Which is worse?Microwave on counter or OTR?
Skyangel23
10 years ago
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Kitchen_ Reno
10 years agoRelated Discussions
Which OTR Microwave do you hate the least?
Comments (16)I had GE OTR microwaves in my previous home. The first one had a recall on it and techs fixed it free, of course. Then we got rid of all the almond appliances a year ago and bought all GE since we turned the house into a rental. Never a problem with the GE OTRs in 11 years. We built a new house in the mountains of New Mexico and I outfitted the kitchen with mid-range appliances in 2010. By far my favorite is the GE Profile Advantium 120 microwave-oven combo. It's mounted at countertop height in the wall near my Maytag Gemini gas (LP) range. I was always short on ovens in every other home, not now! I have a small upper oven and a large convection oven in the range, plus the versatility of the Advantium that gives me microwave, convection oven, speedcook, and warming oven. For small items or toasting I use the countertop toaster oven. Caveat: when the Advantium was first pulled out of the box the lower right hinge didn't work correctly. I thought it would be a simple fix, so let the installers leave. Mistake! The guy the appliance store sent out the following week tried to fix the hinge without the right tool (specialized one he didn't have in his kit) and he scarred my cabinet AND the Advantium. Fortunately, I had the appliances department manager as my salesman, so the appliance store replaced the oven and we re-installed it ourselves (piece of cake, just plug it in, slide it in the wall, screw in a few screws to hold in place). Re-installing an OTR would be a different matter entirely. Anyway, I do recommend the Profile Advantium 120, and think an OTR unit would be a good choice for you. There is a learning curve and the instructions must be followed carefully regarding which trays to use for microwave (glass) vs. convection and speedcook (metal tray). What I definitely don't recommend is any gas range with a black porcelain top surface, it's impossible to keep clean looking. I'm happy with the performance and two ovens on my Maytag Gemini, there weren't many double-oven ranges on the market when I bought 20 months ago. I would look hard for a unit with a stainless top if I had it to do over....See MoreOpinions please...OTR Micro, Counter Micro with Dbl Oven, etc.
Comments (7)If you are set on KA, I believe KA has an speed cook/convection oven similar to GE's Advantium. The reason I chose the GE Profile line over KA was: 1.) the interior of the Advantium held a 9x12 pan, KA's did not (helpful for casseroles and brownies) 2.) I just felt the quality of the GE Profile seemed better than KA when I looked at them side by side. The Advantium comes as a wall unit that looks just like second wall oven, and thus does not require venting. So I would recommend that versus the OTR Advantium for your situation, which eliminates the venting question. As far as quality, I haven't heard anything about the light bulb thing. But, my last Advantium was an OTR and it was 4-5 years old and going strong when we remodeled. A friend of mine now has it over her range and it's still going strong at 6-7 years old. My new Advantium, 18 mos old, has had no problems at all. As far as how much use.... I use my advantium for baking and speed cooking way more than my oven. In fact, I rarely use my oven unless doing a large batch of cookies, or multiple pizzas, or a big turkey. Pretty much everything else gets broiled (fish), roasted (veggies), baked (brownies, biscuits, frozen breads,) or speed cooked (frozen meals, pizzas, chicken nuggets, etc) in the Advantium. The thing I love most is being able to pull out a frozen pizza (or anything else frozen) and throw it immediately into the Advantium. No preheating required and the pizza is done in less than or about the same baking time as recommended. Thus, the time saved is the preheating time, and you haven't wasted energy heating up a larger oven. So not sure how much you'll use it???? My guess is ALOT - I know I do! As I said, pretty much all I've said will also apply to KA's version of the Advantium --- but, the KA won't hold a 9x13" which was key for me... at the holidays, I was able to stack two 9x13 casserole dishes (sweet potatoes and green bean casserole) and bake them at the same time while the turkey was down below in the single oven. Hope this helps!...See MoreAnyone have an over-the-counter microwave??
Comments (3)I bought the Sharp one. If you have a shelf then maybe you don't need such an expensive microwave. I havn't installed mine yet but the door opens until 90 degree which requires about 1/2" on the left side. The electronics control is also on the door which is slick, but I am hoping it does not cause a malfunction down the road (from 1 review I have seen). My installation of the OTC microwave is actually slightly higher than my old OTR, there are much much more choices in OTR if you are willing to use them as ventilation....See Morecarrara marble counter tops installed today!
Comments (28)Thanks for the nudge Breezy and Fishies! It's long over due. See my link below... drbeanie2000 - you better believe it! Yes, I love my kitchen (and the rest of the house) mostly because it's all mine and we are settled. All the little things I agonized and fretted over don't seem so worrisome now. Actually, all the little things I own and will go on the "in the next house" list. ha! All in all, I am happy will all my choices and am thoroughly enjoying it all! What more could I ask for, eh? Here is a link that might be useful: my full spec reveal post...See Moreannkh_nd
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