Categorizing LG Electronic's LMB0960 as a convection-microwave oven is a bit of a stretch. A more accurate description might be a microwave oven that also offers the features of the oven portion of a toaster oven. It could, in theory be called a toaster oven, but unfortunately this product doesn't toast.

The one thing that bothers us most about the LMB0960 is that unlike every true convection-microwave oven we've ever tested, this product doesn't offer a combination cycle. A combination cycle allows you to use microwave energy and heat together for excellent and fast results. This product instead offers an oven that can be used for microwaving, broiling or baking -- but at no time can you combine the methods.

In all fairness, the LMB0960 is priced at less than half the price of an entry-level convection-microwave oven. We were thrilled to find a convection-microwave oven offered at this price, but very disappointed when we found that this was not the product we expected, but instead a cheap imposter.

Best at microwaving, this oven cooks as well as any other microwave, handles reheating with ease and offers as good an automated defrost as any model. The LMB0960 also features a few automated programs and a memory that allows you to customize settings for your own most often prepared foods.

When it comes to convection tasks, we recommend this product for jobs such as broiling a chicken breast or two, baking refrigerated biscuit dough or a making a batch of cookies. The results are acceptable but the capacity is small and the speed benefits of combination cooking are lacking.

For those who have no experience with a convection-microwave, the LMB0960 will most likely prove acceptable. It works well as a microwave and has the space-saving benefits of a small oven and broiler. It makes perfect sense for those with a small kitchen who wish to limit the amount of appliances sitting on the counter.

Although this model lacks combination cooking, it certainly has merit as a less expensive alternative to a fully featured convection-microwave. LG's LMB0960 won't speed your baking, but it will allow you to bake, broil and microwave all in one convenient, low-priced unit.


Pros: Microwaves, bakes and broils all in one unit, value-priced
Cons: Lacks combination setting

Warranty
1 year, full; 10 years, magnetron tube