We had a convection microwave for years, and the convection system was rarely used. We just upgraded our appliances and now have just a sensor microwave. Our new wall oven does have a convection mode, as well as the standard bake and broil, which for our use is a better place for the convection function. I have never much cared to speed up cooking with a microwave; just never like the final result. Our microwave is primarily used to thaw, and reheat....the real cooking takes place over gas on the cooktop or grill, and in the oven, long and slow.

My DH just installed our over the range micro-convection oven yesterday! I haven't used it yet (he's installing the range now), but I can't wait! I plan on using the convection portion as a second oven the few times a year I need one. The range also has a convection oven, so I think I will be covered oven wise. We bought a Kenmore Elite #80823 (SS) and I love the looks of it! It was rated highly by Consumer Guide and appliance.com. Good Luck!

My husband is pushing for just getting a standard microwave. He says Consumer's Report says they aren't as good as a regular oven. Well, of course not, but maybe they are more versatile then a regular microwave.

I'll check out appliance.com, thanks.

I had an Amana convection-microwave for years, and used it as a convection oven probably 5 times. I had it mounted fairly high, and then had to swing the door wide open to put anything in, so any preheating was lost. It seemed to take a long time to cook anything, and I ended up using it just like a regular microwave (i.e. to reheat things). I decided not to put one in our new kitchen. I have to say, though, that the Amana was very reliable--it was the only appliance that I didn't have one speck of trouble with for 10+ years.

I use my convection micro instead of heating the large oven all the time. I don't have to cook for a large family and I hardly ever use the big oven any more. I bought a new range and went with convection just because I liked using the convection in the microwave so much. It is really convenient when you don't need to heat up the large oven, and doesn't generate as much heat in the summer. Plus it can function as a small second oven on holidays. There are lots of things that just don't do well in microwave.

Sue

I've also heard that the convection function on MW's isn't that great. But one reason I chose not to get one was the significant decrease in the MW's capacity due to the convection element. I mean, you need to make room on your shelf or counter for a very large machine with a convection MW, but the most capacity you're going to get is 1.5 cu. ft. but I think actual cooking area is even smaller. Please make sure to look at these in the store, to see what I mean.

You'll also get less wattage on the MW function of a convection MW (about 900 watts typically, instead of 1200 or more on a plain MW). There is one Panasonic convection model I know of that has more wattage; it is expensive.

Also, a countertop MW, without convection, but with all the bells and whistles like sensor cook, keep-warm function, multiple defrost settings, and at least 1100 watts, etc. will run you about $100-120. A countertop MW convection, like the Sharp R-930CS is on Amazon for $465. The Panasonic convection MW I mentioned earlier (NN-C994S) is $600. I personally don't think a 4x-6x upcharge is worth it. Also, MW's of any type, these days are unforunately not built to last. They tend to break in about 3 years (the older models did last longer, but no more). I thought it would be better to spend less on something with such a short life. Just my $.02.

You could also do a search on the Appliances Forum for threads on convection MW's.

We bought one, a Kenmore. It is 950 watts. It was well rated by Consumers Reports, which was important to my husband.

It seems plenty big enough inside for what we want. I needed an over the range one and it cost $530.00. That's about $250 more then a regular one but I figure in 5 years of use that is only $1 a week more.

We'll see how much I use the convection part but I decided to try it.

Mine is not a counter top model it is a OTR. Since you said yours broke, I assumed that is what you wanted to replace. Mine is the GE profile and yes, it was quite a bit more expensive than a small counter top MW, but that is in part because that is not what it is. It is a OTR vent, microwave, convection and speed cooking oven that is quite a bit larger than most counter top MWs. My experience with the GE Profile OTR really doesn't count much if you are looking for a small counter top model to replace your OTR. If you ARE looking for an OTR, I think you would find the second oven function more versatile than a plain microwave. Mine is only 2 yrs old, so I can't say how long it will last. I sure hope it is more than 1 more year.

Sue

Sue, the one we bought is an OTR style. I hope I find it versatile. Have you gotten much use out of your convection feature?

I use the convection feature a lot, esp. in the summer when I don't want to heat up the oven, yes. I made stuffed squash using it a bunch of times, and cakes and stuff. Anything you would normally use an oven but don't need the full size of your range oven. Mine works great. Hope you enjoy it. Ever make small cakes or brownies in an 8x8 or 9x9 pan? put it in the small oven. French fries, tater tots, etc. - micro convection unless you are feeding a crowd. :)

If you routinely bake numerous items at one time for a medium to large family you will probably use the large oven more.

You just have to learn to work it so you are comfortable using and it doesn't become a big project each time, and then experiment. You got it at the perfect time for summer heat to make baked goods without having to use the large oven. When you get weekend or if you have any vaca time at home, try making one recipe a day and then you be comfortable using it on the go when you don't have time to be going to the directions.

Sue