Does anyone

sscj, Feb 18, 4:30pm
have a microwave / convection oven combination .?. If so how do you like it?
are they worth having ?what brand do you have ?
I have a microwave and also a bench top oven , which I use the benchtop oven all the timeeven to bake ,, but I am sick of all the appliances on the benchso would like to just have the combunation oneand get some bench space back . Interested in your comments before I go buy oneTa
korbo, Feb 18, 4:47pm
same here, bench space not big enough. will wait to see who has one of these.
onekiwigirl, Feb 18, 4:50pm
Yes, we bought the Whirlpool microwave with a convection oven and it has the 6th sense function, I think it was top of the line at some $600.It came with heaps of different cooking trays and utensils, each time I want to do something other than just microwaving I need to look up in the book what to do. It takes quite some learning curve to get to grips with the convection oven etc.I have to admit I just have not got to grips with it because I have not put the time into it. It has the crisping tray which makes wonderful roast potatoes and chips.

Are they worth having? well depends on what you want to make in it? It requires some learning of how to use it!

I know what you mean as far as bench space, never enough room!

I do not think it replaces the oven! perhaps I simply haven't experimented enough!
onekiwigirl, Feb 18, 4:53pm
On reflection it is small! It is fine for cooking for 2 people, but any more it is too small unless you make several batches.
sscj, Feb 18, 4:57pm
Thanks for that . There are only 2 people in the house here. Guess I want to know if you want to use it as a microwavedoes one just switch over to that??
Probably be easierto just not cook ah ??
Perhaps it would be a good idea to go and see a demo on them b4 buying .
trading_gibsons, Feb 18, 5:03pm
I have a cascade (yeah cheapie from the big red barn) & it is fine. I don't have to yell at my sons now.....
"You are NOT heating the oven for ONE meat pie!!!"
onekiwigirl, Feb 18, 5:09pm
Yes a definite advantage of not having to use the oven for one item. I would definitely try to find some place that will demonstrate it to you. The convection oven part is excellent. What I am wondering about is whether I really needed the sixth sense function?
onekiwigirl, Feb 18, 5:15pm
I am pretty sure that there is a (whirlpool) model just below the one we got that has the convection oven but not the sixth sense function and on reflection that would be the one I would buy now if I had to make the choice again.
sscj, Feb 18, 5:29pm
Tawhen you want to switch to microwaveis that a simple procedure ,,, sound like an operation ah ?
As I said I use my little benchtop oven all the timebut I would want a microwave as wellhence the question about the combination one .
iriegirl, Feb 18, 5:53pm
I've had one for 15+ years, originally because i had no room for a standard oven, but now have both. I found it geat for just 2 people, and I love roasting a chicken in mine, chicken in oven bag, push the chicken button then yummy crispy skinned chicken in less than an hour! You do have to get used to changing the trays, like remembering to take out the glass tray when using the oven but really not that bad once you get used to it.
sscj, Feb 18, 6:32pm
thanksfor that .what brand have you got ? I didn't realize that they had been around for that long the combination ones . Yes I love my little benchtop which isa thermowave.which I use all the time very rarely use my big oven . It is just the bench space I am wanting more of hence the idea of getting one of these .
iriegirl, Feb 18, 6:44pm
Its a panasonic, brought in 1992! And i remember it was horribly expensive but have got my moneys worth out of it and its still going strong!
crystalmoon, Feb 19, 2:54am
Fantastic macjines,we have a panasonic couldnt live with out it.As mentioned b4,great if baking for 2-4people,like roast chicken and veg,awesome for baking as you dont use as much power as it is a smaller space to heat.This is my 2nd over 14yrs.Very easy to use,just read manual and learn which buttons to push.Same for micro,just remove metal racks and push micro button,all done,you wont look back.My large oven has is now used as a cupboard for all my trays and dish's,only ever use it if I have a large roast to cook now,which isnt often.
supercook, Feb 19, 2:59am
I have smeg convection/microwave. Have never used the convection functions I should of got just plain microwave. Do not buy a smeg the light bulb blows and it's $80.00 to replace.
sscj, May 3, 4:54am
Thanks everyone for the advice .. will certainlyget one , and free up some bench space .happy cooking .!!