I wouldn't give up an actual oven for a convection microwave. I'd get one in addition to, but not as a replacement. Most cooktops are the same price as a full range so it isn't really saving money unless you really want the lower cabinet space.

to answer your question, yes, they should work just like traditional microwaves for reheating and such

Thanks, Zivman. I really rarely use my conventional oven - and since convection microwave ovens are quite a bit more expensive than a regular microwave, I would not get a convection microwave AND a regular oven - that would be too expensive, and take up too much space for me, who doesn't cook much. I could use the extra cabinet space.

a regular range setup is about the same money as a cooktop in my recent shopping experience, so to pay a premium for a convection microwave + a cooktop isn't really saving you money. It all depends on what specifically you are buying

Right, but I'd still have to buy an additional microwave - and the two together would take up more space.

You didn't ask, but check the cfm rating on any over-range microwave exhaust fan. Some of them have much less suction (if that's the right term) than a straight oven hood.

Thanks, fogbound. Remember, I don't really cook.

The truth is, I've never even had a fan or a hood of any kind - I've lived in my house for 15 years with nothing above my stove. It's never been a problem for me.

Think about resale in the future, if you don't put in an oven now it might make it harder to sell in the future without it.

Thanks, philwojo. As I state in my original post - I'm not concerned about resale. The question is about my own use - not anyone else's.