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Separate Microwave and Oven, or a microwave-oven combo?

9 years ago

I am moving into a new apartment and can re-model the kitchen. We use a microwave often, but rarely use the oven (maybe once every two months). The oven is used either to bake a cake or roast vegetables. I was wondering, then, if it made sense to get a microwave-oven combo, rather than two separate devices. If anyone has any experiences on this, I'd love to hear it.

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Patricia Colwell Consulting

9 years ago

I always use 2 separate units as your mircowave will die before your oven and in your case for sure

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Comments (10)

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Dream Kitchen Builders
9 years ago
I never recommend combos because microwaves should be close by but not ovens based on frequency of use.
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We have an oven/microwave combo (KitchenAid). If I could redo my kitchen I might do that part differently. I did not know when I designed my kitchen last year that microwave drawers were a thing. If I had known I might have chosen that with a built in oven instead. I do not dislike our oven/microwave however I do have concerns about the microwave breaking. The fan was actually broken when we installed it, and we had to get it repaired. So if something happens to it, I know we will have to pull the entire unit out to get it fixed which is more of a pain than just fixing a microwave. The other issue I have with it is that microwave is a little higher than I would like. We installed the unit 1.5" higher than they recommend (so I could have a 15" drawer below) and since I'm only 5'3" the microwave is a little bit high for me. Even installing it at suggested height would still leave it higher than the ideal. A drawer would be a nicer height most likely. I definitely like having a separate gas rangetop and built in oven. There are many reasons I want them separate, so a range was never an option for me. But I probably won't combine the oven and microwave again if I did another kitchen.
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PRO
Seaside Construction - Custom Home Builder
9 years ago
I would recommend two individual units. I currently have a combo unit, and the microwave died while the the oven is perfectly fine. It will cost at least $3000 to replace the combo unit, and it would be a waste since the oven is working; now I have to get another microwave.
PRO
Cancork Floor Inc.
9 years ago
2 just like Patricia states: microwaves die quickly. Every 5 years or so. An oven can "live" for 15-20 years with your use. Imagine paying all that extra money to get a "dual" micro/oven only to have to replace it every 5 years. That is some serious cash out the window.
Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
my last combo was 28 years old, but we tossed it when we redid our kitchen. while i'm not expecting that longevity this time around i went with a combo again. having a single control panel rather than 2 was space saving for us, and the microwave has a down opening door which i love, much easier to lift out a heavy casserole.

so, if you are feeling lucky, and having a single control panel is important to you, go combo.
PRO
User
9 years ago
If you choose a microwave, and would like the best trim kit in the industry, please look as up at: www.trimkitsusa.com
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RappArchitecture
9 years ago
You should consider a double oven unit, with separate microwave above and oven below (one unit). By the way, I have a Sharp microwave that has lasted way longer than 5 years, more like 15...
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marilynellis
9 years ago
Get two separate ovens.
Louis
7 years ago
I know I am late to the conversation but in our last house we put an in-cabinet microwave convection oven separate from the Range Oven and we loved that.

It gave us two ovens when really needed and honestly we used the convection oven more than the range oven.
At my mothers she had to replace the entire wall oven for a dead microwave in a double oven combo where one oven is traditional and the other was microwave only.

I would highly recommend keeping the microwave separate from the traditional oven. If you plan on installing both in a cabinet do them as separates instead of a double oven style combo.

Depending on what you use for the microwave they can make a lovely second oven.
Elaine _M
6 years ago
I bought a Kitchen Aid Combo Convection Microwave and Convection oven 13 years ago and they are both still working. I am remodeling now and looking for a good combo unit. My KA still works but from the beginning I have to have a repairman out every time I use the self cleaning feature. The only problem with the microwave is the light went out from the beginning. I never replaced that as it is also another service call.
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