Reheating is better in the combi-steam than in the microwave.

I don't have enough cook-space in just the Gaggenau single and combi-steam for when I have the whole family (by the dozens), so I got an Advantium to be a third oven since I don't use the microwave while cooking. I also thought I would use the speed cook a lot, but my needs have changed and that feature doesn't get much use.

I'm not understanding entirely what you're asking--that is, exactly how you'll be using it in combination with your other ovens. You can make toast in a real oven, but it's not so great in a convection only oven. Miele's speed oven has a broiler, I think, and people do say that it toasts. The reviews on convection cooking in a regular microwave vary. For some people it's just fine, but most people I know who've tried them have been very disappointed with the results.

I'm not sure what your oven purposes are for this additional appliance. If you just want a small convection oven, you have the combi-steam. It's a wonderful little oven with the steam off. It'll do most of what your toaster oven will, though a toaster makes the best toast.

GE Advantium 120v is exactly what you are describing you need.

plllog - I think I need a microwave to reheat tea, hot milk, melt butter, etc. Small jobs but inconvenient to use a pan on the stove for. Mainly though, I think I need a microwave to defrost things - berries for breakfast, meat for supper when I have forgotten to haul something out early in the day. Unless someone can tell me a better way to defrost, its a given that I need a microwave. So what I'm really asking is - is there one that gives me more value without going as far as the advantium 240 or Miele? (Forget the toast part, I can keep my cheap toaster.)

RoxySD - I hear about them all the time but haven't actually seen the Advantium 120. Maybe that is what I need. How different from something like a Sharp m/w-convection?

Carol, For the uses you've stated, I don't think you need anything fancy! If you don't need more than a large and a small oven, or more than one broiler, I think you'd be fine with a Costco special. Add as much as you want to that for good looks. :)

The one microwavy feature I love on the Advantium is the sensor. It really does do a good job of figuring out how long to zap popcorn and frozen peas. :) If you can find a microwave with a good sensor, especially for the defrosting, that might be good. BTW, you might also like defrosting dinner in the steam oven, though it might take longer. :)

Going back to your first message--what do you want it to do besides the microwaving? It sounds like you're covered for everything.

Something to look at for under counter is the Sharp microwave drawer. It doesn't do anything extra, but it's pretty cool, and lets you reach in from above to stir the soup you're defrosting, instead of having to take it out.

If you really want the broiler, seriously look at the Miele speed oven. I'm pretty sure it can be mounted under counter, and I'm pretty sure it has a broiler.

My understanding is, the difference between the Advantium and a convection m/w is that the Advantium is an oven FIRST. Meaning, that is it's main task and what it was built to do. In fact, it is a speed oven. So for example, it doesn't even have a 10-key number pad, just buttons to press and a dial. I have read that it performs *very* well as a m/w but like I said, it's an OVEN FIRST and it's priced like one, around $2k. The fact that you can install it under-counter and it will look beautiful in the cabinetry is a big pro for me. It also open down like an oven, not on the side.

As for a micro drawer, it doesn't sound like you want that b/c it's not a convection, it's just a m/w.

I am in the final stages of my kitchen design and I am getting a Bluestar Range, Advantium (as my second oven), AND a m/w drawer. The Advantium and m/w drawer are going under the counter. I'm also planning to get a warming drawer.

I have a cheap microwave that can do speed cook, bake, toast, defrost, etc. Got it 7 years ago. It is samsung, not fancy and would need to be hidden in a cabinet, toaster function and baking is not supereven, but it is functional. We use it 4-5 times daily as a micrwave and the oven functions we use often for small jobs like fish sticks or bread. It was about $200 when i got it. i think they are called microgrills.

Only some Advantiums can be installed under counter. It's a speed oven first. As an oven, it only does convection heat.

That Samsung sounds like maybe what you were looking for.

I found the link to my micrwave, but looks like it got discontinued. Hoping there is something similar still on the market in this price point since i think i will be needing a new one soon too! They are all over europe but hard to find in the us.. Hth

Here is a link that might be useful: Toast n bake microwave

Thank you everyone. Lots to mull over. I love the sound of the Miele oven but my thrifty self tells me I'm already spending way too much money.

michoumonster - I saw an add the other day for a toaster microwave - "perfect for the cottage" or so the ad said. I'll see if I can find it again.