BLACK+DECKER Microwave Air Fryer Combo Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Black and Decker microwave air fryer combo suits small kitchens cooking smaller meals that need reheating, baking and crisping in one appliance. Choose it for varied cooking jobs; choose Sharp for linked cooking stages or GE for more microwave power and a dedicated broil mode.
On this page (9 sections)
- What does the BLACK+DECKER microwave air fryer combo do?
- Will your dishes and usual portions fit?
- How much counter space does it really need?
- How useful are the air fry presets?
- Should you choose BLACK+DECKER, Sharp or GE?
- How should you set it up and switch cooking modes?
- How do you keep cleanup manageable?
- Which common mistakes should you avoid?
- Should you buy the Black and Decker microwave air fryer combo?
The Black and Decker microwave air fryer combo is a good fit for smaller meals in a kitchen that needs one appliance for reheating and crisping. Its appeal is the range of cooking jobs it can handle without adding a separate countertop oven.
Choose it if you regularly switch between leftovers, frozen snacks and small baked meals. Skip it if you need broad trays of food or want to microwave one dish while air frying another.
What does the BLACK+DECKER microwave air fryer combo do?
The BLACK+DECKER combines microwave, air fry, combi, bake and roast modes in one countertop appliance. That makes it useful for cooks whose meals need both quick heating and a browned finish.
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Air Fryer Combo: Best for small kitchens
- 0.9 cu ft capacity
- 900 watts
- Microwave, air fry, combi, bake and roast
- 11 air fry presets
A compact choice for cooks who reheat meals and want to bake or crisp smaller portions in the same appliance. Choose it when your regular dishes fit and you have room for ventilation.
Pros
- Five cooking modes for reheating and oven-style meals
- Air fry presets for common snacks and vegetables
- Quick 30-second microwave start
- Control-panel child lock
Cons
- Compact cavity limits large cookware and batch sizes
- Shared cooking space means microwave and air fry tasks must take turns
Microwave mode is the practical choice for warming soup, softening leftovers and heating drinks. Air fry and oven-style modes serve a different purpose: using hot air or grill heat for foods where surface texture matters.
The controls include 10 microwave power levels, 7 auto menus and 11 air fry presets. Auto menus cover everyday foods such as oatmeal, potatoes and popcorn, while air fry choices include fries, chicken pieces, fish, vegetables and spring rolls.
Pressing start runs the microwave at full power for 30 seconds, and another press adds 30 seconds. Holding stop for 3 seconds locks the control panel, though a control lock does not make hot cookware safe to touch.
How does the Black and Decker microwave air fryer combo use combi heat?
BLACK+DECKER calls its combi setting “Combi (Grill/Convection)”, so use the manual's mode instructions to choose cookware and accessories. Don't assume that “combi” means every heating method runs together.
The function names describe different ways to cook, rather than five separate cooking spaces. Our explanation of how a microwave air fryer combo works helps you match each heat source to the food you want to make.
Will your dishes and usual portions fit?
Choose this model for smaller dishes and batches, after checking your actual cookware. Its 0.9 cu ft capacity and 900-watt microwave output describe a compact appliance, but neither figure tells you whether a particular casserole dish fits.
Measure your widest dinner plate and include the handles on baking dishes. Leave enough room to place and remove cookware safely, rather than treating a dish that barely squeezes through the door as a good fit.
For air frying, usable tray area matters as much as cavity volume. A shallow layer of food gives moving air access to more surfaces; piling pieces together can leave you cooking extra batches.
Think through a whole meal before buying. If you want crisp vegetables beside reheated rice, the two jobs may need separate stages, and the first dish can cool while the second cooks.
This setup suits a solo cook, a couple making modest portions, or someone who wants occasional oven-style cooking. A household preparing several crisp sides at once should consider a larger cooking setup or separate appliances.
For more compact options, see our small countertop microwave guide. Compare dish fit before choosing extra modes that your cookware cannot use comfortably.
How much counter space does it really need?
Plan for the appliance plus ventilation and door access, not just its footprint. The BLACK+DECKER measures 19.5 inches wide, 14.5 inches deep and 11.4 inches tall.
Use its manual for the required clearance around the vents. A space beneath a cabinet can match the exterior dimensions and still leave too little room for heat to escape.
Choose a stable, level counter where you can lift hot cookware out without reaching above shoulder height. Keep a heat-safe landing area nearby so you don't have to carry a hot rack or tray across the kitchen.
A countertop model should not be enclosed simply because it fits inside a cabinet. Our guide to putting a countertop microwave in a cabinet explains why ventilation and installation approval matter.
Follow the electrical instructions, too. Microwave output is cooking power, not the appliance's total electrical demand, so don't use that number alone to judge whether an outlet arrangement is suitable.
How useful are the air fry presets?
The presets are useful starting points for foods you cook often, especially repeat snacks and sides. They reduce the amount of setup, but food size, starting temperature and batch depth still affect the result.
Choose the menu that matches the food, then follow the manual's portion and accessory guidance. A preset for chicken nuggets is not a substitute for instructions for a thick piece of raw chicken.
For better browning, pat excess surface moisture from foods where appropriate and avoid crowding the cooking surface. Turn or rearrange pieces when the recipe or manual calls for it, using oven mitts for hot accessories.
Check progress near the end of a new recipe and record any useful time changes for your usual portion. For raw meat or poultry, use a food thermometer and the recommended safe internal temperature rather than judging doneness by browning.
The included bake tray and two grill racks need to be matched to the selected mode. Don't add a rack merely to raise food closer to a heat source unless the instructions allow that arrangement.
Our guide to choosing a microwave air fryer combo covers the other features to weigh alongside preset menus.
Should you choose BLACK+DECKER, Sharp or GE?
Choose BLACK+DECKER for varied smaller meals, Sharp for linked cooking stages, and GE when microwave output or broiling is the priority. Count the functions you will actually use rather than choosing the highest number on the box.
| Model | Capacity | Microwave power | Cooking modes or functions | Dimensions (W x D x H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Air Fryer Combo | 0.9 cu ft | 900 watts | Microwave, air fry, combi, bake, roast | 19.5 x 14.5 x 11.4 in |
| Sharp 3-in-1 Convection Air Fry Microwave | 0.9 cu ft | 900 watts | Microwave, convection, air fry | 19.6 x 15.77 x 11.38 in |
| GE 4-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer | 1.0 cu ft | 1,050 watts | Microwave, air fry, convection, broil | 20.59 x 15.59 x 12.52 in |
Choose Sharp for linked cooking stages
Sharp is the better match if you want to program defrosting, cooking and crisping in one operation. Its multi-stage feature accommodates up to three functions, which matters more than extra mode names if that sequence matches your meals.
It also has a stainless steel interior, a 10.6-inch glass Carousel turntable and a dishwasher-safe air fry basket. The basket is a useful distinction if accessory washing would otherwise discourage you from air frying.
Skip Sharp if your reason for switching is to fit much larger meals. It has the same nominal capacity as the BLACK+DECKER and needs more counter depth, so it does not solve the main batch-size limitation.
Choose GE for microwave power and broiling
GE is the stronger alternative for frequent reheating and a dedicated broil setting. Higher microwave output can shorten heating time for comparable portions, but it does not measure air fry speed or browning quality.
The GE includes a stainless steel crisper pan, a tall rack for broiling and a short rack for convection. Those separate accessories give you a defined setup for each of those cooking jobs.
GE requires 3 inches of clearance on each side and above, plus 1 inch at the rear, with the bottom fully unobstructed. Skip it if that complete placement space will crowd your preparation area.
Its extra nominal capacity is modest, so measure cookware rather than assuming it will take family-size baking dishes. For options beyond these three, compare our microwave air fryer combo picks.
How should you set it up and switch cooking modes?
Start with the correct accessory and cookware for each mode, then follow any preheating instructions. A container suitable for reheating leftovers is not automatically suitable for convection, grill or air fry heat.
Before first use, remove packaging and follow the initial cleaning directions. Identify the controls and accessory positions while the appliance is cool, so your first hot tray is easier to handle.
A microwave-safe plastic container may warp under oven-style heat. Likewise, an included metal rack is not permission to use any metal pan in any mode; use only the arrangements the manual allows.
After baking or air frying, treat the cavity, tray and racks as hot even if your next task is microwaving. Use oven mitts and choose cookware that can handle the remaining heat.
For reheating, start with the food package's wattage guidance and adjust in short steps. Stir or rotate food when appropriate, and allow the stated standing time so heat can spread through the meal.
If oven-style microwave cooking is new to you, our convection microwave use guide explains preheating, cookware and airflow in more detail.
How do you keep cleanup manageable?
Clean spills and grease after the appliance cools, using the manual's approved cleaning method. Regular light cleaning is easier than removing baked-on splashes after several oven-style cooking sessions.
Remove crumbs and food residue from accessories before they accumulate. Grease left behind can smoke during later high-heat cooking, even when the next food is not especially oily.
Use a soft cloth and suitable mild cleaner for routine wiping, and avoid abrasive tools that could damage surfaces. Don't spray cleaner into vents or soak the appliance.
Check washing instructions for each removable part separately. Sharp's air fry basket is dishwasher-safe, but that does not guarantee dishwasher suitability for the BLACK+DECKER tray or racks.
Let cleaned accessories dry before storing them. Keep the racks and tray accessible, since a combo is less convenient if you must search through a cupboard every time you change modes.
Which common mistakes should you avoid?
The biggest mistakes are overcrowding, choosing the wrong cookware and assuming every mode works like a microwave. A combo rewards a little planning because heat, accessories and timing change with the cooking method.
- Choosing by mode count alone: Bake, roast and convection labels can cover related cooking jobs, so focus on your actual meals.
- Expecting microwave speed from air fry: Oven-style cooking may need preheating and more time to brown the surface.
- Stacking food to avoid another batch: Deep piles restrict airflow and make even crisping harder.
- Using full microwave power for everything: Lower power can help warm delicate foods more gently; stir and check progress as needed.
- Leaving accessories inside by default: Keep only the parts approved for the mode you select.
- Blocking vents with storage: Keep towels, containers and other counter items away from the required ventilation space.
Also consider how often two appliances currently work at once in your kitchen. Replacing both with one combo saves a footprint, but it creates a shared cooking space that can slow a multi-dish meal.
Should you buy the Black and Decker microwave air fryer combo?
Buy the Black and Decker microwave air fryer combo if your dishes fit, your counter has ventilation space and you will use oven-style cooking regularly. It makes the most sense when smaller reheating and crisping jobs can take turns.
Pick Sharp if linked cooking stages are your main reason to buy a combo. Pick GE if you value higher microwave output and broiling enough to give it the larger placement space.
Choose a basic microwave if nearly all your meals just need warming, or keep separate appliances if simultaneous cooking matters most. Before deciding, use our convection microwave vs. air fryer comparison to check which cooking approach fits your routine.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BLACK+DECKER microwave air fryer combo worth considering?
Yes, it suits smaller meals when you want reheating and oven-style cooking in one countertop appliance. Choose it if you will use the extra modes regularly and your cookware fits; a basic microwave is a better match if you mainly warm drinks and leftovers.
What can the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 combo cook?
It can microwave, air fry, use combi grill/convection heat, bake and roast, with presets for foods including fries, chicken pieces, fish and vegetables. Use the manual to match each food to its mode and accessory, since cookware that works for microwaving may not suit oven-style heat.
How large is the BLACK+DECKER microwave air fryer combo?
It has a 0.9 cu ft cavity and measures 19.5 inches wide, 14.5 inches deep and 11.4 inches tall. Those exterior measurements exclude the extra space needed around the appliance, so check its ventilation instructions, door clearance and usable cooking space before choosing a spot.
How does it compare with the GE 4-in-1 microwave air fryer?
The GE has more microwave output and slightly more nominal capacity, while the BLACK+DECKER has a smaller exterior and five named cooking modes. Choose GE for frequent microwave use or its dedicated broil function; choose BLACK+DECKER when counter fit and varied smaller meals matter more.
