Meet My GE Microwave/Convection Oven

The last time I went in search for a new Microwave, I had decided that I wanted a combination Microwave/Convection Oven. I literally searched all over town. I finally found one at my local Sears store. It had all of the features that I was looking for, so I purchased it.

Features
Clock/Timer - touch controlled
Digital Display
Child Lockout Safety
10 Power Levels
Glass Turntable - recessed, removable
Metal Rack
1000 Watts
Cook - microwave, convection
Defrost/Preheat
One Touch Foods settings - beverages, popcorn

This oven is basically the same size as any microwave. Its dimensions are 14" high, 22" width. The interior dimensions are 15-1/4 in. W x 10-7/8 in. H x 15-1/4 in D with a capacity of 1.5 cubic ft. The outside of mine is black, but I believe there are a few other color variations. The inside is stainless steel. There is a glass turntable that is recessed and is removable. A metal rack came with mine to use with the convection part of the oven only.

A complete instruction book came with the oven which outlines the functions of the oven. It also provides many recipes as well. I had to read this book several times before being able to operate the oven appropriately.

I use my oven primarily for microwaving. I had thought that the convection part of the oven would cook foods faster, but in reality, it doesn't, actually taking longer on some foods over others.

The contol panel is fully automated. It basically tells you what to do for whatever cooking that you are doing.

With this oven, you are able to microwave, convection cooking, or a combination of the two. The combination works pretty well, you just have to be careful what pans you put in there, remembering that some pans will not work with microwaves. The booklet details all of this for you. Also, the metal rack can only be used for convection.

For microwaving, you simply put your food in the oven, choose the timer function and dial in the amount of time that you want to cook. The dial forwards in 15 second increments.

For convection cooking, you choose the convection mode, dial in the temperature setting and then the amount of time you want, and start it.

For combination cooking, choose the combination setting and follow the directions on the display. The instructions are listed for all cooking types as well, which is good. It prevents you from having to consult the instruction book everytime.

In retrospect, I should have chosen a regular microwave. If I had known then what I know now, I would have.

I have tried to bake in the convection oven. I love baked chicken for instance. The food came out tasting very good, but it took twice as long to get it done and I was constantly checking it. You are able to pause the cooking time to check on your food or stir it as needed.

I liked using the combination cooking. This provided the speed that I wanted, however, you can't use the metal rack when doing this. The glass turntable can be taken out, but you can't turn the turntable off. This provides a problem with any pan, because the turntable is constantly turning in an attempt to turn the pan of food.

Also, when using the convection oven, it heats up your entire kitchen as bad as your regular oven, although it is not nearly as big. There is a large fan inside that continually blows the hot air out of the vents in the top of the oven. This is what heats up your oven. Also, if you
have anything sitting near the oven when in convection mode, you have to move it due to the intense heat.

As for the microwave functions, these work great. I defrost and microwave everyday. I also use the preset buttons to make popcorn and heat up beverages.

Price
I paid $399.99 for this oven at my local Sears store.

I have never really had any problems with it, other than what I have mentioned. The oven is made really well. My entire family uses it on a daily basis for microwaving. I have used the convection mode several times for small things like frozen meals or baked potatoes. But for
larger meals, I prefer my regular oven.

There is a 1 yr. limited warranty.

The design of the oven fits nicely in any kitchen. It is very modern and sleek.

Cleaning
It is simple to clean the interior and exterior. I have had nothing stick to either surface. The instruction book recommends cleaning solutions but I usually just use a spray cleaner like Fantastic. You can remove the glass turntable and place in the dishwasher. I have done
this a few times.

Overall, I would have to say that I do recommend this oven for those wanting a convection oven. But if all you really want is a microwave, choose another oven.

Thanks for reading.