convection/microwave ovens suggestions

[stopmeister72]

I am wanting to get a microwave/convection oven and have been researching the Kenmore Item # 02075153000P Model # EC042A, Cuisinart CMW-200 , Sharp R-930CS, and the Frigidaire FFCT1278LS.
The Frigidaire claims to have a top and bottom heating element but cannot see inside on the website and the manual is pretty vague. Is there an actual heating element exposed like on a toaster oven to actually grill food or is it just a heating element behind the wall at the top that the air blows over. The Quisinart says it has a grill feature as well, wanting to know the same thing. Leaning towards the Frigidaire at the moment.
Your input is greatly appreciated.
sincerely,
John

 

[circlew]

One of my neighbors had a Frigidaire micro/convection oven, that they got about 3 years ago. She only used the microwave, but never the convection feature.

She did not abuse this oven, but it stopped working a couple months ago. Took it to be looked at, and it was going to cost over $200 to fix the thing. She bought a new microwave instead.

 

[whirlcool]

While we love convection ovens for cooking certain foods, I don't think a tabletop is a great idea. My sister had a Kenmore Microwave/Convection oven and it was a royal PITA to keep the thing clean. It had exposed elements on the top and to clean it you had to twist your fingers around the element and supporting brackets. She had it for about four years and then it was relegated to the storage room. She only used the convection part a few times because of all the spattering it caused inside the oven.

That's why I like full sized ovens/ranges with convection. Especially if they are self cleaning. And remember convection cooking works best when air is able to circulate around the food. We found that home made biscuits rise higher and are much lighter cooked with convection than conventional baking.

 

[coldspot66]

I've had excellent luck with a Sharp micro-convection oven bought in 1997. The only repair was a door switch. It is a countertop model built into the cabinet above my wall oven. They are difficult to get parts for, and when it does break, I'll probably have to buy a new one. Are you looking at an over-the-range model?
Mine does have the heating element on the left wall of the oven.

 

[paulg]

SHARP R930CS x 2

I have two R930 ovens. I bought the stainless for the old house and when I moved to the new house with black appliances, I bought the R930AK unit.
I love the unit. The convection and combination modes of course take practice, but I have become quite adept at it. It is well made. Expect a bit of motor noise in convection mode.
As you get to know the convection and especially MIX settings, you can do wonders with leftovers. Sensor-cook (AH humidity sensor) system is quite accurate.
Do not ever try to check the oven temperature with a cheap bimetal thermometer you will always get the wrong results. Trust the unit's thermistor.

 

[brisnat81]

Panasonic Option

I've got 3 of the AU equivalent between three houses and we all love them.

The element is in the roof behind a grill, so its easy to clean.

The Stainless interior is easy to keep looking good as well, I spray some oven cleaner onto a rag and then wipe it over the interior. the dirt and spatters come off and it stays nice and shiny.

I would agree that I wouldn't use it for anything that spatters, but for Taco's casseroles or anything with a lid, its awesome.

http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/NN-CD989S

 

[stopmeister72]

thanks for the input

I'm looking for a countertop model, prefer stainless steel but if I were to go with the Sharp would probably go with the black since it is a $110 cheaper.
Have a Sharp regular one now, it's about 10 years old and still going, just developing rust on the door and on the inside cabinet. My grandmother was the first to have a microwave and it was a Sharp as well, they seem to last a very long time! When I was a kid, we had a small Sharp carousell with a dial timer, it lasted a very long time as well. That seems like the best choice; now to save up the moolah.