I have an electric oven with regular and convection bake function and never use the regular one. You'll notice the difference in time and even cooking the longer something bakes. A large stuffed turkey that is normally done in 4 hrs will finish in 3. I would think it helps air circulate around large baking sheets or roasting pans in a smaller oven, too.

I don't know anything about the reliability of either model you mentioned. You might want to google the model# to see if there have been an abnormal number of complaints.

I adore my convection oven. I use it all the time!! French fries, cookies, pizza - cooks up so fast and crunchy. Really the best! (PS- I also cook non junk food...lol)

I have an all gas American Range with convection. I love the convection and use it for almost everything (including baking) except for covered casseroles. We love how the food looks and tastes. Even things that it does not cook faster (cookies) it cooks more evenly. No more turning cookie sheets. I doubt I would ever go back to a non-convection oven.

I'm one month into having a convection oven -- it rocks. Ditto everthing maria410 and willowdecor say.

We have the GE Profile w/convection oven bake & roast options and yes IMHO it's all that and more. You can bake multiple racks of cookies or food at the same time, meats cook less dry and more flavorful, breads bake beautifully and all quicker than conventional baking. The price difference for ours was about 500.00 so yes, at 1275.00 it is a good deal and I agree with your DH, they do both look very similar. When you're buying long term appliances function is really important, more so I think than form.

I have had the Kenmore Pro duel fuel range since 2004 and LOVE it so much that instead of getting rid of a perfectly excellent range when we remodel for a larger version, I am just going to get another one and stick side by side. It will look weird but will be completely economical and very very practical!

I use the convection setting OFTEN! Can do three trays of cookies, croissants, whatever, in the oven at ONE TIME! Huge time saver.

I appreciate all your input. The Kenmore oven is all gas including the convection. Looks like I'll buy it tomorrow!

From a post in the Appliance forum- Electrolux Induction Range

I forgot to mention in my post that the salesman told me on 21 Feb from 6pm to 9pm Sears will have 20% + 10% off all Kenmore appliances. Some sort of friends and family sale. A total of 39% off is quite a sale. I think most of the day it will be 20% off, the extra 10% is only from 6-9 pm.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sears sales