I have a 10 yr old microwave oven that will soon need replacement--ran across a Bosch combination unit that I could buy in barely used ( one month) condition for $300-400--retail price is about $700. Bosch HMB8050 Stainless Steel Built-In Series 1.5 Cubic Foot Capacity Wondered if anyone had experience or advice? I like the concept of having a longer lasting oven with the convection feature..but even at this price, it is expensive. Thanks in advance John

I know you’re asking Mike but I would like to share my experience. I‘ve used the speed oven as a second oven and it works well for that purpose but for us it’s mostly a microwave. And the door opens as an oven, the spring broke twice so far and the Sensors needed replacing once, and all this after the warranty expires. The door is heavy like a true oven door, and if you’re using as a microwave maybe it’s too much use... something to think about.

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".

Search the archives. This question comes up regularly. In general, many people see the benefit of having more than one oven, but few people need three or more ovens. This is a little different, if you make some of these ovens have special features. In other words, your choice of a double walloven seems rather unusual. But having a steam oven and a microwave (or better a speedoven) is quite useful, if your budget allows you to do so. These usually all are 24" devices. That's fine, as it doesn't take up unnecessary large amount of real estate and as it pre-heats much faster. But depending on what you cook, you might still need a fullsize oven in your range. If you don't need it, then a range top is a better choice.