The Magic Chef MCM1310W is a 1.3 cu ft convection countertop microwave at $144.99 with 1000 W and 11 power levels. Convection capability at this price is uncommon and makes it a legitimate option for buyers who want to brown and crisp food without buying a separate toaster oven.
Cooks who want basic convection baking and browning capability without a full toaster oven or second appliance. The 1.3 cu ft cavity handles small batches of baked goods, casseroles, or roasted vegetables in addition to standard microwave tasks.
Skip if
Anyone who only needs a standard reheating microwave. At $144.99 for 1000 W, you are paying a premium for the convection feature that goes wasted if you never use it. Buyers who need a stainless steel finish will also need to look elsewhere - this unit ships in white.
Capacity 1.3 cu ft
Heating Convection
Wattage 1000 W
Power levels 11
Installation Countertop
Width 20.4 in
Priced 47% below the category median ($271.99 across 81 tracked models)
Capacity of 1.3 cu ft - larger than 70% of the 84 models we track
Power levels of 11 - higher than 82% of the 84 models we track
Our scorecard
4.1/5overall
Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 119 owner ratings
Value for money4.4/5
$112 per cubic foot, below the category median
Popularity2.0/5
119 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
Storage space3.7/5
1.3 cu ft, roomy for this category
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Convection microwaves at under $150 are rare. Most countertop convection units start at $200 or higher, which makes the MCM1310W's $144.99 price point notable. The convection mode circulates hot air around food to brown and crisp surfaces in a way standard microwave radiation cannot, opening up possibilities like baked potatoes with crispy skin, small batches of cookies, or reheating pizza without the sogginess that standard microwave reheating produces.
The 1000 W microwave output is solid for a 1.3 cu ft unit. Eleven power levels provide genuine control range, which matters more in a convection microwave where you might combine both cooking modes. Button controls are straightforward. At 20.4 lb this is one of the lighter units at this capacity, which is practical for a rental kitchen or small home where the microwave may not have a permanent spot.
With 119 reviews at 4.2 stars, the buyer base is smaller than the major Panasonic, Toshiba, and Frigidaire models. That is enough to establish a real pattern but not enough to call it definitively validated at the level of a unit with several thousand reviews. For budget convection capability, however, it fills a genuine gap in the market.
Pros
Convection capability at $144.99 is well below typical convection microwave pricing
1.3 cu ft cavity provides room for small baking and roasting tasks
11 power levels give useful control for combined convection/microwave cooking
1000 W is appropriate wattage for this interior size
20.4 lb is notably light for a 1.3 cu ft convection unit
Cons
White finish limits kitchen design compatibility
119 reviews, while positive, is a smaller validation pool than competing models
1000 W is lower than competing 1.3 cu ft standard microwaves at similar prices
Not listed as smart-home compatible
Specifications
Capacity
1.3 cu ft
Heating
Convection
Wattage
1000 W
Power levels
11
Installation
Countertop
Width
20.4 in
Controls
Buttons
Color
White
Dimensions
32.6 X 20.4 X 12.4 In
Weight
20.4 lb
Voltage
120 Volts
Smart
Not Smart Home Compatible
Performance notes
The MCM1310W's key differentiator is convection heating, which circulates hot air for browning and crisping. The 1.3 cu ft interior and 1000 W microwave output handle everyday reheating competently. The 11 power levels let you tune microwave intensity when using combined mode cooking. At 20.4 x 12.4 inches the footprint is reasonable. The white finish and button controls suggest a straightforward user experience without a complex interface.
What buyers say
At 4.2 stars from 119 reviews, the MCM1310W shows positive but not overwhelming buyer satisfaction. The relatively small review count means individual experiences have more weight in the average than they would on a thousand-review product. The pattern suggests the convection feature works as expected and that the unit performs reliably for basic microwave tasks, with the white finish and wattage being the most predictable sources of any dissatisfaction.
Can this microwave actually bake cookies or small cakes?
The convection mode circulates heated air, which is what makes baking possible. The 1.3 cu ft interior fits a small baking pan or a few cookies on a rack. Results with convection microwaves at this price point are generally acceptable for small batches, though not identical to a dedicated oven. It is most useful for reheating pizza, roasting small vegetables, or baking a single-serve dessert.
How does the convection mode work alongside the microwave?
Most convection microwaves let you use modes separately or in combination. In combo mode, the microwave heats food from the inside while convection heat browns the outside. This shortens cooking time compared to convection-only while achieving results closer to oven cooking than microwave-only. The specific combination modes available should be confirmed in the product manual.
Is $144.99 a good price for a convection microwave?
Yes, it is at the low end of the convection microwave market. Most branded convection countertop microwaves start at $200-$300 or higher. The MCM1310W trades some brand prestige and reviewer volume for accessibility at under $150, making convection cooking available to buyers who would otherwise skip it due to price.
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