We purchased this in March of 2009. It came with the following:Turntable, Convection grid, Crisper pan & handle, baking tray and steamer vessel.
There are so many features in here that I don't think I've used everything.
First, the Convection Microwave Oven:
De-Frost - I'm not a big menu planner so defrosting before I cook has to work quickly and efficiently for me. Apart from the usual cooking power options (High 100%, 90%, 80% etc) I can choose from Meats, Poultry, Fish, Bread, Juice & Manual. The microwave calculates the defrosting time based on the weight that I input. The manual has guidelines and pound to kilogram conversions.
Re-Heat - The options include Dinner Plate, Sauce, Soup, Pizza, Casserole, Beverage and Manual. The microwave bases the reheating on how many cups of sauce/soup/casserole/beverage is inputed and the number of slices of pizza. For example, I want to heat a cup of coffee. (Ghastly to some, I know, but I've done it) The microwave will ask you how many cups and whether you want it warm or hot. Simple & easy.
Manual Cooking - Just input the cooking power and the cooking time and you're all set!
Popcorn - Works like in other microwave ovens. Pop it based on the bag size.
Steam Cooking - The vessel comes in 3 parts: the cover, the food holder and the water container and they all fit together. I've steamed fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables and a lot of dim sum. They've all been delicious. The options are Potatoes, Fresh Vegetables, Frozen Vegetables,, Fish fillets, Shrimp & Manual. Again, the microwave calculates the cooking times on how many cups and how many ounces. The steaming vessel is dishwasher safe.
Soften/Melt - The options are Margarine, Ice Cream, Cream cheese and the softening/melting time is based on how many sticks and ounces you have. We love to bake and we have a fondness for ice cream cakes so this has been so useful.
Crisper Pan Frying - This is the one feature that I've only tried a couple of times. I still like to use the old frying pan, I'll admit. I followed the guide in the manual and made an omelet.
Timer - I use this mostly when I'm making pasta on the stove top. I can have this running while the oven is cooking something else.
The Microwave converts to a Convection oven/Easy Convect. I just put the grid on the turntable. I've done smaller amounts of cookies, some chicken, baked potatoes and french fries this way.
The bottom part of this oven is the Electric Convection Oven. In "traditional" oven mode I can choose from Bake, Broil & Bread Proof. In convection mode, there's Bake, Broil & Roast. Just to give me something else to think about there's also an EasyConvect option. There's also the Options key that does the fahreinheit & celsius conversion, turns the sound on/off/high/low, dehydrates,oven temperature calibration, Sabbath mode and turn the turntable on/off.
To clean, I turn on the Self Clean Mode, choose the number of hours I want and wipe down when it's cool. The manual advises against using commercial oven cleaners.
Again, so many features. The bottom line is I've been very happy with this oven. It replaced an ancient GE that came with our house. A lot of thought went into this purchase since we also had to hire someone to chip away at a brick wall that also housed a fireplace that we wanted to keep. I chose this oven because of the brand, the stainless steel, its size & features and because I wanted the microwave oven off my counter. Notice that I mention the manual quite a bit. It has a lot of information!
Highly recommended.
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KitchenAid Architect Series II : KEMS378SSS 27in Microwave Combination Wall Oven - Stainless SteelProduct Description: - Microwave Oven Features- Convection cooking provides more even results in less time- EasyConvect Time and Temperature Conversion System takes the guesswork out of convection cooking- Custom reheat and custom defrost functions- Soften and melt cycles- Steam cook cycle including steam container- Easy minute control adds time in one-minute increments- CrispWave Technology provides grilling, frying, and convection cooking options- Oven Features- Even-Heat True Convection System provides even heating throughout oven- EasyConvect Time & Temperature Conversion System- Conventional thermal cooking with two-element balanced baking and roasting- High-speed, adjustable broiling performance for large or small quantities- Closed-Door Convection Broil with Full & Center Settings- True-Broil Reflector concentrates heat for optimum broiling- Enhanced self-clean cycle includes an energy-saving quick setting- Removable temperature probe accurately measures internal temperature of meats, poultry, and liquid-based casseroles- Proof bread without needing a bread maker- Dehydrate fruits and vegetables for fresh taste throughout the year- Hefty Slide-Out Racks with Handles- SatinGlide Roll-Out Extension Rack with Handle- 2 Halogen oven lights allow a more natural view of cooking progress- Blue-Enameled Cavity- Large window provides a wide, full view of all three racks- Full glass inner door provides easy clean-up and sleek look- Beveled edges create a soft, integrated look with surrounding cabinets- Oven & Microwave Oven Features- Certified by STAR-K KOSHER CERTIFICATION- Responsive glass-touch oven display with lockout- Architect Series II styling
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We purchased this unit less than one year ago.Price, coupled with the brand name, were the main points considered.As far as functionality goes, it has been reliable.However, the inside surface coating is coming off - mostly along the bottom near the oven door.We have had numerous countertop microwave ovens over the years, and have never had this problem.Anyway, into the junk pile it went.
