If you had asked me last week if I used my microwave a lot, I would have answered, "No". However, then it broke. All of a sudden it doesn't heat food and makes a "different" noise when it's running.
Now, if you ask me if I miss my microwave, I would answer with a resounding, "Yes!". We use it for such everyday things that I didn't even think about it...like chicken nuggets for the kids for lunch, reheating my frozen homemade spaghetti sauce and pea soup, making hot chocolate when I'm cold and don't want to turn up the heat.
However, I don't want to buy a new microwave...at least not right now. For one thing, since it would be an unexpected purchase, it is not in our budget right now. Sure, we could dig into our emergency fund, but is having a microwave right now really necessary?
I don't think so. For everything that I used to do in the microwave, I can also make it in the oven or on the stove. Sure, it takes a little more time and prethought (like don't wait to make chicken nuggets when your toddler is screaming with hunger!), but it can be done. It's funny, I don't think I'd ever made hot chocolate on the stove until last night...so I'm gaining some new experiences too.
Now that you know why I don't plan on running right out and buying a new microwave, I do have a question. Has anyone ever had a microwave repaired? I always thought that for the most part it was cheaper to purchase a new appliance than to fix them. Has anyone had a simple issue with their microwave that was resolved easily? Our microwave is only about 4 years old and is an over the stove type of microwave (so in other words, more expensive). Thanks for the help!
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ordinarymom
Isn't that weird how you don't think you use or need something until you its gone? Sounds strange I know. Anyway I only use mine for heating up leftovers but I would sure miss it considering I would be using pots and pans instead of paperplates!
Mrs. Micah
My mom was terrified of microwaves. She admitted it was an irrational fear, but she couldn't get over it. So I didn't have a microwave until I was 18 and went to college.
It's entirely possible and not even that difficult. Seemed quite natural to me not to have one. But now that I do, I enjoy using it to reheat meals.
Savings Cafe
When we moved to our new apartment, we did without a microwave for about 3 months because our old one didn't fit the counter space. The only reason we got a new one is because some great friends of ours suprised us with one for Christmas. I learned how to make do without it and it probably saved money on our power bill too. Now that I have one, I'm greatful for it and use it but sometimes I think I'd like to have the counter space back for baking.
Corrie at "Cents"able Momma
Luckily, ours is not taking up valuable counter space, since it's mounted on the cabinet. Right now, it's just an expensive timer and clock :-).
I'd be curious to see what our electric savings will be vs. the increased gas costs from using the stove and oven more.
I think we'll probably have to replace it before we sell our house, since it would stay with the house. But, I'm not in a hurry.
Gypsiedream
Hey, Your microwave blew it's magnatron tube. Depending on the make, the year of purchase and if it has a limited warranty on the part, which would be noted in your user manual, it is repairable. You just need to consider if the cost of service is worth it compared to the cost of a new one.
Corrie at "Cents"able Momma
Thanks, GypsieDream. I just checked my warranty, and I have a 5 year warranty on the magnetron. I looked up the purchase date, and it was about 4.5 years ago, so I should be able to get it fixed. Thanks so much for the help!
Phoebe
Crazy that I would stumble on your post! My (new) microwave decided to break a few months back...and although it took some adjusting...we don't miss it! We took ours in to get fixed, mind you we had it installed for no more than 9 months...and it was also the magnatron. It would cost of $250 to fix!! Needless to say, we aren't getting a new one anytime soon.
Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama
Ours (same type of unit) went out about a month ago and we are making do without until we can afford to replace it (we agree it doesn't warrant a trip to the emergency fund:-) I never thought about getting it repaired. Will have to google that one! TGIF!