I need a new microwave oven

[dishdude]

Throw me in they're all the same camp. Microwaves seem to last forever anyway.

 

[Kansas_Ron]

We have had a Panasonic Inverter for years, 1250 watts cooking power. As you may know these units are much lighter than the original microwaves. We have had no regrets.

 

[bobdoo]

I've bought nothing buy Pannys, cause I like the 'real' decreased power settings. 'Cheap' MW's pulse the magnetron on and off. Panny leaves it on all the time, but at a lower power output. This is extremely useful if you only have a small generator, that can't make enough amps to power a larger magnetron. For instance, my Yamaha 2000 can't drive a 1600 watt MW at full power, but at 60% and a bit higher, it can run a Panny.

Our newest NN-SN97JS seems to make less power than the NN-SD945S that we had prior.

 

[zzyzzx]

My made in USA Tappan from 1989, complete with wood grain finish, still works.

 

[JustinH]

I have a lowes housebrand overhead range/microwave. Whirlpool sticker right inside the door.

Had to take the panel off after 18 months and replace door switches because it kept popping the breaker.

Cheaply made.

 

[Cujet]

I have 2 Panasonic 1250 watt units. One is the XL version. I like them. Easy and powerful.

 

[OVERKILL]

We just got this WOLF one at work:

You can see their product lineup here:
https://www.subzero-wolf.com/wolf/c...ng&numberOfResults=21&wolfcategory=Microwaves

They are made in the USA.

 

[vavavroom]

All microwave ovens are made by a Chinese company called Midea. They are the sole magnetron maker in the world from my understanding. So basically all of the internals are made by one source, with different exteriors and doodads.

CobberMuegge LLC, USA
Communications & Power Industries, USA
Fricke und Mallah Microwave Technology, Germany
H6 Systems, USA
Insight Product Company, USA
L3 Harris Technologies, USA
LG Electronics, Japan
Mega Industries, USA
MICRO-ACTIV COMPONENTS, Poland
M-Press Systems, Malaysia
Muegge GMBH, Germany
New Japan Radio, Japan
Panasonic Corporation, Japan
Richardson Electronics, USA
Stellant Systems, USA
Teledyne e2v, USA
TMD, UK
Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Corporation, Japan
Western Electric, USA

have all stopped making magnetrons? Good heavens!

 

[gathermewool]

31 years and still running strong. Homemade under cabinet mount with handy knife holder would be a pain to duplicate if I have to replace it.

View attachment 137951

Love the knife holder!

 

[Owen Lucas]

have all stopped making magnetrons? Good heavens!

I stand corrected.

What I meant was consumer microwave magnetrons and the units themselves, mostly made by Midea.

 

[vavavroom]

I stand corrected.

What I meant were consumer microwave magnetrons and the units themselves, mostly made by Midea.

So it's like when people say that all milk comes from the same local plant? Which is probably true for 90% but not for 100% of off-the-shelf milk. I also notice the incongruity between "Why Almost Every Microwave Is Made By" and "EVERY MICROWAVE IS SECRETLY THE SAME" despite the use of all-caps. Talking in absolutes is a tricky endeavor.

 

[k1xv]

Our kitchen microwave is a Panasonic and it is 20 years old and working as new.

I have a second one in my man cave that is about 7 years old and also working perfectly.

A friend of mine had one that was 30 years old, and gave it to her cleaning lady because it was obsolete and the display faded, but it still worked. Replaced with a newer Panasonic, and it is working fine as well.

 

[Skippy722]

Throw me in they're all the same camp. Microwaves seem to last forever anyway.

I’ve managed to kill an Amana and a GE microwave now. All I know is don’t just replace the fuse if it popped, because it’ll pop again and a 12v 15A glass fuse is NOT an appropriate fix! Worked for 10 seconds then vaporized the thick power traces off the circuit board in a loud bang and puff of magic smoke.

But yeah… they’re all the same. I paid about $130 for this. I’m also banned from the label maker.

 

[dishdude]

All I know is don’t just replace the fuse if it popped, because it’ll pop again and a 12v 15A glass fuse is NOT an appropriate fix! Worked for 10 seconds then vaporized the thick power traces off the circuit board in a loud bang and puff of magic smoke.

That's when you jump the fuse and put an airbag inside.

 

[vavavroom]

By the way, none of my microwaves have suffered magnetron failure. I have had to replace the mica waveguide covers, though. When they get contaminated by particles the microwave won't work properly or at all. The mica waveguide sheets are easily replaced.

 

[Shel_B]

So it's like when people say that all milk comes from the same local plant? Which is probably true for 90% but not for 100% of off-the-shelf milk. I also notice the incongruity between "Why Almost Every Microwave Is Made By" and "EVERY MICROWAVE IS SECRETLY THE SAME" despite the use of all-caps. Talking in absolutes is a tricky endeavor.

The article/link even points out some specific exceptions. Just quickly skimming I came across this:

LG & Samsung make their own microwaves
Panasonic makes its own mid-range & high-end units, but budget models seem to be made by Midea

 

[Shel_B]

By the way, none of my microwaves have suffered magnetron failure. I have had to replace the mica waveguide covers, though. When they get contaminated by particles the microwave won't work properly or at all. The mica waveguide sheets are easily replaced.

What are these covers? In what way do they prevent the oven from working properly?

 

[Hyundai Respecter]

By the way, none of my microwaves have suffered magnetron failure. I have had to replace the mica waveguide covers, though. When they get contaminated by particles the microwave won't work properly or at all. The mica waveguide sheets are easily replaced.

You learn something new on BITOG everyday.

 

[dishdude]

What are these covers? In what way do they prevent the oven from working properly?

I think it's that weird wax coated cardboard insert inside the oven.

 

[vavavroom]

What are these covers? In what way do they prevent the oven from working properly?

If you look inside the microwave oven you will see a silvery sheet covering the opening behind which the waveguide is located. The sheet is made from mica, a flakey, layered mineral that has dielectric properties. This cover prevents particles from falling into the waveguide. Over time the waveguide cover deteriorated due to moisture from heating food and food particles. The latter will cause shorts that can damage the waveguide. If you hear sizzling noises or see sparks flying inside your microwave oven you better check the waveguide cover for contamination or damage. Even if you prevent food from splashing in the microwave oven by using a cover, after many years of use the cover will eventually deteriorate. It's easily replaceable.