Choice Review for Microwaves Jan 2016

Does any one have a copy of the choice review for microwaves from earlier in the year?

Microwave died last night. One the lookout for a new one now

Thanks in advance

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Comments

  • Mine's on the way out too, I have to give it the Fonzie tap from time to time now…I'm just toughing it out for a good bargain on them & then I'll work backwards through the reviews based on price/saving! ;)

    • +2

      If you are down Central Coast way, check out the Panatech store at Tuggerah Supercentre (next to railway station) they have great deals on Panasonic Microwaves I got one the other day (no box) NN-SS663w for $109

      http://www.panasonic.com/au/consumer/household/microwave-oveā€¦

      Its listed at $319

      • Thanks a bunch, I got my cordless phone from the Panatech store (based on OzPete's recommendation), I was really happy with the advice, service & product there. I'd forgotten about them, I'm glad you suggested it! :)

        I'm off on a sickie today, and if I wasn't so full of cold & flu and caffeine, I'd take a drive down myself…I'm far too wired to be on the road though! Mental note: don't use a double shot to wash down ephedrine derivatives! ;)

        • So we should expect some interesting comments huh? :P

        • @Spackbace: You're probably getting them already, goodness only knows what I'm typing…I should be sleeping, but no way that's happening. :)

          Worst part is, when I get sick I get ravenous…I really want those 2x black KFC burgers delivered, dammit!!! :/

        • +1

          Glad to help a sick compadre.

          Yes the lady there is great with advice and service, as long as you are happy to have a chat :)

          "ozpete" now there's a blast from the past :)

  • Library will have a copy

  • FYI, I've had very good luck with LG microwaves (touch wood). Used a couple in a commercial situation, so bought 1, and haven't had an issue with it. Rounded back does work very well. Have seen both my parents and the in-laws replace Panasonic microwaves while we've just owned the one.

    Take from that what you will :) It's like the only LG thing I'd buy ;)

    • I'd also recommend a LG microwave. Love the curved back for cleaning and has worked without problem for 2-3 years and I use the microwave a lot, cook roasts, everything.

  • +1

    Still using our near 20 year old Panasonic Genius. Tried a newer inverter Panasonic Genius last year and couldn't get used to the cooling down cycle so the old one is back in service after replacing the light bulb and the newer one is sitting back in a cupboard.

  • My Blanco stainless steel microwave went the other week. Bought a Samsung stainless steel 1000w 40L from TGG and got them to price match an online retailer. It was nearly $300 with them, got it matched on $176. Love it so far - the Blanco was always terrible despite being a fairly expensive microwave at the time (2009).

    I like that many of the upper spec Samsungs have a ceramic interior which makes it much easier to clean as food barely sticks to it.

    • +3

      Blanco/Smeg/Euro branded microwaves are overpriced and shit.

      IMO the best microwaves are Panasonic and Sharp.

      • Yep! :)

        I looked at a Panasonic but went Samsung as I could get a bigger one for the same price.

      • our Smeg has been running for years and years and is still great (prob 10 years old). The best bit is how it operates (controls) and thats the reason we bought it.
        Before was panasonic and they are good but I dont like the controls.

        Sharp are always good (and I think the first for consumers)

    • How big space do u need to put this 40l samsung into? Manual says that there should be 10cm left of each side and 20cm on top. Most houses have a standard cubicle for microwaves which dont have this much space.

  • +1

    I've scanned the pages for you. I'll upload them when I get home. They stangely didn't even list LG.

  • +5

    Choice review microwaves March 2016:

    https://imgur.com/a/qaBS6

    • Thanks for that

    • I was saying below how happy I was with the Contempo Compact from BIG W for just $49. Well, the bigger size one - Contempo Medium for $89 is among those listed in the Choice review.

    • +1

      Choice reviews are helpful but I discontinued my membership as they seem to love rating things on "ease of use."
      For things like a microwave or vacuum, I mean common, what a useless measure. I can't help but think that this skews the results.

      • True. You can get a digital copy for free (only current months though) through Melbourne library (registration is onlinr and doesn't require ID or payment).

  • OZB members provided some great info in this recent thread when my microwave oven stopped functioning properly.

    And from experiences shared by other OZB members here, decided it was worth having a go at replacing the magnetron part.

    Since that would take time, ordering part etc, thought I would get the cheapest microwave oven to tie over. So, I got this Contempo compact microwave from BIG W for $49. And I could not be happier.

    It is doing such a fine job at the moment, I haven't even gotten around to ordering the magnetron for the malfunctioning microwave.

    • +1

      I purchased the medium version over the large. I found the large opening mechanism is faulty, it's loose and will break.

      The medium version is perfect. The handle to open is solid. The visibility is awesome, the LCD screen is good. Easy to use, looks expensive and does a great job heating food.

      Thanks for the recommendation. I also think Choice hit the nail on the head, all their good points were true with the medium microwave.

      Price vs performance ratio, it's a winner! I highly recommend the Contempo Medium Microwave from Big W and it's only $89! This is based off about 2 months of usage.

      • +1

        Good to hear :-)
        I am still happy with the small contempo. But might get this medium one, if at some stage I wanted a bigger one.

  • I'm after a convection microwave that can be used in a wall cavity. Most of those I have looked at need significant space around them and are therefore suited to sitting on bench tops. Has anyone found a model that can fit into an existing microwave cavity and still comply with the recommended gaps?

    • IME, so long as you have a reasonable gap around them it's not too bad…the big thing is that you'll need the cavity to be ducted, you have to exhaust that hot air somewhere.

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