Need new OTR Microwave

[westie2]

Our 12 year old OTR MW is starting to give us some problems so looking to replace it.  The current one is a Kenmore and has the sensor cook and defrost  and has done a great job.  The turntable is turn on or turn off for larger items.  We do lots of cooking,defrosting and reheating with the MW.  One we are looking at is the Maytag model with the side to side table rather than the round turn table. Open for suggerstions on what to get and your toughts.  Want it in White.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Charles

 

[mattl]

I guess if it has to go out, now is a good time- lots of deals out there.  Not sure about the side-to-side plate, they are pretty rare.  If the microwave shower is pretty even it might not be a problem, but I notice in my 5 year old TOL Whirlpool microwave when water is boiling as it rotates some spots get substantially less power than others, with limited movement might be an issue.

 

If you get the side to side lets us know how well it works...

 

[mtn1584]

Maytag or Whirlpool both can be had for excellent prices at Lowes or Home Depot before Christmas. I just got a Maytag for 148 at HD and I love it!!!
Mike

 

[westie2]

Thanks Mike.  We saw that online at HD.  It is a good value.  Our HD's are about 15 miles to either one and we had a Lowes about 2 miles from us.  Will look though.  Reviews so far are good on both.  $$$'s talk though.  Our first MW we bought in 1977 was right at $800.00 and weighed a ton and no turn table it lasted about the same time. Second one was running when we bought this current one and it went out last year at one of my sons  so lasted from 1988 to 2010.  Not bad.  Our first 2 were Wards.

 

Matt the side to side we will have to see operate.  It also kinda rotates also.

 

 

 

 

[golittlesport]

have you looked at convection combos?

I almost got that side to side Maytag last year, but at the last minute chose a Maytag micro/convection OTR combo. LOVE it! It is like having two ovens, plus a microwave. Very handy...and the convection oven turns out some great food...I like it especially for roasting meat. Check the combos out while you are shopping.

 

[westie2]

Thanks Rich

Will look at the convection/MW too.  We have the Maytag convection 30 inch wall oven and we love it. 

 

[westie2]

We looked at the mivro/convect but ended up with the side to side microwave.  Since we have the Maytag convection 30" oven plus a small convectin counter top oven and a roaster oven decided to save the money.  We got the stailess steel.  We bought it at Home Depot as they had to order it.  Goit 10% off the price and free delivery and take away to boot.  Won't be delivered itnil Dec. 23.

 

 

 

[paulg]

TIP

When buying any OTR microwave, take into consideration the BTU output of the range below. If your range below is of a high-BTU output variety, it may damage the (usually plastic) OTR microwave above it. If so, ensure that an accessory heat guard is available. This guard usually looks like a little awning that attaches to the lower front bottom lip of the OTR microwave to make sure the heat from the range below doesn't run up the front of the microwave and soften the plastic.

 

[golittlesport]

Hope you enjoy your new MW oven. That side to side Maytag looked like a great machine.

 

[whirlcool]

And be careful of sharp edges on the bottom of the Maytag microwave. A few years ago I bought a Maytag gas range w/convection oven and was looking at the Maytag OTR microwaves and found quite a few very sharp edges on the bottom of it. We ended up with a GE microwave that actually looked better with the Maytag range than the Maytag microwave did.

Paul:

That's a VERY good tip about the heat over the stove. When out Maytag oven is put in self clean mode (we have only done it once so far, we are waiting for a day with the high in the 20's(f) to clean it again) it almost melted the microwave over it! The next time we self clean the oven, we may take the microwave down and move it to another room for safe keeping while the self clean is in progress!

 

[westie2]

Paul thanks for the psoting.  We have the built in 36" 5 burner smooth top so not that much heat.  When we redid our kitch 4 years ago we made sure the height was the right distance from cooktop,  Our cabinets on that side are also deeper to have a more built in look for the MW. 

 

Allen I remember now when you posted about the sharp edges.  Will look at it again as can still change the order for the Maytag.  Will run at lunch to check it out.  Won't say anything to wife yet as she is sold on the Maytag.

 

[westie2]

Update on the OTR MW

It was delivered last Friday and had a son help me get it installed.  Was very quick and easy to get in.  So far we realloy like the way it is working.  Have made several batches of candy, softened butter and cream cheese, used the cook bacon (good job) Cooled frozen vegatables, have started to cook a quiche before moving to the oven. (one thing that this won't do like Golottesports) Overall we are happy with it. 

 

Allen we did check for sharp edges and can't find any (yet). 

 

We really like the slide/side by side motion of the tray over the turntable. 

 

Even grandkids like the Kids menu items to do things.

 

Will keep updates on how it goes.