Microwave Ovens

[Undertoad]

Microwaves work by spinning water molecules around; the molecules heat up from all the moving around. In defrosting, the ice is slowly changed to water, but then once it becomes water, the waves heat it really fast. So wherever the meat changed from ice to water first, gets superheated, while the rest of the meat remains ice.

[Cloud]

Here's some stuff from Consumer Reports:

Most models did a respectable job of basic microwaving tasks such as defrosting meats, reheating leftovers, and making popcorn. You'll probably pay more for an oven with a larger capacity, stainless-steel finish, lots of presets, and additional functions like convection and speed cooking.

For a basic countertop unit:
The Kenmore (Sears) 6633[9] and 6325[2] excelled in our defrosting test and are slightly more spacious. The Panasonic Inverter NN-SD697[S] was excellent at evenly heating food and offers optional wall mounting. All three have sensors, which detect when food is done and automatically turn off the oven. Choose the Sanyo EM-S6588S for its low price.

The midsized Cuisinart CMW-200 has a grill mode, convection, and speedcook. Among larger countertop units, the GE JES2251SJ[SS] tops the category and offers the most usable space. The Panasonic Inverter NN-T945[S]F was very easy to use and is available in stainless steel and can be mounted on the wall. Choose the Whirlpool Gold GT4175SP[b] or GE Profile PEB2060DM[BB] for its consistent performance; the GE can be wall mounted. Select the Panasonic Inverter NN-SD797[S] or the Magic Chef MCD1611ST for its relatively low price, or the Kenmore (Sears) Elite 6790[9] for its convection and speedcook options. The Frigidaire Gallery FGM0205K[F] offers impressive heating evenness and defrosting.

If this is helpful and you want the full ratings, I could probably print them out, scan them, and email them to you. Just pm me.

[monster]

Originally Posted by Cloud

Here's some stuff from Consumer Reports:



If this is helpful and you want the full ratings, I could probably print them out, scan them, and email them to you. Just pm me.

thanks, no I don't need ratings. The one that is dying is that Panasonic inverter. But we got a sweet deal on it because we bought it with other things and we really don't want to pay that much. I'll have a look for the Sanyo.

[skysidhe]

Since I only reheat leftovers and warm coffee and tea I bought a cheapo for $50 dollars from a Bi-Mart store. They seem old school shop like a 5 and dime. Sometimes you can find good deals.

[wolf]

Once upon a time, when nuke-o-matics were large, costly devices, I had a LOVELY Sharp that lasted and lasted and then suddenly, one day, it wouldn't heat momwolf's water.

I did much comparison shopping, went to many stores, and finally picked one using the most important of criteria ... it was just under $50 and fit in the back seat of my car. And I was too tired to drive back over to the Target and get the nice one for $45.

That one lasted another ten years. Had to replace that one about 6 months ago or so, with one that cost under $40 from the Walmart.

[skysidhe]

Originally Posted by wolf

ater.

I did much comparison shopping, went to many stores, and finally picked one using the most important of criteria ... it was just under $50 and fit in the back seat of my car. And I was too tired to drive back over to the Target and get the nice one for $45.

heh heh heh my kind of criteria.

If I had money, or wanted to spend money on something to cook with it would be a convection oven.

[kerosene]

I have an old ass giant microwave...I still haven't really figured out how to use it. It has analog dials and a little flip clock thing on it. My husband says I shouldn't stand in front of it while it is running.

[xoxoxoBruce]

He's right, why should you be standing in front of it when you could be fetching him a beer?

[Tulip]

I'm still using the humongous microwave that we bought in '86. Waiting it to die so we can get something prettier and more compact, and I'm told, would use less electricity.

[TheMercenary]

We have had great luck with the Kenmore models from Sears. The one that we have now is going strong at 12 years when the house was built.

[wolf]

Probably complete crap, but ... stand in front of nuker with a fluorescent tube. If it lights or flickers while the nuker's operating, flee for your life.

[Tulip]

Originally Posted by wolf

Probably complete crap, but ... stand in front of nuker with a fluorescent tube. If it lights or flickers while the nuker's operating, flee for your life.

I think I will try this...

[kerosene]

I'm going to try it, too. If I can figure out how to turn the thing on.

[Pie]

Older microwaves tended to be better shielded than newer ones. They had no idea what they were dealing with, so they over-built.

[monster]

Actually, I don't like it, but generally I tolerate it because it's just a name and there's no point fighting the tide. But we're all allowed to snap occasionally and my asshole tolerance level was low that day. I have mentioned it a few times, but people don't see what they don't want to.

...and you'll note I did say please.... for all the good that will do me