Microwave Advice Needed

Parent Cafe
1

<p>DD, now a grad student living by herself in an apartment for the first time, has asked for a microwave oven for her birthday. I have been surprised at how inexpensive they are . . . $39.99 at Target and perhaps even lower. I remember when they were quite the luxury item.</p>

<p>Anyhow, perhaps microwaves are now merely disposable items like printers, but then again maybe some are better and longer lasting than others. I am willing to spend more than $39.99. So, CCers, any advice?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance. My youngest is a senior in college this year; guess I’ll have to find an alternate forum before long!</p>

2

<p>The ones that are both microwave and convection ovens produce some pretty remarkable food. Perfect for a student as they cook much faster than a conventional oven when the 2 are combined. The food doesn’t look or taste microwaved.</p>

3

<p>DS had a $39.99 microwave that actually was a hand me down from grandma. It worked just fine. DD has one too…works just fine. To be honest, I wouldn’t spend more than that for an apartment. Ask her what she plans to use it for. DD uses it for making oatmeal, hot tea, and hot chocolate. Uses it also for heating up leftovers. You certainly don’t need anything fancy to do that!!</p>

4

<p>If she’s just looking for warming up features, I would trust the $39 one. When she gets a more permanent place, then she might want to spring for one that is more desirable to match other kitchen appliances - more style, more $$$!!!</p>

5

<p>Get one with the biggest capacity for the bigger plates and bowls. Power is secondary but try to get the highest power for faster cooking.</p>

6

<p>I second the micro/convection combo. It saves on heating the big oven and works really well on open faced cheese toasts and anything else you want to be crispy. I don’t know if it beats a toaster for just bread or bagels though.</p>

7

<p>When my S moved across country, he got rid of the $30 microwave, and bought a Panasonic at Target or Best Buy or BBBfor @ $100 (120?). We compared price and features at Costco, too. S said he used this appliance more than anything else, and the little one was annoying. I don’t know how expensive the convection ones are, and if your D will make use of the extra features.</p>