Microwaves - What to look for?

thestig on 04/08/2011 - 08:42

I have just woken up this morning to find the microwave isn't heating, so I'm looking to get a new one today.

I don't know much about them, but I'm looking for something decent that heats evenly and is of a decent size.

What else should I be looking for? Are any brands better/worse than others?

What should I be looking at spending? (Happy to spend up to about $300 if i need to as they do seem to last and are used often.)

Is there any new technology etc that I should be going for?

Has anyone seen any good current specials around?

Any help would be much appreciated. Cheers.

General Discussion

Comments

  • neil on 04/08/2011 - 09:06
    +1

    IMO, A microwave is really a microwave. I bought my current one from eBay for $2.

    I would make sure that the biggest plate you plan to microwave fits inside. If it matters to you, the higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook.

    • bluedufflecoat on 04/08/2011 - 09:14

      Agree with size. Sometimes, you think if you're single, you don't need a big microwave - but when you have a larger dish (for sharing, having guests, etc), having limited size is quite annoying.

    • Craze on 08/08/2011 - 22:08
      +1

      You scored a microwave for $2? Truly an Ozbargainer, gotta have my hats off to you! :P

  • llama on 04/08/2011 - 09:41

    Get one with a SENSOR. It is much much better than attempting to guess the amount of cooking time required.

    EG: cooking vegetables…

    a) With Sensor… click "Vegetables" > Start

    b) Without sensor… rely on experience and luck > enter a time (3 mins? 2:40? 5:30?) > Start

  • StewBalls on 04/08/2011 - 11:39

    If you can afford it, go for a convection job…you'll never look back! The versatility is amazing; micro, grill, bake & combo all three!!! :)

  • Tal_Shiar on 04/08/2011 - 16:53

    a small thing for me,is having the display on the outside of the door and not partially on the inside

  • martinj on 06/08/2011 - 14:48

    What size is the tray in your broken microwave? I've got a working microwave that's missing the tray and I'm having trouble finding one at a reasonable price.

  • Doey21 on 06/08/2011 - 15:37

    You should find one that works with aluminium :)

    • TScott on 08/08/2011 - 18:16

      Oh yeah, my Panasonic one from a few years back ~the year 2000 microwaves food in metal/aluminum bowls with no sparks or problems. =) Its metal-proof. =P

  • altomic on 06/08/2011 - 19:44

    bought mine off gumtree for $20 second hand.

    it heats stuff well.

  • Livert on 07/08/2011 - 12:52

    99% of the time you'll be using it to reheat stuff so wattage (1100 minimum) and size should be a priority.

    Most also immediately commence cooking when you hit the start button without entering cook time making it a one button affair. I'd avoid any without this feature.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join