The KitchenAid Architect Series II KEBS207S electric oven is one of our favorites because it offers all the wonderful benefits of convection, yet it costs hundreds of dollars less than the top-of-the-line model.

The reason for this is simple. The KEBS207S features convection only in the top cavity of this 30-inch double oven. Rarely, if ever will most of us require convection cooking in both ovens. Since convection benefits roasts and baked goods, but not foods such as casseroles and baked potatoes, it's unusual that you'll need it in both ovens at the same time. Unless you'll be preparing large quantities of baked goods for a charity event, regular home use is unlikely to ever warrant the extra expense of dual convection ovens.

Unlike some other double ovens, this model offers what we feel is an essential element in both ovens -- self-cleaning. Since you can never predict what food will boil over, drip or splatter, we always recommend an oven that has a self-cleaning feature in both cavities. Even better, the KEBS207S has a variable-clean setting that allows you to match the cleaning time to soil levels.

We also really like the fact that this model offers a temperature probe for roasting. With this feature, it's easy to ensure meats and poultry are prepared to a safe, internal temperature. No separate meat thermometer is ever required. Programming this model is a snap as well. The convection function has an automatic conversion that adjusts recipe times and temperatures for you. There's never a need for you to do complicated calculations when you use convection on this model.

Last, but not least, we liked the ultra-low bread proofing setting. This setting ensures a constant heat for effectively raising yeast dough -- it never gets hot enough to kill the yeast.

Truly a favorite, this oven excels at its job. The KitchenAid KEBS207S offers the best of features, but makes an effort to keep the price out of the stratosphere.


Pros: Upper convection, dual self-clean, temperature probe, bread proofing
Cons: Quantity bakers may prefer convection in lower oven as well

Warranty
1 year, on most parts; 5 years, electric element and touchpad