Don't know why, just need something new and different to shake things up.
Any tips?
TIA
Any tips?
TIA
Am Getting The Itch For A Vintage Amana Radarange
- Thread starter launderess
- Start date
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Wasn't it not long ago you had your current microwave, a Sharp I believe, fixed? Is it acting up or are you just looking for a new experience? You definitely typify this group...
I remember my aunt had one, it was a workhorse. Only thing I would be a bit wary of if that over time the magnetron tube's output drops and it takes longer to cook, may or may not be an issue.
I remember my aunt had one, it was a workhorse. Only thing I would be a bit wary of if that over time the magnetron tube's output drops and it takes longer to cook, may or may not be an issue.
austinado16
Well-known member
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- Dec 23, 2009
- Messages
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95lbs and 1500 watts of chrome and stainless goodness
We've been using one as our daily driver for 17 years. My wife's parents purchased it for her from a used appliance store, when she went away to college. That was in '87 and the microwave is a 1980 model. It was the first "vintage" appliance to go in our kitchen and we actually had a special cabinet built to hold it. This is ours, an RR-7 or 8 if I remember correctly:
I've since saved and found homes for 3 more;
One was a very early model like this. An RR-4 I believe. A collector in NY purchased it, used it in a movie, and then kept it for himself. It was very cool with it's basic rotary knob controls. It looked like this one:
The other 2 were the Touchmatic II's with the huge touch pad controls on the front that aren't really buttons, just areas you touch. One of those went to a forum member here, and the other one is now in the Bay Area.
We've been using one as our daily driver for 17 years. My wife's parents purchased it for her from a used appliance store, when she went away to college. That was in '87 and the microwave is a 1980 model. It was the first "vintage" appliance to go in our kitchen and we actually had a special cabinet built to hold it. This is ours, an RR-7 or 8 if I remember correctly:
I've since saved and found homes for 3 more;
One was a very early model like this. An RR-4 I believe. A collector in NY purchased it, used it in a movie, and then kept it for himself. It was very cool with it's basic rotary knob controls. It looked like this one:
The other 2 were the Touchmatic II's with the huge touch pad controls on the front that aren't really buttons, just areas you touch. One of those went to a forum member here, and the other one is now in the Bay Area.
MMMM chromalicious
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Touchmatic
I feel the same way; I just wanted a Radarange, so I bought one last summer. Mine came from the Detroit area and cost $5. My parents had the model with the dials, which I liked, but I wanted to try the push-button model.
It works great. It is very big and very heavy. I'll keep it for a backup in case our over-the-range microwave dies, and maybe use it in my office to heat up my coffee.
I feel the same way; I just wanted a Radarange, so I bought one last summer. Mine came from the Detroit area and cost $5. My parents had the model with the dials, which I liked, but I wanted to try the push-button model.
It works great. It is very big and very heavy. I'll keep it for a backup in case our over-the-range microwave dies, and maybe use it in my office to heat up my coffee.
My neighbors the Wilsons had an Amana RadarRange they got in '77 or '78 until about 3 weeks ago. It just stopped working, so they went out and bought a new Frigidaire micro/convection combo. I told them it would likely not last anywhere as long as the old one.
austinado16
Well-known member
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- Dec 23, 2009
- Messages
- 617
You should grab that non working Amana
It's probably got a safety switch that the door pushes on, that's either gone out of adjustment, or the door isn't pushing on it hard enough.
The RR-4 that I had was like that. I simply adjusted the door and it worked perfect again.
It's probably got a safety switch that the door pushes on, that's either gone out of adjustment, or the door isn't pushing on it hard enough.
The RR-4 that I had was like that. I simply adjusted the door and it worked perfect again.
Wasn't it not long ago you had your current microwave, a
Don't you speak to me about that stupid Sharp microwave! *LOL*
Last Saturday it started vibrating and making a god awful noise, which upon online research pointed to the magnetron.
Since the darn thing was essentially rebuilt less than two years ago, am not a happy camper.
Spoke to the repair service that did the work, was told while they "stand behind their work" and so forth neither they nor I can understand why an new magnetron has failed so soon. To be fair repair service did state they have had to replace such things on barely one year old microwaves.
Sharp discontiuned the original magnetron part number some time ago, so not sure if the part installed was the new replacement, or sub.
Anywho as we have been having a spate of hot and humid weather this week, using the gas oven and stove was not on the cards. As one had given the Sanyo microwave (purchased to hold us over until the Sharp came back from repairs), to Mama for her church, was without a unit for several days.
Nabbed a Panasonic "Inverter" model built in 2000, off CL to keep sanity until things are sorted out with the Sharp.
As for Radaranges, kind of like their styling and almost bullet proof build. Also like the no nonsense way they operate. It seems new microwave ovens today are like most appliances, big on fluff and lacking in quality. All have warranties of one year only on parts/labour, and one is lucky to get that much out of them, at least according to what people have posted.
There was an Amana Radarange someone on Long Island was almost giving away on CL early this year, but never heard back so guess it was sold.
Only thing have been able to find as a "negative" against older microwaves is that some built before 1980's (when Congress mandated certain safety) can leak radiation.
Don't you speak to me about that stupid Sharp microwave! *LOL*
Last Saturday it started vibrating and making a god awful noise, which upon online research pointed to the magnetron.
Since the darn thing was essentially rebuilt less than two years ago, am not a happy camper.
Spoke to the repair service that did the work, was told while they "stand behind their work" and so forth neither they nor I can understand why an new magnetron has failed so soon. To be fair repair service did state they have had to replace such things on barely one year old microwaves.
Sharp discontiuned the original magnetron part number some time ago, so not sure if the part installed was the new replacement, or sub.
Anywho as we have been having a spate of hot and humid weather this week, using the gas oven and stove was not on the cards. As one had given the Sanyo microwave (purchased to hold us over until the Sharp came back from repairs), to Mama for her church, was without a unit for several days.
Nabbed a Panasonic "Inverter" model built in 2000, off CL to keep sanity until things are sorted out with the Sharp.
As for Radaranges, kind of like their styling and almost bullet proof build. Also like the no nonsense way they operate. It seems new microwave ovens today are like most appliances, big on fluff and lacking in quality. All have warranties of one year only on parts/labour, and one is lucky to get that much out of them, at least according to what people have posted.
There was an Amana Radarange someone on Long Island was almost giving away on CL early this year, but never heard back so guess it was sold.
Only thing have been able to find as a "negative" against older microwaves is that some built before 1980's (when Congress mandated certain safety) can leak radiation.
veg-o-matic
Well-known member
Can't go wrong with a Radarange
Love mine. Wouldn't trade it for any other microwave.
Remember--If it doesn't say Amana, it's not a Radarange!
veg
Love mine. Wouldn't trade it for any other microwave.
Remember--If it doesn't say Amana, it's not a Radarange!
veg
whirlcool
Well-known member
I have found that the newer microwaves cook more evenly than than the older models did.
We have a GE we bought almost two years ago. It cooks far better than the 1994 Kenmore that was here. And that Kenmore cooked much more evenly than the 1976 Litton we had beforehand.
We have a GE we bought almost two years ago. It cooks far better than the 1994 Kenmore that was here. And that Kenmore cooked much more evenly than the 1976 Litton we had beforehand.
I can second what Whirlcool stated. We had a Litton in '76 or so and it was great back then. It lasted for some time, I actually updated the control panel on it when the original one went out, but it met it's demise in the late 80's. It was replaced with a GE over the range version that performed much better and half the price. It was a solid performer until 2004, when it died. Replaced it with a TOL Whirlpool Over the range that browns and grills, and am pretty happy with it. If I was doing it today I'd opt for the 4-1 Maytag, like the one I put in the house I redid. Micro, Convection, regular oven, and Grill or a combination of the above.
I don't think the RadarRange is intrinsically better in any way as compared to today's models, I think if you want one because of it's classic "cool' factor and it does still perform decently, go for it. For performance it's hard to beat today's units, but they are disposable and that is a sad fact.
I don't think the RadarRange is intrinsically better in any way as compared to today's models, I think if you want one because of it's classic "cool' factor and it does still perform decently, go for it. For performance it's hard to beat today's units, but they are disposable and that is a sad fact.
The light switch on our over-the-range Whirlpool stopped working. To fix it you have to replace the entire touchpad, which is a $150 part, plus labor.
A new microwave with the same features can be purchased for around $200. So, yes, unfortunately many new appliances are built to be disposable.
A new microwave with the same features can be purchased for around $200. So, yes, unfortunately many new appliances are built to be disposable.
Well Yes
As with most other "major" appliances microwaves have gone big on features. This wow factor helps hide the fact one is spending funds on something that often barely out lives the warranty by a few years.
Much as with electronics, don't think one single microwave is produced in the United States. Could be wrong but last time one went looking, most all were made in Asia some where.
My first microwave out of college was a little Litton, which did the job (only one timer knob control, no different power level settings, etc). Used it mainly to reheat things and cook veggies.
Next came the huge Sharp nabbed when local CompUSA stopped selling appliances and was getting rid of stock.
The Sharp had tons of settings, built in turn table, sensors, the whole shabang. But really never got beyond adding chicken or fish meals to reheating and cooking veggies.
IIRC, Amana's Radarange's claimed to have a patented fan design that distibuted waves for even cooking without a turn table.
Purchasing a Radarange on eBay is just too risky. The things weigh nearly 100lbs and have to be packed *very* carefully. It is not something you can throw in any old box found off the street with a few sheets of yesterday's newspaper as wrap/padding.
As with most other "major" appliances microwaves have gone big on features. This wow factor helps hide the fact one is spending funds on something that often barely out lives the warranty by a few years.
Much as with electronics, don't think one single microwave is produced in the United States. Could be wrong but last time one went looking, most all were made in Asia some where.
My first microwave out of college was a little Litton, which did the job (only one timer knob control, no different power level settings, etc). Used it mainly to reheat things and cook veggies.
Next came the huge Sharp nabbed when local CompUSA stopped selling appliances and was getting rid of stock.
The Sharp had tons of settings, built in turn table, sensors, the whole shabang. But really never got beyond adding chicken or fish meals to reheating and cooking veggies.
IIRC, Amana's Radarange's claimed to have a patented fan design that distibuted waves for even cooking without a turn table.
Purchasing a Radarange on eBay is just too risky. The things weigh nearly 100lbs and have to be packed *very* carefully. It is not something you can throw in any old box found off the street with a few sheets of yesterday's newspaper as wrap/padding.
Laundress, you rejected replacing the Sharp last time, because of the auto features that you frequently used? Will that be a problem with an older machine?
The Panasonic's from the early 80's all had sensor cook and one touch reheat, maybe one of those could do the trick.
If not, the large Panasonic Microwaves/convections are still made in Japan and the quality is right up there. Have said that, you pay through the nose for the privlege.
The Panasonic's from the early 80's all had sensor cook and one touch reheat, maybe one of those could do the trick.
If not, the large Panasonic Microwaves/convections are still made in Japan and the quality is right up there. Have said that, you pay through the nose for the privlege.
Actually Am Kind of Growing To Like The Panasonic
This model was built in 2000, and made in China, but is still a pretty soild little unit.
Though the Sharp was from the same year, this unit does a few things differently.
While it does have "sensor cook" the items are listed via numbers. On the Sharp one merely choses a category (Lunch on the Run, Beverages, Fish, Poultry and so forth), then key in servings and a make a few other choices. For instance poultry one had to tell the unit much it weighed, and if it was boneless or bone in.
The Panasonic one only choses the food, and if you wish "more" or "less", the unit does the rest.
Found it odd the Panasonic has no sensor setting for frozen veggies, just fresh. We eat allot of the former, so am learning a walk around. Instead of having to program time and power settings, I use the setting for frozen dinners, and hit "less" time.
Many of my aunts have "older" microwaves in their kitchens, so am used to units without sensor cooking or what not. Kitchen duty on the major holidays revolves around feeding the men and children, so one is always reheating something...
While one really likes the looks of the Amana Radarange, perhaps will wait for a local microwave/convection oven to turn up. This way can go whole hog on the "interesting" bit and live life to the fullest.
Will play around with the Panasonic whilst one decides what I can't and cannot live with/abide microwave oven wise.
Heard Tappan made a mean microwave back in the day. As did General Electric. Oh the choices.
This model was built in 2000, and made in China, but is still a pretty soild little unit.
Though the Sharp was from the same year, this unit does a few things differently.
While it does have "sensor cook" the items are listed via numbers. On the Sharp one merely choses a category (Lunch on the Run, Beverages, Fish, Poultry and so forth), then key in servings and a make a few other choices. For instance poultry one had to tell the unit much it weighed, and if it was boneless or bone in.
The Panasonic one only choses the food, and if you wish "more" or "less", the unit does the rest.
Found it odd the Panasonic has no sensor setting for frozen veggies, just fresh. We eat allot of the former, so am learning a walk around. Instead of having to program time and power settings, I use the setting for frozen dinners, and hit "less" time.
Many of my aunts have "older" microwaves in their kitchens, so am used to units without sensor cooking or what not. Kitchen duty on the major holidays revolves around feeding the men and children, so one is always reheating something...
While one really likes the looks of the Amana Radarange, perhaps will wait for a local microwave/convection oven to turn up. This way can go whole hog on the "interesting" bit and live life to the fullest.
Will play around with the Panasonic whilst one decides what I can't and cannot live with/abide microwave oven wise.
Heard Tappan made a mean microwave back in the day. As did General Electric. Oh the choices.
Panasonic Microwaves
If one goes by online reviews, people either love them or hate these things with a passion. Especially the "inverter" system.
Don't know when Panasonic developed inverter cooking, my microwave only lists "Inverter Turbo Defrost" so not sure if it works all the time.
If one goes by online reviews, people either love them or hate these things with a passion. Especially the "inverter" system.
Don't know when Panasonic developed inverter cooking, my microwave only lists "Inverter Turbo Defrost" so not sure if it works all the time.
Here's the holy grail Im' looking for
austinado16
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- Dec 23, 2009
- Messages
- 617
That Panasonic is the coolest I've ever seen!
Wow!!! I've never seen one before.
I can't remember the brand of microwave we had in the early 70's but it was large like a Radarange and metal inside. We could put metal objects in it too. My dad would just stick his coffee cup in there with the spoon still in it.
I'm guessing it was a Tappen, because that was a line they sold at the appliance store he work in (Tappen, Waste King, Kelvinator, Char-Glo)
Wow!!! I've never seen one before.
I can't remember the brand of microwave we had in the early 70's but it was large like a Radarange and metal inside. We could put metal objects in it too. My dad would just stick his coffee cup in there with the spoon still in it.
I'm guessing it was a Tappen, because that was a line they sold at the appliance store he work in (Tappen, Waste King, Kelvinator, Char-Glo)
