microwave or microwave convection oven for new kitchen?

15 years ago

I am redoing my kitchen & purchasing new appliances. Currently I have a gas range, over the range microwave and a toaster oven on my counter. I'm definitely getting a new gas range - much prefer it to electric, but am trying to decide between a regular microwave & a microwave convection model. I currently use the microwave to make vegetables, rice & sauces in addition to the usual reheating. However, we use the toaster oven for toasting bread & reheating crispy things like pizza.

Do you have a convection microwave & do you use the convection feature? What is it good for & what doesn't work well in it? Could I get rid of my toaster oven (and clear the counter space) if I got the convection feature? Any other advice?

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Comments (3)

janepa
15 years ago
I have a KitchenAid Superba range w/convection and a Whirlpool Gold w/convection microwave. I just really started using the convection setting on the range for baking cookies, etc. It does cut down on the baking time, especially if you use at least three of the racks. The cookies bake and look the same when finished baking. I used it today for lasagna. You cut the temps. by at least 25 degrees and also the baking time. The convection feature with the microwave I REALLY appreciate at holiday dinners & parties since it bakes/roasts like a regular oven. Combo cooking is available - use the MW for speed cooking and the convection to finish. I have never tried it for toast. I would think a toaster and hopefully, a toaster oven, would be faster since the heating elements are very close to the bread. The only con, if any, is that the microwave I have is large.

I am trying to find a good toaster oven (for toast, etc.) since our present toaster needs replaced. I figured the toaster oven has more uses, but I do not want a large appliance taking up counter space. Our microwave is incorporated in a wall unit with a cabinet above, and a cabinet below, not on the counter.

If you have any tips on a good toaster oven I would appreciate them.

Good luck. Jane
eggcream
15 years ago
The microwave convection oven is the way to go, I have a Sharp 930 (I think) and I use it as a microwave and a second oven and combo. In convection mode you can bake/roast almost anything.

However, if making toast and having an appliance that will quickly reheat food that should be crisp is the issue, you still will need a toaster oven. Neither of the larger ovens can handle this. My toaster oven broke and my husband who likes "real toast", took the opportunity to buy a regular toaster. For quickly making melted cheese, or crisping up a piece of pizza you want an appliance that has a small oven cavity that will heat up FAST. The micro-convection ovens on convection do not heat up fast enough to make them practical for this type of job. Because I don't have enough counter speace for both a toaster and toaster oven (they've gotten alot larger lately) I turn on the oven broiler and use that to heat/crisp the food. A good compromise but wish I had the T.O. Good Luck.
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weedmeister
15 years ago
the convection feature makes it more flexible.

I don't have a toaster oven, so if I want to make natchos, it takes about 12 minutes from cold in the convection. Thats with no microwave action.

microwave or microwave convection oven for new kitchen?

Comments (3)

janepa

eggcream

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