Microwave, yes or no?

**Josephhgoins** · 09-09-2011, 09:52 AM

I turned 34 this past June and my generation has always had microwaves. We had them at home and I even had one in my camper. My new apartment does not have a built in microwave and as I went to buy one I started reconsidering it.

The financial cost of the machine is 1 issue, but for me the bigger issue is the space. I just don't want to give up any counter space. I have plenty, I just don't want to loose any of it.

I don't really use a microwave that much. I prefer to reheat everything in the oven or on the stove as the microwave makes it soggy. I do occasionally do the microwave meals, but switching to heating in the stove is't that big of a deal.

The biggest thing I used it for was thawing meat, but I can easily do that in the fridge if I plan ahead or in the sink with warm water if I don't. It will just take longer.

My question is, would you be lost without your microwave? Would you think it odd if someone didn't have one (similiar if someone didn't have a tv in this day and time)?

I do want a toaster oven and there just isn't room for both, I am sure I would use a well built toaster oven more and get more value from it as it would keep me from running the big stove. If you had to choose which would you pick, a Microwave or a Toaster Oven? Does anyone have a machine that does both?

Thanks everyone for your help. The older I get the harder time I have making decisions and typing.

**krbshappy71** · 09-09-2011, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Josephhgoins

I turned 34 this past June and my generation has always had microwaves. We had them at home and I even had one in my camper. My new apartment does not have a built in microwave and as I went to buy one I started reconsidering it.

The financial cost of the machine is 1 issue, but for me the bigger issue is the space. I just don't want to give up any counter space. I have plenty, I just don't want to loose any of it.

I don't really use a microwave that much. I prefer to reheat everything in the oven or on the stove as the microwave makes it soggy. I do occasionally do the microwave meals, but switching to heating in the stove is't that big of a deal.

The biggest thing I used it for was thawing meat, but I can easily do that in the fridge if I plan ahead or in the sink with warm water if I don't. It will just take longer.

My question is, would you be lost without your microwave? Would you think it odd if someone didn't have one (similiar if someone didn't have a tv in this day and time)?

I do want a toaster oven and there just isn't room for both, I am sure I would use a well built toaster oven more and get more value from it as it would keep me from running the big stove. If you had to choose which would you pick, a Microwave or a Toaster Oven? Does anyone have a machine that does both?

Thanks everyone for your help. The older I get the harder time I have making decisions and typing.

In one apartment I had a microwave on a small cart with wheels so it didn't take up more counter space. My current house we installed a space-saver one, I'm guessing you would not want to install something in an apartment unless you plan to be there long-term.

I personally would choose a microwave over a toaster oven, but I am a horribly wasteful person when it comes to the microwave. yes, those 10 seconds for that 2-day-old-stiff muffin really DOES make a difference, I wuv my microwave more than I should.

**Josephhgoins** · 09-09-2011, 10:44 AM

I have a long narrow kitchen, so a cart is out of the question. I thought about that, but there just isn't room. I even had to put my spice cabinet (which is a full sized antique kitchen cabinet) in the dining room.

Unfortuantely, if I get either one I am going to have to loose counter space. Also, don't have many outlets so that is going to be an issue as well.

**krbshappy71** · 09-09-2011, 10:52 AM

Just another thought, if you are single, how often do you have company over? Could it sit at the end of the dining table? Still leaving you space to sit down with your meal that you just nuked? Just a thought.

I use mine mostly for heating water for my coffee, heck I'd even put mine in my bedroom if I was really at a loss for space. Throw a doily and a picture frame on the top, done and done. HA!!!

your microwave-junky friend,

krbs

**Neeley** · 09-09-2011, 10:53 AM

My microwave died four years ago and I do not miss it one bit. I had originally planned to replace it. However, the model I wanted was on back order. After going two weeks without it, I realized I really didn't need it and decided to cancel my order.

I reheat everything on the stove or in the oven and thaw meat in the fridge. I eat leftovers for lunch at home daily and it is not a big deal to reheat on the stove nor does it take up much time.

None of us miss it at all and we have no plans of ever getting another.

**peanut** · 09-09-2011, 10:59 AM

Actually, I have a microwave and I use it for reheating and thawing, that's about it. I've wanted a toaster oven for many years because it would cut down oven usage, which is a real energy hog. I am not averse to the idea of living without a microwave. Using mine as I do now, I really think it would be easy to plan to go without. Mostly in summer we use the BBQ on the patio to cook anyway. And the toaster oven to reheat things would be an ideal complement to the BBQ and stove.

There's a lot of redundancy in kitchen equipment these days. DH and I were talking about juicers, blenders and food processors the other day, and just what the differences were really. We decided against the juicer and to repair the food processor we have, rather than replace it at a significantly higher cost.

**dcompton** · 09-09-2011, 11:18 AM

Well, I'm one of the misfits who doesn't have a television, but I would be lost without the microwave. If it goes out - it's a midnight trip to Walmart to replace it Right Then.

I use it essentially for reheating, but since I cook for the week, that's a lot of reheating. The things I cook usually reheat well in it. I could not justify heating the oven to reheat one portion. I think twice before I use the oven at all, and do most of my cooking on the stovetop or in the crockpot.

I have a toaster oven that I adored, but I have had to make changes in the way I eat, and found that most things I used it for are off limits now. Just this weekend I popped it up on top of the freezer to get it out of the way, since I have only used it two or three times since April. It would be good for reheating, but the microwave does fine for me.

To decide between them, you should probably consider which you would use most often. It sounds to me like a good toaster/convection oven might be more useful for you. If you prefer oven reheated foods, it might be ideal for you. Get a good one with digital temp control. Mine is a Cuisinart and is a wonderful appliance that, sadly, I have little use for at present.

**Kitten20** · 09-09-2011, 11:24 AM

We do not have a microwave and I don't miss it for the most part. It's really not that much trouble to heat leftovers on the stove or in the oven (and it usually tastes better to me anyway). Sometimes, when waiting 30+ minutes for something simple to cook in the oven, I do miss it, but the feeling passes quickly.

**Lady_V** · 09-09-2011, 11:24 AM

When the microwave died... I tried going without one for over a month. I cooked everything on the stove, reheated on the stove. Eventually, I was spending more time cleaning pans because I was reheating everything on the stove or oven that I finally broke down and bought one about the size of a shoe box at a garage sale for $5.

I know it's not an issue for you, but my Diva was young enough that I didn't want her touching the stove/oven to make her oatmeal in the morning, or water for cocoa (etc)

**zakity** · 09-09-2011, 11:53 AM

We are addicted to our microwave. We mainly just use it for heating up water for cocoa or tea, zapping the veggies to go with dinner, or softening up butter for toast. During the winter, I drink hot tea all day long. It sees a lot of use.

**freebs** · 09-09-2011, 12:20 PM

My micro went out last year. I really thought i would miss it but i really havent. I do spend more time heating things on the stove than i like but thats just part of it. Of course as hto as it was this year i would ahve loved a micro so i wouldnt have to heat the house up. Even a toaster oven( i have one) does add heat to the house when you run it on 350 for an hr or 2. Dh wants to get me a new micro and im not gonna tell him no!

**Josephhgoins** · 09-09-2011, 12:35 PM

Thanks everyone for your comments. I have been at my new place for 2 weeks and so far have only missed it once when I wanted a baked potato and NOW!

I actually use the dining room table as my desk, so can't add even more stuff to it.

Double Thanks DCompton, first for not taking offense about my TV remark and second for giving me a great place to put it. I will stick it on top of the fridge. It will be in front of a cabinet, but I can slide it out of the way when I need stuff that is there. I thought ahead when I was unpacking and only put equipment in that cabinet that I rarely use anyway.

**onencgirl** · 09-09-2011, 12:38 PM

I would miss my microwave but if I had a toaster oven maybe not so much. My micro is built in and a toaster oven would take up precious counter space so...

**frugalfranny** · 09-09-2011, 02:43 PM

I would go out tomorrow and buy a new micro. if mine quit working.............don't want to be w/o one. Use it A LOT....everyday!

I sold a toaster oven years ago and haven't missed it.

Depends on how you cook/bake..........things that I put in my 'regular' oven wouldn't fit in a toaster oven if I had one.

**Libby** · 09-09-2011, 03:44 PM

We would be lost w/o a microwave. Dad uses it several times a day to reheat and with our current situation - its safer for us to have him use that vs the stove.