And most here wouldn't recommend an over the range MW either.

That makes sense. I am replacing for an existing layout - we have a small apartment so every inch counts.

If you must have an OTR MW, I would recommend against a convection MW. They just never function well as an OTR MW regardless of brand. What you are reporting about your Bosch will be the same with other brands. Actually, there are only about 3 manufacturers of MWs--Sharp, Panasonic, and maybe GE still--and the other brands simply re-badge those. I think Panasonic doesn't even make an OTR any more. So you won't find much differentiation among brands.

Also, an OTR MW tends not to have a long life because the heat from the range degrades OTR MWs more quickly than if it had been a countertop MW. Therefore, I would not spend a lot of money on an OTR MW, knowing it won't last long. I recommend you get a non-convection Sharp OTR MW.

If you really need a second oven, I recommend one of the Breville Smart counter ovens. They truly are like a second oven. They come in 3 sizes, small traditional-size toaster oven, medium, or quite large.

I have a friend who has an older GE convection model and it's become his main oven. I'm not sure the new ones are at all the same, though.

Yes, we ripped out an old over the range GE convection microwave oven when we did this renovation. I wish I'd saved it -- it was an amazing, dependable machine. It was much faster to heat up than our oven. The fan was better and the light was stronger. I didn't realize what a rare thing I had. I'd really like to find something with those features for this.

What about the GE Advantium OTR?

I am really interested in Advantium too!

As a K&B designer, over the range microwaves are a last resort. The reason is because of safety. It's not a good thing to have to reach up for hot stuff. However I also understand reality and have had to live with this option myself. If I had to pick I would say GE Advantium is the best choice offering a lot of versatility. They also make built-in microwaves (not over the range). My current favorite if you have the space and budget is the microwave drawer. It's safe to use, even for kids and is unobtrusive. For this I recommend Sharp as Sharp makes ALL the microwave drawers for every brand. It's the most cost effective too. Here is a post I did on the microwave drawer option.

I had a GE Advantium OTR oven in my previous kitchen, and regretted it. That's because I bought the 120v version. The 240v version was more expensive so I bought the 120v instead. Big. Mistake. It was little better than a regular MW. The exhaust was extremely loud, and I know that OTR MWs have very loud exhausts, but this was even worse. If I had to do it over, I'd have bought the 240v Advantium. My friend has the 240v version, and it is quite a good oven. Whether it is worth the extraordinary expense is a personal decision. The exhaust is still extremely loud. (BTW, for my current kitchen, I have an exhaust hood, and a very good countertop Panasonic MW on a shelf, not built in--a cinch to replace if need be).

Here is a link to the 240v OTR Advantium. You may be able to find a refurbished one or older model for much less.

http://m.us-appliance.com/psa9240sfss.html?gdffi=1e2f1f21161340a5bb92274135f25ab7&gdfms=3080405D6EC748B4B8EC30A749067AC2&gclid=CjwKEAjw6e_IBRDvorfv2Ku79jMSJAAuiv9YDDDHI-RAWdc_dePLchA-aYNwty24eu7dwculLGODQBoCMObw_wcB

You bring up a very good point, yes there are two options so it's good to explore the options to make sure the one you pick meets your requirements. I've had clients very happy with the 120V. Everyone has different needs.

I replaced my 15 yo OTR GE microwave last year with a newer but almost identical GE microwave last year when the old one finally broke. It suits our needs wonderfully. We mostly use it to reheat leftovers.

https://m.lowes.com/pd/GE-1-6-cu-ft-Over-the-Range-Microwave-Stainless-Steel-Common-30-in-Actual-29-875-in/50059199?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA_ONLY--Appliances--OtrMicrowaves-_-50059199:GE&CAWELAID=&kpid=50059199&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=go_625713068_48978779691_199517693910_aud-299487635210:pla-324697242188_m_9005950&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjvXeBRDDARIsAC38TP6RM-RjGs9ludpX3y2Z17pBFthU1Us2PNpAq9FilvGLwtdrByTquyEaApxJEALw_wcB

Chris, I'm pretty sure I paid around $150 for it since I bought it on sale so look around if you want to get that one. Here it is with the new range I got yesterday.

I like the two ovens although I've only had it one day. We made two pans of apple crisp today to try out both ovens. Turned out great!