Of microwave ovens and such
 

I think my wife's dream of being able to get rid of our microwave oven is about to come true.

For some reason it smells like something is burning when we use it. :(

We currently have an old Kenmore model that's as old as the hills. It has worked well up until now and I really like how easy it is to use.
I remember it replaced a HUGE one we got from my mom if I recall.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1706919826.JPG

What is the current thinking in terms of what is a good one to get to replace this one?

This one does a nice job reheating leftovers or whatever needs melting/softening etc.

Since we haven't spent money on one in literally decades, I'm ready to get more than just a low cost one.

Suggestions?

I have a Sunbeam that looks almost identical to yours.
It's hardly ever used...but it would be sadly missed if gone.

I think they are around $70 now.

Microwaves are a commodity. Just go to Target and get the size that works for you.

Now, if you want to upgrade, there are some combo units that can do things.

Milt is correct. Throw it out the second floor window when it starts acting up. Now I only buy Sharp microwave. They are that good. If you want something simple, go to restaurant supply house. Most are made by Sharp and they have those old fashion ugly dials with a ding when done. Those do not break.

I think what Zeke said is correct.

I think they are all pretty much the same. If I was buying one, the only 2 requirements that I'd have (besides decent brand) is "big enough" (for a plate?), and that it's got to have a turn table.

I'm sure it's possible to get one that's expensive, but I suspect that's just a good way to get rid of more money.

But I haven't bought on in many years, so what do I know?

Is the keypad backlit?

I think they all have turntables now.
A better question is...how easy is it to keep the plate on the turntable working?

They all seem to slip off the drive.

Radarange- :D
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1706922999.jpg

Here's our present one with one of our large dinner plates on the turntable. We've never had a problem with the turntable.

The buttons on the touch pad are not back lit. Only the clock LED is lit up and it sends messages when you're picking the options for cook times.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1706924169.JPG

I have used a microwave in the last 3-6 months (can't remember where/when) that did not have a turntable and I was shocked. It wasn't ancient. So they are out there.

Ooh, Corelleware!

Get a micro/air fryer/convection oven. I use mine everyday.

I'm still using the big Kenmore I bought used in 1990!

It only has 3 settings and an on/off button......

We've been eating off Correlleware for over 43 years now.

Yeah, I think one of those combo ovens might be a good idea.
What brand do you have, WPOZZZ?

My first microwave was a beast. I think it was a Litton, or an Amana. Round dials, all stainless steel in and out, a heavy door; it was built like a 58 Cadillac. I got it from a neighbor, it was probably 10 years old when he gave it to me, I gave it away about 5 or 6 years later. It worked perfectly all the time I owned it, and I wouldn't be surprised it still works now. I see that the vintage market is strong for those early microwave ovens. My current one is 10 years old, I bet it was less than 75 bucks new and it still works perfect.

I think our kids gave us this one for Christmas a long long time ago because they knew their mom hated the BIG one we had. It worked fine but was about twice as big as this one.

When using one...be sure to cover your family jewels.
They will cook them in seconds. :)

I have a combination air fryer/microwave. I like it.

You really want the Cadillac, get a steam oven. No more hard bread if you are a slow eater. Moist is on another level. Not cheap. Every few years I get an invite to and keep up with the latest and the greatest on kitchen "stuff" and design. Wolf put out a luncheon with their chef using all of their high end appliances. Fun and a pretty damn good free meal. I am sold on their steam oven or any steam oven for that matter. Now, I can't cook if my life depended on it but that moisture on their food is on another level. I don't think the family jewel has anything to worry about with these new gadgets.:)

I bought mine from Walmart about 5 years ago. It is the Galanz brand and is still kicking.
My house still has a Tappan built-in that looks like an oven. Mom used it to heat up my formula. Dad bought another Tappan back in 1975 and that thing was like 70 lbs!

We got one of those for the office 20 years ago. It went with the business when we sold it. They tell me it’s still working.

Panasonic for me. Nothing else. I buy them on Marketplace for $10 or less. Every single one has a blown fuse.

I have two at home, and one in my office now. They are great and well priced.

More on the combo: don't expect any one with the oven feature to cook anything but crescent rolls. Baked potatoes are out of the question unless you have all day. Well, I have what they call a toaster oven and it's slow to do anything including toast. I didn't spend the money.

There is something called a Ninja 14 in 1. First thing I saw was Jeff's idea that steam was good. It has steam. Having a good oven/microwave combo means you can have baked potatoes in 9 minutes and they are very good. I've braised vegetables in one and the broiler function is quite good.

I have a GE Speed Cook oven that cost over 2K new that I bought scratched on the face (it's built in) so I got it very cheap. It's been a mainstay in the kitchen because the main oven is an old Wolf commercial range with 4 burners and a griddle that I have used once. It takes 30 minutes to heat the griddle or oven to the correct temp. Not a good choice for the home kitchen but it looks cool.

Mine doesn't have the salamander which I would use.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ScQAA...Fr/s-l1600.jpg

So this isn't mine. (Mine is cleaner as you would hope) The griddle is level with the 4 burners. I'd almost pull it out and convert but I put a cutting board on it. Very handy. The oven will do two 20 lb turkeys side by side. Too much.

So, a really good counter top micro/combo can be a real trick item in the kitchen f you want to spend over $400. I would if I didn't have the Speed Cook.

https://images.webfronts.com/cache/f...box_ffffff_100

It uses halogen lamps and a LOT of electricity!

I like taking a small fluorescent tube and seeing how much of the Microwave beam is leaking thru the radiation door mesh and seal because of a poorly designed Microwave emitter which costs more.

I have a simple 30" over-the-stove microwave.
It vents to the outside.
Very functional.

Good for venting cooking vapors, or when the oven setting off the smoke alarm.

Thanks for the comments guys and gals.
I did some investigating and found that there was some 'debris' on the inside under the turntable that looked like old coffee, which we don't drink. So something must have boiled over and didn't get cleaned up. We've cleaned it out and are using it again. Time will tell if we really need to get another one but I'm guessing we won't. If the smell doesn't go away we will be though.

My ol' girl of a microwave was still heating food, but the numeric display faded and then went out. Shrug. Looked at the date of mfr and it was 20 years. I think I got my monies worth. Amazon for a new one. 1.6 cu ft is a perfect middle size.

Well I tried to get the smell out but it's not working so I bought a new GE micro this morning.
Wife wanted simple to operate and this is as close to our old one operating wise as I could find. No frills but works and is almost as powerful as the old one so cook times should be the same for most things.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1707078041.JPG
Going to be different with a black blob instead of a white blob sitting on the counter.

^^^ That's a nice looking micro.

I actually tried that this afternoon. I was very disappointed the bulb didn't light up.

You know Scott, great minds do think alike. I know, its all your wife. You tell that young lady that she has good taste.

Ours is the Space Saver. Its is 13" deep and a normal dish fits in there with a couple inches of extra room to move things areound. We never wish for a larger interior. Look like you have the bigger brother. My first one lasted 14 years. It was their Monogram, high end, right? Nicer stainless trim but the guts are all the same. We have their reg one now and its been great so far.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1707093194.jpg

Those really old microwaves work well, but the newer ones that are inverter work better.

On an old microwave doing defrost they would go full blast for a few seconds wait a number of seconds then full blast again. Whereas an inverter on works like a 100 watt microwave with just enough power to do the defrost. Also when on full blast the microwaves are spread out better in the box and doesn't need a turntable going round.

These are good videos to watch. I bought a new microwave 3-4 years ago and like it except for one missing feature, buttons aren't lit. and they are fairly dull so dim light makes operating it difficult, mostly because I use the 50% power at a longer time a lot of the time. Otherwise it's a nice stylish LG. I will put it on the curb with a free sign if I can stumble up a good lit button box.

<iframe width="1182" height="665" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_IRAi6Nzxbk" title="Equipment Review: The Best Microwave Ovens" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>





<iframe width="1182" height="665" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dJrdXRZ3PUE" title="Your Microwave's Most Underrated Button | Techniquely with Lan Lam" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>





<iframe width="1182" height="665" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pg_lqy1p6B4" title="Are You Getting The Most Out Of Your Microwave? | Gear Heads" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The only modification I had to make to the 'install' of the new micro is I put some 'no slide' material under the feet to keep it from sliding around on the counter top. The feet seem to be made of a hard rubber that doesn't grip the surface very well. No sliding now and you can't even tell the material is there.
I hope I outlive this one, just like I did the last one.

A lot of my leftovers go into my rice cooker.