Menu-Matic

[cadman]

Some time ago I found an obscure reference to Sunbeam's Menu-Matic microwave system that used pre-recorded 'menu' cards in a recipe file as well as the ability to record custom programs for cooking. While a clever idea, I'm sure the cards got used about twice. Here are some pics.

The burning question was "Who made this thing?" and I think Phil's 'Oldie Moldie Microwaves' thread in Shopper's Squre finally brings this to a close. It's a Toshiba!

Look carefully, this may be the only one in existence!

Oldie Moldie Microwaves - $20 to $400 - CL finds

First up a Toshiba with a card reader - interesting! 1) Toshiba Microwave Oven - $20 (Toronto North) - http://toronto.craigslist.ca/tor/app/4775211996.html Next an overpiced Tappan: 2) Actually a Litton but seller posted it as" Tappan Microwave - $300 "-...

www.automaticwasher.org

 

[washdaddy]

I remember seeing those advertised back in the day. As you pointed out- the menu cards more than likely got lost in the kitchen drawer after they were used a couple of times once the "thrill" of the machine wore off and people realized it was easier just to set the micro for what you wanted.

 

[petek]

Why do I keep thinking Sears sold one as well as a Kenmore natch. Not that I'd stake my life on it, but it just seems familiar.

 

[arbilab]

My 1982 Penny's rebadge of GE has Toshiba internals. And still works.

 

[rockland1]

Sharp also made a model with the insertable cards. It was never very popular.

 

[danemodsandy]

What Gets Me.....

....Is that somewhere in a moldering warehouse, there are probably boxes of the cards, stocked against a demand that never materialized.

 

[iheartmaytag]

i know not the same

But, My mom had a Kenmore which was a Lytton derivative of the Meal in One Microwave. We had a placecard with I think 35 pre-programmed menu items and you just choose them by number.

Never got used. Neither did the meal in one thing with the rack, or the pause shift power or the temperature probe.

When that oven gave out after 20 years, we just bought a plain old program the time microwave.

 

[petek]

That's probably the Kenmore I was thinking about, thanks

 

[gansky1]

How interesting. Thanks for the additional information on this, I was intrigued by the Toshiba in the other thread, now I see what the cards are like.

 

[hydralique]

Cool Microwave . . .

What a shame Hoover never saw fit to sell their famous Keymatic washing machine here in the US, just imagine a house with both a Menu-Matic in the kitchen and a Keymatic in the laundry and drawers of dedicated little cards to operate them.