NDR-Looks like our microwave is on its way out...

music83lover2001

Does anyone else feel like they are always replacing or fixing an appliance or vehicle?  It is taking forever to heat up anything and it is getting loud, though it was never quiet to begin with.  I don't know what size it is (it is a countertop microwave.  I would love an over the range one, but the kitchen will need to be remodeled for that to happen and I think we will need to look for a new microwave again before that happens), but a bag of popcorn couldn't turn properly once it was getting full size.  I would like stainless steel and would like to spend between $100-175 but would go up to $200-225 if it had a lot of useful, awesome features.  We usually just use our microwave for leftovers and the occasional bag of popcorn.  It would be nice to have a softening feature for cream cheese or butter, but I am not up on the newest convenience features of microwaves so I don't know what else is an option that would be nice to have.  If anyone can recommend their microwave or has the latest ratings from Consumer Reports they would care to share I would really appreciate it. 

lmdbww

music83lover2001:

Does anyone else feel like they are always replacing or fixing an appliance or vehicle?  

Yes, I feel like this is the story of my life! Last year our dishwasher broke and our stove (literally) blew up in the same week.

Our fav microwave ever was a Samsung (it was expensive and had all of those neat little feature buttons like you mentioned). It lasted about 7 years and then stopped heating too, but it was awesome and I miss it. It would have cost more to fix it than to replace, so I just bought a cheap $80 one at Walmart. I'm glad I didn't spend much on it because we're moving and not taking it with us (because our new house has an over range microwave).

adhdfashion

Yes and No. I fear it is coming. I have builder grade stove, dishwasher, and microwave. My car is getting elderly and may have to retire. So I see this all happening in the next few years. 

Jenni232323

I'm not going to be much help because the microwave we bought about a year ago is now $650 from Lowes. I had wanted a simple over the range with bottom controls. We tried 2 of the same Samsung models and they both didn't work. Then saw the KitchenAid which was on sale for around $350. I really didn't use the microwave for anything except water for tea and popcorn before we got the Kitchenaid. Now we use it for everything from popcorn and defrosting meats to baking chicken or baking cookies. Our oven is now a storage spot and will likely only be used on holidays.

CrackHabit

I'd love to know what you find out while you're researching microwaves! Please post back and share what you discover and which ones you find to be the best-rated. Finding reliable and affordable appliances can be so frustrating and time consuming.

I recently signed up for Consumer Reports. It only costs $30 for the year and was an immense help when researching cars recently. You might want to consider getting a membership! Definitely money well spent IMO.

music83lover2001

Will do.  I hope ours can hold out until I find one that will work for our needs and price point.  I go to CR for most purchases, but always for appliances.  My dad has a subscription so I usually just ask him for his latest issues, but have considered getting a membership myself.  Have the seen the CR magazine ShopSmart?  I have only seen it at the grocery store, but never bought an issue.  That one looks like a possibility also.  Thanks for the input!

Monica D

I bought a SS Electrolux last year at Pacific Sales...it was a floor model and I think I paid under $300 for it. There are a couple of things I don't care for (the defrost and reheat can be tricky), but overall I'm happy with it.