KitchenAid KEMS378SSS Architect Series II 27-in. Microwave Combination Wall Oven

$2,775.00 to $3,456.09 from 9 sellers

Electric, 3.7 Cu. Ft., Convection

Rating: 4 4

Architect Series II cooking products include a variety of options to fit your needs. From built-in ovens and warming drawers, to freestanding and slide-in ranges, there's something for every kitchen and every cook. Intuitive easy-to-use features such as Even-Heat True Convection, Custom Control temperature management, and high-speed cooking, were inspired by, and created for, those who love to cook. KitchenAid is also one of the only manufacturers that offers a full line of ventilation hoods to complement a full suite of kitchen appliances. And, they test all of their ventilation systems for compatibility with their cooktops and ranges. The Architect Series II cooking products will remind you of all the reasons why you love to cook. Refined performance features encourage your creativity by giving you the freedom to experiment - and feel confident when doing so. The feel of a well-crafted handle and the seamless look of beveled edges are two examples of the enhanced design elements that will capture your senses. This evolution of performance and design is another demonstration of why KitchenAid cooking products are an excellent choice for you. With both microwave and oven convection cooking, this combination oven offers the versatility and speed of a microwave and the exceptional performance of our convection ovens. In addition to the performance benefits, you receive the appearance of a built-in wall oven.

Review Date: 27-Dec-07
roberson7

Rating: Rating 4 4

Time with product: 4 Months

Strengths: Features, Appearance, functionality, compactness yet large oven cavity, smooth glass control panel

Weaknesses: Build quality, assembly quality control, some poor design issues

Summary: Considering the $3000+ cost, this oven is poorly put together. We are on our second unit. First one had loose screws everywhere, jerky turntable, condensation between sealed microwave glass panels. Nothing really major, but I made Sears get me another one. Sears was GREAT!, BUT... The new unit was the same way. It works OK, but I had to tighten most of the cabinet screws before installation. Many were loose or stripped out, and four had actually fallen out and were rattling around in the package. 3 screws were missing and never installed. One screw had backed out of the door bumper and scratched up the door trim. 2 screws were missing from the center vent and rattling. The lower oven door handle was loose, and upon inspection I realized it was assembled with sheet metal screws screwed into a "machine" thread in the handles. All four screws did not match the threads and would not tighten properly. I had to replace with the proper screws. There were scratches on the upper door panel-happened at the factory because shipping box was not breached. (Protective plastic was also intact) Turntable support already had wheel fall off and turntable hub fits so loose it causes the "jerky" turntable motion.Sears and Kitchenaid have been good about getting the replacement parts, but all these quality control issues are absolutely INEXCUSEABLE! I wish I could spend a day in the plant showing these problems to the Q.C. manager. That will never happen because that person would be out of a job!That being said-- The oven does work OK, and the features are fantastic, and it looks great! It's just really a shame that nobody really cares about quality and workmanship anymore. I know that productivity is important, but final quality really suffers. Had I not replaced/tightened all those screws, this thing would have been buzzing/rattling/falling apart in a few years. I just hope the quality & durability of the component parts don't follow the assembly quality.Now I'm crossing my fingers as I wait for my new matching dishwasher to arrive (KUDU03STSS--$1200) We have a 19 year old Kitchenaid we're replacing. It was made when quality was important. We would have gone with a Bosch, but wanted matching appliances and had no idea at the time about all these issues. Hopefully all will work out.This would be a good value at $1000 or less, but at $3000+ someone is making WAY too much money!

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