Reddit reviews Cuisinart CMW-200 1.2-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven with Grill
We found 4 Reddit comments about Cuisinart CMW-200 1.2-Cubic-Foot Convection Microwave Oven with Grill. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Unit Dimensions: 21.20" L x 19.00" W x 12.20" H | MC Weight: 41.30lb1.2-cubic-foot capacity, 1000 wattsBrushed stainless with embossed Cuisinart logo and dark tinted glass windowStainless steel interior absorbs no odors and is easy to sanitize, Rotating 12-Inch glass tray, Reversible grill rack.MC Cubic Feet: 4.95Touchpad controls with LCD, Two convenient defrost functions to defrost food by weight or time, Convection bake or roast with and without microwave functionInstruction and recipe book included, BPA Free1000-watt countertop convection microwave oven and grill. Multi-stage cooking operation allows microwave to be set so one operation automatically switches to another1.2 cubic-foot interior; 12-inch rotating glass tray for even heating, External Dimensions: 20.4" x 18.9" x 12.4".Touchpad control panel; 9 preset options, plus grill functionDefrost by weight or time; reversible grill rack; instructions/recipes included3-year limited warranty
Microwaves are highly efficient from an energy standpoint. I think the general though is that a convection over has more utility. In fact today you can buy both in one unit, although expensive. Here is the first one I found off google:
http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CMW-200-5-Cubic-Foot-Convection-Microwave/dp/B001C2J0FG
The Cuisinart CMW-200 combo convection microwave is a better value, has much greater capacity to rotisserie full chickens and pizza, and is more versatile as microwave as well. Has a durable stainless steel interior and thick pyrex cooking plate that rotates. Comes with a stainless steel grill rack that can be used to cook two layers of food at the same time, or turn it upside down to grill with a drip plate underneath.
Here's a photo of a roast chicken made in one. I've owned one for several years. A cheaper option is a counter top convection oven. I got one with a rotisserie like this one. Making roast chicken at home will often pay for these in savings alone, particularly if you buy whole chickens on sale for less than $1/lbs. Save the bones to roast for making stock in a pressure cooker.
The answer for you depends on what your priorities and skill level are.
If the idea of using steam to reheat things like lasagna sounds good to you then a skillet for reheating is attractive.
You can easily make toast in a dry skillet BUT you really can't walk away from it like a toaster or a toaster oven. I crank out a lot of toast from skillets semi-professionally; it doesn't take long to get the hang of it.
Someone else recommended a convection microwave (https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CMW-200-1-2-Cubic-Foot-Convection-Microwave/dp/B001C2J0FG) which is great for reheating, cooking prepared foods (aka TV dinners), and small portion cooking. The problem with convection microwaves is that by the time you find one with a broiler element for toast the prices are pretty high - on the order of $500 I believe. That gets back to your priorities. If you want toast regularly including variants like bagels or Pop-Tarts then something that really toasts becomes more important. Interestingly toaster ovens generally don't make very good toast either. *sigh*
You'll see a lot of discussion about countertop ovens as a substitute for full-size ovens particularly in hot weather. Certainly they do have merit for that. In my view they have huge value as a supplement. If your oven is full of stuffed roast pork loin and roast veg and you squeezed in a casserole of mac and cheese the countertop oven gives you chance to make or at least warm rolls or biscuits.
My tendency would be a convection microwave (we'll buy one like that linked above if our old microwave fails) and a two-slot toaster (https://www.homedepot.com/pep/Hamilton-Beach-Classic-2-Slice-Chrome-Wide-Slot-Toaster-22790/205438980?mtc=Shopping-BA-F_HDH-G-D29B-29_28_SMALL_ELECTRICS-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-Toasters&cm_mmc=Shopping-BA-F_HDH-G-D29B-29_28_SMALL_ELECTRICS-MULTI-NA-Feed-PLA-NA-NA-Toasters-71700000048985548-58700005310601557-92700047118403883&gclid=CjwKCAiA5JnuBRA-EiwA-0ggPZ6liUy5dvCNTAT70hOoIGPXuZlqcouA0ngZXDXl2nrJFosSX7veiBoCwa0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds). If you make a lot of toast you'll find a place for it on your counter or a shelf and if not it will fit nicely in a cabinet.
The last however is MY answer and may not be YOUR answer.
https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CMW-200-1-2-Cubic-Foot-Convection-Microwave/dp/B001C2J0FG
Looks like Prime members get a pretty good discount.
Edit: Also, most people thought it was just a joke on the show 30 Rock, but it was really a product plug. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trivection_oven