Convection-microwave ovens are certainly the most versatile and most useful of all the microwave oven products. If we had an unlimited budget, we just wouldn't purchase any other type of microwave oven. Although variations of this convenient product have been available for sometime, it has been only just recently that these ovens have gotten the degree of attention that they truly deserve. A viable solution to the modern dilemma of how to cook fast yet well, the convection-microwave combines speed with heat for outstanding results. This type of oven will allow you to microwave, bake with conventional heat or combine both of these techniques for the ultimate in saving time while preparing quality food.

A variety of products present themselves as convection-microwave ovens, ranging in price from about $199 to $2500. Surprisingly, we found some of the best values to be at the lower end of the price range. Although most of the least expensive models are generally unacceptable for this type of cooking, the products in the $499-$799 range were among some of the best performers. You can spend far more on a convection-microwave, but in many cases the expensive models tend to be difficult to operate and not at all better at cooking than models in the more moderate price range. The five models included below are some of the best values we found in our recent reviews of these products. Check out these convection-microwave ovens for time-saving solutions to the contemporary problem of making good food -- fast.


Amana AMC6158BA

We like Amana's AMC6158BA convection-microwave for its versatility. This model has an excellent popcorn sensor, 1,000 watts of power for fast microwaving and easy-to-use controls that quickly get you started with combination baking and roasting. Defrost programs are also plentiful, so you can speed up cooking by quickly thawing foods quickly to make them ready to eat at dinnertime. You will need a trim kit if you choose to build-in this model, which looks great in your choice of black, white or stainless steel. Unfortunately, if bisque is your color of choice, you'll have to look elsewhere as this color is not offered on this model.


Amana AMC6158BA
Amana AMC6158BA

Dacor DCM24

High-end restaurant-style cooking equipment is in great demand, but it doesn't eliminate the need-for-speed in preparing healthy meals for today's busy families. The Dacor DCM24 is designed for just this purpose. It's an ideal appliance for a top-shelf kitchen because it blends in nicely with the best of today's appliances. In addition to looking good, it speeds the cooking process by combining microwave cooking and traditional heat in one unit. Plan on shaving cooking times by an average of one-third with this model. The DCM24 is ideal for preparing homemade cakes and pies, as well as healthy heaping selections such as roast poultry and beef -- and not only are these foods cooked in less time but also are indistinguishable from those meals prepared in a traditional oven.


Thermador MCDS

An unusual independent quartz broil element sets this model apart from the rest. While most convection-microwaves accomplish only a fair imitation of broiling, the Thermador MCDS adds a decent broiling feature to its microwave, baking and combination functions. This function ups the price a bit and probably only makes sense if you have a real need for an extra broiler. Like most convection-microwaves, this model's claim to fame is its combination setting, which speeds up most baking and roasting times. The MCDS is for built-in applications only.


Panasonic NN-C994S

The Panasonic NN-C994S combines convection-microwave cooking with one of the best defrost systems around. This is an excellent model for anyone who wants a gentle defrost setting to handle thawing frozen fish, meat and poultry. Thaw your frozen selections here with minimal pre-cooking and then switch to combination cooking for speedy, yet brown and delicious entrees.

Wolf MWC24

Wolf's MWC24 offers more installation options than many other convection-microwaves. Equally at home over a 30- or 36-inch oven, this model lends itself to a spacious kitchen with oversized appliances. The MWC24 handles all the convection-microwave tasks well and offers an unusual slow-cook, crock-pot like function, which is especially nice for those who don't already have a slow cooker/crock pot. A rack comes packaged with this oven, which makes it a good choice for baking in quantity. A variety of built-in kits are offered in multiple finishes including classic, carbon and platinum. This convection-microwave oven is a good value, even though adding the built-in kit pushes the cost of this model into the really expensive zone.