Forum Thermomix

Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: Wonder on July 05, 2012, 06:32:49 am

Title: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: Wonder on July 05, 2012, 06:32:49 am
Our microwave is starting to play up and I was thinking we might look at a convection one if we need to buy a new one. I remember that a few members have them so would like to know if they would buy them again, what brand would they buy and if they are suitable for having in a cupboard type set up as opposed to on the bench top? Any advice would be appreciated.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: obbie on July 05, 2012, 06:35:40 am
Wonder, I only have a plain microwave, but someone will help.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: DizzyGirl on July 05, 2012, 06:41:55 am
I am wondering the same thing Wonder. Also think I would like the steam function too.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: dede on July 05, 2012, 06:44:32 am
Go a sharp carousel convection. They are brilliant. I love mine and would definitely buy another one if this one dies.
My last microwave (plain microwave) was also a sharp carousel and is still going after 16 years. My sister has it now.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: dede on July 05, 2012, 06:45:46 am
But a warning they are not cheap. I think one the same as mine which is huge is around $800-$900
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: stacelee on July 05, 2012, 06:49:38 am
I had a Sharp Convection R990KW for about eight years which I loved.  It died about five weeks ago and I've replaced it with the Sharp Steam Convection Oven Model no AX1500JS.  I'm loving it although I miss some of the auto functions on the older one.  The new one is designed to steam vegetables so it doesn't actually have a auto microwave function.  You can download the instruction manual from their website which will give you some idea of the functions.  I'm absolutely loving it.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: astarra on July 05, 2012, 06:57:25 am
My sister has one and absolutely loves it - it doesn't steam tho.  :)
Hers is a sharp too.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: mcmich on July 05, 2012, 06:58:43 am
Two weeks ago I purchased a panasonic convection microwave. I wanted one that would fit in my microwave space as I don't have room on the bench.
The problem is with the depth as they have the fan vent on the back they need a deep space.
I'm fairly happy with it. I have cooked a lot with the convection and it still fits a decent size tray in it. The combination of microwave/convection is is extremely slow about 10 minutes for a small pie from frozen.
It is also a flat bed (no turntable) which I like. It came with two trays and two variable size racks.
It's great having an extra oven. I'm hoping it will save electricity and won't heat the kitchen up in summer.

I hate the fact that I had to take the door off the microwave cupboard and it looks messy. It's going to cost as much as the microwave to get a surround for the cupboard. It always has finger prints on it as you can see from the photo. I'm not overly keen on the dial for the time either.

I would say go for the biggest you can, if you can put it on your bench then you will be able to get a decent size.

I purchased mine from the Bing Lee on sale for $460.

dede has one, can't remember the brand and is very happy with it.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: deedub on July 05, 2012, 07:25:36 am
I'm interested in this thread too Wonder. I just have a cheap Kmart brand microwave and when it dies will look into a convection one - but I keep mine in the pantry cupboard. Just wondering what sort of ventilation the convection microwaves need, does anyone know?
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: dede on July 05, 2012, 07:40:54 am
The convection microwave ideally need a fair bit of room around them. I can't remember the exact measurements but something like 30cm above and 15cm sides and back. You can buy inbuilt convection microwaves though I do think.
My microwave is a 61 litre I think, which could eat my old 16 litre microwave for lunch :D
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: mcmich on July 05, 2012, 08:09:17 am
Yes you can get them built-in. Thats the way i would go if getting a new kitchen and they do need ventialtion room. The manual says to allow 25cm above and 10cm each side.
Mine will look built-in as soon as the surround is installed. I have a half cupboard above the microwave space for ventilation.
Mine is only 34 litres, but I have found that adequate so far.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: Wonder on July 05, 2012, 10:15:35 am
Thanks for all the comments, it looks like we won't be able to go with a convection because of the ventilation but I'll still look into it.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: stacelee on July 10, 2012, 03:41:06 am
I'm not sure if it helps at all but I've had a look at the manual for mine and it requires a 10cm clearance back, top and sides.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: Wonder on July 10, 2012, 04:42:31 am
thanks everyone. Our microwave has come good again so no need for a new one at the moment, but will keep it in mind for when it finally does stop working.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: dede on July 10, 2012, 05:00:07 am
Well that's good news for the moment Wonder. Fingers crossed it keeps working for awhile. :)
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: DizzyGirl on July 10, 2012, 05:01:23 am
Since the ventilation requirements will mean I will be unabke to put it in the microwave cupboard, I will have to reconsider. DH is in the midst of building an outside kitchen for BBQ and cooking on hot days and I will wait to see if there is room in there.
Title: Re: New convection microwave - peoples opinions please
Post by: Greyhoundmum on July 10, 2012, 05:05:31 am
Hi I have the Miele convection microwave which can be used as second oven.  Cuts down on baking time and adds browning to regular microwave recipes. Have it built in to kitchen not sure if it comes in a bench top version.