About two months ago, our microwave gave out. I pulled it apart (despite several labels warning not to) found a burned out fuse, purchase said fuse ($8, had to buy the assortment pack) replaced it, just to have it pop again, declared it dead and sent it to the landfill (after pulling the large transformer for scrap). We decided to go without for awhile, just to see what impact it would have. We don't eat microwave popcorn or dinners, and don't make much tea, but I quickly realized that we used quite a bit to reheat leftovers, which I intentionaly cook extra to have. Between washing the pots required to warm the leftovers (vs just using the plastic storage container or a bowl) and the extra energy used by the stove, I figured the microwave justified its existence, so I hopped on Craigslist and found a suitable replacement for $20. Sure was nice to have hot curry in under 2 minutes and no pot to wash!