Microwave Oven Recommendations Anyone?

[launderess]

Last night whilst heating up a few things for dinner, our ten or so year old Sharp microwave oven seems to have died.

Say "seems" as the display works (just), and timer counts down, can be programmed, and so forth, but neither the turntable or fan motor engages, nor does the thing heat. Lights come on and strangely the unit goes through the motions of cooking, just nothing is happening.

As self repair of a microwave is a huge no no for non-professionals, looked around today for a repair person, and no such luck. Everyone says the same thing, repairs will cost equal or more than a new unit, so it does not pay to repair. Because it does not pay to repair, service persons don't bother, hence the lack of repair places.

Sssssssooooooooooo, now have to get a new microwave before the holidays.

Any recommendations?

This was one of the last Sharp "Carousel" models to be made in the USA. Back when Sharp was located in New Jersey no less. Darn thing is heavy and built quite well. A quick trip to Best Buy eariler pretty much found quality lacking in many new units. Have heard good things about GE microwaves, but everyone says don't plan on getting more than 5 or so years on any new sold today. Like everything else once considered "major appliances", microwaves have become a throw-away item.

Thoughts?

TIA

L.

 

[rp2813]

So far I'm liking our new Panasonic "inverter" model, especially the part about it that allows me to turn the knob to set number of minutes and then hit "start." It's not nearly as solid as the 1980 Panasonic it replaced, but at 1300 watts has nearly twice the power. It also has "sensor" capabilities that save you having to guess about how many minutes to cook or reheat something. I don't expect it to last over 25 years like my first one, but it fits in a smaller space than the huge 1980 model, which couldn't be accomodated in our current kitchen.

 

[brisnat81]

Hi Laundress,

Have a look at the Panasonic Models, The build quality hasnt changed much from when I compare my Mother early 80's National Panasonic unit to our recent Large Panasonic Convection unit. We've got the Australian version of the US model in the link attached and it's very quiet and has a heavy door that shuts with a satisfying clunk.

We love the convection oven, I can cook a roast dinner for 4 without generating as much heat as the full size oven does in summer. It is an absolute godsend.

The other advantage is that Panasonic have been making everything in Malaysia for 10 or years now and after a few manufacturing quirks when things went from Japan originally, everything seems to be pretty fault free.

I would expect 5-10 year life at least out of a current Panasonic model.

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Home-Appliances/Microwave-Ovens/Stainless-Steel/model.NN-C994S_11002_7000000000000005702

 

[sudsmaster]

Ten years is about the expected lifespan of a microwave oven. Usually it's the magnetron unit that goes out, and as you've guessed the cost of replacing one of those is generally more than the cost of a new oven.

I have Panasonic Inverter oven with membrane touchpad (no dial) and sensor cooking. What I like most about the Inverter design is that in order to do less than 100% power, it actually reduces the power it puts out, instead of cycling 100% on and off over the cooking time, as with most other ovens. Theoretically this means the heating is more gentle, and along with the sensor it seems to do a very good job on heating up things like frozen entrees. It also does a good job on stuff like popcorn (which is full power).

I had bought a second Panasonic Inverter unit, this one with actually tactile buttons, which I really liked, but it failed after about a year and a half and Costco gave me a full refund. Some stores might not be as lenient, esp after a year. The first Inverter I got is now about 7 years old and still working fine.

I also have a large Kenmore oven that's about 10 years old. It is a quite heavy unit. It also has sensor cooking and a "dial" to input things like selections and minutes. What I like most about it is that in addition to the turntable it also has a translucent magnetron cover with an aluminum fan, which supposedly helps to even out the microwaves. I got this to replace a small Hitachi/Amana oven that lasted about 10 years. I wanted to try the Inverter technology so when I got the Panasonic the Kenmore went into the enclosed patio kitchen where it gets infrequent use. One feature it has that the Panasonic lacks is a beverage setting, which seems to work pretty good. I think it has a better sensor setup than the Panasonic as well, with both heat and steam sensors, while the Panasonic (like most microwaves) only has one sensor if any. But it doesn't seem to sensor cook any better than the Panasonic, and if anything it tends to overcook frozen entrees.

So, the Panasonic is probably a good design. If you don't buy from Costco you might want to make the purchase with a credit card that automatically doubles the mfg warranty. I'd get the one with the tactile push buttons (I figure the one I got that failed was a fluke) and a beverage setting. Just my opinion. One used to be able to get countertop microwaves with meat temperature probes and second story racks, but I haven't seen any of those for a while.

 

[launderess]

Thanks Guys

Keep those suggestions coming.

Googled Panasonic "inverter" microwave ovens, and there seems to be quite a few complaints about the inverter technology causing problems. One woman also mentioned that the unit does not light up while in use, only when the door is opened. This means one cannot keep tabs on progress unless one keeps stopping the unit and opening the door.

Have heard lots of great things about GE microwave ovens. Also was told by local appliance salesman that all microwaves are made by two companies, GE and Sharp, just rebadged into whatever brand name.

Did consider using one of our credit cards to double the warranty, but since my Sears card is empty, was going to get something from Sears. My statement just closed last Friday, thus the bill wouldn't come due until Febuary (statement for December renders in January, and isn't due until Feb). This way can pay the whole thing off and not worry about adding onto an existing credit card balance.

 

[toggleswitch2]

Since they die quickly (7 to 10 years) I got myself a no-name ("E-wave") made in China BOL POS for 40 entire US dollars.

Has a defrost setting, 10 heat levels, electronic timer and a turnatable. Thank you Homo Depot.

It is my understanding that the majority of mannies (read: ALL) are Chinese, Japanese or Korean and everyone slaps their badge on those.

 

[hydralique]

No Panasonic for me!

For many years I really liked Panasonic products but have pretty much given up on them after having a high-end bread machine die after only a year, and an Invertor microwave suffered two problems in three or four years.

I really liked the looks of the microwave as it had a sleek stainless steel cabinet, and it cooked pretty well too. However, after only a little over a year the door latch broke. Turns out the problem was a very, very flimsy spring perch in the door itself which held the bottom of a ballpoint pen type spring. The perch just sheared off and left the door unable to close. It was out of warranty so I fixed it by drilling a hole in the bottom of the door trim and installing a nylon screw with a hole drilled in it to hold the spring. It worked like that for two more years until one day I opened the door to get the food out and the oven turned back on by itself as I reached inside! I assume this failure was in some circuit board in the oven as the door itself has no electrical wiring or switches. So I used it for a couple of days with a switched spike bar so I could turn the power off before I opened the door. Then it just died entirely . . . a real piece of crap, unlike the 18 year old Radarange it replaced.

I then went out and bought an LG which seemed nice until I unpacked it and plugged it in. It would light up but not do anything at all regardless of what buttons were pushed (and yes I did read the instructions carefully). Within two hours that was returned to Best Buy and replaced by a GE. So far this works pretty well, although I hate having to push "time cook" every time I want to punch in "XX" seconds - with the Radarange and Panasonic one just punches in the numbers and the oven assumes it is seconds. The GE buttons are small as well, presumably to save space for useless buttons labeled "Beverage" and "Popcorn". Overall I'm pleased with the GE and would buy another, but it's no Radarange.

 

[brisnat81]

Panasonic make theirs in their factories in Malaysia, so there are at least 3 manufacturers, if not more. Maybe he means only 2 in the US?

I think any brand has lemons, ours is 2 years old without a problem and with a light that comes on with the door and when it runs. The inverter is great for reheating gravies etc, rather than having seconds where things bubble and spit and then nothing, they get gentle heat the whole time when not on high.

My grandmother only acheives a lifespan of about 6 years with hers, but she uses hers for making Jam, which has a pretty detrimental effect on the magnetron, however as the microwave part dies, she can still use the convection oven and finds it a great supplement to the wood stove.

We dont have GE cooking appliances here so I cant comment on their quality, you've had a good run with Sharp, where as in AU almost Sharp anything fails within a few years.

If you want cheap, then it probably doesnt matter what you buy, however I agree with Hydralique, avoid LG at all costs. We had one and it was slow to heat with buttons that you could press faster than it could register the press. When it died at 2 years we were releived.

Just try and buy one that is badged by the company who makes it and you should be fine.

 

[gansky1]

I too have a Panasonic Inverter 1300W model I bought at Costco for $99. I wanted/needed a size that would fit into the pantry cabinet in the new kitchen and this one fit the bill and has been a very good performer in the year or so we've been using it. I like the dial for odd second/minute settings but most frequently can be found using the "quick min" button in various combinations for most re-heating and cooking functions. I really don't like that there is no interior light while the oven is operating, but I don't use it for much more than re-heating and regularly cooked items so I pretty much know what to expect.

I bought a GE at Lowes shortly before this one, nice looking unit but the quality was non-existent and the touchpad was difficult to use. A previous GE had "quick-set" controls; 1,2,3,4,5,6 number pads were instant start buttons for the corresponding minutes of cooking time. One tap and you're cooking. The Lowes GE didn't have this, but if you can find a model that does, that feature is wonderful.

 

[DADoES]

I've had several microwaves (Whirlpool & Sharp) last for many years, but they were older models. My sister pulled a compact GE out of the trash at work, my dad found it had only blown a fuse. It was "old" then, I sold it to the theater for $30, still running there. I have a nice Sharp Platinum Collection unit (with the touch panel embedded across front of the door), several display segments have gone bad which makes for difficulty reading the scrolling usage prompts. The GE OTR in my house is OK as a microwave, but the OTR aspect sucks, and I don't like the power profile, 50% power seems like 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off. The Invertor models sound ideal, but I'd also read some negatives on them.

 

[perc-o-prince]

We have an LG with the rounded back corners. Does a great job. Got it "open box" at Best Buy for about $105 several years ago.

Chuck

 

[ronhic]

Sharp

I don't envy you trying to find a good microwave.

I personally think that they are getting too powerful now and it is getting harder to judge timings etc....just ask my mother who recently replaced a 26 yr old Sanyo (600watts) that was HUGE with a new Sharp (1100 watts)

...having said that, I have a 14yr old Sharp Carosel Sensor Cook that I would be lost without. We use it daily and mainly on Sensor Cook. I don't think it was made in Japan, but I have had absolutely no complaints about it and would not hesitate to buy another.

I think I'll cry when it stops....

 

[Cybrvanr]

I've messed around with many G.E.'s inside, and they have a host of Samsung parts in them. I think the GE ones are just outsourced to Samsung, which isn't bad, because they have been pretty reliable, just don't think you are buying USA just because it's a GE. Does anyone know if Amana still builds their own microwaves? I noticed the Radaranges are still made for professional use, and seem to be pretty good ovens from the ones I've used at 7-11's and sandwich shops.

The problem with high wattage microwave ovens is that they exasperate the uneven cooking issue. I am totally annoyed at microwaves that scorch some parts of the food, while leaving the rest of it uncooked. Lower-wattage microwave ovens cook the food slower, and thus allow the heat to soak through longer. Setting the power back does not do much to solve this problem, because the cycle intervals are way too long. The food gets scorched during the "on" cycle.

Most modern microwaves do not have stirrers in them, and the magnetron radiates out the side of the cooking compartment, causing the uneven cooking to start with. IMHO turntables don't do much to make them cook evenly, but they seem to be the selling point these days. Turntables also reduce the amount of room inside the oven that can be occupied with food (because you must make enough room for the food to rotate)

So, what would my ultimate microwave have?
"Inverter" techology like the Panasonics you guys are discussing here
A radiation stirrer like an old Amana
NO turntable
about 800 watts or so max cooking power
stainless steel interior

 

[cadman]

Wouldn't you rather...

I know I'll take flack for this, but if space isn't an issue, why not a Radarange? Good looking, excellent cooking, 30+ year lifespan and repairable. Plus the operator interface doesn't get any better. There's nothing you can buy today at any price that can match these attributes, and your hard earned dollars aren't being funneled into China for a disposable, non-repairable good. You get the stainless interior, the overhead stirrer, 700-800 watts cooking power, the temp probe and the genuine Amana name. -Cory

 

[appnut]

I too have a Panasonic 1300W inverter tech microwave. I've had it for about 4 years, it's the largest on the market (2.2 cu. ft.) which I needed to adapt to one with a stupid turn table. I had a 1.5 cu. ft. litton for 25 years and it had the space that the current equivalent one has. I'm the minority microwave user--I actually use m,ine to cook in. I needed the space to accommodate my Visions cookware because of the long handles; it could use a 9 x 13" pyrex dish witht he protruding handles at the end; as well as being able to defrost those large "value size" or "family pack" chubs of chicken or similar meats one buys at the store (I usually don't decide what to cook until I want it--thus in freezer and I need to deforst something reliably). Mine has a beverage reheat setting in the 9 or 10 auto-reheat selectionis, but I odn't use it because things usually end up boiling before the end of allotted time. And I agree with Ronhic, it took some getting used to for me with almost double the energy--so I had to recalculate to get to near equivalent power settings for recipes from my library of microwave cookbooks based on 625-650 watt ovens. Like I"m making Sweet & Sour Pork in the microwave for Christmas dinner and have to calculate what wattage output for the Litton vs. my Panasonic because it will cook too fast and toughen the meat cubes otherwise.

 

[sudsmaster]

Both the Panasonic Inverters I had (the one I still have, and the one with tactile buttons) had oven lights that stayed on during cooking. I agree, shutting the light off during cooking is stupid. I imagine they do that to maximize the number of amps they can sent to the magnetron during cooking - but that would be a relatively minor addition.

I also have a small Magic Chef MW I bought when I had a job in a shop where everyone pretty much had their own MW. It was about $60 at Costco, and even comes with a sensor function. When I quit that job I set it up on a table in the kitchen as a backup microwave for times when I wanted to heat up two things at once, quickly. It's similar in design to the e-Wave ovens, except for the sensor feature, and the light only comes on when it's cooking (not when the door is open). I think it's 1,000 watts, but it did a pretty good job on popcorn and heating frozen lunches at work.

 

[DADoES]

I do like the sensor cooking functions. Reheating, depends on what. With the high power, things like casseroles, chili, beans, soup, tend to explode. Very. Damn. Irritating. I've taken to reheating many items by time at 30% or 40% power.

Anybody try adapting sensor functions to other foods? I've found that sausage does nicely using the Fish selection, for example.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

I've had a Amana countertop micro w/convection for about 3-4 years now and have been pleased with it's troublefree performance. I had an ancient Sharp carousel convection that had made it for a long time before it died and I really liked having the convection option for a back-up oven. The Amana AMC6158BAB(similar to the Jennair JMC9158BAB but more reasonably priced) is 1,000 watts, 1.5 c.f., easy to clean and will handle a medium Papa Murphy's take and bake pizza with ease.

Although it's not a current brand anymore, I also had a Riccar microwave that was geriatric when I got it. Talk about solid! Heavier than blazes but ran like a fine watch!

RCD

 

[gansky1]

Just happened to think of...

The store that I bought the Whirlpool electronic control washer from has several NIB old-stock microwave ovens. I bought the only Whirlpool Micro-Convection model but there was still another WP micro-only unit and several O'keefe & Merritt (made by Tappan) and a Riccar microwave left. She was selling them for $50 each if you'd like to go kinda vintage. Although a rather large footprint, they're probably made pretty well.