We don't feel there is any reason why we would need another microwave, as our Miele SpeedOven does a great job both as a small fully-functional oven and as a very good microwave.

But then, we also have a Miele combination steam oven and another gas oven in our range. So, we are kind of spoiled with ovens. In fact, if I had to give up one of these devices, it would be the SpeedOven. In everyday use, the combination steam oven is such a versatile appliance, I'd pick that over a SpeedOven without even blinking.

Does that help you, or does that just muddle things up even more?

Thank you! Funny you should mention the Miele combination steam oven - we are thinking hard about that instead of a speed oven (or maybe we should join your 3-oven club and get both!). If you did give up your speed oven, would you still want a microwave, or does the combi steam oven work well enough for reheating, defrosting, etc?

The CSO does 80-90% of the job that I would otherwise do in a microwave; and while it takes a little longer, results are usually also a little nicer. But no, it is not a 100% replacement, and anybody who tells you otherwise is lying. If I didn't have kids, that honestly wouldn't bother me. For about 8 years, I lived in a small apartment that didn't have a microwave and I never really missed it. There are other ways to do the same things, even if some tasks are noticeably more labor intensive without a microwave oven.

But now, with kids, the situation has changed, I'd probably get a small counter-top microwave to supplement my needs. Those missing 10-20% do hurt, when you have screaming kids who want their warm milk 5min ago.

The three-oven configuration wasn't our initial plan. It just came about this way, as I didn't want to permanently dedicate valuable space to an appliance that I only ever use for a few seconds per day. So, we decided we would go with the SpeedOven over the plain microwave. In hindsight, I couldn't have made a better choice for this kitchen. I had to adjust some of my cooking techniques a little bit. But I now use all three of my ovens extensively, and it really helps with more hands-off cooking. Things get started on the stovetop and then move into one of the ovens until fully cooked. Much less stressful to come up with a complete meal even on a weeknight.

That's really helpful, M. No kids here, so I guess it's just me and the spouse deciding how fast we want our warm milk :-) . The CSO is very appealing for all it can do, but my gut tells me you're right about that 10-20%. We are getting an induction cooktop which, due to its speed, can perhaps replace some of what we use a microwave for (fast heating of liquids). But that might leave a pesky 5% to 10%. This a helpful way to think about it.

Thanks, Kim! Good idea about a small microwave on a pantry counter. We could probably do that. Good to know you like using the induction cooktop for reheating.

May I ask how you like your Miele 30" Wall Oven? It's clear that their CSO is great and their speed ovens very good; the price for the 30" convection oven is fairly breathtaking, especially with the better controls. Does it perform well and does it feel worth the premium price?

I do like my 30”wall oven. I got the top of the line as I thought the burst of steam feature would be worthwhile. I do use it occasionally but to me not worth the premium. They make other models that are not as feature rich or pricey. The self clean works well and have had no issues with enamel chipping etc. We have found the different modes useful and do use them in particular the proof/intensive/browning. It is quiet and seems to heat evenly (as much as any oven can).

Like Kim G, I keep an old microwave (in our case in the garage) for those times when the speed oven is already in use. Actually, our KA combo oven is not a speed oven because microwaves don't run at same time as heat. In any case, we occasionally need the microwave even though the combo oven is not immediately in use; specifically when it is HOT. You can't put a plastic container in it. I don't think anyone who is used to a microwave could do without it at all times.

Just a clarification - I have 3 ovens (wall/speed/CSO) and have yet to have a need for a separate microwave. Putting a micro in a pantry was a suggestion to the OP if he decides to go the CSO route and does not have room/budget for a dedicated micro/speed oven in the main kitchen as a third oven. I have had the issue using a micro after using the speed oven in an oven mode with heat - I tend to use glass/Pyrex/corning-ware/etc if I need to micro with a hot oven. I rarely use plastic anymore.

We finished our remodel just over 2 years ago and went with a Miele 30" wall oven and the 24"' speed oven. I couldn't justify the space (or cost) of a third oven, though I was very tempted at the time. To answer your question - have there been times when I realized that the speed oven was in use and I wanted to zap something in the microwave? Yes, it's happened once or twice in two years. I cook for a family of four daily and would consider myself a heavy user. For one or two times in over 2 years I still don't think it's worth the extra money or space for a separate unit. To be honest I think I plan ahead a bit more now. If I'm making a big dinner that is going to have both ovens in use for an extended period of time I try to think ahead to anything I might want the m/w for. Lots of things can be done on the cooktop in a pinch - melting butter, steaming veggies, etc. HTH.

Thanks! This is really helpful. I think you're right that it just requires adjusting to a bit more planning ahead for the big productions, and switching to stovetop for some easy things.

Hi, wanted to update this with our final decision, and also hopefully ask Kim G a specific question about her ovens.

The decision: We chose a Miele CSO, a Miele 30" oven for extra capacity, and an over-the-range (well, cooktop) GE Cafe microwave that is styled very similarly to the Miele's black glass and stainless look. They look good together and will be connected by our contractor next week. The Cafe unit vents at 400 cfm which is strong enough for our induction cooktop and cooking style - we had the contractor run a vent to the outdoors. We realized we would still need a microwave even with a CSO and didn't want to use limited countertop space for it.

For Kim G or anyone else it applies to: I believe you have both the Miele CSO and 30" convection ovens. Is one or the other better for cleanup when broiling or roasting things that splatter grease?

Interesting discussion . . . I wish I'd seen this a few months ago. I am building a new home and decided on the GE unit with 30" wall oven and Advantium on the top. My husband uses a microwave today to reheat coffee and that's about it. I'm looking forward to using the Advantium more often than the full size oven since we are empty nesters and don't need that capacity every day. I certainly hope this was a good decision.

Rachel we have what you describe and it’s working fine for us (Family of 6). I mostly use the Advantium as a microwave and occasionally as a second oven. I think you will do the same as switching out the trays every day can become cumbersome. We also use a nice countertop toaster oven as a toaster or small second oven when the Advantium is being used as the microwave. We decided a dedicated good quality toaster oven made more sense for the flexibility. That gives us 3 ovens or 2 ovens and a microwave when needed. Be sure to have space in a nearby drawer or cabinet for the Advantiums extra trays and rack.

@eric02138 - the 30” convection oven has self clean so obviously if you use that (and I do) the oven clean up is much easier. I am careful about what I cook in the CSO - we use our outdoor grill for most messy meat items (we are not big meat people). I self clean my 30” oven about once a year - usually after the first of the year after the holidays.

Thinkdesign, I designed a special ca binet next to the Advantium for accessories based on somebody else's advice. I have the feeling my husband may get irritated with this, but we did talk about it.

@Kim G, thanks much. I've read comments elsewhere on Houzz that the self clean cycle is hard on the Miele electronics. I take it you've not had any issues with premature replacements of those parts?

I was talking to my appliance salesman the other day and he recommended that nobody should use the self-clean cycle on any oven because that causes other problems. While the new GE I am purchasing will have a steam clean function, he told me that anybody can duplicate this method. He says he takes one of those disposable metal pans you can buy at the super market and he puts a few slices of wet lemon in there with a cup or two of water. Run the oven at 200 for about an hour then wipe down the inside of the oven manually. I think it is probably important to do this right after using the oven, so the gook doesn't bake on. I am having issues (that I can work around) with the electronics on my current GE oven, and I suspect they are related to using the self clean. This is a shame since we are all paying more for a function you can't really use.

So far so good. Miele allows you to adjust the soil level - I usually use medium. Self Clean is hard on the electronics but I still use it. I do have an appliance warranty through a third party and so far have been successful getting any issues resolved Through them. I would suggest purchasing the 5 year warranty on the Miele. I did on my CSO and have had several service calls. I did not on my other appliances.

Yes, I also got the 5 year extended warranty through the dealer I bought the Miele ovens from. I have a feeling it will be money well spent.