Spec me a microwave oven

the-evaluator · 23 Jan 2020 at 13:26

We very rarely use the microwave, it's mostly used as a cat proof box when defrosting stuff but it's on it's way out. I can't grumble, it's about 15 years old.

My biggest grumble with the current one is that when it's finished it'll beep. It'll then beep again every minute until ther door is opened. I find that a real pain in the backside so I'd like recommendations for a microwave oven that doesn't do that. I know a unit with a rotary dial would most likely not do it, but that'd look out of place in our kitchen.

Why is the beeping a problem? Yesterday I cooked a piece of frozen coley for the cat but I want to cook it then leave it to cool down in the microwave. After I put it on to cook I answered the phone and the range on my bluetooth headset isn't long enough to let me cancel the beeping without losing the connection to my phone.

So then, recommendations please. I don't think we need anything too special, I don't need a grill and amd not looking to spend more than a couple of hundred quid at the most.

robfosters · 23 Jan 2020 at 13:53

My Samsung microwave beeps once and that’s it. It’s a modern one, so maybe look out for a Samsung at a decent price.

the-evaluator · 23 Jan 2020 at 14:20

I was hoping Samsung wouldn't be recommended as we've had a torrid time wth Samsung stuff breaking but a microwave is likely to be a low value item so I'd take a punt. Thanks!

bloodiedathame · 23 Jan 2020 at 14:38

Our Samsung microwave went rusty inside very quickly. Replaced it with a Russell Hobbs one that the light stopped working in after a few months. Panasonic seem pretty well favoured.

Psycho Sonny · 23 Jan 2020 at 16:34

the-evaluator said:
I was hoping Samsung wouldn't be recommended as we've had a torrid time wth Samsung stuff breaking but a microwave is likely to be a low value item so I'd take a punt. Thanks!

panasonic inverter

make sure it's both.

inverter is much better microwave

BUDFORCE · 4 Feb 2020 at 20:41

My old panasonic one lasted 15 years, the one after that, about 4 years. Plastic clip in the door mechanism broke and I couldnt fix it.

We've got one from the in laws they didnt want anymore as they used it in the old static caravan before getting the new one which has one in built. Its a rndom brand but works.

Most important part for a microwave for me is that is only has two functions, power and time, ideally 2 separate knobs, one for each.

I cannot stand microwaves that are programmable or have buttons, they frustrait the living **** out of me, and even if you can be bothered to figure out how to program them, it never defrosts/cooks anything better than I am able to judge myself using jus the power and time knobs.

SeatIbiza · 5 Feb 2020 at 20:38

I just bought the sage one - expensive @ £230 but seems good? Things get hot and it's shiny!

TheVoice · 6 Feb 2020 at 00:52

Sharp.

b00merang69 · 6 Feb 2020 at 01:17

IMO at one time Sharp were said to be the leaders in Microwaves.

robj20 · 6 Feb 2020 at 05:44

Panasonic Inverter Flatbed, awesome.

the-evaluator · 6 Feb 2020 at 08:11

Which of the brands that people have recommended don't keep beeping continually when they're finished? I'd like one that beeps once and then shuts the hell up.

Ian_Eb · 6 Feb 2020 at 08:17

Apparently, loads of modern microwaves can be set to silent mode where the key-beep is disabled. I would have a look at the online manual for any that you are thinking of buying and see if they offer this mode.

Also

Panasonic Inverter Flatbed, awesome.

the-evaluator · 6 Feb 2020 at 08:27

Ian_Eb said:
I would have a look at the online manual for any that you are thinking of buying and see if they offer this mode.

Great idea, I'll do that.

I started by looking at Panasonic, however:

Can I turn off the beeping sound of the microwave?

The beeping sound cannot be deactivated on any of our microwave ovens.

I'll check some others. The beeping is a deal breaker.

Andre · 6 Feb 2020 at 08:36

Psycho Sonny said:
panasonic inverter

make sure it's both.

inverter is much better microwave

Can't disagree with this - we have a panasonic combi with no turntable, and love the pull-down door rather than a swing out one

Grimley · 6 Feb 2020 at 18:19

b00merang69 said:
IMO at one time Sharp were said to be the leaders in Microwaves.

This. My Folks bought a Sharp Microwave when they moved into their current house 38 years ago. It still works! Only thing that has been replaced is the Magnetron & that was over 20 years ago.

robj20 · 6 Feb 2020 at 18:59

Andre said:
Can't disagree with this - we have a panasonic combi with no turntable, and love the pull-down door rather than a swing out one

They're ace aren't they, ours even has three shelves can cook so much stuff in it.