Author Topic: Do I need a new microwave?  (Read 25736 times)

meadow lark

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Do I need a new microwave?
« on: May 23, 2013, 02:27:17 AM »
A week or so ago I saw a spark in my microwave, then it immediately went away.  Tonight I made something in it, and the outside of the microwave is very hot.  Should I buy a new one?  I don't know anything about microwaves, I suspect that they are magic, and I would hate to injure my family and myself because the good magic turned into bad magic...

stigto

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2013, 03:06:26 AM »
Why do you need a microwave at all? I never had one, and I can't say I miss having one.

cerberusss

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2013, 03:48:02 AM »
The element that generates microwaves, generates some waste heat. Usually that is moved away with a heat sink and a fan. Perhaps the fan is broken?

In any case, you could have it repaired if it's worth it. Or else just get another one.

jfer_rose

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2013, 04:33:37 AM »
I got rid of my microwave 8 years ago due to lack of counter space. I find that my leftovers taste better when reheated either on the stove or the oven and reheating on the stove is about as quick as reheating in the microwave. I don't miss the microwave one bit. Just something to think about...

BlueMR2

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2013, 06:31:52 AM »
I'd check and see if it can be repaired for a reasonable cost.  A working microwave does use less power to do the same job compared to a stove/oven.  So, if the repair price is low enough it might be cost effective.

The only reason I have one is that it came with the house.  Since it's there I go ahead and use it to save a little bit of electricity (my stove/oven is electric).  If it blew up, I wouldn't replace it though.  Food *does* just taste better coming from a stove/oven than a microwave.

hoodedfalcon

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2013, 06:35:49 AM »
I vote that the microwave is dying and is gracefully attempting to simplify your life. I got rid of my microwave so long ago I can barely remember if I even had one to begin with.

Another Reader

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2013, 06:45:35 AM »
Microwaves are very useful tools.  They save time and simplify food preparation.  You have a teenager that needs to feed himself and you both work.  Time is precious.

You should be able to find a Sharp or Panasonic for under $80 on sale.  Sears and Costco often have one cubic foot models at this price point.  If there is any question about the safety of the current microwave, discard it by recycling and purchase a new one.

chucklesmcgee

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #7 on: May 23, 2013, 06:48:47 AM »
I'd check and see if it can be repaired for a reasonable cost.  A working microwave does use less power to do the same job compared to a stove/oven.  So, if the repair price is low enough it might be cost effective.

The only reason I have one is that it came with the house.  Since it's there I go ahead and use it to save a little bit of electricity (my stove/oven is electric).  If it blew up, I wouldn't replace it though.  Food *does* just taste better coming from a stove/oven than a microwave.

Highly doubt that the repair costs would be less than a new microwave. You can pick one up at Walmart for $30-$40.

Does the door still close appropriately? If it does, you shouldn't have to worry about radiation leakage. I think I'd second concerns about a fan not working. That could cause a fire. I'd use your microwave sparingly or under close supervision only until you get this worked out.

dragoncar

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #8 on: May 23, 2013, 10:32:47 AM »
Yeah I'd worry about fire given what you said.  Maybe try life without the microwave for a week or two.  See if you really want one.  New ones can be very cheap, but there's also a huge market for cheap/free ones in your personal network, Craigslist, or free cycle.  People will give them away when moving, when merging appliances with room mates, when they get dirty, etc.

GuitarStv

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #9 on: May 23, 2013, 11:33:22 AM »
A week or so ago I saw a spark in my microwave, then it immediately went away.  Tonight I made something in it, and the outside of the microwave is very hot.  Should I buy a new one?  I don't know anything about microwaves, I suspect that they are magic, and I would hate to injure my family and myself because the good magic turned into bad magic...

Magic sucks.  Here's what you need to know:

Microwave ovens work by emitting a radio wave of the correct wavelength (2.45 GHz) to knock around water molecules.  The water molecules in your food heat up as they begin moving more quickly.  They are significantly more efficient than heating something with a conventional oven or range.

A microwave oven uses something called a faraday cage to prevent transmission of potentially dangerous waves outside of the oven.  A faraday cage is basically a metal cage connected to a ground.  You can see some of this cage at the front of the microwave door, where the fine mesh that makes up this cage are often visible.  The holes are small enough to prevent the escape of microwaves, but large enough to allow you to see through into the chamber.  Unless your oven has experienced a big hole in the side or front, you should be as safe as ever from microwaves when using it.

ozzage

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #10 on: May 23, 2013, 12:39:47 PM »
To echo the others, do you REALLY need it? We live quite happily without a microwave and never miss it.

But otherwise I would strongly suspect you could find one free on freecycle if you were willing to wait for a while until one showed up.

twinge

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #11 on: May 23, 2013, 02:02:31 PM »
Quote
To echo the others, do you REALLY need it? We live quite happily without a microwave and never miss it

I think this is a good thing to always consider when replacing a purchase, but also to figure in the broader costs/benefits.  For instance,    if you're not using a microwave you probably are still heating your food--maybe with a less efficient device which would involve wasting more electricity (or gas depending on your stove) and adding more heat into your house.  When I do the analysis, I find it makes sense to own one-- it cooks food quicker and more efficiently than our electric stove, my kids can use it more independently with less danger than turning on the burners.

You could do a "Wanted" listing on Freecycle, people in our area frequently have extras laying around after getting a built-in one during a kitchen remodel.

Emg03063

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #12 on: May 24, 2013, 02:02:50 AM »
I'd check out YouTube for microwave repair and see if I could fix it myself.  If not, check Craigslist for used microwaves.  You should be able to pick one up for $20 or so.

meadow lark

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #13 on: May 24, 2013, 07:35:40 PM »
Interesting no one here seems to understand the real reason I love my microwave - not having to wash as many pots!  I do not like to clean.  I also am not willing to live in a dirty house.  Therefore, my vision of continuous optimization of my life, involves dirtying as few dishes and pots as possible.  Until I teach my 3 freeloading canines to clean the house, I will be using a microwave.

StarswirlTheMustached

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Re: Do I need a new microwave?
« Reply #14 on: May 24, 2013, 10:10:41 PM »
I have two questions, with regard to your first post:
1) Does food still get hot inside the magic box?
2) Is the magic box on fire?

If you answered yes to the first question, and no to the second, you can keep using the old one. For now.