Microwave ovens recommended and to avoid?

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kryptonjohn

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#215425 27-Jun-2017 09:06

The old one's a bit decrepit so looking for a replacement.

I really like the idea of flatbed (no turntable) - do they work well?

Should I get an inverter type?

Should I avoid any brands or models?

TIA

JohnO

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#1807403 27-Jun-2017 09:43

Was pretty happy with a Panasonic inverter when I had one. Eventually it rusted on the inside but that was after a good 5 or 6 years and it was't a hugely expensive model so I thought that was OK. We also used to cook a LOT of veges in it, creating a lot of steam and probably should have wiped out the excess water more often...

Have currently got a very basic cheap Sharp but is currently broken - I still need to take it back to Harvey Norman and bring up the CGA.... this will be the second time I've had to take this same model back; the first stopped working just a few weeks shy of the warranty expiring so they gave me a new one on the spot. The new one then stopped working with the exact same symptoms after under 6 months so I wonder if there's some sort of manufacturing fault with them.

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ubergeeknz

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#1807417 27-Jun-2017 09:58

sidefx:

Was pretty happy with a Panasonic inverter when I had one. Eventually it rusted on the inside but that was after a good 5 or 6 years and it was't a hugely expensive model so I thought that was OK. We also used to cook a LOT of veges in it, creating a lot of steam and probably should have wiped out the excess water more often...

Ours, also a Panasonic Inverter, has done the same thing, a lot of the paint has worn/flaked off especially where the tracks run for the turntable, about to replace it as a result. Still works fine but quite grotty and hard to keep clean. Hopefully they have sorted out this problem though. It's not very good at removing steam.

jonathan18

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#1807429 27-Jun-2017 10:05

We switched back to a Sharp microwave last year, after having had a Panasonic for about seven years. The reason we went to Panasonic was it was the main brand offering inverter models, which I think are the only way to go - true control over heating levels, which means one can do things like soften chocolate without it burning, or heat food without it going hard.

We moved back to a Sharp as we really missed the one-button for one minute setting - it's just so much more convenient - and Sharp had started making inverter models. The model we selected cost around $200, and includes sensor cook. Surprised at how well its auto settings like heating pizza, melting chocolate or heating a meal works. Also, way more powerful (in real-world usage) than our old model. I wish we'd bought it earlier! This is the model here:

http://www.jbhifi.co.nz/whitewares-appliances/microwaves/sharp/1200w-microwave-white-sku-319997/

https://pricespy.co.nz/product.php?p=3745638

jonathan18

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#1807432 27-Jun-2017 10:08

ubergeeknz:

Ours, also a Panasonic Inverter, has done the same thing, a lot of the paint has worn/flaked off especially where the tracks run for the turntable, about to replace it as a result. Still works fine but quite grotty and hard to keep clean. Hopefully they have sorted out this problem though. It's not very good at removing steam.

Yeah, porridge is another culprit for steam creation; apparently the inverter types are fussier about this as well. We just ensure we leave the microwave open for a while after any steam build-up. Our old Panasonic - after about seven years of very frequent use - was absolutely fine on the inside, so ensuring it dried out may have made a difference.

smalltrader

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#1807450 27-Jun-2017 10:53

Had a Panasonic mid/high range inverter stainless steel model. Lasted about 3 years before the hinges started to go and the door won't close probably. The actual microwave function is working fine. Uneconomical to repair and replace it with a similar Sharp Inverter model. Happy with the Sharp.

Bottom line is they don't make things like they used to be given that we are in a throwaway society. I had an old Kenwood which lasted nearly 14 years and gave it away. It was still working perfectly when I gave it away.

Panasonic and Sharp are the two main brands for microwave but is is one half or six the other when it comes to reliability.

kryptonjohn

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#1807514 27-Jun-2017 11:09

smalltrader:

Bottom line is they don't make things like they used to be given that we are in a throwaway society. I had an old Kenwood which lasted nearly 14 years and gave it away. It was still working perfectly when I gave it away.

Tell me about it - we have a F&P dryer that must be 20 years old. Still going. Did replace the main bearing a few years ago. Can still get parts for it.

plas

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#1807525 27-Jun-2017 11:42

I bought a Panasonic Flatbed Inverter this year, cant really say much about it because its only ever used to cook popcorn. But it does that well.

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clive100

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#1807526 27-Jun-2017 11:48

Reading these reviews I wouldn't buy the Sharp inverter models... http://www.productreview.com.au/p/sharp-r350yw.html

We have a Panasonic inverter & has been great. 3 years old & no problems so far.

ubergeeknz

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#1807527 27-Jun-2017 11:48

jonathan18:

ubergeeknz:

Ours, also a Panasonic Inverter, has done the same thing, a lot of the paint has worn/flaked off especially where the tracks run for the turntable, about to replace it as a result. Still works fine but quite grotty and hard to keep clean. Hopefully they have sorted out this problem though. It's not very good at removing steam.

Yeah, porridge is another culprit for steam creation; apparently the inverter types are fussier about this as well. We just ensure we leave the microwave open for a while after any steam build-up. Our old Panasonic - after about seven years of very frequent use - was absolutely fine on the inside, so ensuring it dried out may have made a difference.

IMO it is simply poor design / engineering that a microwave cannot effectively deal with steam

kryptonjohn

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#1808581 29-Jun-2017 07:46

Agreed. Part of the problem with out old microwave is that when you open and close the door a dribble of brown water drips out of it. I'm pretty sure it is condensated steam in the door coloured with rust.

Andib

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#1808583 29-Jun-2017 07:56

I've had the Breville Quick Touch Microwave for the last 3ish years, Not too much to say as it works like a normal microwave should, Best thing about it is it actually cooks food not make the outside piping hot and the center frozen

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tdgeek

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#1808586 29-Jun-2017 07:59

Steam is a problem. We have been using a plastic cover, that reduces steam a lot. Most stays in the cover and condenses, plus there are no splatters from exploding food particles.

DeepBlueSky

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#1808861 29-Jun-2017 12:18

I bought a Panasonic flatbed got it home and checked the reviews online I think from here http://www.productreview.com.au/c/microwave-ovens.html plus couple of other places and they slammed it as a POC. I ended up with a Breville that had good reviews and has been great. Go and do a Google search on the model number or portion of if they have NZ / AU specific models basically look at the bulk of the comments and look for trends.

Hope this helps.

farcus

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#1808890 29-Jun-2017 12:54

Panasonic inverter with turntable here (ST695W) . . . . about eight years old and still in mint condition. Highly recommend.

kryptonjohn

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#1808895 29-Jun-2017 13:07

Well I saw some mixed reviews but I wanted to try flatbed and inverter out so went for the NN-SF564WQPQ Panasonic - what tipped me was the sale on at Hardly Normal at the moment. $244 vs $329 at Noel Leeming.

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