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Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: gertbysea on September 09, 2012, 04:56:53 am

Title: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 09, 2012, 04:56:53 am
My 10 year old  Panosonic Inverter  just died. Should I buy a  microwave convection combo?

Gert
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: faffa_70 on September 09, 2012, 05:25:11 am
Depends on what you would use it for Gert. I love mine and use it often instead of heating up the big oven if I am only cooking one small thing. I also use it as a second oven to cook at a different temp if I need to.  :)
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 09, 2012, 05:41:53 am
I just pulled the thing out and I am thinking I may not have a choice as it is inbuilt Panasonic. Inverter and the inside of the cupboard was never finished off so it looks like crap. I am now hoping I can find the exact size same same. If not then it will be able  to consi.comsider  what to get.

The easiest thing is to replace it.  I just hate having to go around trying to figure it out.
 
Bugger.

Gert.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: judydawn on September 09, 2012, 06:03:29 am
I understand where you are coming from Gretchen especially when it is not a free standing appliance which is a lot easier to replace than one built-in. 
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Emme on September 09, 2012, 06:08:17 am
I use the convection part of my microwave more than the microwave.  I have worn out two microwave/convections.  First one a Sharp, then a Panasonic, both of these were the large ones. I did prefer the Sharp over the Panasonic and would have got the Sharp repaired except it was 17 years old.   The one I have now is a smaller Panasonic Inverter with the flat bed.  Getting use to the no turntable and can get slightly larger  trays with the flat bed.  Very useful to use when don't want to turn on the bigger oven.  
Forgot to add, both were built-ins.  DH made a surround to go around the smaller one.

Marie
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: obbie on September 09, 2012, 06:18:04 am
Google Gert, then just ring around for best price. enough Cairns stores want your Money at the moment.. :)
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Greyhoundmum on September 09, 2012, 07:08:47 am
I love the microwave combos I have the Miele, hope you find one that fits the same space Gert.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: mcmich on September 09, 2012, 08:26:06 am
I love the convection part of my microwave. Saves heating the whole kitchen up for cooking a cake or a pasta bake. Also good for entertaining as you have an extra oven for heating up pre prepared food.
If you possibly can fit a convection microwave in, go for it.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 09, 2012, 08:48:34 am
Only a man would do this in a new house.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/09/09/y9enuryp.jpg)

The surrounding is the kit for the Panasonic microwave. I think there is room for a combo but would it fill the space.

Bloody builders.

Gert
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: obbie on September 09, 2012, 08:53:56 am
Yes Gert Bloody builders..
I would try and see what you can get, enough bargains around at the moment..
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: dede on September 09, 2012, 09:25:21 am
Gert just be careful what you buy as some microwaves need extra space around them and are not suitable to be inbuilt (especially convection microwaves) you can get some that can be inbuilt, better double check.
But as for convection microwaves I love mine and use it more than my oven :)
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 09, 2012, 09:39:34 am
Good point Dede.

Gert
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Emme on September 09, 2012, 09:42:18 am
DH put a lining of aluminium sheeting (a small gap between wall and aluminium) on the inside of the alcove all around it.  If the aluminium gets hot it is not right up against the lining.  I was grateful for this when the Panasonic on microwaving actually had flames on the side where the magnetron was.  I was heating up a wheat pack for DH (who was sick at the time) and the magnetron caught a light and melted.  The wheat pack was fine, lucky I was in the kitchen when it happened.  
Dede is correct and some Microwave/convections do have minium distances for top/bottom/sides etc.  Having said that I would certainly replace the one I have with another if this ones dies.
Marie
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: cookie1 on September 09, 2012, 10:38:50 am
I have Panasonic Inverter too Gert. I hope mine keeps going for a while yet, although I have had it quite a while now.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 09, 2012, 10:46:04 am
I was really surprised when I put it on and it stopped at  1.30 min without heating. Only 10 years old.

Gert
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Debbiebillg on September 09, 2012, 01:49:32 pm
Gert,
We have an inbuilt Whirlpool microwave. It has convection, but it also has Crisp ! We use crisp more than anything on ours (it comes with a special tray for using the crisp function). If we want to reheat say sausage rolls (from frozen) or Maddy's cheese and bacon rolls or chicken nuggets or cook bacon etc etc we use the crisp function.  It is brilliant ! For sausage rolls, it takes around 7 mins, cheese and bacon rolls around 4 mins. It doesn't need to be reheated so much faster than waiting for an oven to preheat and then add on the cooking time !  I like it as well as the house doesn't get hot from having the oven on ! The other thing I like is the jet defrost, you put in type of meat and weight and the microwave determines the time, and it's never partially cooked (if anything just a touch under).  

Just thought I'd let you know about ours, we love the crisp function and used it at least daily ! Whirlpool doesn't seem to be all that popular these days, but I wouldn't be without ours. Not sure if other microwaves have this function.

Hope this is of some help.

Here's a link to a newer model than ours but same functions.

http://www.whirlpool.com.au/app.cnt/whr/au_AU/pageid/pgproddtl001/catid/1/subcatid/5/prodid/30700
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 09, 2012, 10:25:08 pm
Thanks for that's Debbie. I will definitely,look at that as the deminsions might just work. Thanks for taking the trouble to provide a link.

 Gert
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Wonder on September 09, 2012, 10:55:18 pm
Debbie, that looks great. I would love a convection microwave but don't think we can get one that fits in our built in space with enough ventilation.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Debbiebillg on September 10, 2012, 12:07:56 am
Wonder they do come smaller too.  I'm not too sure about the ventilation. Ours is a perfect fit, there's no need for a microwave trim kit but the back of our cupboard is also open so that might be why we don't need any room around it.  Before this one, we had an older whirlpool one with a trim kit and the trim kit had a channel exhaust thingy as part of it that directed the hot air from the back of the microwave to the front through the grill in the trim kit. Hope that makes sense ! So the newer ones might be similar. The trim kits usually take them to 60cm (Same width as most ovens).

I just found a youtube video on them (and ohh by the way the crisp plate is a cinch to clean, it's really good quality too.  We put it in the siink, a splash of dishwashing liquid, a bit of hot water, and use the dish brush all over, rinse and done !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgFN18gIXKk&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 10, 2012, 01:24:33 am
Wow that microwave looks great Debbie do you know how much they are?
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Debbiebillg on September 10, 2012, 01:29:00 am
Here's a link to Whirlpool microwave ovens on Appliances on Line, you might get a better deal in a store but their prices are a good indication:

http://search.appliancesonline.com.au/search#w=whirlpool%20microwave
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: obbie on September 10, 2012, 01:40:14 am
Wow, I love the one you have Debbie.. :)
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 10, 2012, 01:47:30 am
It looks great am going to go home and measure to see if it will fit
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Debbiebillg on September 10, 2012, 02:51:48 am
Yehh they really are great. I love my microwave as much as the TMX and that's saying something !!  If I need to do something really quick for the kids I can steam some veges and then cook nuggets on the crisp plate in about 15 mins (from frozen). But I give them their veges to eat while the nuggets are cooking so they're eating in 5 mins ! Great for those days when you get home late and the kids are starving !!

Me and my DH often say we can't understand why they aren't more popular, maybe they aren't marketed very well by Whirlpool !
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 10, 2012, 02:53:31 am
Do you reheat pizza as well?
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 10, 2012, 02:54:03 am
Absolutely had not much choice.no can do a convection. No can do with trim kit. So bought an LG.

http://www.lg.com/au/microwave-ovens/lg-MS3840SRSK-microwave-oven

Hardly Normal $220

Gert
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Debbiebillg on September 10, 2012, 02:55:54 am
Yep, we usually make our own pizzas these days but on the odd occasion when there's a cast of thousands when the family congregate here adhoc, we buy pizzas.

Either way yep you can reheat them in 4 mins from the fridge and they're almost as good as when fresh !

I did see somewhere they recommend reheating the crisp plate, but we never do that.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: obbie on September 10, 2012, 03:06:58 am
Looks good Gretchen
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 10, 2012, 03:08:03 am
Thanks Debbie very tempting
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Emme on September 10, 2012, 04:32:11 am
That looks good Gert. It is a problem with builtins getting something else to fit the space. I am dreading having to replace my oven when it breaks down.  I was told when the microwave blew up that if an appliance lasts 10 years you are lucky.  Mine was just 10 years old.

Marie
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 10, 2012, 04:40:42 am
They don't make things to last anymore not like the good old days  :)
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: obbie on September 10, 2012, 04:43:31 am
Our fridge at work died 2 months ago, we had brought it in from home, 10 years old and died.

Not worth claiming insurance for just a motor on a $500 fridge, and paying excess too.

Old fridges last for ever..
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Emme on September 10, 2012, 05:03:42 am
Stupidly I thought that when we retired that appliances if we bought new would see us out.  So far we have had the microwve and fridge both just 10 years old replaced.  The washing machine has been replaced but we bought the old one with us that lasted 19 years.  I hate to say how many kettles I have gone through.

Marie
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: obbie on September 10, 2012, 06:49:21 am
Marie, our washing machine was about 15 years old, and we had to replace it in June this year..
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: mcmich on September 10, 2012, 08:38:22 am
I would love for my 11yr old Hoover washing machine to die. I want a front loader.
Having said that, it has never missed a beat, not very water efficient though and the paint under the lid is very badly bubbled.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Emme on September 10, 2012, 08:53:49 am
I would love for my 11yr old Hoover washing machine to die. I want a front loader.
Having said that, it has never missed a beat, not very water efficient though and the paint under the lid is very badly bubbled.
It is always the way, when you want something to break down it won't.
The Kleenmaid we had never missed a beat for 19 years, and we replaced it with a Speedqueen commercial very basic top loader. Hoping for another 19 years at least.
Marie
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: judydawn on September 10, 2012, 09:27:15 am
Our Hoover just goes and goes, never given us a problem but I won't be disappointed when it dies.   I love getting new appliances apart from the more complicated operating instructions these days with some of them.

Your microwave will do the job Gretchen, can't have what doesn't fit.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 11, 2012, 12:54:13 am
The whirlpool MW/Convection wont fit in the hole  >:( It is too high the depth and width is ok when DH gets home might see if we can take the frame out
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: obbie on September 11, 2012, 01:06:33 am
Marie, I bought a SpeedQueen commercial  washing machine a couple of months ago.

Its great, fast, and very quiet.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Emme on September 11, 2012, 01:13:55 am
Marie, I bought a SpeedQueen commercial  washing machine a couple of months ago.

Its great, fast, and very quiet.

Yes Obbie, I agree.  The Kleenmaid we had before was made by SpeedQueen and it was a very good machine.  It would have cost about $350 to replace the seal in it but we decided it had done almost 20 years so we decided to put the money towards the new one.  We are very happy with it.
Marie
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 11, 2012, 01:24:16 am
Robyn is that front loader or top?
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 11, 2012, 01:28:19 am
The whirlpool MW/Convection wont fit in the hole  >:( It is too high the depth and width is ok when DH gets home might see if we can take the frame out

The "expert" at HN told me that it is best to use a combo as a stand alone and never put it into the cupboard space as it can generate a lot of heat when using the convection bit. He said my hole was way to small . It needs a lot of lclearence on the sides my space is 60 wide by 60 deep by 40 height and the last 10 centimeters at the back is vented to the ceiling.
 

Gert
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 11, 2012, 01:42:55 am
Yes Gert on the website it actually says it is a stand alone item but then somewhere else it also says it's an underbench I could have it free standing but then do I keep my microwave or what do I put in the hole?
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: obbie on September 11, 2012, 02:24:21 am
Oops, I was working at work.. Sorry.

Yvette its a top loader SpeedQuuen by Kleenmaid.
Brilliant.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 11, 2012, 02:30:54 am
Thanks Robyn don't ever work at work again  ;)
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 11, 2012, 05:19:53 am
It is all about the damn hole isn't it. Mine looked good and now it looks like crap. Had to put cookbooks on top so you cannot see the unfinished bit at the back. 

gert
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 11, 2012, 05:44:07 am
I know it is annoying I want that microwave DH had agreed now have to find a way to make it work
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: *suzanne* on September 11, 2012, 05:58:22 am
I had one of those LG microwaves well an older model but very similar before my kitchen was redone and I 'needed' a new one it is great, I gave it to my sister, its 10yrs old and still going strong
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 11, 2012, 06:11:27 am
The one I want Suzanne is the whirlpool microwave convection oven
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: judydawn on September 11, 2012, 10:16:38 am
Yes Gert on the website it actually says it is a stand alone item but then somewhere else it also says it's an underbench I could have it free standing but then do I keep my microwave or what do I put in the hole?

Put in another shelf and fill the hole with cooking books Yvette  ;)
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 11, 2012, 12:17:23 pm
Yes Judy will have to think about it, DH is away this week so will check if he can take out the trim
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Debbiebillg on September 11, 2012, 12:49:08 pm
Ohhh I feel for you Yvette.  When I've made my mind up about something, there's no stopping me till I get it lol !! Which one are you looking at Yvette ? You say it's the height that's the problem, is this for clearance reasons or actual space ? Are you thinking of getting the trim kit as well ?

What's above the microwave space ? I did at one stage get some minor work done to the cabinets above to make the older microwave fit and it wasn't hugely expensive. They moved the shelf that formed the bottom of the cupboard up and made two new shorter doors but I'm sure you can easily cut them down if your husband is handy.  
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 11, 2012, 11:45:29 pm
Hi Debbie I want the combo micro and convection one although the normal microwave does the crisp and other things so will be interested to see the difference. Hadn't thought about the trim. The height is the only problem because of the trim I have atm my DH might be able to take it out there is plenty of room width and at the back there are cupboards above the hole. I am not sure because it says it should be free standing will have to check how much space around it you need for it to be safe
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Debbiebillg on September 12, 2012, 12:12:21 am
Yvette I'd give Whirlpool a call direct if I were you. They'd also be able to tell you about the trim kit and required clearance if you were interested in that.  There doesn't seem to be any info about the trim kit on their website, but I don't think there was when we ordered one either, so may just pay to call and ask for a microwave expert. Trim kits are unique to the microwave I think, and I do know the Whirlpool one we had was not just what you saw at the front, there was a lot behind it as well so that the microwave sits at the right height for air to flow out the top and bottom vents of the trim kit.  Hope that makes sense.


Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: gertbysea on September 12, 2012, 12:14:20 am
Yvette I'd give Whirlpool a call direct if I were you. They'd also be able to tell you about the trim kit and required clearance if you were interested in that.  There doesn't seem to be any info about the trim kit on their website, but I don't think there was when we ordered one either, so may just pay to call and ask for a microwave expert. Trim kits are unique to the microwave I think, and I do know the Whirlpool one we had was not just what you saw at the front, there was a lot behind it as well so that the microwave sits at the right height for air to flow out the top and bottom vents of the trim kit.  Hope that makes sense.





And will the new door fit through the trim kit. This is where mine failed.

Gert
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 12, 2012, 12:14:48 am
Yes it does thanks Debbie will wait till DH comes home and we can discuss the options then. I do have room to have it free standing just not sure what to do.
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 12, 2012, 12:16:02 am
Ok Gert good point as said will wait for DH then we can decide, but I love that microwave
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Debbiebillg on September 22, 2012, 01:37:57 pm
Yvette, how did you get on with the microwave ?
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 22, 2012, 11:31:56 pm
Debbie I have been thinking and DH and I are going to have a discussion today, I decided I don't want to have it free standing, so I want to find out more about just the microwave with the crisper might go and have a look at one today  :) :)
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: obbie on September 22, 2012, 11:51:51 pm
watch the shopping thread..... :D :D
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 23, 2012, 01:15:01 am
No Robyn have just remeasured and it will not fit even with the trim off so have decided to wait till this one dies and then get the Whirlpool cannot really justify buying a new one when I have a perfectly good one. At least I know what I will buy when this one dies  :D :D :D
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Debbiebillg on September 23, 2012, 01:43:02 am
Bummer huh ! Yeh tis a lot of money if you already have one that works perfectly fine. 
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: Yvette on September 23, 2012, 02:42:13 am
Yes Debbie I can spend my money on some other things, yet to be decided  :) :)
Title: Re: Dead Microwave. Should I buy a combo MW/Convection?
Post by: MargC on September 23, 2012, 07:31:24 am
I have had one a for few years because I don't have an electric oven, only a combustion stove that makes the house too hot on summer days. It is awesome but I don't think I would bother if I had an electric one.