I recently renovated my mothers kitchen for her. She was very excited and had no requests except, that I purchase Viking appliances. I originally bought the Custom Convection Microwave Oven - VMOC And Had it installed next to the fridge. She NEVER complains and I mean NEVER, but she did complain about the slow cooking with the microwave. I tested it out, and sure enough it was a deal-breaker. So, replaced it with the standard micro by Viking. May I ask why you would want a convection microwave when you 're buying an oven with convection?

You re correct cheezyproof, $1400 sounds like too much for just a microwave. We Paid $1397 for the "Speed Oven" in April of 2006, As I recall, it listed for $1600. Looks like I got a good deal on my Miele Optima Dishwasher too (Paneled) $1097 for it. You are correct about Electrolux web-site, It Sucks (bad), you have to do a lotta navigating around to see the different models They should just have one page with all the different models of the "Speed Ovens", another page for the Microwave Models, another for ovens---etc etc. In fact , last time I checked the site, They didn't even have their new "ALL Induction" cooktops----or if they did I wasn't gonna spend the time to "Flush Them Out" Good luck, I should mention we also have the Electrolux Icon Convection oven, paid $1617 for that (30 Inch). It too has been trouble free Gary

I just went thru this same issue! I can tell you for certain that the Thermadore conv/micro is not comparable to the Viking, nor any of the other Sharp clones. The MCES is basically a microwave oven with some convection capability. When I read the users manual I could tell this unit was not very versatile, and that there was barely any instruction on it's convection features. I downloaded the Sharp instruction manual (which is the exact manual you get off all the other brand websites.) Quite a difference! Try it yourself ...full of instructions on convection and combo cooking. Based on the layout and instructions with the MCES I would guess it was made by Panasonic. (Ihave a top line Panasonic Microwave now). I am exchanging the MCES for a Sharp tonight. From what I understand a convection microwave, while versatile, should not be confused with a $2,000+ Speed Oven like Miele's which has a full-fledged broiling element. Not sure how the Advantium 240 works. However, I just purchased a very expensive wall oven so why wouldn't I use that over a flimsy box in the wall to sear an expensive steak? The micro/convec I think is for smaller, less critical functions. With all these appliances, there seems to be so much redundency of function and each appliance costs a fortune whether $ is an issue of not. I just don't get it? I better get off my soapbox....Ha Ha Ha. Anyway I hope I saved you the time and energy that I wasted. Feel free to respond if you have any other questions.

Speak for yourself, Homechef! I always noticed and worked with the temperatures in my old ovens! S What!, the microwave is good for a fast heat of a single thing at a time. For reheating mixed foods or several portions nothing beats a steam oven! Kim Laden, those instructions are shocking! I understand choosing an oven if there are two timers. The rest sounds like they didn't even test it during the design phase. Like with someone who cooks dinner. What model were you looking at? I just had to see for myself and looked up the manuals at AJMadison (which loads faster than Bosch): Bosch Benchmark Series HBLP651UC The kitchen timer can also be set by pressing the clock/timer touchpad at the left of the control panel. The timer input “00:00” value blinks in the center of the display. Enter the desired timer value with the numeric touchpads and press “Enter” to start the timer Bosch Benchmark Series HBLP651LUC Sideswing is the same. Cancel by touching the kitchen timer softkey or opening the door. That's the part I don't like. Losing the timer when you open the door. But that might mean that the sound of a finish timer ends then, not that it resets. I don't know. One could ask the forum. I know there are owners here. There is also something called an "oven timer" which will turn off the oven when it hits zero.