We can't help but approve of the Thermador MCDS convection-microwave oven. This oven is priced right and is more user-friendly than many similar microwaves that cost far more.

The best thing about this oven is the easy-to-use functions. Straight-forward programming makes it a cinch to use the microwave, broil, convection or combination settings. The microwave on the MCDS is further enhanced by the simple and straightforward sensor. This sensor takes the guesswork out of microwave cooking tasks and ensures that foods are not accidentally overcooked.

Use the convection or broil settings for foods you would usually prepare in the full-size oven. Perfect for small size portions, you won't need to heat up the kitchen for a small cake, roasted chicken or a few burgers. Better yet, when the large oven is full to capacity, you can rely on this oven for extra space.

As far as we're concerned, the ultimate feature of the MCDS is the combination setting. This setting allows you to cut 1/3 to 1/2 off cooking times using heat and microwave energy at the same time. Cut 15 minutes off the time it takes to bake a cake and up to a couple of hours off the time it takes to roast a turkey. This unit offers plenty of other uses for foods such as breads, cakes, pies and roasts that you will find yourself cooking more and waiting less. Simply set the oven for 1/2 the usual cooking time on a combination setting. Then check frequently and add time only as needed until the food is done. Time savings and crisply baked, brown surfaces on your food will be yours to enjoy.

Designed with a gourmet, stainless-steel kitchen in mind, the convection-microwave MCDS can be used as a built-in model only. It works well on its own or over a 27- or 30-inch wall oven. This model must be ordered with one of Thermador's trim kits for proper installation.

Unlike many convection-microwaves, the MCDS offers a quartz broil element. This element imparts a better broiled flavor to foods than using simple convection heat. Use the broiler for chicken, burgers, chops and steak.

The MCDS has a spacious 1.5 cubic feet of interior cooking space and features a moderately large 12-3/4-inch turntable. The wattage rating of 1000 microwave watts is excellent and equates to very fast cooking results. This model also has wattage rating of 1200 broil watts and 1400 third element watts.

There are plenty of convection-microwave ovens out there to choose from, but Thermador's MCDS holds its own against other outstanding choices, such as the ovens from Sharp, Dacor, Viking and Jenn-Air. This model must be ordered with the trim kit, which costs an additional $299.00.


Pros: Easy to use functions, sensor prevents overcooking in microwave mode, excellent value, offers quartz broil element in addition to traditional convection
Cons: Some ovens are a bit more spacious

Warranty
1 year