Microwave Oven Recommendations Anyone?

[panthera]

Definitely

stay away from the GE Convection/Grill/Microwaves sold for around $100-$150 at Walmart, Target, etc.
They are trash.

The over the stove GE's and the more expensive ones have given good service to friends of mine here in the US.

The convection function is worth it, the times it saves using a large oven are beyond number, also the dual functionality is truly a time saver without losing the taste which comes from browning.

Mine in Germany is a rebadged Samsung, but that won't help you much here - by the by, I do think a decent Amana Radarrange would be an excellent choice. Since microwaves don't penetrate more than a centimeter or so, more than 900 watts or so is not all that useful, anyway.

 

[mattl]

I have a Whirlpool over the range model that I really like. I know that's not what you are looking for but Whirlpool has it's own version of the "Inverter" and does vary the power too, like the Panny. So you might take a look at their countertop models. The sensor does a good job too. The one thing I REALLY like about it is that it has a silverstone like interior, nothing sticks to it.

I like the 4 in one units, my Whirlpool had a Grill built in, but I wish it had a convection oven too. It does a good job on frozen pizza and I like the option to add some microwaves when I'm grilling chicken pieces in the oven. I know what you mean about not having a microwave in the kitchen, there are man times I wish I had a second one in the kitchen. I do have one in the basement, and have put it to use at times but it's too much trouble to run up and down the stairs to check on stuff.

 

[whirlcool]

We recently bought a GE over the counter microwave that we really like. It's very quiet when running, the interior has a very bright light in it PLUS it cooks very evenly (1000W). For once when you put a frozen dinner in it, they cook to perfection according to the directions on the package.

I know what you mean about Litton. My first model was a Litton. Built like tanks. I too was very shocked when I heard that they got out of the home appliance sector.

 

[whitekingd]

I have had a Sharp 1100 watt microwave for about 4 or 5 years. Works beautifully. Never had a problem with it, and it is easy to use. I'll go for another Sharp regardless of Consumer Reports.

 

[MrX]

I don't know if they're the same models on either side of the atlantic, but we've had a Sharp Combination Oven (Microwave, Fan Oven, Grill) for the last 5 years. It gets pretty hefty use as a microwave and as an oven in combination mode. I've found it extremely robust and reliable, it's a true work horse in the kitchen.

We've had absolutely no problems with it and it makes really nice pizza as it can heat the metal turntable with elements underneath.

It's easy enough to clean, stainless steel interior and dishwasher safe turntable + racks.

It also wasn't expensive enough to worry about too much. If it goes seriously wrong, it's not exactly bank-breaking money to replace it.

If their US models are similar, I would highly recommend them!

 

[frigilux]

Models by Kenmore, Panasonic and GE are in the top half of microwaves rated by Consumer Reports. I have a Kenmore stainless steel mid-size model and it's great. Heats evenly, defrosts evenly and is quiet in operation.

The Panasonic Inverter models are ranked high.

Let us know what you get, Launderess.

 

[aldspinboy]

P A N A S O N I C ! it is the machine that sells the most in our store and under the badge name THERMADOR A CLASSIC made by Panasonic in the high end models. We like the inverter system because it has true power at 50,40,30,20 ext because it does not cycle at 100% on and off like other systems which do's at say 50% so not to start cooking the product . True softning is achieved at 20% power for thirty seconds without melting butter, and defrosting meats are not being cooked on the edges at 50% step down to 30% for as long as need be.There is also and inverter system in the GE line of microwaves made by panasonic if you want a different look put it is very large lol. That's my two cents, laundress have a good holiday to you and the group. Darren k

 

[rp2813]

Inverter Operation Question

I've noticed the Panasonic inverter we bought a few months back still sounds like it's cycling the magnetron on and off rather than reducing power output. Since the oven light doesn't work during operation, the only indicator that something is cycling on and off is the sound of the fan speed. Does anyone know what is happening to cause this apparent change in fan speed? I am presuming the inverter is operating correctly yet the fan has the classic speed change sound of a microwave that is cycling the magnetron on and off.

 

[launderess]

Thanks Everyone!

For your kind words and suggestions.

Well after a day of cooking and reheating with the range, am here to tell you cannot do without a microwave for another day! Had made a good amount of chicken and rice to get us through until we leave for the holiday (and to save from cooking everyday in this busy time of year), and reheating in the oven or even the toaster oven is a royal pain.

One forgets just how much goes into simply reheating food without a microwave, all those damn dishes, pots and so forth. Our every day "china" is Arcoroc tempered glassware, which though microwave safe, is not oven safe. Therefore spent the good part of an hour scouring the kitchen trying to find vessels that were oven safe. In the end it came down to an Eco metal baking pan and some tin foil.

Am going to head up to PC Richards and get whatever GE oven they have under $60, and that will hold until after the holidays. Long as it can defrost, cook veggies, and reheat, I'm good. Will leave the decision on a major replacement until later. If the darn thing lasts several months and dies, won't feel so bad as only out of pocket for a tiny sum.

Panasonic microwaves do seem interesting, but probably couldn't live with an oven that does not light up while cooking. I mean how else can one tell if something is boiling over or becoming over done? Suppose one could keep stopping the oven and peeking inside, but that would get old fast around here.

From what one is hearing here and elsewhere, the choice really comes down to whatever features one requires and finds on a particular oven. None of the units built today will give the kind of service of old, on average. So simply go with whatever tickles one's fancy and be done with it.

Also think how much use a unit gets influences lifespan these days. Some people use their units perhaps only once a day or even a week. Others like our household are on the lines of three, four or more times per day. Sooner or later something will wear (usually a cheap part like the door switch), which in theory can be fixed, but as we all know from modern washing machines, the cost of the part, plus labour usually equals a new unit. Quite simply microwaves have joined the throw away mentality. Just what our landfills needed.

L.

 

[redcarpetdrew]

A way to tell: Mag on or off

When I repair/test microwaves, sometimes they are so quiet, I can't tell if the mag is firing or not. I use a simple testing device called 'magic lights'. This is a clear acrylic bar about the size of a snickers bar with 4-5 gas filled bulbs inside. These bulbs light up individually as the microwaves hit them. It shows if the mag is actually firing and also the scatter pattern as the stirrer scatters the microwaves about for even cooking. It looks cool and the customers say wow... you can order it online or get it at most parts suppliers.

RCD

http://www.geostar.com/mrmicrowave/magic.htm

 

[launderess]

Finally Something Is Starting To Go My Way

Contacted the repair service given by Sharp again today, and this time the owner answered. After explaining my problem, he took down the information and called me back after checking on what "could" be the problem and what parts are still available for my unit.

Repairman thinks it is at least worth taking a look at the oven as several of the potential problems are neither dear to repair nor difficult. Worse case it could be the magnetron (sp?) or control board, which still cost less than a new over (well just). Long story short is we will try to arrange a pick-up date for the oven and let him have a go.

To solve the problem of needing a new MC for cooking in the interim, went over to PC Richards to see what there was to see. Saw several small microwaves starting in the $50 range, but spied a Sayno box with obvious damage sitting to one side. Spoke with one of the salesmen and asked if they would sell the unit at a discount, and he agreed. A whole whopping $30! Whoo-Hoo!

The nice salesman even took the unit out of the box so we could plug it in and make sure it was not DOA (it wasn't), so will see how it survived the trip home.

Unit is only 0.7cu/ft, so much smaller than my Sharp, but will do for reheating, cooking veggies, oatmeal and other small taskes until can sort things out.

 

[ronhic]

A plan!

Sounds a plan...

...though I know if my Sharp goes 'phut' it will have to stay that way. Nobody seems at all interested in looking at appliances today.

As an example, my mother paid AUD$500ish (USD$350)in 1982 which was 2 weeks pay for her for the Sanyo. She paid AUD$250ish (USD$175) for her Sharp this year or less than half a weeks pay...

...the repair people's thoughts are...'why fix when you can update' so they charge $50 per hour to look at it..