Sharp's Insight Pro KB-3425J is an unusual freestanding 3-in-1 cooking center that combines an electric cooktop, a convection oven and a microwave drawer into a 30-inch range. Not only does it pack a lot of cooking power into a small area, it does so at quite an attractive price.

We applaud the inclusion of third-element convection to this oven and are equally impressed with the handy 100-watt warming element on the cooktop surface. Two timers are built in and are necessary, so as to allow both the microwave oven and the range to be timed at once.

Sharp has divided the lower portion of the range in two, which permits the inclusion of both an oven and a microwave drawer in the space that is usually occupied by only an oven. This takes capacity away from the main oven, but there is still sufficient room for preparing large foods; even a 25-pound turkey will fit. The microwave drawer, which is approximately the size of a mid-sized stand-alone model, is not huge, but it is sufficient; in fact, because it lacks a turntable, there is a bit more interior room than might otherwise be available.

The only disadvantage we see to this microwave design is the requirement that all foods be lifted up and out of the drawer. Though this is usually not a problem, we find it to be somewhat inconvenient when lifting heavy, unbalanced or messy items, such as casseroles or foods that are prone to dripping.

Installing the Insight Pro KB-3425J is relatively hassle-free thanks to its 7-position adjustable-height backsplash; this feature allows you to easily cover practically any wall treatment or existing tile to effortlessly achieve a finished look.

This unit comes in your choice of black, white or stainless steel and can be purchased with a matching range hood.


Pros: Three appliances in one, sensible price, convection oven, warming drawer, sensor microwave
Cons: Oven is smaller than average, foods must be lifted out of microwave

Warranty
1 year; 5 years, cooktop, surface units, magnetron tube