Yesterday, after I awoke, my wife told me the microwave stopped working. A quick glance showed it had no power, since the clock was dark. My first though was to check the breaker. It was tripped, I reset it, and went to check the microwave. The clock was working. The light was working. The exhaust fan was working. I pushed the start button, and was rewarded with a low pop, and the clock went dark.
I went back to check the breaker. It was thrown, so I reset it, and went back to survey the task now needing to be done. Examining the cabinet above the microwave showed some basic information on replacing the microwave. A little internet searching revealed how they're mounted above a stove, how much a new one would cost, and me thinking about the future.
A new microwave that mounts above a range, and has an exhaust fan, isn't inexpensive, and considering the fact they don't last more than 10 years, I decided to remove the microwave, replace it with a range hood, and buy a microwave to place on the counter. Two things determined my decision: the cost of the new microwave, and the fact I didn't want to wrestle with the same problem in a few years, when I'll be older, weaker, and definitely have less patience, or strength. My wife agreed.
So, we went and found a range hood, and a new smaller microwave for the counter. The range hood will probably last longer than we will, and the smaller microwave fits our use much better. We only thaw, or warm small items, and never cook anything large in a microwave. The range hood will move more air, which will be better than the low volume of the microwave/range hood soon to be in the trash.
I'll soon tackle this task, and pray the duct work won't be challenging. That, and wrestling the heavy microwave from under the cabinet won't lead to smashed fingers, or dropping it on my foot. It shouldn't take too long, but I'm thinking there will be at least one trip for some hardware.
It's done. With the help of my wife, and my sister-in-law, we tackled the project. My sister-in-law did the same thing a few years ago, so her experience, and foil tape were most helpful.
The thing that worried me most was the lifting the old microwave out from under the cabinet. As it turned out, I rested it on my shoulder, when I lifted it from the wall bracket, and was deposited outside for disposal.
I did the same thing a few years ago. Never much liked the microwave over the stove anyway, it was too high up for my short legs & I was worried about spilling hot stuff on my face.
ReplyDeleteIt saves some counter space, but considering the constant exposure to steam, and cooking residue, the damage to the microwave isn't worth the expense, or work, to replace every few years.
DeleteYup. I’ve always had a counter microwave. We do the odd popcorn, reheated coffee and leftovers and that’s it. Ours is small and old and doesn’t work that hard. I’m curious Jess - why did yours start sucking so much power?
ReplyDeleteSomething either shorted inside the unit, or the magnatron tube went south. I could tell the microwave had been in an environment it wasn't really designed for.
DeleteJess
I'd say it developed a short inside...transformer most likely. Fire hazard
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. I've had counter top microwaves fail in the past. There is no repairing them. That's why I don't spend much on a new one. I've never had one last more than 8 years.
DeleteBeen there done that... replacing a microwave over a range is a pain in the ass. But if/when I become incapable of fixing such things I have two married daughters...who are married to maintenance specialists that can fix most things.
ReplyDeleteI had the help of my wife, and my sister-in-law. In the future, I won't have that luxury.
DeleteMy 2 sisters and I are on our own. Fortunately, if there is a problem we can't fix we do know a good handyman.
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of the handyman for my two sister-in-laws. With the current economy, it helps, since everything has become so expensive.
DeleteExpensive, my brother and I bought my parents an Amana Radar Range microwave in the late 70's, it cost nearly $800. It weighed so much it took the two of us to carry it into the house. The microwave was all stainless steel and was a monster. Now they are inexpensive, light and disposable.
ReplyDeleteDeacon in Louisiana
My mother had a Radar Range she bought from a family friend. It lasted a long time, and was heavy enough to be a large boat anchor.
DeleteYup, that means mine is about two years out. Good idea.
ReplyDeleteIt's not terribly complicated, and some range hoods come with a plug to plug into a wall receptacle. Mine didn't, but the old microwave supplied an appliance plug after some destructive disassembly. I stripped the end, and wired it into the range hood to use the wall receptacle in the cabinet.
DeleteDid the same. Wife always complained as she is 5ft.
ReplyDelete