Microwave Problem

[KimK]

I hope someone can help me with suggestions as to what to do with my microwave. Last night, after less than a minute of use, it started making poofing sounds - I opened the door to a burned smell and a small stream of smoke coming out what looks like a vent. It is currently unplugged - just in case.

Is this something that I should try to have fixed? It is a Kenmore, probably 6 or 7 years old. I know that small appliances like this cost almost as much to fix them as it does to buy brand new!

Thanks.

[BarrieCov]

If your microwave is 6 or 7 years old, I think that you would probably be able to upgrade for less than fixing your current one. Once those things go, I think it's safer to replace them, IMHO!

[laden]

I agree. I just replaced a microwave, which would have cost as much to fix. About a month before I had a tv go out and had it repaired for about 1/2 as much as the tv would cost new. Then two weeks later the tv blew out again. Several years ago I repaired a microwave just to have it blow out a month or two later.

My advise....buy new!

[venus]

Definitely buy a new one! Microwaves are cheap now--you can get a decent size one for about $80.

[Beth]

Sounds like you have a countertop. I would look for a new one, and this may be a good time to shop for one ($ales). I would expect to pay a minimum of $25-50 to even have anyone look inside the thing to tell you if it can be fixed, and at least $75 to have anything repaired. There are many models with newer features near $100 or even less. If it's a built-in, I would consider having a shelf added to slide in a countertop model since built-in models start around $250-300. If it's over the stove or cooktop and houses the vent, that's not as easy. Sorry it blew, but you'll get more, last longer, have a warranty, feel safer, cook better and probably spend no more, maybe less, to treat yourself to a new one.

[Beth]

In addition to the ideas above, check with a high school, college or technical school to see if they can use them for training and rebuilding. A good idea for old computers too.

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 12-30-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 12-30-2000).]

[LGBurns]

I agree that buying a new one is the way to go. This thread has brought a related subject to my mind and I'd be interested to hear what others think. We have three (yes three!) dead VCRs in our house, all old ones that belonged to friends and relatives who gave them to us when they got new ones. Each of them would cost more to fix than to get a new one, so we finally broke down and bought a new one just before Christmas. But I think it's such a shame that these appliances don't seem to be designed to be repaired or last longer than 6-10 years. We can't bear to throw these in a landfill somewhere and don't know what to do with them. Anyone else have things you're forced to throw away that you'd rather not? Also, does anyone have a good idea of where we can deposit our VCRs without adding them to a landfill somewhere?

[kwormann]

LGBurns,

When my arm radio "died" and I got a new one, I gave the old one to my BIL who likes to tinker with things. Do you know anyone who likes to "play" with taking things apart, trying to fix them, etc.? It would br a good project, and who knows, maybe they can get ot to work again......

Kim

[lsdesign]

When we moved this past summer we found out that Good Will would take our old computer. Perhaps they would take other electronics as well. Call to ask.

[SueK]

LGBurns: We have a local electronics store that will taken broken appliances, and have their new technicians train on them. Even if they can't be fixed, they can take them apart and learn the different parts to them, etc. Maybe you have a store like that in your area that would take them as well.

[Vanessa]

When we moved our microwave was damaged. We took it to get an estimate and the guy suggested we buy a new one since the cost would be high to fix. We ended up buying a bigger model that was installed under our cabinet. I was reading recently that when appliances need repair put in a balance the cost of fixing vs buying a new one.
Of course some big things like refrigerator, washer etc one should try to have them fix due to the higher cost.
Also you could find out if there is a repair guy that can give you an estimate on the $$ to fix it.

[Beth]

Vanessa, how has it worked to have a microwave under the counter? I have been promoting that idea for our kitchen, but DH doesn't seem impressed with the idea.

[Vanessa]

Hi Beth. I have really enjoyed my microwave plus the added bonus since its on top of the stove I use the exhaust fan (high or low) plus I get the added feature of having light when I am cooking directed on my stove. I really like it plus it frees space. I never liked the idea of using a table or counter for a microwave. I got mine at Circuit City.

[Beth]

Thanks Vanessa, I misunderstood. I thought you meant in the cabinets under the counter. I have an open island cooktop and can't have an overhead micro or vent. I have had that before, and agree it works well.