My 20 year old Sharp carousal is on it's last legs, so I thus far I found two replacement candidates https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-NN-S... , and the other one that is linked.
I'd like some general feedback for microwaves of this size, power, price range, and opinions on brands, inverter technology, and how comfortable you are with Amazon refurbished in this particular category
Forget having another 20 year microwave. I replaced one one of those a few years ago. The replacement lasted only 3 years. Its replacement the same. There are only two manufacturing factories in China that make our microwaves regardless of brands. Take any one you like the looks of; the insides will be pretty much the same. They are disposable, have no long term value, and are not repairable.
Oh, man, you're kidding! Only two factories in China making every microwave now for all brands?
I still have my 1992ish Amana "radarange" but just this year, it has started tripping the outlet. My husband says it's on the way out. I can take my parents' old microwave that functions well, that one has a carousel, can't remember the brand off hand. A few years ago some repairman did check my Amana for leaks while they were working on my stove and found none then. This one is big and takes up almost all the space between my fridge and sink but I do not like over the stove microwaves either.
"Forget having another 20 year microwave"
Yeh. I bought another one as an upgrade at a local store several years ago.. I think it was a Panasonic, not sure. Looked beautiful, ok while it lasted, lasted about 2 years.
The Sharp was certainly pretty basic by today's standards, but respect to the quality. Pretty much used on a daily basis, mostly heating and defrosting, I'm not kidding about the 20 years, maybe tack another 5 on that. It's so old the identification label on the back is completely washed away, blank, unidentifiable. I couldn't match an image with a net search.
If anybody can offer a good experience, that would be appreciated.
How do you guys feel about service contracts in these case. Not usually fan myself.
Loved my sharp carousel with convection... replaced it with LG inverter plus convection... LG was lovely when it worked, been back to the repair shop a bazillion times. It's garbage. And the minimum increment is 10 seconds, which is really, really annoying.
My instinct would be to go with Panasonic, as everything I ever had from them has been good, and unfamiliar with Toshiba, except as elevators in Tokyo.... but I know they're very reputable. I like the mute function - really wish I had that.
Having said that, everything seems to have no quality control these days.
Personally, I would not go a refurb on a microwave... They're tricky, and if not done right... well... I wouldn't do it. The repairs I've had on this LG thing lasted all of about six months, some as little as two months - glad I had a 2 year warranty plus a replace/refund guarantee from the store another 5 years. As soon as that kicks in, I'm there and deciding on another brand myself.
Funny, cuz all the other LG stuff we have is brilliant. A 12 yr old fridge going strong, a great TV.
Overall, possibly I'd end up with the Toshiba... as I'd never get a refurb, and my personal preference is to go German or Japanese for build quality for most other things....
Sorry about the ramble... didn't really help you much, did I?
The 20 plus year one was a Panasonic, so I replaced it with one. After 2 years the door closure safety interlock failed. I googled and opened the thing. The interlock switch was mounted on a thin angle-bent piece of sheet metal with no back support that eventually bent too far for the contacts to close when the door was shut. I bent it back, but that only lasted a few months and the next try lasted only a few weeks. Cheap metal and cheap construction.
The next one was an LG. A month ago it did everything except cook. Magnetron circuit failure, I presume. Luckily the local appliance store had online ordering and curbside pickup. I will find out if Sharp is any better. Ask me in 3 years.
Well, I discovered the Toshiba is also made in China... would be interested to discover if there IS a microwave made elsewhere...
I've been very happy with my Panasonic with an inverter power supply. Would definitely recommend to others.
I suggest Panasonic and Sharp. Avoid Amana, the professional version of which leaked radiation in my office's pantry.
I have had my Sharp for 15 years and it is still kicking. My mom's Panasonic is now 6 years old and is working fine too. I haven't had luck with LG products and so won't recommend this brand.
I've had this microwave for 8 years with no problems -
I have the Panasonic you linked. I got it at Target several months ago to replace an LG that died. So far no complaints, and it gets daily use in my house. I like the cool blue display light instead of the usual yellow/orange, but that's not a selling feature obviously :) I bought it new so I can't speak to buying one renewed - I will say that the price I paid for new is the same as what Amazon is selling it for as renewed ...
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