An elegant built-in model, the 30-inch KitchenAid Architect Series II KBHS109SSS is both a microwave and an oven. The great feature of this Ultima-style model is that it has microwave and convection functions that can be used to cook foods in an efficient and speedy manner, albeit these functions can be used separately only.

Simply microwaving or baking in this model is relatively easy. The KBHS109SSS performs like a typical microwave oven for tasks such as thawing and reheating. Under the convection mode, it also operates exactly like an oven for baking a small batch of cookies, a pizza or a small cake. Unfortunately, you can't use both microwave energy and convection cooking together on this model. However, a number of automated programs are provided and will help you to get started with a few basic dishes. And the instructions have plenty of cooking tips and suggestions for how to get the most out of this unit. 

As a microwave oven and a small supplementary oven, the KBHS109SSS is quite useful. It can handle your basic microwave and oven needs. What is particularly frustrating is that this product is far more expensive than many other microwaves that can both microwave and use the convection mode together to achieve the same cooking results as this model. If you're satisfied with the included programs on the KitchenAid KBHS109SSS, there are certainly plenty of dishes you can try.

In addition to microwaving and baking tasks, the KBHS109SSS offers a broiling function. Use it for cooking steaks or chops, and top-broiling a tuna melt or crisping crab cakes. We love to give this product a unilateral recommendation, because it truly is a beautiful oven with a range of useful features. We are just a little disappointed that such an expensive oven doesn't utilize both microwave energy and convection mode together.


Pros: This oven microwaves, bakes, broils and offers combination microwave-oven cooking, comparable product available in 27-inch size
Cons: Microwave and convection functions operate separately only

Warranty
1 year, full; 5 years, controls and electric element; 10 years, inner cavity