The KitchenAid KBMS1454 is a microwave oven concealed in the elegant, exterior shell of an expensive wall oven. Measuring about 24 inches wide, this high-end unit can be adapted with a trim kit to fit into 27- and 30-inch spaces for the purpose of pairing with a conventional oven.

The features of this model, as expected, are at the top of the line. A one-touch sensor system controls both reheating and cooking. An automated defrost function and plenty of pre-programmed selections are provided.

The interior, with a 1.4 cubic feet of capacity, is spacious, but not as large as some comparable ovens that offer more than 2.0 cubic feet of cooking space. The inside walls of this oven sport an unusual stainless-steel interior. A surprise to some, metal can be used inside a microwave oven, but only if its surface is smooth and it is properly engineered. In this case, the metal walls actually serve to reflect the microwave energy, keeping it in the oven and speeding the cooking of foods.

A quick-cooking model, KitchenAid's KBMS1454 offers 1000 watts of microwave energy. The door of this attractive unit drops down, much like doors on a conventional wall oven.

Although this unit is well made and attractive, when it comes to value, it's definitely on the expensive side. For the same price, it is possible to purchase a more traditionally styled, convection-microwave oven, and these units would give you both microwaving and baking capability in one oven.

Versatile enough for most built-in applications, the KitcheAid KBMS1454 comes in the full range of popular colors -- black, white, biscuit and stainless steel. It's elegant attractive and well featured. Just be sure the KBMS1454 is the best value for your needs.


Pros: Attractive, elegant, well-featured, looks like an expensive wall oven
Cons: Costs as much as many built-in convection-microwave ovens

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