My Sharp Microwave Saga - The Last Shout

[launderess]

Yeppers

That do be the total cost, but then again that was the quoted rate before the magnetron saga.

Yes, in a way could have spent the same or less on a new MC, but not for the same build quality in the same size. Even then, the offerings for a today's version didn't do a thing for me.

Also there is the fact one had grown accustomed to this unit, and finding another with all the same functions seemed difficult.

For instance, like the "instant on" button, which simply powered up the unit by pressing start, and kept it on until one released the switch. Power level slection is a snip as well; simply press the power level button then press a number to indicate what level is required. Again, unusual, but couldn't find the whole bag of tricks in one oven.

Either way, one assumes it would have been a throw of the dice. New microwaves do not seem to last more than five years on average, if that before problems develop. For every unit that received one good report, there was at least one (on average) bad review. Mind you this simply could be persons being picky, and or any plant having a bad day, but at least one is dealing with the devil one knows.

There is a 90 day warranty from the servicer on parts and, 180 days on labour. Given the use my oven gets, any problems should turn up before then.

L.

 

[j2400]

Electronics usually have a problem crop up (if it does crop up) in the first hours of use. Some exotic audio companies have run equipment 24 hours before shipping, just to trip off any potential problem. Some people also run new computers 24 hours straight, for the same reason. I'd assume the same applies to microwaves.

 

[frigilux]

My Corning "frying pan" or "searing dish" (or whatever it was called) looked something like this. There were no grill ridges in it. The textured surface must have been on the outside of the bottom, as you describe; it's been awhile since I've seen it. Mine broke shortly after college, due to a temp change shock. Broke right in half.

I recall trying to use it to make pancakes once, but they stuck unmercifully, LOL. Otherwise, it was a very useful piece of cookware.

On having appliances repaired: If you really like a particular appliance, I say pay the money to have it repaired and keep your treasured workhorse---even if that means paying more than it would cost to get a new one. You'll probably get years more service from your Sharp, Launderess.

 

[whirlcool]

Since there are no warnings printed on the corning casserole dish and our friend was not familiar with its operation.
We knew better than to handle it on any surface by the handles when hot. The one we have looks just like Frigilux's and has a clear glass cover for it.
If you heat it up with some butter in it, you can scramble some eggs on the counter top in it. And as you have found out Laundress, food really sizzles when it comes in contact with the hot surface. I have also used mine to brown ribs before pressure cooking and to prepare fajitas for cooking.
Just don't touch the bottom when its hot.

 

[maytagbear]

I have the same browning dish

that Whirlcool pictured immediately above. I use it more often as a plain Corningware dish than for browning, but I still use it for browning.

Makes a great grilled cheese sandwich.

Very glad your microwave is back with you, Laundress!

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[DADoES]

I have a browning dish, came with one of the Sharp units. IIRC, it had several programmed settings (with preheat and cooktime) for specific foods. Haven't used it in years, but perhaps should pull it out and have a go again.

 

[launderess]

Here Is Mine

Works a treat, and came with lots of interesting recipie cards.

 

[launderess]

Corningware "Grab-Its"

Corningware had a great line of microwave and oven safe dishes designed for small/individual portions under their "Heat and Serve" line called "Grab-Its". These are highly sought after today.

Great for not only reheating or cooking small portions, but great for making up small portions of say lasanga or some such, putting it away in the freezer for home-made "frozen dinners".

L

 

[redcarpetdrew]

L, you are right about the older Radars holding their own on power. The mag out of an older unit is close to twice if not three times the weight and size as the cheaper newer ones. The mag (and the rest of the unit as well...) was simply built heavier in all regards with a quality that has long since dried up...

RCD

 

[frigilux]

Launderess---Funny you should mention the Corning Grab-It. I've had one for years. It's a very handy little bowl for reheating.

 

[frigilux]

This is the back of the handle:

 

[maytagbear]

Corningware

Grab-its are WONDERFUL.

I have 8, and use them constantly. They are perfect for onion soup gratinee. Also wonderful for cook and serve Oatmeal!

I forget what they were called, but they were also available in Pyrex, and I have one. Also use it a lot, but less so, due to the limitations of the Pyrex glass.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[westtexman]

Launderess Uses a MICROWAVE?!?!?

I must say, I was a bit disappointed to hear that Launderess even had a microwave, much less used one! I didn't think it was proper to place microwaved-cooked food onto nicely pressed linen tablecloths! LOL.

I'm just playing with ya, Launderess! It's comforting to know that even the "Queen of Housekeeping" uses some modern day comforts (outside of high-quality laundry machinery) to accomplish daily household chores. It makes me feel better to know that you are human too! : )

I'm glad your microwave is fixed and that things are back up and running!

 

[launderess]

That is the older version of Corningware, and in it's many forms highly collectable as well.

Sometime before production began waning, Corningware stopped making range top safe dishes, and only oven and microwave safe. Many a housewive and others not reading the bottom of their Corningware dish assumed it was the same they always had and put it on top of the range, only to have the thing shatter to bits. There was some very furious raised voices I can tell you on the matter.

Old Corningware does have a following, with some women today having tons of it as either gifts, or inherited from various female family members. Some use it to death, others allow it to sit lingering in cupboards.

Shame really, compared to the cheap plastic tat sold today for freezer to microwave use, Corningware is streets ahead. Oh, an let's not get started on the horrors of heating foods in plastic containers when using a microwave.

L.

 

[launderess]

Those Grab-Its

Came with lids as well, and are the ones very much sought after. Great for families with children and even elders one has to make up small separate meals for, that can be reheated later.

L.

 

[DADoES]

The grandmother has a Grab-It with lid. Maybe two.

 

[mattl]

Grab-its

I have about 10 grab-its and both glass and plastic covers. They are very handy and used all the time here. 3 of them are the newer version and I hate them, waiting for them to break. I make scrambled eggs in them from time to time in the microwave and when whisking the utensils leave black marks. The original version never has that problem.

I also use them to make frozen vegetables in, just add some butter and seasoning and perhaps a bit of water and in 2 minutes nicely down veggies.