BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer Combo Review
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W is a countertop microwave that combines microwave heating with air fry, combination grill/convection, bake, and roast functions. It is aimed at buyers who want one compact appliance for reheating, crisping, and small-batch oven-style cooking without dedicating counter space to separate machines.
Model ES9P032NA uses 900 watts of microwave output and adds dedicated convection and grill heating. The key buying question is whether its compact capacity and moderate microwave power are a fair trade for the broader cooking flexibility.
Quick Verdict
Reviewed Product
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W
A compact multi-function microwave for buyers who value cooking versatility over maximum cavity size or microwave wattage.
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.0/5
Best For: Small households that want microwave speed plus air-fry and convection-style cooking in one appliance.
Key Specs
0.9 cu. ft. • 900W microwave output • 10 power levels • 11 air-fry presets
Key Advantage
Five cooking modes reduce the need for separate countertop appliances.
Main Trade-off
The 0.9-cu.-ft. cavity and 900W output are modest beside larger 1000W alternatives.
Bottom Line
It is a strong fit when counter-space efficiency and multi-mode cooking matter more than large-family capacity. Buyers focused mainly on fast microwave heating may prefer a larger 1000W model.
At a Glance
- Countertop 0.9-cu.-ft. microwave with five cooking functions.
- 900W microwave output with 10 selectable power levels.
- Air-fry system includes 11 food presets at 400°F.
- Seven automatic microwave menus cover common everyday foods.
- Child lock, defrost, timer, speedy cooking, and ECO functions are documented.
- Best matched to small households, apartments, and space-conscious kitchens.
Verified Specifications & Buyer Implications
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 0.9 cu. ft. | This keeps the appliance relatively compact, but it limits cookware and batch size compared with 1.0- to 1.2-cu.-ft. combination ovens. |
| Microwave output | 900W | It is adequate for everyday reheating and cooking, though recipes written around 1000W or 1100W microwaves may need timing adjustment. |
| Cooking functions | Microwave, air fry, combi, bake, roast | These modes let one appliance handle moist reheating, dry-heat browning, and small-batch oven tasks, reducing countertop duplication. |
| Air-fry presets | 11 presets | Preset programs simplify common frozen foods and proteins, while several programs include a reminder to turn food during cooking. |
| Turntable | 11.3 inches | The turntable suits standard plates and compact cookware, but large dinner plates or wide baking dishes can be a fit constraint. |
Design & Build Quality
The stainless-steel exterior and button-based touch control layout give the unit a conventional countertop-microwave format rather than a basket-air-fryer shape. The product is listed with a stainless-steel interior and includes a bake tray plus two microwave grill racks.
Published product listings disagree on the exact cabinet depth, with values around 14.5 to 15.55 inches. Because that difference matters on a shallow counter, buyers should confirm the current listing dimensions and still allow the manual-required ventilation space.
The listed 11.3-inch turntable helps define the usable footprint more clearly than exterior volume alone. Buyers should think in terms of the plates, bowls, baking dishes, and air-fry accessories they actually use, because a multi-function oven is only space-efficient when the cookware needed for each mode fits comfortably.
Setup & Ease of Use
- Place the oven on a level countertop and inspect the door and cabinet before use.
- Leave at least 3 inches between the oven and adjacent walls, with one side open.
- Maintain 12 inches of clearance above the appliance and keep vents unobstructed.
- Install the glass turntable and ring correctly before cooking.
- Use the supplied tray or basket arrangement specified for air-fry cooking.
How This Review Was Researched
This review evaluates verified model information, instruction-manual details, current product-listing data, and official comparison-product specifications. No personal hands-on testing is claimed.
Category-Specific Performance
Microwave Heating
The 900W microwave output places this model below many 1000W combination microwaves, so it should not be treated as a speed leader. For ordinary reheating, defrosting, and packaged-food preparation, the 10 power levels provide useful control, but some cook times may need extension.
The manual identifies separate microwave, grill, and convection heating systems, so mode selection matters. Microwave energy is useful for rapid internal heating, while convection and grill heat are better suited to surface browning; combination cooking is valuable when a recipe benefits from both speed and dry heat.
Air Frying and Crisping
The air-fry system offers 11 presets, including fries, nuggets, wings, fish, vegetables, and spring rolls. Several preset programs explicitly prompt the user to turn food, which signals that airflow still benefits from repositioning rather than eliminating normal air-fryer technique.
For air-fry use, food arrangement is especially important because the preset chart is built around defined food types and weights. Treat the presets as starting programs rather than universal guarantees, and follow the manual’s turn reminders so exposed surfaces can receive more even hot-air contact.
Baking, Roasting, and Combination Cooking
Convection and grill hardware broaden the oven beyond microwave-only cooking. The practical advantage is flexibility: dry-heat cooking can brown foods that would remain soft in microwave mode, while combination programs can use more than one heating method.
For background on why crisping differs from microwave heating, see our guide to how an air fryer cooks food and our explanation of air fryers and radiation.
Expert Insight
The strongest reason to choose this model is functional consolidation. Its value comes from replacing several small-appliance jobs, not from offering the largest cavity or highest microwave wattage.
Key Features Explained
Five Cooking Modes
Microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast modes cover both quick heating and dry-heat cooking. That versatility is most useful when kitchen space makes separate microwave, air fryer, and compact oven purchases impractical.
11 Air-Fry Presets
The preset menu targets common foods and runs air-fry programs at 400°F. Presets reduce button presses, but they do not remove the need to check doneness, avoid overcrowding, and turn foods when the manual calls for it.
Auto Menus and Child Lock
Seven automatic menus handle routine microwave tasks, while the child lock helps prevent unintended control-panel operation. These are convenience features rather than performance upgrades, but they can make daily use simpler in a busy household.
Real-World Usability & Maintenance
The main ownership advantage is switching cooking methods without moving food between separate appliances. For buyers comparing the health or cooking-role differences, our microwave vs. air fryer health guide explains why the two modes serve different purposes.
Maintenance remains similar to other combination microwaves: keep the cavity, glass tray, rack, and air-fry accessories clean, and do not block ventilation. The manual also warns against operating with a damaged door or compromised sealing surfaces.
Because this is a combination appliance, cleanup can involve more removable pieces than a basic microwave. Wiping splatter before it hardens and cleaning the tray or racks after greasy air-fry cooking should make it easier to keep odors and residue from carrying into later microwave use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Five cooking functions in one countertop appliance
- 11 dedicated air-fry presets
- 10 microwave power levels
- Compact 0.9-cu.-ft. format
Cons
- 900W output trails many larger alternatives
- 0.9-cu.-ft. cavity limits larger cookware
- Published depth specifications are inconsistent
Common Issues & Fixes
Oven Does Not Start
Cause: The plug, circuit protection, or door closure may be preventing operation.
Fix: Confirm power, reset the breaker if needed, and close the door securely.
Turntable Does Not Rotate
Cause: The tray may be seated incorrectly or obstructed underneath.
Fix: Re-seat the glass tray and ring, then remove any obstruction.
What to Know Before You Buy
Plan for more than the appliance’s cabinet footprint. The installation guidance requires 3 inches from adjacent walls, one open side, and 12 inches of space above the oven, so an enclosed shelf or tight cabinet niche is not appropriate.
The 11.3-inch turntable and 0.9-cu.-ft. cavity also set practical limits on dish size. Buyers who routinely heat oversized plates or cook larger family portions should compare a 1.0- or 1.2-cu.-ft. alternative before ordering.
Who Should Consider It / Who Should Look Elsewhere
Who Should Consider It
- Small households wanting one multi-function appliance
- Apartment kitchens with limited counter space
- Buyers who reheat and crisp regularly
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Large families needing bigger cookware capacity
- Buyers prioritizing maximum microwave speed
- Anyone needing a shallow enclosed installation
Alternatives to Consider
Reviewed Product
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo
Best For: Compact multi-function value
Key Specs: 0.9 cu. ft. • 900W • 5 modes
Advantage: Smaller-capacity all-in-one format
Trade-off: Lower output and less cavity space
Alternative A
TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS)A
Best For: More power and a larger turntable
Key Specs: 1.0 cu. ft. • 1000W • 12.4-inch turntable
Advantage: Eight functions and 10 air-fry presets
Trade-off: Deeper 18-inch cabinet
Alternative B
Panasonic HomeCHEF NN-CD87KS
Best For: Larger-capacity premium multi-oven use
Key Specs: 1.2 cu. ft. • 1000W • 4 core functions
Advantage: Inverter microwave plus broil and convection
Trade-off: Larger 22-inch-wide footprint
Is It Worth It?
Yes, for the buyer who will use several of its cooking modes. The combination makes the strongest value case in a compact kitchen where microwave reheating, air-fry crisping, and occasional baking would otherwise require multiple appliances.
The trade-off is accepting a small cavity and 900W microwave output. If most of your cooking is simply reheating large plates as quickly as possible, a larger 1000W microwave may be the more practical purchase.
Final Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 is best suited to small households that want broad cooking flexibility in a compact countertop format. Its most meaningful strength is the combination of microwave, air fry, convection/grill, bake, and roast capability; its main limitation is modest capacity and microwave power.
Choose it when appliance consolidation matters and your cookware fits its 0.9-cu.-ft. cavity. Consider Toshiba or Panasonic if you want more interior space, higher microwave output, or a broader premium feature set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 a microwave and air fryer in one?
Yes. It combines microwave, air fry, combi grill/convection, bake, and roast functions in one countertop appliance.
How powerful is the microwave function?
The microwave output is 900 watts. It also provides 10 power levels, so timing may need adjustment when instructions are written for higher-wattage microwaves.
How much clearance does it need?
The manual calls for 3 inches from adjacent walls, one open side, and 12 inches above. Do not block the intake or outlet vents.
What size is the turntable?
The listed turntable diameter is 11.3 inches. Check your most-used plates and cookware before buying if they are unusually wide.
Does it have a child lock?
Yes. The control system includes a child-lock function designed to prevent unintended operation.
What warranty does it include?
Retail listings describe a one-year warranty, but current terms should be confirmed before purchase. Warranty coverage can depend on seller, region, and purchase channel.
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