Who makes a good microwave?

[Jaepheth]

Looking to get a 30" Over-the-range microwave w/ convection around 1000 watts.

What are the most reliable brands these days?

 

[lxskllr]

Aren't they all about the same? Seems like all last forever unless they get hit by lightening or something. The engineers need to start earning their keep, and make non-replaceable parts more breakable.

 

[Vdubchaos]

No such a thing as a GOOD microwave.

We don't even have one...

 

[bignateyk]

Aren't they all about the same? Seems like all last forever unless they get hit by lightening or something. The engineers need to start earning their keep, and make non-replaceable parts more breakable.

No, not even close.

Power is the biggest factor. There is a massive difference between a 600 Watt microwave and a 1300 watt microwave.

I can heat a cup of water in like 30 seconds on our new 1300 watt. It used to take like 3 minutes on the old one.

 

[Vdubchaos]

No, not even close.

Power is the biggest factor. There is a massive difference between a 600 Watt microwave and a 1300 watt microwave.

I can heat a cup of water in like 30 seconds on our new 1300 watt. It used to take like 3 minutes on the old one.

That's the PRO

The Con is, you will probably get cancer much sooner in life.

 

[torpid]

According to consumer reports, Kenmore makes a good microwave. A lot of them.

 

[lxskllr]

No, not even close.

Power is the biggest factor. There is a massive difference between a 600 Watt microwave and a 1300 watt microwave.

I can heat a cup of water in like 30 seconds on our new 1300 watt. It used to take like 3 minutes on the old one.

I took that for granted. I meant any microwave in the same power range. I actually prefer lower powered models. They're more forgiving of overcooking.

 

[MontyAC]

I have an over the range GE microwave with exhaust to the outside. Been running great for over 12 years. Only needed to replace an inside bulb.

 

[bignateyk]

I took that for granted. I meant any microwave in the same power range. I actually prefer lower powered models. They're more forgiving of overcooking.

That's what the power setting is for.

 

[torpid]

I took that for granted. I meant any microwave in the same power range. I actually prefer lower powered models. They're more forgiving of overcooking.

Some models do not heat evenly. That is the main difference I can think of unless you care about the ease of use.

 

[bignateyk]

Panasonic makes good ones.. at least stand alone units.

This is the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Pres...less+microwave

 

[MrColin]

I avoid GE branded items, they seem to have broken new ground in the area of predetermined lifetime. Or they suck unintentionally, I can't be sure.

 

[DesiPower]

Out Maytag is going strong after 8 years, came with the home, ask the latest greatest features...

 

[lxskllr]

That's what the power setting is for.

I use high power for everything. IT'S LIKE USING CAPS LOCK. IT'S JUST COOLER :^D

 

[bignateyk]

I use high power for everything. IT'S LIKE USING CAPS LOCK. IT'S JUST COOLER :^D

 

[dr150]

That's the PRO

The Con is, you will probably get cancer much sooner in life.

I suggest you take an EMF meter to test out the microwaves in a store.

There is a HUGE difference in EMF blasts (20+ mG) from one device to another, regardless of brand.

One can be shielded decently a few feet away with less than 20 mG while another fancy one can throw 20+mG across a large room! (anything less than 1.5mG is safe, but impossible with a microwave unless you're far away from the machine)

You should really do your research on Google to inform yourself so that you choose a machine that minimizes your exposure.
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BTW, microwaves destroy enzymes in food as well.

 

[Kelvrick]

Don't forget to look at the fan ratings as well.

 

[William Gaatjes]

I know only one thing. A magnetron (microwave) should only have 2 rotary buttons.
Mechanical. One for the timer, One as duty cycle modulator (Turning on intermittently a relay, the transformer and finally powering the magnetron vacuum tube).
The more electronics and buttons, the more sensitive.
I bought a whirlpool with 2 buttons about 10 to 15 years ago. It still works.

 

[ElFenix]

I use high power for everything. IT'S LIKE USING CAPS LOCK. IT'S JUST COOLER :^D

usinG THE poweR SETting JUST cyclES THe magNETRon on AND Off.

 

[Vdubchaos]

I suggest you take an EMF meter to test out the microwaves in a store.

There is a HUGE difference in EMF blasts (20+ mG) from one device to another, regardless of brand.

One can be shielded decently a few feet away with less than 20 mG while another fancy one can throw 20+mG across a large room! (anything less than 1.5mG is safe, but impossible with a microwave unless you're far away from the machine)

You should really do your research on Google to inform yourself so that you choose a machine that minimizes your exposure.
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.
.
BTW, microwaves destroy enzymes in food as well.

I don't care and simply have no use for one.

I don't mind taking few extra min of my day to heat up last nights meal. It tasted 10 times better as well.

Stove has never failed me.

 

[William Gaatjes]

I almost forgot, the plateau the food is on, must be able to turn, a so called turntable. Much more reliable then those rotating magnetron deflectors.

 

[jagec]

BTW, microwaves destroy enzymes in food as well.

So do stoves, and so does your digestive system.

usinG THE poweR SETting JUST cyclES THe magNETRon on AND Off.

Not if you get an inverter model.

 

[CraigRT]

I like Panasonic, but I like Panasonic for pretty much anything you can actually get from them.

 

[wirednuts]

Panasonic makes good ones.. at least stand alone units.

This is the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Pres...less+microwave

i think panasonic does them right. ive had kenmore and fridgidare. theyre cheap and break.

its not just about power. its about how it uses that power to... some microwaves have EXCELLENT reheat configurations, it actually does the job somewhat right. others have a reheat setting and it just turns your food into rubber.

 

[Red Squirrel]

My parents have an over the range Panasonic that's probably about as old as I am, if older. Works great.