Recommend a reasonably priced microwave for a modest apartment
 

Any recommendations? Brands? Links much appreciated.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...top+Microwaves

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...&N=0+1000019+7

Can't beat a Kenmore. Only have had two microwaves in 28 years, both Sears.

I have a phillips, and love it. Sharp is also a great microwave brand, it also is the brand that does my phone, Sidekick 3. Love them.
I suggest stainless steel.
http://www.sharpusa.com/products/Typ...56,155,00.html

One tip from the boss. Make sure it's tall enough for your needs. You'd be surprised how many microwaves are painfully narrow.

Happy shopping. :thumbsup:

Is there really a huge difference between different microwaves these days? I always thought they do pretty much the same thing.

Yes and no. Get a minimum of 800 watts (1000 would be great, but if it's too big or too expensive, it won't be worth it).

This is for the money, but I'll bet you can find it even cheaper locally.

I wish I could recommend my microwave. its only advantage is that it's tiny enough to fit on our counter under our cabinet.

My recommendations:

never get one with a turn dial for cooking times. They're not accurate and you just find yourself watching the clock and pushing the off button yourself.

Make sure you can change the power intensity. Nothing worse than trying to defrost broccoli only to find it charred beyond redemption.

Ah right. Still, I've seen very similar microwaves next to each other on the shelves, both with similar power specifications and digital controllers etc... yet one is 5-6 times the cost. Is there a difference other than perhaps brand name?

I got the cheapest microwave I could at Target and it's worked well for me for almost three years. It's a Daewoo, lol.

*shrug* Granted, I'm not a one to be picky about these things.

Something I was thinking about earlier... I pretty much only use my microwave for defrosting and reheating, and occasionally steaming. Does anyone here use it for serious cooking?

Define serious. I use mine for veggies, tea, defrosting, side dishes, frozen dinners...
The differences in price even when they look alike is wattage and cubic inch interiors. To find out how small or large an oven you need, find a plate or baking dish similar to what you might use and put it in the display model.