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Post by hobbitlady on Apr 11, 2015 7:40:20 GMT
I lived half my life before microwave cooking became a common accepted practice and I've always been wary of it for several reasons. I'm not a "purist" against them that would ever bother to argue; but I read a lot of horror stories from that first decade and also I quickly noted that some "real" food was ruined by that sort of cooking. I didn't like the fact that the wavelength was not the same as any "natural" sort of heating either. I Do use mine to defrost in a pinch (less by the year) but I don't cook a meal in mine,ever. I'm just curious how most of you on the forum feel? Thanks! DRAT! I meant to add the option of "Never had one" ! Feel free to say that if you are in That camp! (and I admire That!)
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2015 9:51:59 GMT
I have one and use it occasionally but would not miss it at all if it broke. My husband uses it much more than I do.
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Post by oldmania on Apr 11, 2015 10:28:45 GMT
I use mine daily. I mainly reheat things.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2015 11:40:13 GMT
We use ours all the time but not for real cooking.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2015 11:41:28 GMT
oops scrolled ri ght past the poll the first time
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Post by karenp on Apr 11, 2015 12:34:36 GMT
I don't have one. I feel micro waves are the down fall of family meals.
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Post by TommyIce on Apr 11, 2015 14:05:19 GMT
I only use mine for reheating, making popcorn and cooking bacon.
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Post by mjslady on Apr 11, 2015 14:10:41 GMT
If it was just me, I would not have one. Takes up to much space for not enough return.
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Post by Raeven on Apr 11, 2015 14:40:11 GMT
I use mine a lot and I would miss it. I cook virtually everything from scratch, but I live alone and so use it often to reheat leftovers, party of one. I also use it to defrost, cook bacon, wilt spinach, fast-cook fresh vegetables such as broccoli or peas, half-cook potatoes for hash browns, warm bread, melt cheese, heat milk in the mornings for my coffee -- and I have one killer microwave brownie recipe I occasionally make. When people ask for the recipe, they're always surprised it's a microwave one.
I understand the science behind them and don't worry at all about having one. It's just radio waves.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2015 14:51:43 GMT
We had one when we lived in town. Used it to reheat things. Sweetie did use it for a quick baked potato once in a while. Kids used it for reheating. We are off grid here, so no microwave....James
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Post by Raeven on Apr 11, 2015 15:22:40 GMT
I do learn quickly how much I use mine whenever we suffer an extended power outage... nothing I can't manage without, but I do appreciate the convenience of it!
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Post by tenbusybees on Apr 11, 2015 15:56:03 GMT
I grew up with one and my mom loved it for cooking meatloaf and baked potaoes as well as heating stuff up. I never liked meatloaf or baked potatoes til I was older and got to experience oven cooked meatloaf and baked potato. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm. We had one briefly after we were married, but it took up too much space and wasn't used enough to justify anything so out it went. Don't miss it at all. ^^This. EXACTLY this!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2015 17:12:12 GMT
I use it for reheating leftovers, melting butter and once in a while for a quick baked potato. I could live without one and probably will if we ever get off grid.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2015 17:56:01 GMT
Our last microwave lasted 24 years since it was not used much, which is amazing since my boys tried many experiments with it such as watching the 'lightning' when they put pop tart wrappers in it. With all the electronics on it, I don't think the one we have now will last that long but it's mostly used to heat water, occasionally to reheat something or to make popcorn, although we use a hot air popper most of the time.
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Post by spacecase0 on Apr 11, 2015 19:14:48 GMT
I use my microwave only for frying RFID chips in new clothing, other science experiments, and heating up pure water.
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Post by jean on Apr 11, 2015 22:23:53 GMT
When microwaves became popular we were invited to a friend's house for supper. When we got there she proudly said that everything that was on the table was cooked in the microwave. It was terrible. We decided that we would never have any use for ruined food and agreed not to ever own one. That is still true today. I sometimes think it would be nice to reheat leftovers as there are just the two of us but am short on countertop room and an appliance to just reheat food would be silly. Respect those who do choose to have one though.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2015 1:14:33 GMT
Hot chocolate, I have to say that one is a boon - no more sticky pans to clean. Boil cups of water for tea, reheat coffee. Melt butter for cornbread. I use those new silicon lid flaps on cups, makes a big difference for coffee and chocolate, no "skin". Frying plastic wrap in there seems - well, not a good idea, they blow air out of the chamber, so...
Don't like "baked" potatoes in them. That was a big disappointment, everyone raves. And all the "yummy" dinners I've had hit me the same as you, Jean. Fuhh. Ruined food. If I had a gas instead of electric stove it would be gone.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2015 1:40:48 GMT
Mine quit several months ago, maybe a year ago. Never replaced it
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2015 1:45:21 GMT
ours broke and I wanted to see how long we could go without it- we lasted from Feb last yr until June- cause I wanted the kids to be able to heat things up with out using the stove- I got a second hand one for 15 bucks- we only use it to reheat things never use it to cook- I only reheat things like leftovers for DS thermos in the morning for school lunches-
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Post by mollymckee on Apr 12, 2015 4:14:44 GMT
I use mine to melt butter, chocolate, heat milk, cook rice, cook meat for the dogs. reheat things, steam veggies, precook some things, defrost, make pop corn. I would miss mine, although I would like one of the new ones that has a infrared element. I can't justify it but I would like one.
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Post by spacecase0 on Apr 12, 2015 4:31:18 GMT
I use mine to melt butter, chocolate, heat milk, cook rice, cook meat for the dogs. reheat things, steam veggies, precook some things, defrost, make pop corn. I would miss mine, although I would like one of the new ones that has a infrared element. I can't justify it but I would like one. I use an induction stove to make popcorn now, it puts out 3 to 4 times what most microwaves do, it is way faster than the microwave
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Post by Ken on Apr 12, 2015 4:51:33 GMT
The built-in microwave above the stove has been unplugged for about 6 years now and used to be used for bread storage up until I went gluten free a few years ago. Now it is completely unused.
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Post by paquebot on Apr 12, 2015 6:18:34 GMT
Can't recall a time when we didn't have one since they came out. Until a year or so ago, we had a huge GE that was built in 1978. When I retired, worked with my brother for about 7 years in the restaurant equipment repair business and my specialty were the microwaves. Although I use ours mostly for warming or heating something, potatoes are almost always cooked in it. When boiled, a certain amount of the nutrients are lost in the water. Not so in the microwave.
Martin
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Post by Maura on Apr 12, 2015 14:28:59 GMT
When they came out with a large one many years ago, oh, about 1978, my mother had to have one so she could cook a turkey in it instead of the oven. All 13 of us hated that turkey. We’ve had a microwave for over 20 years now. It is only used to reheat coffee or tea, rarely to reheat other food.
As for hot chocolate: boil up some water, put into cup, add the cocoa, sugar, and salt. Stir. Add milk.
Actually, it is recommended that baby formula not be heated in the microwave because of the loss of nutrients.
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Post by Mari-in-IN on Apr 12, 2015 15:16:00 GMT
Ours blew up about 2 years ago and we both agreed to not replace it. It did take a little time to get used to defrosting meats-just have to plan ahead! The only time I miss it (just a little bit) is if we have leftover pizza-I don't have much patience when it comes to reheating it in the oven-I want it now!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2015 15:38:43 GMT
Marlin, try a cast iron pan on low for your pizza reheats - love that crispy crust, it heats up before the cheese etc. dries up in the oven or gets soggy. I promise it'll be a faster turn-around.
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Post by Mari-in-IN on Apr 12, 2015 16:02:20 GMT
Marlin, try a cast iron pan on low for your pizza reheats - love that crispy crust, it heats up before the cheese etc. dries up in the oven or gets soggy. I promise it'll be a faster turn-around. Hey thanks-I'll try that. Cast iron is not a problem here-all of our fry/saute pans are cast... By the way I'm Mari-in-IN - I think I need to somehow make it easier to read-it does look quite confusing
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Post by Skandi on Apr 12, 2015 16:52:54 GMT
We use ours to defrost mainly the dogs dinners and also to cook the pugs meat. I don't cook anything in it normaly, an occasional steamed pudding as it takes the cooking time from 3 hours to 20 mins. and I do use it to melt chocolate and butter.
EDIT: I should mention that I do not cook in it because it's no faster for veg/rice etc and I really hate the taste and texture of meat done in it.
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Post by hobbitlady on Apr 12, 2015 18:35:04 GMT
Thank You everyone so far! This has been really interesting for me. I guess I really am "home" Here on this forum!!!giggle. Don't remember When I've been in the "majority" for a poll! ROFL!!!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2015 22:55:58 GMT
Mari-in-IN, just my double vision before my morning coffee?
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