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(More customer reviews)I bought this Bosch over the range microwave to match my 500 series gas range. Being a frequent internet shopper, I tend to get long winded in my reviews. However, I'll make this review short and sweet.
Over the range microwaves seen to cost at least 2x the amount of similar counter top models. In my case, I had a stainless steel 1300W Panasonic (counter top) model received as a wedding gift. It commonly sold for 1/4 to 1/3 the cost of this Bosch. For my needs (which basically consist of heating water or reheating take out food) I don't have much to distinguish one microwave from the next. Granted, the over the range models have some structural differences to permit cabinet/wall mounting, but I can't explain the massive price disparity apart from the inflated price simply being "what the market will bear".
I bought the Bosch for 2 reasons:
(1) It matched my Bosch 500 series gas range.
(2) By combining this microwave with the range and a Bosch dishwasher, we received a package savings (via a since expired factory promo) that offset most of the premium associated with buying a Bosch appliance over a cheaper GE, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Kenmore, etc.
I don't regret buying this appliance, and I don't have a problem with companies charging what the market will bear. However, I do wonder what benefit a cooking enthusiast will derive from such an expensive microwave (and I feel compelled to frame my review in this context). If one buys the Bosch appliances to match this microwave (I did and I really see little point in spending this kind of money unless one is trying to match a kitchen suite), I have a hard time imagining what use this product has in an enthusiast's kitchen.
I'm not talking anyone out of buying this microwave (I did and I don't regret it), but I do feel compelled to point out that I don't see much return on investment apart from aesthetics (and even at that, I don't know that I consider it extremely attractive as much as I like the fact that it matches my other appliances). Please take my review for what it's worth. I recognize that I didn't discuss the effectiveness of all the different "rice", "vegetable", "popcorn", etc cooking modes. However, I think larger concerns for most microwave buyers, particularly those of (somewhat) higher end kitchen gear, will be (1) does it heat water or reheat food quickly and evenly and (2) will it be reliable.
I can attest that this microwave heats beverages well and reheated some leftover pizza evenly while I was working in our newly furbished house. I can't attest to reliability as I haven't had it long enough. I'm really not trying to sound like a snob, but as I thought my way though this review, the only other use I could fathom for this microwave might be to melt something in the future (soften butter, melt chocolate, etc).
PS - If anyone out there is actually using their microwave as a cooking device, I'd be happy to experiment (1) as a cooking enthusiast and (2) to update my review accordingly. Please share any input to this effect (and I hope that doesn't sound snide as that's not my intent!).
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