MCES (with siblings MCEB and MCEW) is Thermador’s “An American Icon”-era built-in convection microwave, ManualsLib’s manual listing describing it as a “Microwave Oven Care and Use Manual” also covering the MCEB and MCEW finishes. It was installed using a separate trim kit line (documented as MCT27E/MCT27ES/MCT30E/MCT30ES/MCT30EB) sized for 27-inch or 30-inch cabinet cutouts – those trim-kit model numbers are hardware accessories, not the microwave itself.
Because it combines microwave and convection cooking, this model’s most distinctive failure mode is the same one seen on its modern MC-series successors: a failed convection element or fan leaves food microwaved but not browned. Beyond that, expect the same wear-driven issues as any microwave this age – door interlock, keypad, and eventually magnetron or control-board failure.
Key Features
- Built-in convection microwave (speed-oven predecessor) from Thermador's "An American Icon" collection, sold in Black (MCEB), Stainless (MCES), and White (MCEW) finishes
- Installed with a dedicated trim kit (MCT27E/MCT30E family) for 27" or 30" cutouts
- Predecessor generation to today's MC30WP/MC30WS speed ovens
Most Common Issues on This Model
Convection heating element or fan failure leaves the unit microwaving without browning/crisping
Door hinge, latch, or interlock-switch wear is a common no-start complaint on this generation
Aging control board or keypad problems, and magnetron wear, are typical end-of-life failure points