This is tough because it is going into my 90 year old's mother's house, where she will not be able to understand any bells and whistles, BUT I own the house, and ultimately will be living in it. We probably won't be baking everyday, but I will be retired in a few years, and I'm sure we will use our kitchen more often. I don't need top of the line, but I don't want low end either. I looked at the GE Profile as one of my options with the Advantium 120. People were critical of the Advantium, but I think that may be older models? Well, the Miele with a Masterchef on top would be too cool, but I think that tops $6k. I was probably looking at around $3k, unless you convince me otherwise. ;-)

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

It's pulling hot food out of the microwave on top that will be unsafe, unless you & your family are really tall. You should be apprehensive; it's not a good idea. Microwave ovens should be positioned near the R/F, since that's the source of most food that goes into a MW. Positioning either a countertop or built-in MW on or under the countertop is far preferable for safety & ease of use, especially since you use a MW a lot. Another option is to get a range, which will provide you with one oven, and stack the MW over a single electric convection oven. Our 36" DCS range oven is huge & can handle full size baking sheets. If you have kids, they can learn at an early age to safely use the MW & start being independent, but only if they can reach it without climbing on something. Otherwise you will be doing what they could be doing far longer than any of you will like.

So, make a niche(s) with the proper electric service and size to have a built-in put in if you really need it to sell (but I bet you won't)--if you're planning to sell within three years, get the built-ins already, but otherwise, they're going to be just so many used appliances. If yours are truly ratty, you can buy new versions of each. If you WANT a speed oven, and intend to use it as such, that's another story. Go for it! Read through the manuals, etc. But I think you'll find that it's not at all the same thing as your Breville toaster oven. You can use the convection oven settings on a speed oven to perform some of the same functions, but it's a real oven, with limitations, not a toaster that tap dances. I sometimes use my speed oven the way others use a toaster oven--mainly for heating up frozen appetizers or reheating casseroles when other ovens are full, but my old (dead) toaster oven was beloved for making great toast, which a speed oven isn't, and not for other uses. I do zap sandwiches on MW mode, and once in awhile lightly defrost or melt, but if I used a microwave more, I wouldn't have such an expensive machine doing it. I agree with putting enough thought into a remodel that it won't limit resale, because you never know what the future will bring--thus make sure there's place for built-ins to be built into--but unless it's a flip, it should be designed for your own use and enjoyment, and you used the key words "heavily use" and "love".