Kenmore Elite 8601 Review

Like most over-the-range microwaves, the 1.7-cubic-foot Kenmore Elite 8601 is expensive. However, it offers a lot of features for the money, including sensor cooking, special settings for softening ice cream and melting chocolate. It also has a convection oven, which can be used to bake bread or brown meats. However, some users report problems with this feature: a couple say it doesn't work at all, and others report that turning it up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit will shut down the entire unit, requiring a time-consuming service call.

Aside from this peculiarity, users report few problems with the 950-watt microwave. Professional testers say its heating and defrosting performance is very good, and it is quiet as well. The included range hood provides 300 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air circulation--typical for a microhood, though not as powerful as most stand-alone range hoods. The Kenmore 8601 is backed by a one-year warranty, but unlike most microwaves, it does not have extended coverage for the magnetron. You can get a longer warranty and a more powerful fan by choosing the less expensive Samsung SMH9187 (*Est. $280) , but this microhood does not include a convection oven.

The Kenmore 8601 is one of more than 75 over-the-range microwaves included in the latest ratings at ConsumerReports.org. Microwaves are subjected to detailed tests and evaluated on their heating and defrosting performance, ease of use and noise level. We also found roughly 40 reviews from users at Sears.com, the only site that sells Kenmore appliances.