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BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed...
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: JennyO Date: 15 Feb 06 - 07:35 AM I finally gave away my big old 19 year old Sharp microwave to John's daughter a couple of years ago, It was a lovely old thing which had always served me well, so I was sorta sorry to see it go, but his smaller Black&Decker fitted the space better here. As far as I know, she is still using it. I have had a few other Sharp appliances, and have never had any trouble with them. Jenny |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Gurney Date: 15 Feb 06 - 12:04 AM As several have pointed out, microwave ovens last quite well if you dont use them much! Our first one, a National, was used for everything, making tea and coffee, sterilising dishcloths, (yes, Open Mike)and we hardly used the cooker. One year out of warranty it died. THEN it was explained to us that the magnetron has an expected life, much as a light-bulb does. That cooker cost about four weeks pay. Nowadays a cheapie costs about one days pay. The obvious way to use them is for reheating previously cooked food, and precooking barbeque bangers and things that need browning later. It isnt really sensible to use use microwaves for tea and coffee or as a main cooker, because when the magnetron is gone it is not worth repairing. Landfill. Say 3-4 years of heavy use. I shouldn't think it is significant where the cooker was made, but where the magnetron was made might be important. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Metchosin Date: 14 Feb 06 - 10:56 PM Gnu, we've been looking at the Panasonic Dimension 4 Genius, its pricey, but great value none the less. Unlike the cheaper ones it also top broils along with the full convection oven capability. My German baker friend turns out phenominal stuff with hers and they are energy effiecient because they are so fast. She's had her Panasonic microwave/convection oven for about 15 years, so I guess its paid for itself in energy savings by now. I guess this is what happens when you start remodeling and renovating a few things. My old stuff is too big for our current needs and everytime we improve something, everything else starts looking pretty seedy in context. Funny how I managed to ignore the big burned ring and worn spots in the counter top for 25 years until we put in a new range top last week. The thing is, I'm not certain that improving our kitchen, after all these years, is going to turn me into Suzy Homemaker and it just might make me feel even more guilty about some of the culinary skills I lack. LOL |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Bobert Date: 14 Feb 06 - 09:08 PM Well, based on Bruce's "Consumer Report" link, the P-Vine bought the $107 Kenmore but... ... I didn't read the instruction book first where it tells you not to eat the product, Sins and... ...well, I don't recommend the door... It isn't half as yummy as it looks??? Why don't they print "Don't eat yer Microwave oven" on the box where it belongs??? Shoot, by the time you get to page 4 you could have it half eaten... Bobert |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: SINSULL Date: 14 Feb 06 - 07:50 PM Strange but true: My new microwave manual suggests preventing over browning by placing "bits of aluminum foil" on the darker parts. I think I won't - I created a miniature Fourth of July display doing just that once. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Stilly River Sage Date: 14 Feb 06 - 05:36 PM An engineer friend told me that you can hold or place a flourescent bulb next to a microwave oven and if you see the bulb glow or spark then there are microwaves making it outside of the device. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: kendall Date: 14 Feb 06 - 04:38 PM Of course I never put metal of any kind in that damn thing. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Peace Date: 14 Feb 06 - 04:20 PM "If you want to detect some serious microwaves, put that microwave detector near your cellphone! The cellphone's job is to emit microwaves, right next to your ear! Before you give up on microwave ovens, you should probably give up on cellphones. That said, I think the worst danger about cellphones is driving into a pedestrian or a tree while you're under the influence of the conversation. Basically, non-ionizing radiation such as microwaves is only dangerous if it cooks you. At the intensities emitted by a cellphone next to your ear, it's possible that some minor cooking is taking place. However, the cancer risk is almost certainly nil." From here. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Kaleea Date: 14 Feb 06 - 04:17 PM I took many years for me to get one after reading the research my Brother did years ago about radiation poisoning. Since he's no longer alive, I am wondering if anyone out there tests the things for radiation leaks? Is there accurate data available on the www for this? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 14 Feb 06 - 01:11 PM gnu- Before I got my smaller microwaves, I got rid of a 20-year old combination convection-microwave, giving it to the kids. Big and heavy and we have the convection option in our kitchen range. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker Date: 14 Feb 06 - 11:11 AM me & the mrs have not owned a conventional cooker for over 15 years now. We simply use 2 micros [combis with grill/oven functions] to cook all meals without fuss or problems. sharp seem to have offered better deals for price/features/reliability and probably survive on average 5 years minimum daily use before the wife coninces herslf she 'needs' a new one.. .. 2 micros, a toaster, and a large size George Formby Grill and our kitchen can cope with just about any cooking actually the real problem is disposing of used but still working old micros.. probably not clean enough looking to donate to charity shops, and too big & heavy to carry in a rucksack on bicycle to local public junkyard.. i think we got at least 2 in the cupboard under the stairs. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: gnu Date: 14 Feb 06 - 10:42 AM I thought there was a microwave / convection combination available these days. Anyone? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Stilly River Sage Date: 14 Feb 06 - 10:36 AM Yes. You can use them for cooking, but anything that needs to be browned needs an oven also. And this said, there are somethings that come out rubbery so shouldn't be cooked in there at all. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: open mike Date: 14 Feb 06 - 10:29 AM sanintizing sponges? are you dong kitchen surgery? and there is one with a merry-go-round inside? to upgrade an older one that does not have that rotating thing-y, there are "stand-alone" rotation devices that you wind up. i found a plastic bundt cake pan--does this mean it is possible to bake a cake in the microwave? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Peace Date: 14 Feb 06 - 10:16 AM "You're not supposed to dry pets or clothes in it and DON'T deep fry." Fu#kin' tell us NOW! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: SINSULL Date: 14 Feb 06 - 09:30 AM My bargain Goldstar Carousel lasted 8 years and two moves. Just went out in a blaze of glory and has been replaced by a $59.95 Sanyo. The salesman actually tried to sell me a $19.95 service contract. I use it to heat things up not to cook so I went basic but it does have a carousel feature which is nice. By the way, Bobert, read the manual. It's hysterical. You're not supposed to dry pets or clothes in it and DON'T deep fry. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 14 Feb 06 - 09:30 AM "Every once in a while it makes a hell of a fuss and sounds and looks like an arc welder." Kendall, are you putting metal in the microwave? Tea bag staples, dishes with gold or silver trim? Forks? Spoons? If not, then I advocate that you ditch that microwave before it starts a fire or gives somebody a shock. It will be well worth the small amount of money that waves cost nowadays. ----- The DH and I get a lot of use out of our $100 microwave - cooking vegetables, thawing things, sanitizing sponges. I wouldn't want to be without one. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: artbrooks Date: 14 Feb 06 - 08:55 AM Probably the best thing about Sears is their return policy. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: kendall Date: 14 Feb 06 - 07:53 AM We have A Sharp carosel that I wish was in hell. Every once in a while it makes a hell of a fuss and sounds and looks like an arc welder. Consumer Reports is a good place to look, but I wouldn't buy anything from Sears. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Bobert Date: 14 Feb 06 - 07:52 AM ARRRRGGGGHHHHH, Bruce!!! The model that yer link recommends is the same one we just had blow up... And this after only two years of loving care??? Yeah, the P-Vine left early this morning to take the cat back to our old vet in N. Va. and I'z sposed to call here with a reccomendation and if you think I'z going use the "P" word, as in Pabnasonic on Valentine's Day, yer nuts... Or I'z nuts.. Well, someone's nuts... Think my best advice is to tell her to go to the Goodwill Store and pick out the oldest, heaviest and ugliest microwave in the pile od old, heavy and ugly microwave... Sound like my grand-daddy... "They don't make stuff like they used to..." (spit)... Bobert |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: GUEST Date: 14 Feb 06 - 07:43 AM sharp has been a fairly reliable brand for us.. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Q (Frank Staplin) Date: 14 Feb 06 - 01:44 AM Most of the cheapies now have functions guided by computer chips, so the old simple-minded boxes have disappeared from stores here. I have one in the kitchen, chrome-plated to look fancy, that has lots of functions, and cost $98 Canadian. I have another upstairs to warm things up (Who wants to go downstairs to the kitchen in the middle of a good DVD?) which cost $49 Canadian at a box store. I just looked at it closely and guess what? It has nearly all of the functions of the more expensive model. Oh yes, the one upstairs is accompanied by a $79 fridge. Incidentally, it doesn't help much to look at the consumer guides. The works for many brands come out of the same Asian factories and are housed in cases made in the same or other Chinese-Indonesian-Korean-Philipine etc. plants. Only the labels and cosmetics differ. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Peace Date: 14 Feb 06 - 12:06 AM www.consumersearch.com/www/kitchen/microwaves/ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recommendation Needed... From: Stilly River Sage Date: 13 Feb 06 - 09:58 PM If you leave hot food sitting in any microwave long after it finishes it will get steamy then condense. That isn't good for it (I have a second one from my dad's house that apparently he did this with--there are rusty spots in the inside). If I get a new microwave it will be to replace both of these, which still work fine and will go on to new owners, or perhaps with my children when they go to college. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: gnu Date: 13 Feb 06 - 09:24 PM I am thoroughly pissed about my Inglis Sensor microwave. The SOB is only twenty years old in two months and it's got to be cleaned because of the humidity from cooking. Works like a charm, though. But, next one will be self-cleaning. Takes a lot of time having to clean them every twenty years. Can't buy quality anymore, eh? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: GUEST,Joe_F Date: 13 Feb 06 - 08:52 PM I have had, since 1991, a Compact Series MW2000U (made in Korea, IIRC). It does not need to be programmed; it contains no electronics other than the magnetron; you turn a dial like the one on an oldfashioned kitchen timer to the number of minutes you want, and that is all. It does what it is supposed to. --- Joe Fineman joe_f@verizon.net ||: To say we have a duty to believe something is to give evidence against it. :|| |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 13 Feb 06 - 08:05 PM Get the cheapest own brand in the store. They work just as well, and are no more liable to break down. And I'd dispense with any extra improved features. Why make life more complicated, and have more things that can go wrong with the machine? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Bunnahabhain Date: 13 Feb 06 - 08:01 PM I have a Daewoe Microwave which has been working fine for at least five years, but that may be because it only gets used to heat up leftovers. The only thing I have ever cooked in it is porridge, and that's only only on very cold mornings. Try not replacing it for a while, and see if you miss it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: JohnInKansas Date: 13 Feb 06 - 03:35 PM My observation would be that since there are only a couple of makers for the "guts" that go into them, most microwaves are pretty comparable and interchangeable. The thing to look out for is the proliferation and variaties of "presets" on the control panel. Many of the new ones don't really make it easy just to set a heat rate and time - you have to study up on whether "2 pouches of popcorn" is what you want to heat one "supersize soup mug" if the choices aren't translated into something that makes sense to you. In the retail store, the operating manual is the thing you look at. After that, you can worry about whether it will look nice in your kitchen. Most of the rest is a matter of whether you get lucky, since makers swap factories more often than some 'catters probably change shorts. John |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: GUEST,Lilyfestre Date: 13 Feb 06 - 02:44 PM Ours made it's way to the workshop where hubby melts concoctions for his fly tying and bamboo making activities. Otherwise it would have gone directly to Sal's Boutique (Salvation Army for those of you who aren't UP on such things *G*) Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: GUEST Date: 13 Feb 06 - 02:40 PM Check out the consumer reports. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: open mike Date: 13 Feb 06 - 02:26 PM for those of you who are "getting rid" of older working models, I hope you are not throwing working things in the land fill. Do ouy know about www.freecycle.com or (.org) ? :-) there are lists in most places and someone is always happy to get things you no longer use or need. from baby clothes to veterinary supplies, furniture, appliances, etc. even vehicles....nothing is sold, just given for free...as the name implies. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: GUEST,LilyFestre Date: 13 Feb 06 - 02:22 PM We have a GE microwave and haven't had any trouble with it at all. Of course, I only use the microwave to heat up coffee, melt butter and cook winter squash. Kind of an expensive gadget if you ask me. I once attended some kind of meeting at Cornell University where I was told that microwaved foods lose a good deal of their nutrients. That was enough for me...besides, I enjoy cooking on the stove or in the oven, what's the rush, anyway? Also, before the GE, we had a Kenmore microwave bought for my grandmother...nothing fancy, just a dial as that is all she could understand how to use. She passed away and we used that microwave for another 10 years or more. I finally threw it out because it had yellowed and was forever looking dirty which just irritated me. HMPH. Buh bye microwave! About the JC Penney microwave....my stepfather got one of those for my Mom in the late 1970s...a monster of a microwave that lasted 3 times longer than their marriage....thank God! Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Metchosin Date: 13 Feb 06 - 02:07 PM Timely thread, we are doing a bit of revamping here too. We have a 20 year old Kenmore, still zipping along prefectly, which I only use for thawing meat and the occasional reheat of leftovers. We are considering getting a smaller Panasonic combination convection/microwave instead. Everyone here expects I'll bake them more blackberry pies that way. Any feedback would be appreciated. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Stilly River Sage Date: 13 Feb 06 - 01:53 PM I think I bought that first one at Penny's, probably for about $400. It was large and powerful, and I bought it in 1985 after staying with a friend who had one. We were going to some kind of potluck dinner and I made an apple pie. I baked it for 20 minutes in the microwave then gave it another few minutes under the broiler to brown the top. It came out great. I don't bake in them often, but it can be done. I have some of my Dad's kitchen gadgets, one of them being a microwave pressure cooker that actually works very nicely. I have to take the plate out of the bottom and set it inside without turning, so there is always a hot spot with it. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: frogprince Date: 13 Feb 06 - 01:51 PM I think it was a Sharp that we parted with a year or so ago, with somewhere over 20 years of fairly regular use. It had an old style rotary timer switch that gave up the ghost, & parts weren't even available. The Mrs. bought a Panasonic, which is ok so far. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Barry Finn Date: 13 Feb 06 - 01:37 PM My brother gave us Kenmore (Sears) for our wedding almost 20 yrs ago. I just got rid of it because I'm remolding the kitchen, nothing wrong with it I just figured I'd up date to an over the range style. You bet we got another Kenmore. Only problem with the new one (1 1/2yr old) is the vent lights they don't seem to last as long as they should & are expensive to buy ($28 a pair). Still I expect a long life & a smooth life again. Barry |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Jeri Date: 13 Feb 06 - 01:32 PM I've had a Montgomery Ward's microwave for almost 21 years*, and it works as well as when it was new. I don't do much with it other than 'cook' frozen stuff, soup, and re-heat things. I once figured out that if you beat the hell out of eggs, throw in other stuff such as cheese, put everything in a bowl twice as big as it looks like you'll need, and nuke, you can make an easy and yummy soufflé. The thing is, this was a great microwave which could be purchased 21 years ago, but I don't know if the current ones are as reliable. *Damned thing's almost old enough to drink! There are likely younger Mudcatters. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Emma B Date: 13 Feb 06 - 01:29 PM Bought a cheap basic one for my Mother-in-Law so that her Home Help could heat up the meals I prepared in advance. Being one of natures hoarders I couldn't bear to throw it in the skip after she died so, despite having sworn I would never use one, I brought it home. After over 10 years this little, not terribly aesthetic (well downright ugly) Hinari refuses to die and is in daily use for defrosting and heating up all those "leftovers", forgotten cups of coffee etc Whatever happened to built-in obsolescence? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Mr Red Date: 13 Feb 06 - 01:16 PM I begged one from the daughter of a very old friend when she died. 6 years plus whatever time May had it. I wanted anything sentimental - she was there when my name was invented (not the Red bit) - means a lot to me. buy cheap and treat as disposable - unless you cook major league in it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Stilly River Sage Date: 13 Feb 06 - 12:53 PM I had a big old name brand something or other for probably 15 years, but it died and went to the curb, where someone picked it up and probably repaired it. I've bought small ones since then (one stayed at the house with the ex, then a very small one for the apartment). However, I am about to upsize again. I have a few gadgets that work nicely in the microwave if they have room on the turntable. And I want a higher power one again. I've seen a couple I like in the $150 - $200 range, but until I clear out the kitchen a bit I'm not going to make the trade. Best advice: don't buy the cheapest one you can find. Look at the features, the size, the power, and where it is made. If it says "Made in China" and you buy it at Walmart, you see where the saying comes into play "you get what you pay for." SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: frogprince Date: 13 Feb 06 - 11:38 AM They all last better if hillbillies don't try to cook by building little wood fires in them... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: GUEST,bbc at work Date: 13 Feb 06 - 11:29 AM I like GE Spacesavers. bbc |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: number 6 Date: 13 Feb 06 - 11:28 AM We have a Kenmore 6 years old ... but I wouldn't care which make it is ... I never use it. sIx |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: John MacKenzie Date: 13 Feb 06 - 10:50 AM I threw our microwave out about 7 years ago, and I never miss it. Giok |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: open mike Date: 13 Feb 06 - 10:43 AM http://www.sanyo.com/appliances/microwaves/ |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Bobert Date: 13 Feb 06 - 10:22 AM Hi Folks, This is P-Vine (Eve), Bob(ert)'s wife. Thanks for your recommendations; I'll trudge down to N. Va. tomorrow while the cat is in surgery there, to look for what you guys wrote. I had one of those combination micro/toaster ovens and the micro lasted five years while the toaster aspect is still going strong 19 years later! Bob caught himself a fine cold after plowing snow most of yesterday so I'm thanking you for him! We only got 8-10" so we got off lightly. Stay warm, P |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 13 Feb 06 - 07:56 AM We've had a bottom-of-the-line Samsung for seven years. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: open mike Date: 13 Feb 06 - 12:55 AM i have a Sanyo... and it has a grilling feature, too so you can toast stuff and use a combination of the micro and grill you know how toast gets wierd in a micro wave/? you can toast and broil in this combination unit.. it is like a toater oven and micro all in one... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Microwave Recomendation Needed... From: artbrooks Date: 12 Feb 06 - 10:47 PM According to this month's Consumer Reports, they recommend an Emerson Professional Series MW8992[SB] ($75) for a compact countertop model and a Kenmore (Sears) 6325[2] ($110) for mid-sized countertop model. Personally, our Panasonic is doing fine after 5 years. |
