Microwave - Convection or not?

[Amy]

We have an over-the-range microwave that finally died tonight - I'm surprised it lasted as long as it has. We bought our house in 1985 and this is the first appliance we bought, so it's 22-23 years old. Way to go GE!

Anyway, since it's been so long since I've shopped for a microwave, I was looking at Lowe's online to get some idea of what features are available. There are a couple of microwaves that are also convection ovens. I've never cooked with a convection oven - all I know is that they blow the warm around inside the oven, which is supposed to make food cook faster.

So, for $250 more than a "plain" over-the-range microwave, I can have an over-the-range microwave that can also do convection cooking, which sounds to me like when I need a "2nd oven" I'll be all set.

Can I have some opinions? Does anyone have a microwave that's also a convection oven? Do you like/hate it? And please note that I'm talking about a microwave/convection oven; I'm sure regular full-size convection ovens are a lot different! (I might add that I'm not that much into cooking/baking - the only times I might wish for a 2nd oven are Thanksgiving/Christmas when I have to get a ton of food ready all at once.)

Thanks for all advice/opinions! And boy, am I glad it decided to die tonight and not on Thanksgiving Day!

 

[Mom2Nick]

I have a Microwave/convection oven. I have a Kenmore Elite one now - used to have an Advantium.

To be honest - I RARELY use the convection oven - however if you really find yourself often needing just another oven - it will come in handy. It can operate as a regular old convection oven, a microwave/convection(Basically microwave cooking with conventional oven type browning) and a regular old microwave. The microwave part is typical of a microwave and the straight up convection part works the same as an oven.

Only you will know if it's a feature you will make use of often.

 

[Feeln'Froggy]

I have one and it is ok, I have only had it about six weeks. I think I am doing something wrong. I preheat it but it still takes a long time to cook.
It doesn't heat up the house which in Florida means alot. It does make beautiful biscuits which we eat a lot.
Still not sure if I think it is worth it.

 

[m&m's mom]

Great timing on this thread. I am thinking about replacing my microwave w/ a convection one as well. I do not have double ovens and on Thanksgiving and Christmas would like that 2nd oven capability.
I have a friend that has one and absolutely loves it. They fix cookies and bake rolls in it and they said it comes out well.

 

[Nancyg56]

My sister has a convection microwave. It is okay. I used it to roast pork when I needed an additional oven for a dinner party and it did all right. I would not bother if you do not need an additional oven.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have had them and never used them.

 

[Golf4food]

Good thread. We're building a new house and have the option of an over the stove micro or convection combo - sounds like we'll just stick with the micro-only option.

 

[PlutoPony]

If you need a 2nd oven occasionally, I'd go with the convection-microwave. Convection ovens are definitely different than traditional ones but you can pretty quickly learn which foods to cook where .....

Another option (mentioned earlier) is the GE Advantium . It's a microwave AND a quick cooker, using halogen and other technologies. This was absolutely our best purchase when we did a whole kitchen remodel 2 years ago. My husband and son use this all the time to quickly cook things (pizza, frozen breads, tater tots, main dishes, etc.) - and it does so without heating up the house with no loss of taste or texture. This is pretty much a splurge appliance but well worth it at our house.

 

[mamacatnv]

I had one and when it died we did not replace it. If we used it 5 times in the 8 years we had it I would be surprised.

The first time we used it, here were our comments:
Wow, it does brown the chicken, but the chicken still tastes and feels like it was microwaved.

Didn't use it, wouldn't do it again and not IMO worth the money. Now a convection oven I would consider.

 

[Anewman]

We over paid for a Micro/convection oven... not satisfied.
When I need a second oven I one of these, Chicken and Turkey come out great.

 

[Amy]

Thanks for your opinions everyone! I think I'm just going to go with a plain old microwave. The few times I "might" wish I had a 2nd/convection oven aren't worth the extra cost. Although it would be nice for re-heating leftover pizza - I really hate the taste/texture of microwaved pizza and sometimes I don't want to wait for the oven to pre-heat.

Off to shop for a microwave tonight!

 

[Mom2Nick]

Thanks for your opinions everyone! I think I'm just going to go with a plain old microwave. The few times I "might" wish I had a 2nd/convection oven aren't worth the extra cost. Although it would be nice for re-heating leftover pizza - I really hate the taste/texture of microwaved pizza and sometimes I don't want to wait for the oven to pre-heat.

Off to shop for a microwave tonight!

When using the convection option you have to preheat as well. You might be better off just getting a nice toaster oven

 

[MAKmom]

My Microwave died too last night