So, anyway, our countertop microwave that we have had for 5 years quit working over the weekend. I have a large stainless steel micowave designed to be built in over the stove. However, the thing weigsh a ton, and I don't think roomie and I could mount it. I am worried about it. My son can't come down immediately as he is in the process of moving...and this is his last weekend in his old place. He has to clean and get his deposit back etc Plus he loves to make excuses.. Anyway, I told roomie I would buy a small countertop one to replace the one we had, until we can get my son down here who is strong, and fairly knowledgeable as well. Anyway, roomie said,"Fine get someone else to install it." I told him though, it was nothing against him, it is just these things are rarely easy as they seem, and I don't want my whole kitchen out of commission for weeks. So, anyway, hopefully he will cool down, I just know from past experience,,,these things can be an issue, my mower was something that took all summer to get working one year, due to needing a part, and I don't want to have the same issue with the microwave. Hopefully he will be happier once we get a countertop microwave..as a temporary thing.
Geez, it's just a microwave. If mine that's above my my stove ever quits I'll just buy a small cheap one. I use it every day and it's been in this house since it was built 16 years ago.
Yeah, it shouldn't be a big deal. I do want to get this one I have installed because it has been taking up space in here for months now, plus I want to market the house, but not too many people install these devices and th ones that do, want big bucks. This was something that ex bought and it is a long story, but I told him,,I do not want something sitting around for months, and of course...what do I have??? You might see why he is an ex..Oh well...I am sure this will all get resolved eventually.
I don't know what to say because I don't seem to understand why that stainless steel microwave is so heavy. But I understand that it would be inconvenient to have no microwave for a week because we have learned to live with it already. Our microwave is the small one which looks portable (of course it's not) and when it broke down last year, we bought a new one with the same size and replaced the busted one. With heavy appliances, it's really a problem moving them. When our big semi-flat tv couldn't be fixed anymore, it took 3 people to move it. So when we bought a replacement, a new flat tv that can be carried by my husband alone, the problem was how to remove the old one which was so heavy.
@K E Gordon I agree 100% with you on holding off installing the above range microwave. They can be difficult to install and requires knowledge of stud location and such. When your son has time to help, might have him see if the ceramic fuse inside is blown on the countertop one. Usually located inside, back of unit near where the cord goes into the oven. Most have the white ceramic fuse in a holder. Check procedure on-line for precautions. Hope things work out for you.
Thanks Tim. Actually there is a service number on the old microwave, maybe they could be helpful. However, I have had it like 4 or 5 years, it might just be at the end of it's lifespan. I think there is a place at the flea market that might do repairs, but small countertop models don't cost too much usually. We have a friend who is an electrician. I might see if he could be imported to come down here, but he keeps himself busy with frivoulus lawsuits usually...
@K E Gordon Microwave ovens may be just a step above the level of understanding of the average electrician. They utilize an ages-old technology, called "vacuum tubes", which generate the microwave energy. Doing so requires very high voltage levels, easily potentially lethal levels, 2 to 3 thousand volts. Such high voltages pose stresses on the parts involved which frequently cause failure. The key components are a high-voltage transformer, which can fail, though generally they are not found at fault. Next in line, a high-voltage capacitor and diode combination, where 90% of the time, the trouble lies. The capacitor and diode are often supplied as replacement parts already wired together. finally, the heart of it all, the Magnetron tube, which does fail now and then. Or, it could be the fuse. But the fuse is a lightly-stressed little part, generally well-chosen for it's service stability, and if it has failed, most often an overload electrically has caused that. Short-circuited capacitor or diode, most often. I got adept at understanding the above, as a result of a run-around at a microwave repair center in Missouri. The guy told me our big Sharp micro-convection could not be repaired. This is a guy who FIXES them for a living, claimed some far-out idea that "parts were not availavle for that model". B.S. The parts are almost universally identical, no matter of manufacturer. A GOOD technician can substitute for name-brand parts because he understands the nomenclature, electrical specifications, and operation of the parts in conjunction to one-another. But try to find that guy! *(Horn-tooting). My wife did.
We have an over the stove microwave that I installed myself. I thought it would be difficult but it was actually pretty easy. We have a glasstop stove which I covered with plywood just in case something dropped. You just have to install the back panel first and drill holes where the top screws go through. They come with a template to locate where to drill. Once that is done you just tilt the microwave to align the tabs and hooks on the back and lift the front of the unit so yo can start the screws.
Yeah, that was his original plan with the microwave to cover it, but when he started talking about pulling out the stove and everything, I just was envisioning the room being wrecked for weeks, because he couldn't locate something he needed or something didn't function right. I just nt someone to help him someone who has a clue, and some strength, and then maybe we can get it done. Although, I think he is offended, now that I wouldn't help him with his vision. I think countertop until we get a helper here.
Hmm...I'd be concerned about roomie doing it, as well. I'd make do with a loaner or buy a small one for now as you mentioned, and have someone who knows what they're doing install the one above. I'm hoping mine holds out for a bit, although the power seems to be decreasing. It's just a medium sized countertop model, so if it breaks I'll just have to replace it.
Yes, I am going to NOVA tommorrow, so the plan is to take a look at microwaves, if it is just used for a short time maybe we could return it. They are more expensive than they used to be, but we will see if we can locate some deals. I will also give Sunbeam a call. I mean a microwave isn't critical, but it sure makes life easier. I would really like to get this big one installed..and not have to buy one of course..but it may take some doing to get it done. Thanks for the feedback everyone.