Cuisinart CMW-200 1-1/5-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven with Grill

Priceless
I live in a small downtown unit in San Francisco, so anything that takes up space has to earn it's living. This unit is now the only "oven" I use, and it's wonderful. I see many complain about how long it takes to "heat up," but that's a misunderstanding of using convection heat. Just put whatever you want to cook in the oven--cakes, breads, lasagna, etc.--and it will cook as the oven heats. Because of the convection, there are no "hot spots" and nothing will burn. The only adjustment is the cooking time, but that can be gauged with a little practice. Easy to clean, makes wonderful toast, pies, fresh breads and roast cuts of meat.... I don't know what I'd do without this. The microwave is very flexible and easy to use with many different choices on the control panel.

Not enough Info
I really looked forward to using this microwave. Unfortunately, it wasn't until I reached page 6 of the instruction booklet that I found I could not use it due to space requirements. The oven needs at least 3 inches free space at sides and back, as well as 12 inches free space above it. These requirements should be listed along with the size of the oven in the technical info to avoid a customer having to send the item back. My hanging wall cupboards were too for me to use the oven, so it had to go back.

Food in the unit before you choose preheat convection
Great idea I went out and got frozen french fries.

Tried no preheat convection and after 15 minutes they weren't done and cooked another 5 minutes.

Another batch I went with preheat and the temp at 425 as suggested and put the fries in the oven at the start of the preheat cycle. By the time it hit 425 the fries were done. I never did set the time. You are not allowed to set the time before the temp preheat is reached. At that rate if they are not quite done then you add more time through what they call kitchen time.

there's heat exhausting out the back that I wish would stay in the oven heating it up faster. However I don't know how convection ovens heat themselves.

Tried the idea of turning on the grill for 2 minutes then going to convection. It did not seem to speed things up any.

I am not unhappy. I've gotten three appliances off my counter and put the Cuisinart on top of the stove. Heat is an issue in the southwest so I have...

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