Over The Range Microwaves

[kyounge1956]

I had an over-the-range microwave + vent hood in my townhouse. I found it convenient to use, but the glass tray cracked and the replacement cost of just the tray was more than an entire new countertop microwave. Fortunately I found a tray the right size at the thrift store before selling the townhouse. I don't ever plan to buy another combo microwave-vent hood; instead I'll get a freestanding microwave on an under-the cupboard shelf and (when I get around to kitchen re-vamp), maybe a downdraft vented range.

I usually just use the micro for steaming single servings of fish or veggies, re-heating dinner or tea and making microwave popcorn, not for serious cooking.

 

[rbmrtn]

I did look at Amazon and it looks like plenty of folks just changed the motor claiming it's only about a 5-10 minute job.

One thing I always do when thinking about repairing something is search the internet for a manual, not the owners manual but the service manual. It will tell you exactly how to fix it with precautions and warnings. You can usually find them in PDF format. Most things can be fixed with a screwdriver and pliers, if it requires special tools, then maybe let someone else do it.

 

[HFWR]

Most things can be fixed with a [-]screwdriver and pliers[/-] hammer, if it requires special tools, then maybe let someone else do it.

FIFY

 

[Texas Proud]

I had an over-the-range microwave + vent hood in my townhouse. I found it convenient to use, but the glass tray cracked and the replacement cost of just the tray was more than an entire new countertop microwave. Fortunately I found a tray the right size at the thrift store before selling the townhouse. I don't ever plan to buy another combo microwave-vent hood; instead I'll get a freestanding microwave on an under-the cupboard shelf and (when I get around to kitchen re-vamp), maybe a downdraft vented range.

I usually just use the micro for steaming single servings of fish or veggies, re-heating dinner or tea and making microwave popcorn, not for serious cooking.

Just as and FYI, we have a downdraft vented range and I do not like it that much... when there is a lot of smoke etc., it does not get it all...

 

[kyounge1956]

Just as and FYI, we have a downdraft vented range and I do not like it that much... when there is a lot of smoke etc., it does not get it all...

The micro-hood didn't get it all either. I was forever setting off the smoke alarm just making a stir-fry or something. I don't recall definitely, but I don't think the plain vent hood I had in my house before the townhouse got all smoke either. Maybe I just "smoke" too much!

 

[heeyy_joe]

Holy wavelength Batman! It lasted ten years? Are you sure you don't want to treat yourself to a new kitchen? No? Then pony up and get a new replacement, I vote for saving the counterspace.

 

[Mulligan]

Holy wavelength Batman! It lasted ten years? Are you sure you don't want to treat yourself to a new kitchen? No? Then pony up and get a new replacement, I vote for saving the counterspace.

Now Joe, I maybe a tightwad, but my overhead microwave is turning 10 this year, and I still consider it an adolescent. It gets more use than my stove, dishwasher combined. It better have 20 more years left in it! I have been fortunate with appliances and TV's. I can't remember any of them ever breaking on me. The key for me has been to by the cheapest product, as they never seem to breakdown for some reason. I bought my original stove, dishwasher, and fridge for $990 combined and they work like the first day I bought them. Since the contractor put my overhead in, I can't imagine he spent a penny more than he had to on it.

 

[heeyy_joe]

I just can't bear the thought of this unfortunate person having to rotate the food, or wind up a turntable. Now Mulligan, not everyone has the touch of Midas and has their appliances last over ten years. I'm trying to help by comparing a new microwave to a new kitchen and here you are making the OP feel bad. BTW, any lottery numbers you can recommend? Just 6 numbers... 1 through 55.

 

[easysurfer]

I just can't bear the thought of this unfortunate person having to rotate the food, or wind up a turntable. Now Mulligan, not everyone has the touch of Midas and has their appliances last over ten years. I'm trying to help by comparing a new microwave to a new kitchen and here you are making the OP feel bad. BTW, any lottery numbers you can recommend? Just 6 numbers... 1 through 55.

Thanks for the help. But the wind up thingy that I've got actually seems to work very well. One wind up lasts for 30 minutes of rotate time. I'm not a person that using the microwave for all my meals so this really doesn't lead to too much winding. Plus, I like kitchen gadgets.

 

[ejw93]

Best of luck with the wind-up toy.

Our house was year 2000 New Construction with a GE OTR microwave.

The magnetron (cooking energy generator thingy) died in ~2011.

Got a drop-in replacement made by LG for under $200. Same wattage, same color, better warranty than was offered by a replacement GE model.

Mounting to the wall and connecting the vents was a non-issue. These things appear to be somewhat standardized.

I would not fear replacing your old unit with a new OTR unit when the time eventually comes.

 

[W2R]

For some reason, I always assume that OTR microwaves are going to either get outdated, or croak, or both. So, when I was looking for my present house I considered an OTR microwave to be a negative.

They may be wonderful to have! But I hope I never have to find out one way or another.

 

[Mulligan]

I just can't bear the thought of this unfortunate person having to rotate the food, or wind up a turntable. Now Mulligan, not everyone has the touch of Midas and has their appliances last over ten years. I'm trying to help by comparing a new microwave to a new kitchen and here you are making the OP feel bad. BTW, any lottery numbers you can recommend? Just 6 numbers... 1 through 55.

Joe, my advise on buying cheap appliances may be of little use to anyone, but I can fully assure you that my ability to pick numbers for you, would be even worse advise. OP- Be brave and spend just a little more and get the new one, prices don't sound so bad. Don't be a cheapo like me. You will be happier in the long run, IMHO!

 

[susswein]

The OP has already made a decision, but I'll chime in with 2 additional options:

1) Buy the OTR microwave you want, and hire a local handyman to install it for you. It'll be a lot chealer that the store install price.
2) Replace the OTR microwave with a shelf, and put a countertop microwave on the shelf. This is the route I took.