Over-the-range convection microwave ovens like the Jenn-Air JMV8166BA are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. With just one appliance purchase you get a top-quality microwave, a range hood, an extra oven and a combination oven that can speed almost all of your baking and roasting.

The best feature of this microwave is its combination cycle. By combining microwave energy with heat, you can prepare beautifully baked and roasted foods in 1/2 to 2/3 the conventional cooking time. Use the JMV8166BA for dramatic time savings on chickens, roasts, breads and cakes. And rest assured, your results will be indistinguishable from traditionally oven-baked food.

Like any convection microwave in this price range, the Jenn-Air JMV8166BA includes a sensor cooking system. We enjoyed the easy-to-use system that monitors the cooking of many commonly microwaved foods. As expected, this sensor performed regardless of food quantity and saved us lots of time on cooking calculations. In addition to doing an excellent job cooking raw foods, this sensor flawlessly handles melting/softening of butter and chocolate. As an added bonus, the sensor also works well to prevent the drying out of reheated foods.

Typical of this type of microwave, the JMV8166BA offers both timed and automatic defrost programs. The automatic defrost program was somewhat disappointing. In this price range, we would expect a three-stage defrost program that gradually lowers the power levels during defrost. Instead we found a less reliable two-stage memory that may promote premature cooking of food edges.

Attractive as well as functional, the JMV8166BA comes in a variety of colors to complement any kitchen. You can choose from black, stainless steel or white. The only common color that's not offered is bisque.

Lighting is excellent thanks to the inclusion of halogen bulbs both inside and outside of the microwave. Sufficient ventilation for most cooktop and range surfaces is provided by the five-speed fan, which can be re-circulated or vented to the outside.

A bit more expensive than some comparable models, the Jenn-Air JMV8166BA often commands more money simply for its recognizable brand name.


Pros: Excellent combination cooking and sensor, halogen lighting
Cons: Two-stage memory instead of three-stage, can cost more than comparably featured ovens from other manufacturers

Warranty
1 year, full; 5 years, limited