<p>Our one and only microwave is now going on 24 years old. Raised in New England, I cannot dispose of anything that works and the thing won’t die. I do wonder, though, if we’re being exposed to dangerous microwaves or using too much energy to run it. Any opinions on whether it makes sense to keep using an older microwave? I realize if we were to replace it, we’d never find that fake wood grain exterior and would have to settle for stainless steel.</p>
<p>Anyone else think violadad should have his own column here?</p>
<p>^^^ Absolutely-he is a virtual font of knowledge!
lefthandofdog- we have one of those monster woodgrain beauties in our basement. About the same vintage. Gave it up because it wouldn’t fit the dedicated microwave space in new kitchen. But have loaned it out several times to friends who needed a temporary replacement!</p>
<p>violadad, I used those heavy duty wire shelving units in my kitchen pantry, and in the utility room. Allows me to see what’s on the shelves from below. I’d never thought of using them in the fridge.</p>
<p>Microwave - I thought I was the only one w/woodgrain. Ours is a Sharp carousel, purchased around ‘82 I think. I like the analog dials, but have gotten used to using others’ digital pads. Ask your kids if they can image college w/o a microwave!</p>
<p>My parents were remodeling their bathroom and my dad thought he would save some time using compression fitting on the copper rather than sweating the pipes. Two days later, while they were out of the house, the new compression fitting failed and the house flooded. $60,000 and three months later, things were back to normal.</p>
<p>As part of the repair work, my dad had a “watercop” installed. It is essentially a water detector that when it gets wet, the main to the house is shut off. </p>
<p>violadad, thanks for the tip. I’ve just done measurements and will look for shelves next time I’m out. Don’t feel like doing the repairs on NYEve or NYDay. S1 says it would work well for a keg, but since none of us really likes beer…</p>
<p>I just read this thread…but NO APPLIANCE can need replacement until June 2010 when the college tuition payments STOP. Until then, if something breaks, DH will become Violadad’s clone and fix it…or we’ll do without. I worry daily that something is just going to die. House is 14 years old and so are all the appliances…bought at the same time (no bells or whistles…no digital anything to break). But you all know what I mean!! It’s a worry.</p>