My microwave died today.

[Morbius]

It started making a funny noise when I was melting butter this afternoon. I saw smoke inside it. I don't know much about electronics but I do know they run on smoke; when the smoke comes out you have to replace it.

I have my eye on a Black & Decker 1000 watt 1.1 cubic foot countertop model from Amazon for $132.99 (plus tax, of course). My old one was a little bigger and 1200 watt, but I think slightly smaller and less powerful will still suit my needs. We use it to warm leftovers, heat water, and to make pizza (I use the microwave and a skillet to make 12" frozen pizza for my wife; the crust is softer and she likes it). There are cheaper ones but the brands are unknown to me. There are a couple Toshiba models which look nice in the $150 range but they don't open with a push button, they have a weird thingy on the handle.

Anyone buy a microwave recently, or have an opinion on the subject?

[2naSalit]

1. I got one a couple months ago...

Hamilton Beach, a little smaller than what you're looking at, $99 @ wallywerld.

[Morbius]

4. Am I correct in assuming "Wallywerld" is the same as "Walmart"?

I do see a Hamilton Beach model there for $90. Size is good, power 1000 watt. I hate to go to Walmart but given that Amazon seems just as evil, why not save the $35?

[2naSalit]

11. Yes...

I hate shopping there but it's basically the only option in my area.

[LuckyCharms]

2. We just recently replaced ours with:

SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4" Carousel Turntable, 1100 Watt, 1.4 Cubic Feet, Black.

Currently $159 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNQBD9NM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

It has been working great for us.

Good luck.

[LuckyCharms]

3. One more comment in addition to above:

You probably already know this, but some may not.

Whatever you do, don't try taking apart the old one to try to fix it unless you know how to discharge a capacitor.

A charged microwave capacitor is probably the most dangerous item in the appliance world. They can and will kill you if not handled properly.

Even if the microwave is unplugged, they are still holding an incredible amount of voltage.

[Morbius]

5. Oh, no worry.

If it isn't used for cooking, I am completely rubbish with any tool. I can use a measuring tape as well as anyone but I won't even try to take something apart. I tell my family, "If I'm in my kitchen, I know what I'm doing. Anywhere else, I make no guarantees."

Thanks for your concern, but I won't try to fix anything. I am too old and have learned too many hard lessons about fixing things.

[bobalew]

6. You need to clean the horn cover on the right side of the main cavity

it has burnt on food on its surface, which needs to be scraped off. Also put a cup of water in with any low liquid items, so it does not feed back on itself. The microwaves will go for the most conductve item in the cavity. I just did the same to my Panasonic 1200 to watt unit. It still works. I do know how to fix them, however.

[Morbius]

7. There was smoke coming out of the unit.

No way I am even going to run it again. A microwave costs less than a day's pay. I will not risk a fire. Thank you, but my mind is made up on this.

[True Dough]

9. How many years did you get out of it, Morbius?

It seems like most are built to last maybe 5 years these days.

I remember being around 10 years old when my parents bought their first microwave. It was a Panasonic and it was ENORMOUS!

That sucker lasted 21 years! It was still working when they replaced it with something much smaller (and never held up nearly as long).

[Morbius]

10. I don't recall.

It was easily more than a decade. Longer, I think. It was a Panasonic also, 1200 watt and fairly large.

[hlthe2b]

12. The cheaper models seem to be just fine. I replaced my built-in with a smaller counter version...

and it has been just fine. As my use is similar to yours, I decided against paying more for a brand name as they are considered to be so similar at that lower price point. Mine has been just fine. I couldn't even tell you the brand, but I think I got it at Home Depot.