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Thread Number: 20542
My Sharp Microwave Saga - The Last Shout |
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Post# 326504 1/24/2009 at 15:09 (5,564 days old) by launderess  (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Repair service returned my microwave yesterday and it works a treat. Good as new, one would say, though they did scuff up the unit a bit in transport and repair, nothing major. Costs? 1 Monitor Switch - $7.00 1 Mica Wave Guide - $2.50 1 CPU Unit - $97.36 1 Labour 1.5 Hours - $75/hour = NC 1 Magnetron - NC Service company got Sharp Electronics to spring not only for a new magnetron, but labour costs as well. Do not know what they said or did, but am very thankful for their efforts. As a coming home present for the unit, used a NIB vintage Corning Ware "grilling" microwave dish and whipped up some chicken breasts. The results were'nt exactly like grilled chicken from the range top or broiler, but pretty good. Am here to tell you those Corningware grilling/browning dishes get pretty darn hot. Clean up took a bit of effort as one had so finally get out scouring powder to get off the "burnt" on food bits. Thanks to all in the group who offered support and assistance on this matter. You guys are the best. L. | ||
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Post# 326508 , Reply# 1 1/24/2009 at 15:31 (5,564 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains) |
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Great! | ||
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Post# 326509 , Reply# 2 1/24/2009 at 15:37 (5,564 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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*LOL* | ||
| Post# 326536 , Reply# 3 1/24/2009 at 18:57 (5,564 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA) | ||
Can you feel the power?
With a new mag, your cooking performance should be just as it was out of the box. Yours may not have been old enough for the mag to degrade enough so you would notice a huge difference, but I've put new mags into 10-15 year old units and the first thing I hear is about how the microwave was taking forever to heat and now it just screams thru like it used to... Good for your servicer! If I can get the factory to eat a high dollar part and/or labor, the customer sure remembers it and comes back! RCD | ||
| Post# 326553 , Reply# 4 1/24/2009 at 21:08 (5,564 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
That is... | ||
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Post# 326563 , Reply# 5 1/24/2009 at 21:33 (5,564 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Speaking of new mags....
When both my Panasonic and Kenmore microwaves were new, my main complaint was that they seemed to over cook on the automatic sensor settings. Now, after the Panasonic is about seven years old, it doesn't seem to overcook stuff like it used to. I can stick any old frozen entree in it, press a button, and get a relatively evenly cooked meal when the chime rings. The Kenmore hasn't been getting that much use and I don't recall trying it out on frozen entrees in quite a while. But maybe it's worth a go. So I'm wondering... is it me, or do these MW manufacturers try to anticipate the aging and reduced power of the magnetron and aim their automatic cooking selections towards the power to be expected in the middle of the magnetron's expected lifespan? This would seem to explain why things that seemed overcooked when the MW was new now seem to be perfectly prepared. Of course, the entrees could have improved as well. ;-) | ||
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Post# 326565 , Reply# 6 1/24/2009 at 21:39 (5,564 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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When doing research on my microwave oven situation, everything one read clearly stated that most if not all microwave ovens loose power over time. How fast and much probably depends upon usage. Being as this may, vintage RadarRanges and other older units seem to keep on going with seemingly no loss in cooking power, so not sure if this is a modern trend, or blanket across the board thing. Something must be going on with modern microwave ovens, as they rarely last on averge more than five years, and warranty on magnetrons are normally much shorter than microwaves from even the 1980's. | ||
| Post# 326571 , Reply# 8 1/24/2009 at 22:10 (5,564 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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Post# 326575 , Reply# 9 1/24/2009 at 22:23 (5,564 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Corningware, Corelle, Littonware and every other maker of these browning/grilling dishes for microwave ovens have clear warnings all over the boxes and manuals NOT to touch with bare hands once heated. Furthermore they are not to be placed on non-heat resistant surfaces once heated either. Quite honestly was pretty surprised when after heating the dish in the MC for five minutes, then taking out (with pot holder), and placing the chicken pieces on to hear a loud and strong sizzle sound. As stated the surface was hot enough to sear each side of the chicken, and leave enough brunt residue that only scouring would remove. Am considering scouring fleaBay and elsewhere for other pieces, as the design works well (rounded corners, material that really heats up), in the MC. Believe it or not, Corningware stopped making their browning/grilling ware for the MC, after initial sales were poor upon introduction. Apparently housewives and others didn't understand how to use the dishes, and saw no benefit. Am not too sure how well beef would come out on one of these things, but white meat like fish, chicken and even pork should yield good results. L. | ||
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Post# 326580 , Reply# 10 1/24/2009 at 22:49 (5,564 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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Post# 326582 , Reply# 11 1/24/2009 at 22:55 (5,564 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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"Too Much Power"
IMHO, as microwaves have moved into becoming a second or even first oven, power levels have increased in an attempt to get the near impossible from such an oven, the same baking, roasting and such results one has with a range. Fans, browning elements, and so forth will only get you so far, and at least according to Consumer Reports, for the most part roasts and most baking is still best done in a normal oven. | ||
| Post# 326585 , Reply# 12 1/24/2009 at 23:21 (5,564 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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Agreed... | ||
| Post# 326598 , Reply# 13 1/25/2009 at 01:41 (5,564 days old) by twinniefan (Sydney Australia) | ||
Amen
Amen to that Ronhic, We use our Sunbeam convection oven for roasts,rissoles,sausages.pies and pastries etc and we use our microwave oven,(L.G. 1100 watt,funny strange uneven wattage but works terrific.),for cooking vegetables,reheating,and cooking casseroles in winter.,in fact I make a chicken vegetable casserole in it by using diced chicken breast fillets,a packet of frozen mixed vegetables,a couple of stock cubes and a full container of liquid stock. I then cook it in the microwave for 5-10 minutes on full power and then for about 90 minutes on defrost(about 10% power.),the chicken is cooked all the way through and literally melts in your mouth. | ||
| Post# 326599 , Reply# 14 1/25/2009 at 02:23 (5,564 days old) by ronhic (Canberra, Australia) | ||
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ooooohhhhh | ||
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Post# 326675 , Reply# 16 1/25/2009 at 16:56 (5,563 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
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Launderess---Glad your microwave repair worked out so well! As long as you didn't have to pay for labor, it was certainly worth it, especially since you like your Sharp. I had one of those Corning Ware grilling dishes. Mine looked like a big, square casserole with a textured bottom' depth of about 2", maybe. Came with a clear glass lid. Does that sound like the one you have? I went off my university's meal plan my sophomore year, which would have been (activate the Way-back Machine, Sherman!)....1978. Anyway, my roommate and I cooked all of our meals in our RadarRange. We made burgers, steaks and chicken with the grilling dish. I'd also use it to saute onions, etc. for recipes. I'd brown sausages for pasta sauces, all that sort of thing. And I did all this in a freakin' dorm room, LOL! We used to make some really wonderful meals with nothing but a counter-height fridge and a big-ass microwave. Of course, I'll stick with traditional methods now that I have access to real ranges, but at the time, it served its purpose very well. | ||
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Post# 326686 , Reply# 17 1/25/2009 at 17:33 (5,563 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Labour Charges
Seen to have been covered, but upon closer inspection of the invoice, they sneaked in a "technical charge" of $112. Can only guess this was for various testing and such to determine what was wrong. Who knows. Corningware Grilling Dish, No, mine is a flat shallow some what oblonged shaped dish, but it does have the textured surface underneath. My understanding is that surface is some sort of metal and or ceramic, which is responsible for obtaining the very hot surface when heated. Have seen the dishes you mentioned, they have a raised surface, much like other grilling plates and such. Considering snapping of of them up as well. L. | ||
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Post# 326687 , Reply# 18 1/25/2009 at 17:42 (5,563 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California) |
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"Technical Charge"??? | ||
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Post# 326697 , Reply# 19 1/25/2009 at 18:40 (5,563 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Yeppers
That do be the total cost, but then again that was the quoted rate before the magnetron saga. Yes, in a way could have spent the same or less on a new MC, but not for the same build quality in the same size. Even then, the offerings for a today's version didn't do a thing for me. Also there is the fact one had grown accustomed to this unit, and finding another with all the same functions seemed difficult. For instance, like the "instant on" button, which simply powered up the unit by pressing start, and kept it on until one released the switch. Power level slection is a snip as well; simply press the power level button then press a number to indicate what level is required. Again, unusual, but couldn't find the whole bag of tricks in one oven. Either way, one assumes it would have been a throw of the dice. New microwaves do not seem to last more than five years on average, if that before problems develop. For every unit that received one good report, there was at least one (on average) bad review. Mind you this simply could be persons being picky, and or any plant having a bad day, but at least one is dealing with the devil one knows. There is a 90 day warranty from the servicer on parts and, 180 days on labour. Given the use my oven gets, any problems should turn up before then. L. | ||
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Post# 326706 , Reply# 21 1/25/2009 at 19:27 (5,563 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
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My Corning "frying pan" or "searing dish" (or whatever it was called) looked something like this. There were no grill ridges in it. The textured surface must have been on the outside of the bottom, as you describe; it's been awhile since I've seen it. Mine broke shortly after college, due to a temp change shock. Broke right in half. I recall trying to use it to make pancakes once, but they stuck unmercifully, LOL. Otherwise, it was a very useful piece of cookware. On having appliances repaired: If you really like a particular appliance, I say pay the money to have it repaired and keep your treasured workhorse---even if that means paying more than it would cost to get a new one. You'll probably get years more service from your Sharp, Launderess. 
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| Post# 326757 , Reply# 23 1/26/2009 at 00:50 (5,563 days old) by maytagbear (N.E. Ohio) | ||
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I have the same browning dish that Whirlcool pictured immediately above. I use it more often as a plain Corningware dish than for browning, but I still use it for browning. Makes a great grilled cheese sandwich. Very glad your microwave is back with you, Laundress! Lawrence/Maytagbear | ||
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Post# 326771 , Reply# 24 1/26/2009 at 01:21 (5,563 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.) |
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Post# 326774 , Reply# 25 1/26/2009 at 01:36 (5,563 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Here Is Mine | ||
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Post# 326779 , Reply# 26 1/26/2009 at 02:19 (5,563 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Corningware "Grab-Its"
Corningware had a great line of microwave and oven safe dishes designed for small/individual portions under their "Heat and Serve" line called "Grab-Its". These are highly sought after today. Great for not only reheating or cooking small portions, but great for making up small portions of say lasanga or some such, putting it away in the freezer for home-made "frozen dinners". L | ||
| Post# 326840 , Reply# 27 1/26/2009 at 10:39 (5,562 days old) by redcarpetdrew (Fairfield, CA) | ||
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L, you are right about the older Radars holding their own on power. The mag out of an older unit is close to twice if not three times the weight and size as the cheaper newer ones. The mag (and the rest of the unit as well...) was simply built heavier in all regards with a quality that has long since dried up... RCD | ||
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Post# 326978 , Reply# 28 1/26/2009 at 18:36 (5,562 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
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Post# 326980 , Reply# 29 1/26/2009 at 18:38 (5,562 days old) by frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie) |
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Post# 327014 , Reply# 32 1/26/2009 at 20:29 (5,562 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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That is the older version of Corningware, and in it's many forms highly collectable as well. Sometime before production began waning, Corningware stopped making range top safe dishes, and only oven and microwave safe. Many a housewive and others not reading the bottom of their Corningware dish assumed it was the same they always had and put it on top of the range, only to have the thing shatter to bits. There was some very furious raised voices I can tell you on the matter. Old Corningware does have a following, with some women today having tons of it as either gifts, or inherited from various female family members. Some use it to death, others allow it to sit lingering in cupboards. Shame really, compared to the cheap plastic tat sold today for freezer to microwave use, Corningware is streets ahead. Oh, an let's not get started on the horrors of heating foods in plastic containers when using a microwave. L. | ||
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Post# 327015 , Reply# 33 1/26/2009 at 20:31 (5,562 days old) by launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage) |
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Those Grab-Its | ||
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Post# 327051 , Reply# 34 1/26/2009 at 22:46 (5,562 days old) by dadoes (TX, U.S. of A.) |
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