Author Topic: Microwave Badassity  (Read 1830 times)

Bird In Hand

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Microwave Badassity
« on: February 11, 2020, 11:57:50 AM »
Our old over-the-range microwave died a while back.  I could do without a microwave, but my wife really likes having a functional one vs an extra large breadbox with a clock.  I did enough diagnosing of the old microwave to realize that the parts alone would cost close to $200, and I'd risk electrocution to install them.  Given that the microwave was 20 years old...no thanks.

So I did a bunch of research, found a suitable replacement, and waited for it to go on sale with a free shipping promotion.  $279 for a 1.9 cuft over-the-range delivered to my door.  Not bad!

Then I doubled down on the badassity and installed it myself.  It was a pain, there was some cursing involved, and a bloody knuckle or two.  But I saved about $150 on the installation cost, and learned something new (not just new swear words).

Then I tripled down on the badassity when I discovered the same microwave just went on sale for $219 at the same retailer.  It took a phone call or two, but they refunded the $60 to my credit card without much hassle.

Finally, my badassity paid even more dividends when I did all the aforementioned work as a surprise for my wife when she was out of town.  I dunno, I just feel really pleased about the whole thing -- I hope someone enjoys reading this.

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Microwave Badassity
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2020, 01:04:36 PM »
Made me smile. Also love picturing the look on your wife's face when she came back to see the microwave.

Thanks for sharing.

moneypitfeeder

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Re: Microwave Badassity
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2020, 05:15:58 PM »
Awesome job! I'm still working with the countertop micro I bought used (abt $25) about 15 yrs ago. (not OTC, which are significantly more $). Few years back it started dying and I found that I could replace a simple mica sheet (the waveguide cover)-and now it works great again. Ordered the sheet for a couple bucks, cut it to fit, drilled holes for the mounting screws, and back in business.

GuitarStv

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Re: Microwave Badassity
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2020, 05:31:21 PM »
When our 1970's microwave with wood panelling died I paid one of my friends (who is an electrical engineer working in a nuclear plant) twenty bucks to take it apart and fix it.  It's been going strong for the past 12 years.  :P

gwhunter

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Re: Microwave Badassity
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2020, 06:34:33 PM »
Good for you on the install and learning some new DIY skills!

p.s. we've been without a microwave in our kitchen for going on 5 years now.  Love the increase in counter space it provides.  Only ever really miss it for the quick way to heat up leftover pizza.  But, because pizza delivery is for millionaires, we rarely have leftovers that require a microwave.  (I won't lie, though, I have used the microwave at work on a regular basis)

TVRodriguez

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Re: Microwave Badassity
« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2020, 06:41:42 PM »
Aw, that's sweet!

Bird In Hand

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Re: Microwave Badassity
« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2020, 08:02:15 PM »
Made me smile. Also love picturing the look on your wife's face when she came back to see the microwave.

Thanks for sharing.

She's coming back tonight -- I'll be asleep when she gets home.  I hope she doesn't notice it tonight so I can see the look on her face when she sees it tomorrow morning.