Microwave Recommendation

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networkn

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#179023 23-Aug-2015 16:05

Hi There!

I am looking to replace my microwave at the office, with one that does browing. I am not especially keen to spend huge money, but I do value quality and features over price.

Primarily the MW will be used to reheat food, but occasionally I might reheat a pie or something that I'd like the top browned.

Anyone have a recommendation?

mattwnz

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#1372569 23-Aug-2015 17:01

I have a Smeg which does browning, and it is quite good. But i basically hardly ever use it for browning, but it seems to do the job. But you do tend to pay quite a bit more for that browning function. They were selling them off when I got it, and I got it beucase of the looks, rather than the browning function, and it was cheap for a stainless one. It is over 5 years old although their current model is very similar at http://www.smeg.co.nz/Product/info/SA987CX-1

chevrolux

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#1372600 23-Aug-2015 18:01

We have a Whirlpool with the 'Crisping' and 'Grill' function. Does pies really well! 6 minutes for two Irvines pies and they are like they are out of the oven =)

Geektastic

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#1372633 23-Aug-2015 18:49

networkn: Hi There!

I am looking to replace my microwave at the office, with one that does browing. I am not especially keen to spend huge money, but I do value quality and features over price.

Primarily the MW will be used to reheat food, but occasionally I might reheat a pie or something that I'd like the top browned.

Anyone have a recommendation?

We have a Whirlpool which is now 8 years old and still going well.

The model is no doubt long defunct but I recommend the brand.

networkn

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#1581182 27-Jun-2016 15:51

Just wondering if anyone had any updates on a recommendation. We don't have a lot of space in the existing area for ventilation. Someone recently said the more recent MW's don't require as much venting space.

networkn

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#1732357 7-Mar-2017 10:43

Looking for updates. We are now looking to replace our home one. We want something with Large capacity. The Panasonics seem to rate highest but everyone complains about their auto cool function and the fact there is no quick start 1m or 30s timer option.

We do want one capable of browning.

DjShadow

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#1732390 7-Mar-2017 11:45

I'm a big fan of Whirlpool as they have a grill/crisp function.

networkn

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#1732869 8-Mar-2017 09:52

Hmm, it's an interesting landscape. The Whirlpools are too big for my gap.

I am really unsure about clearances. To follow manufacturers guidelines we would need to sit out MW on the bench which isn't practical. We have had our current MW a Sharp R395 in a cubby hole with very little clearance for about 8 years no issues, but the MW we like the look of, is VERY tight in that space.

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#1732885 8-Mar-2017 10:25

Someone told me or I read somewhere that inverter microwaves are more susceptible to being in a tightly enclosed space than traditional model - not sure of the veracity of this information though. Personally, I'd not buy a microwave that wasn't an inverter model, as the ability to truly regulate power makes the machine so much more versatile and useful (eg, warm rolls without them going hard; melt chocolate perfectly without burning it. soften butter without melting it...).

That said, all models now seem to have that annoying cool-down mode after use; I also ensure I leave the door open for a few minutes after cooking the brats' porridge or similar. With this approach we've retained our microwave in a relatively small space and it seems to be fine.

alasta

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#1732983 8-Mar-2017 12:39

Can someone please explain the cool down mode to me? I assume that it's intended to protect the machine, and you're supposed to take the food out as soon as the cool down mode starts? Or are you supposed to cool down the food slightly before removing it for some reason?

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#1732993 8-Mar-2017 13:07

It keeps the fan running for some time after it finishes. Thats it. Not sure if its the inverter, the magnetron or else just trying to flush out the humid air but yes annoying.

Richard rich.ms

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#1734074 9-Mar-2017 23:20

networkn:

Looking for updates. We are now looking to replace our home one. We want something with Large capacity. The Panasonics seem to rate highest but everyone complains about their auto cool function and the fact there is no quick start 1m or 30s timer option.

We do want one capable of browning.

Microwave Oven Panasonic in working order. Does have quick start timer options (Note: not sure about "browning").
1400 W 230V
Made in Japan
Glass Turntable Plate 360 cm
Internal size: W380 x D365 x H210
External Size: W555 x D420 x H305
Pick up in Auckland, Ellerslie-Greenlane.

It is on TM for $45. But Geekzoner can have it for $30 if picked up tomorrow (Friday). I'll be very busy Sat, Sun, Mon and may not check GZ those days.