A convection Microwave- another marketing scam?

What in the world is a convection microwave? We are in need of a new microwave and are researching a bunch of microwaves. I have been told it’s a cross between a regular microwave and a convection oven. I have an oven that runs on natural gas. I also don’t know what a convection oven is either. I initially thought the convection microwave was just some type of brand for commercial microwaves. I also assumed convection oven was also just another term for commercial oven. I guess I need to find out if I should upgrade my oven as well as my microwave. I have read that “convection” cooks food quickly but it cooks like it is in an oven?

I have done some product research to annoy my wife. The convection microwave is used typically by those high end chefs or people who are serious about cooking. A convection microwave can even bake cookies or cake. In a traditional microwave you would not be able to make a cake. As most people who have been cooking awhile the traditional microwave would heat up the batter and the cake would not rise or cook for that fact. The convection microwave can even be used as a toaster of sorts. The convenience of the convection is how quick it cooks without drying or removing all the moisture. I have continued to read that the convection microwave is closer to an oven than just a microwave. One of the problems with these microwaves is the size of most of them. They are efficient but demand a decent amount of shelf space. Some of these “new” microwaves have multiple capabilities. A perfect example of a leading convection microwave oven is the ability to roast a chicken, cook a hamburger and even steam your favorite vegetables.

To get a better understanding I even looked up the word “convection” according to my Webster’s II hand held dictionary Convection means. "Heat transfer by actual heated liquid or gas between unequal regions of density". WHAT? Ok, so the short end of the convection oven and microwave is they slowly cook every area of the dish by fans distributing the heat evenly to allow the food to cook evenly. I have read in several different posts where the convection oven can cook meals almost 25% quicker than a traditional oven or microwave.

Some of the best convection microwaves out there are Whirlpool, GE profile, Panasonic, Kenmore and Sharp. These microwaves range from 150-up to $1,000. Some of these are stylish with touch screens and they also come available in stainless steel if you’re interested in presenting a kitchen where you want to entertain your guests.