BS: Doing without a Microwave?

Subject: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 06:07 PM

Ours is on the blink. At todays prices (£40-ish) we could easily buy a new one but do we really need to? Son #3 reckons we should not use one and I am not convinced that they do food any good so... What are the alternatives? What do you use? Is food better off without?

Ideas anyone?

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 08:00 PM

I 'think' I remember how I used to warm various things before I had a microwave.... but now I would hate to try.

I could warm tea and soup in a saucepan...etc... but I now use cloth bags filled with rice to warm my bed in Winter, and those require a microwave.

I pre-heat in a MW all sorts of things before toasting or baking them...

I 'could' do without a TV or phone or car, too....but.....

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 08:26 PM

Good heavens! Do without? Is it possible?

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 09:05 PM

Oh, yeah...it's easily possible to do without. I don't care for microwaves in the least, despite the fact that they are handy for quickly heating certain things. I had one....but I donated it recently to someone starting up a new home. What I use in its place are various radiant heat devices: a toaster, a small countertop radiant oven (that's good for doing a pizza slice or piece of pie), and a full sized normal oven.

No problem at all. I have not missed the microwave, and had barely ever used it anyway, even back when it was here.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: gnu
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 09:13 PM

If yer just starting house, no. Don't spend any $. Save. Eat it cold.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: ranger1
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 09:43 PM

I've been living quite nicely without a microwave for some time now. The appliance I can't do without is my toaster oven.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Chongo Chimp
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 09:55 PM

I gave up on 'em after I exploded some hard-boiled eggs one day. What a friggin' mess! I thought the place was gettin' bombed when it happened.

- Chongo

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Joe_F
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 10:54 PM

Nobody *needs* a microwave, but I find there are some dishes (aside from leftovers) for which it is decidedly helpful, mainly in lessening the number of dishes to be washed:

1. When you microwave a potato, it is not a boiled potato, still less a baked potato, but it is still a potato in a useful state for, say, mixing into the goop left in a frying pan.

2. Hot buttered rum & hot chocolate can be made in the vessel from which you are about to drink them.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Ed T
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 11:07 PM

Microwave versus the toaster oven- no contest.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 11:09 PM

I use mine to cook my porridge every morning, & to Quick Defrost stuff but mainly as a shelf to keep my tomatoes, garlic & a few other miscellaneous kitchen & non-kitchen things.

I bought my first microwave within the past 10 years & am using my second one.

When the first one died I automatically bought a new one, but I might ponder upon getting a replacement for this one after reading what I've typed!

My disaster was Quick Defrosting a Date slice - the dates tried to catch fire & filled the oven with nasty black smoke which set off the Smoke Alarm & 'perfumed' the oven for some time. After opening all my windows & front door, I took another slice out of the freezer & left it on the bench until it was ready to eat.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Chongo Chimp
Date: 07 Sep 13 - 11:36 PM

Yup. They say that "haste makes waste", Sandra, and it's true. For example, my good buddy Al, the vacuum cleaner salesman, wasted himself AND his car totally by tryin' to beat the 6 O'Clock train across a level crossin' recently. They buried him with a brand new vacuum, which seemed like a fittin' ending for Al.

- Chongo

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: JennieG
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 12:46 AM

Oh, I dunno......as well as reheating leftovers we use ours for cooking vegies, and it is great for cooking rice. As we are now a household of two Olde Phartes it is more economical to cook up a large batch of stuff - perhaps a casserole, or a curry - which we can then re-heat in meal-sized batches, rather than just cooking enough for one meal at a time.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Ebbie
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 01:26 AM

Speaking of economical, you guys do realize the microwave saves you money, don't you?

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 03:55 AM

How "necessary" a microwave may be could depend a lot on your circumstances.

If you're cooking for a "family" with several members, and if you have a regular schedule so that everyone eats together, a good argument can be made that it's easier and just as efficient to use pots and pans. This may also apply if you prefer one or two large meals to "intermittent grazing."

For a single person, or often for a couple, cooking in small microwave portions may be a whole lot easier than messing up a lot of stuff and then cleaning up the messes. The advantages include both the easier preparation of "small portions" but also in easier control of the size of portions prepared.

For many "special diets" needed by those with medical peculiarities, a microwave and a small blender (and an accurate scale) may be necessities, and pots and pans (and a food grinder and sausage stuffer) are just "things in the way."

If you're set up to use lots of frozen foods, the better microwaves are very useful just for thawing small amounts quickly, even if you cook them using other methods. Irregular "feeding schedules" where quick preparation when the patient needs food are a situation that may benefit a lot just for "thawing" stuff that you burn otherwise.

Most things can be "nuked" with good results, but you may have to study up on some of the more exotic methods. Microwaved potatoes can come very close to baked ones, once you learn how many holes to poke through the skin (and how deep) to let the steam out so they're not boiled.

Of course, there are things you can't do in a nuker. (Eggs "sunny side up" or "hard boiled" are NOT RECOMMENDED MICROWAVE RECIPES.)

John

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 03:58 AM

We find we don't miss ours at all. When it broke we hummed and haa'd about getting a new one in, but after a few weeks of humming and haa'ing, eventually realised that we didn't use it that much in the first place.

If you don't have one already I would get a three tiered steamer; either stainless steel for use on the hob or a plastic electric powered one. Layering your spuds/rice, fish and vegetables to all cook from a single energy source (timings are important, so get a kitchen timer if you don't have one of those) is a really good economical compromise to using a microwave for such things.

Pretty much the only thing we still miss is the ability to zap a too cool cup of coffee!

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 04:30 AM

Haven't had a microwave for years, gave the last one away as I hardly used it. I remember when they'd just come out, going to a Women's Institute demonstration. It was shown that one could cook a whole chicken very quickly, and the demonstrator made an entire meal, custard, gravy and everything. I was most impressed. But I never liked it. I tend to cram my ordinary oven with all sorts of things and use the heat economically. And I find food tastes better cooked this way. The microwave seemed to remove the flavour somehow. But if one likes to buy 'ready-made' or frozen complete meals (yuk!) I suppose they're fine. I know many busy folk who work all day may enjoy the convenience of heating food up in a couple of minutes.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 04:46 AM

The main problem is custom food for microwave heating. Presumably all well-salted mash potatoes, just coloured to symbolize meat and vegetables. But warm it is. If you are literally starving and have already eaten up all the cockroaches in your kitchen, you may try it.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Penny S.
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 06:47 AM

I use a Remoska (similar thing available across the pond under the name of Czech Cooker), which enables me to heat things in foil. It doesn't do veggies so well. Porage doesn't take very long in a pan (I used to explode it in the school microwave - obviously doing something wrong there.) No use for heating up drinks.
They are more expensive than microwaves, though.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: gnu
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 07:06 AM

The light in mine doesn't work and the clock will not tell time of day anymore. They don't make quality goods anymore. Damn thing is only 26 years old fer gosh sake!

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: gnomad
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 07:46 AM

I'm a one-person household and have a combination microwave/fan-oven/grill counter top thing from Sanyo.

Sometimes I use one function, sometimes a combination, but I would certainly miss it if it died. My conventional oven & cooktop do get used, but much less than if I hadn't the Sanyo.

Re-heat direct from frozen is easy, so I tend to cook for 4 or 6, freezing the extra for future use.

Despite having it about 10 years I am still finding new ways to use it. For instance I recently found that the baked potato (combined micro & fan oven) setting will cook a beetroot nicely too. Tell it the weight and it does the sums to make an easy result with just the serving dish to wash afterwards.

I had a normal microwave before, which I liked too, but the combi is much more versatile, and (for me at least) well worth the extra.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 10:13 AM

Thanks all - I suspect I will go with the majority and replace it but I will try without for a while. Thanks for the tips too.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Midchuck
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 10:26 AM

We have been 45+ years married and keeping house, without ever having a microwave. The only time I've ever used one was when I was in an office that had one, as suggested above, to reheat coffee that had gone cold. And the reheated coffee was still garbage, just hot garbage.

I suspect if we had one of any significant size, one of our whacky cats would find a way to get inside and turn it on. And the cleaning problems would be awful.

P.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 11:16 AM

clever cat!

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 11:46 AM

I'm always surprised at the number of Luddites who use computers and the internet to complain about new techniology.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 11:53 AM

Recognizing that a new technology is quite possibly unhealthy and harmful to the user is not the same thing as "complaining" about it. Rather, it is using one's attention and good sense in seeking out information, then deciding which of the new techologies you choose to use, and which you don't.

Those who choose to go ahead and just use all of them, simply because they are out there, may be a bit more trusting and naive than they realize they are. By the same token, those who choose to confidently use any legal drug that the drug companies are selling them may one day learn to regret having done so.

It's all about money, when it comes to marketing....so let the buyer beware.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Bill D
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 11:54 AM

Anyone who does use an MW ever tried my favorite use?

"..but I now use cloth bags filled with rice to warm my bed in Winter, "

First one we bought from a vendor at a craft fair...very pretty and filled with dry beans. Finally discovered all one needs is an old sock..(or preferably two, one inside the other for safety)...filled with rice to about ¾ full....then a knot tied in the end(s). YOU choose the size, color & texture of the sock. 2-3 minutes in the MW and you have up to 2 hours of warmth. Our ancestors used to warm a brick or rock in the fireplace to get a similar, but harder to control, result.

And in Summer, it is often not pleasant to use a regular oven.... but partial defrosting a portion of a meal and then popping it/them into the MW for finish heating doesn't add heat to the kitchen. (I just learned that good fish sticks work well.)

As noted above, it is possible to come very close to the texture of standard baked potato with a little experimentation...and ears of corn, lightly wrapped in a slightly dampened paper towel come out just fine. (If you are doing a LOT of corn or potatoes, it is easier to use the oven or pot of water, but one or two people seldom need 6-8 or more.)

....and I just added 35 seconds to the remainder of my cooling cup of coffee to make the last sips just right!

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: sciencegeek
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 12:17 PM

Though I haven't tried frying an egg on a hot sidewalk... I can cook with just about any other heat source... including cooking soup, stew & pasta on the top of an old kerosene heater.

Microwaves heat internally, rather than externally... which helps explain why some things do not cook well using microwaves. Proteins denature with heat & microwaves will turn protein into food bricks with the right power & time exposure... it doesn't turn it radioactive or make anymore free radicals than any other heating method. And properly shielded appliances are what is available to consumers.

Can I live without one... sure. Are there times I wish to use one... yes again. I have burned more than pot or pan, not to mention the meal, for one reason or another... but never with the microwave.

It's a tool that can be pretty handy and are easy to pick up used at thrift stores, etc. But is it essential? depends on the user.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,JotSC
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 01:04 PM

Damn thing is only 26 years old fer gosh sake!

Hey, that's about 280 human years------

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 01:08 PM

Thinking back, I believe my Nan used to make good use of her microwave, often doing a whole "fried breakfast" on a plate. Whether you do get one or not, I'd give it a a few weeks to see how frequently you genuinely miss it.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: gnu
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:01 PM

JotSC... hahahahaa!

Bill D... tell us about the spuds. Spud type, size and quantity? Power of MV and setting? Does it have a turntable? Do you use a fork (whatever) to poke em?... how deep? how many pokes? I am REALLY keen to learn as much as I can before I experiment.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:06 PM

Gave mine to daughter moving out 2 years ago, and haven't missed it yet. Would rather have the counter space!

The only possible time I would use it is (don't laugh) when making baba ghannouj. When cooked in the microwave, eggplants retain a lovely pearly pale green color. Any other cooking method makes them turn a yucky grey.

Dani

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:14 PM

Just a thought... I seem to remember reading somewhere that elderly microwave ovens can leak microwaves, which is rather dangerous...

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,CS
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:14 PM

Jacket Spuds in the microwave are certainly useful if you're only serving one or two. More than that and you might as well use the oven - at least so I think - as the more stuff you cook in the microwave the longer it takes; and there's nothing like a crispy baked Jacket potato from the oven, over a large steamed potato from the microwave (plus they always have hard uncooked bits)!

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Charmion
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:27 PM

gnu, this is how I achieve an excellent baked spud:

First, pick the appropriate variety of potato -- long and oval with white flesh rather than spherical with yellow flesh.

Run the raw potato through from end to end with a sharp skewer.

Nuke the potato on the High setting for five to ten minutes, depending on the size ofthe potato. If your microwave does nt ave a turntable, stop the cooking process every three minutes or so and give the spud a 90- degree turn.

When the potato is tender in the middle, put it in the toaster oven for a while -- ten minutes to half an hour, depending on how long it takes to cook the rest of your supper.

And thus, a person who lives alone can have steak with a baked potato without turning on the whole damned oven for one lousy spud.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: gnu
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:37 PM

Eliza... easy to test for leakage. Run a fluorescent light bulb (prongs parallel and against the MV) around the perimeter of the door. This should be done at least monthly. I have never tested mine as it's nearly new.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 02:41 PM

We use Yukon Gold (or similar red thin-skin potatoes (Spuds).
About fist-sized, 3-4 minutes on high (1000) each side.
The skins stay nice and edible, we add butter salt etc. after they are cooked.

A good med. rare steak takes about 3-4 min/side (one inch thick) to broil in the oven; the nuked potatoes are ready when the steak is.

My quick Sat. night meal (rationing myself to one good Angus steak/week).

Precede with two fingers of anejo (pure white) tequila, follow with the same, watch about two minutes of the TV news and so to sleep.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Bill D
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 03:54 PM

". tell us about the spuds. Spud type, size and quantity? "

I use only the long, white ones ..(Idaho is the common name).. not the little red ones. We don't get many choices here. (Really, only one at a time. Groups really DO need an oven to come out together. Two people can nuke one potato apiece in a reasonable amount of time)

I poke some holes with a fork,(maybe 20), moisten the skin with water a bit, wrap 'em in waxed paper, just folded around loosely so it don't pop open, and nuke 'em for...oh..5-8ish minutes, depending on size & MW power. You kinda adapt and 'feel' the right amount after a few times.
To test, a fork poked in fairly deep lets you judge the doneness. Yes, one CAN have a toaster oven heated up and transfer it there for final 'baking', but I use the MW mostly because I am often late starting and deciding I want one, and I don't want to wait. I'm sure gourmets will say you can tell the difference and *shrug*... maybe so. Once I open 'em up and add butter and salt & pepper, they seem ok to me.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 04:05 PM

I have heard you can get a microwave electric blanket.

Gives you a full 8 hours sleep in 30 minutes...

:D tG

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 05:27 PM

Idaho or PEI Bakers- we seldom use them any more. Always used the oven when we did.
M and M sells stuffed Idaho bakers for the microwave; the skin lacks flavor and is tough. Also the stuffing is flat. Start with a real "baker" and do it right.

have to try Bill D's method.

The thin-skinned yellows and reds don't really need pricking, the steam gets out. My wife rubs with butter, but not really necessary.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Rumncoke
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 05:42 PM

I have a large microwave, so I used to stick a chicken in a large earthenware pot with lid - the turnip shaped ones, cook it for half an hour, leave for half an hour then put in the pots of veges and cook for another ten minutes.

I would usually pour off the juices from the chicken when I put in the veges so I could make gravy in a pan.

I use a halogen oven these days, and put any dense veges in the bottom of the oven and do the more delicate ones on the ordinary cooker, as the microwave has been relegated to the conservatory, but it still gets used a couple of times a week. It would get more use if it was in a more convenient spot.

I don't eat potatoes so I can't advise on their cooking, but I would not be without a microwave. Even if it was just for the speed of cooking a Christmas pudding - something like 5 minutes rather than 5 hours of steaming - no contest.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Joe_F
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 06:03 PM

Bill D: Ah, yes, I forgot to mention corn on the cob -- another thing for which the microwave saves a lot of heat, trouble, & dishwashing. I just put the unhusked ear in & give it 5 min. It can then be husked (using gloves, of course) far more easily than when raw, and *the silk comes off with the husk*.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 08:42 PM

Other things I have done without and which have left a similar gaping hole in my existence:

a left-handed lathe
a pogo stick
a trouser press
one of those things that cuts rug wool into two-inch lengths
a tentpeg mallet
a set of bridge hand holders
a press for squashing old newspapers into combustible bricks
a set of winemaking airlocks
a water butt
a circular saw for cutting paving slabs
a penis enlarger
a cobbler's last
a jig for making fishing flies
a pet rock
a Geiger counter
a Model T Ford starting crank
a pair of bronzed baby shoes
an airbrush
a bong
an enema bag
a South-American-style ceramic barbecue
a framed and autographed photo of Perry Como

And now this. Gotta prioritize. Maybe the tentpeg mallet first?

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 09:11 PM

Joe F- yep, I wouldn't do ears of corn any other way. simple and quick with a microwave.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: mg
Date: 08 Sep 13 - 09:32 PM

some vegetables do great..asparagus. also salmon does great. mostly i just melt chocolate. i use a countertop convection oven..not one of the great ones..i keep dropping the lid and breaking them so i just get the 30$ ones now...but you do not have to defrost ever..just put it in at 350 and walk away..plus they are on a timer and shut off...good perhaps for elderly, teens, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 02:54 AM

Hey Jack - believe or not I have a tentpeg mallet!

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 03:40 AM

Having learned that the plastic pegs hold better for moderate loads in wet/damp ground, and that rubber mallets work better on those (although not always as well with metal/wood pegs) I have THREE rubber mallets: 2 lb, 3 lb, & 5 lb. One 3 lb steel-head is sufficient, however.

They've been borrowed more than used ...

John

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: gnu
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 07:47 AM

Geiger counters are hours of fun for small children. (My old man worked in Ground Nuclear Defense in the RCAF.)

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 08:30 AM

My mallet is a very old wooden one that the head and shaft are easily separated for storage and safely put together for use. All done with tapered hole and shaft :-)

But back to microwaves. Christmas Pudding! Rumncoke - Thanks for the reminder. Definitely worth it just for that. I did my porridge in a pan this morning and I must say - It either tasted far better or I appreciated it more. Not sure which.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Blind DRunk in Blind River
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 08:50 AM

I done without fresh underware for 3 months, I figger I can do without a flippin' microwave, eh?

- Shane

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Suzy Sock Puppet
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 09:02 AM

I have one but I have heard that they are not good for you. I heard they destroy the nutrients in food. Also, there's that instant gratification thing which isn't really good for people. Everything should require a little time and effort, don't you think?

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Nick
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 09:07 AM

Apart from a brief period when we inherited one from one of our sons we have never had one.

The only time I found it useful was when I had forgotten to do something (like something frozen that I wanted to eat now) so mostly it was the absence of planning from my end that made it useful.

Anything with pastry goes horribly flabby. I'm sure that it has things it excels at but I've never needed one.

I also like the interaction with a traditional oven/hob - just habit

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 12:11 PM

"I have heard....."

The world will end tonight just before "Monday Night Football." Remember that you heard it here.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 12:59 PM

I have heard that Q's opinion on absolutely anything is the very last word.

But I remain skeptical. ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: gnu
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 01:18 PM

Hobit?

Thanks for the spud advice.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 01:40 PM

LH- my "last" word? Gee, I hope not.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Sep 13 - 10:57 PM

I have in the past used a microwave for actual cooking. I made a few apple pies in them, then put them in the regular oven under the broiler to brown the crust. They were quite nice. But mostly, ever since the microwave entered the house (the first one was horribly expensive back in 1980 or so) leftovers were elevated to a really great dining option. Before that it was a challenge to reheat without changing the consistency or burning.

It gets used almost exclusively for reheating and defrosting now. I'd like to have a toaster oven, but I don't have the space for both, so unless the microwave dies and I make the changeover, I guess the microwave wins. I do like the idea of a smaller heating element for small baked goods and toasting (though I have a very nice toaster for some of those things.) I use the convection oven for a lot of things (this one is a large glass bowl with the heating element in the lid on top. It does a great loaf of bread and a wonderful roast chicken!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 03 Dec 13 - 09:40 AM

We cracked today and bought one. I work for a major retailer and we had a 20% off day today so I got a very basic one for £24. Besides, decided that boiling the Christmas Pud for 4 hours would be just too silly.

Still going to use the pan for porridge and scrambled egg though. Not at the same time though...

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 03 Dec 13 - 02:19 PM

hi

We have had various Microwaves over the years.

We have hardly ever actually cook anything in them. We do use it very occasionally for defrosting food from the freezer and we use it a lot to heat the plates or dishes if we are not using the oven to cook the meal.

Our son and his wife think we are crazy, what do you think???

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 03 Dec 13 - 10:11 PM

Microwave - free on Craigslist - and toaster oven ($5/yard sale) are each used numerous times daily. No old fashioned toaster that only does bread. I cook meats and other things in the toaster oven which heats the house (summer) less than a stove and can be put out on the porch or balcony to further reduce heat in house.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 04 Dec 13 - 01:00 AM

Many useful and helpful cooking ideas here--the Christmas Pudding is foremost, but I am going to start doing Gnu's microwave leak check thing, as well. PennyS, thanks for telling that the Remoska has been renamed...I have been looking for one and thought they'd disappeared.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 04 Dec 13 - 09:29 AM

We've got one but we only use it for warming plates and timing stuff simmering on the hob.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 04 Dec 13 - 10:15 AM

Hi Pete

I don't need to use microwave for timing. Our hob has a timer.

My wife is a Cordon-Bleu cook so microwaves are out !! So we just warm the plates like you.

Cheers

Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 04 Dec 13 - 10:32 AM

A hobnob hob!

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 04 Dec 13 - 02:54 PM

Ashamed to admit it, but our three Siamese cats tend to wee copiously on anything new that appears in the house. I suppose they're Christening it, or removing alien odours. It's horrid, and I do disinfect thoroughly if it happens. But I'm smiling as I'm imagining a new microwave on the kitchen counter. "Oh look! A strange box thing! Smells weird!" "Right chaps! You know what to do! Wee for all you're worth!" "She'll be livid!" "Doesn't matter. We have to do our duty here. You've missed a bit. Got any wee left, Murphy?" " Yes, just a drop. I'll finish this side." Yuk.

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 13 - 02:18 PM

Had a microwave some years ago. when it went wrong, didn't replace. Never missed it.

Rog

Subject: RE: BS: Doing without a Microwave?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 Dec 13 - 07:25 PM

Temperature -20 or lower outside.

Alone tonight so will fix a meat pie and have a glass of milk and a cup of coffee-
Milk direct from the fridge too cold for my sensitive system, so heat it 30 second on high.
An M&M beef pie for dinner tonight. Five minutes on high and ready to eat, no "cooking" involved.
Coffee left over from morning, will heat a cup in the microwave for one minute.

Was there life before the microwave oven?