When Choosing a Combination Oven

• Cooking functions – check whether the appliance combines microwave, steam, conventional heat or several technologies.
• Appliance height – compact models are often around 45cm high, while full-height combination ovens require a larger housing.
• Oven capacity – compare usable litres, particularly if the appliance will be used as a main oven rather than a secondary one.
• Microwave power – combination microwave models vary in microwave output and available power levels.
• Steam system – check whether the appliance provides full steam cooking, steam-assisted cooking or both.
• Cleaning – cleaning systems can include pyrolytic cleaning, steam cleaning, catalytic liners or manual-clean enamel depending on the model.
• Electrical requirements – built-in combination ovens may require different electrical connections, so check the installation specification before ordering.

Combination Oven FAQs

What is a combination oven?

A combination oven uses more than one cooking technology within the same appliance. Common examples include ovens combining conventional heat with microwave cooking or conventional heat with steam.

Is a combination oven the same as a microwave?

No. A solo microwave primarily uses microwave energy, while a combination microwave oven also provides conventional oven functions such as fan cooking and grilling.

Are all combination ovens compact?

No. Many combination microwave and combi steam ovens use a compact format of around 45cm high, but full-height combination ovens are also available.

What is the difference between a steam oven and a combi steam oven?

A dedicated steam oven primarily cooks using steam. A combi steam oven also provides conventional dry-heat oven cooking and can use steam alongside conventional heat on suitable programmes.

Can a combination oven replace a normal oven?

Potentially, depending on its size and cooking functions. Larger-capacity combination ovens may be suitable as a main oven, while compact models are often used as a second oven or alongside another built-in appliance.

What is the difference between a combination oven and a compact oven?

Combination describes the cooking functions, while compact describes the appliance size. A compact oven may be a conventional oven, microwave, steam oven or combination appliance.

Browse all built-in ovens or view Compact Ovens & Microwaves if installation height is the main consideration.