We had to replace ours recently and we like the one we bought. It's a Sears Kenmore model 721.66339. The only downside for you may be that it only comes in black.
ETA - read some of the online reviews. People were complaining about some of the models that have a push open door break easily. The one we bought you have to pull open the door. When we shopped for a replacement microwave the push open doors seemed flimsy.
The complaint about the model we purchased was that they found the display hard to read. We didn't find that to be the case at all.This message has been edited. Last edited by: still tryin,
Before we moved here, we had an Amana countertop MW that I really liked. Not sure how many years I had it before we moved, but at least 7.
At present, my built-in Whirlpool is 16 years old, and I have never had a problem with it. I don't know if they make countertops but I've had good luck with all my Whirlpool appliances in this house. When we moved in (it was a new house), I bought a Kitchen Aid refrigerator. Never liked it and it only lasted about 7 yrs. with several repair calls on the icemaker. Replaced that unit with a Whirlpool and have been happy ever since.
When the time comes that I will need to replace any kitchen appliance, the first thing I will look for is Whirlpool!
I just saw still tryin's post, and I have to say that I've always had good luck with all my Sears Kenmore purchases. In fact, I got this Whirlpool at Sears. Sears is my store of choice for all my appliances.This message has been edited. Last edited by: CA Lori,
One thing to be careful about is the wattage. Check your current one, then determine if you want one more powerful. Or less.
The cooking directions for frozen dinners are frequently based on 1100 watts. Many of the cheaper microwaves are only 700 watts, neccesitating longer times, or different method of cooking. (Straight through vs. stirring, etc.)
Posts: 4063 | Location: In the beautiful Tennessee Valley, between the Cumberland Plateau and the Great Smoky Mountains. | Registered: Jul 12, 2005
Are you sure it can't be fixed? My first MW (don't remember the brand) lasted about 15 years. It gave up the ghost after about 11 years. I knew nothing about repairing MWs but thought it worth a shot just to take the back off -- and there sitting in plain site was a fuse! I took the fuse to Ace Hardware, they sold me a new one, I inserted it and got 4 more years out or it.
ETA: BTW I replaced it with a Magic Chef I bought at Sears with a gift certificate I won via my recycling efforts. Works fine for me but it is only used to reheat leftovers.
BTW, I vaguely remember reading something about letting the MW sit unplugged for a day or two before touching the innards because it might still be "hot". I might have just made that up in my mind though.This message has been edited. Last edited by: MyLifeVacation1,
Good info everyone. Thanks so much for recommendations. And it will be a black one as our appliances are black. Good point about checking on a fuse. We, too, have had good luck with Whirlpool Fridg, W & D. Didn't think about Whirlpool for a microwave. Isn't Kenmore made by Whirlpool? Consumer Rpts had a good rec for the Sharp R530EKT Black Countertop Microwave (2 Cu. Ft, 1200 Watts) $167/ Not sure about Sharp products. We tend to buy the "name brands" but....
Posts: 4219 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: Dec 01, 2003
Ours isn't a counter-model as such as it is mounted into a built-in but I have to say that it has exceeded any expections I have ever had from a microwave. Original owners put it in, we bought and moved in ~ and it hasn't missed a beep since.
It's a black Sharp Carousel 1100 watt ~ you might check it out if you are interested. All I know is that it's pretty dependable, sturdy and has been working at top speed for nearly 14 years... This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,
My first was a Sharp Carousel that lasted 15 years with no problem. Then it suddenly died. The replacement was another Sharp Carousel...the largest they make, now it's 7 years old and again no problems. I love the carousels....that way you don't have to turn the food and it heats evenly.
Had to add..the 1st Sharp cost twice as much as the second 15 years later. Don't you love how electronics and computers have gotten so much cheaper?This message has been edited. Last edited by: zone9alady,
Whether You Think You Can Or You Think You Can't..... You're Right - Henry Ford
Posts: 6840 | Location: Central Florida | Registered: Feb 12, 2005
thanks for your Sharp comments. Where did you purchase your Sharps?
Do yours have a handle to open the door or a push button? Was at Sears today and most had the push button. Salesmen and I thought it may not hold up for me as well as a handle. I do use a microwave a lot - to cook, not just to reheat things. He recommended a Sharp and to check them out at Walmart cuz Sears does not sell them. Hope his boss didn't hear him say that.This message has been edited. Last edited by: nance425,
Posts: 4219 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: Dec 01, 2003
LOL ~ you and the Sears salesman! Our Sharp Carousel was already here when we bought this place so no idea on where it was bought. It has the push button to open - have had no problem with it so far (14 years - adding in the years of use by the previous owners) and counting but I imagine every one is different depending on when, where and how they were built. Good luck whichever make/model you choose!
The MW I mentioned above that I fixed -- and couldn't remember the brand -- you all reminded me it was a Sharp. Had a metal carousel in it too. I also repaired it. It eventually chipped and then it would spark when the MW was turned on -- I painted the chipped parts with appliance paint. I had that MW for 15 years and would have replaced it with a Sharp but I had a Sears gift certificate to spend and they did not sell the Sharp.
I've used my press button to open Magic Chef MW now several times a day for five years and have had no problems with it.
I had a hard time replacing mine since it was a built in and microwave dimensions have changed over the past 10 years--they've gotten deeper. Costco had a Panasonic that fit the shelf so that's what I got.
Posts: 2550 | Location: Ohio | Registered: Feb 25, 2006
DH picked up a large Panasonic at HD @ 2.2 cf. The darn thing is way too big for our shelf that is 24 wide & 17" deep and it said it needed at least 2" on each side for air, etc. I liked the Inverter technology it advertises. But, back to the store it goes. Maybe we can find a mid size. I just hope the interior isn't too small. We just cant find the Sharps anywhere that are big enuf. They're mostly the lil guys for dorms or something. I think they expect us to order online so they can save on brick and mortar space.
Posts: 4219 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: Dec 01, 2003
The black Sharp microwave I mentioned above is 20" wide, 12" high and 17" deep. The interior is 14" wide, 8 1/2" high and 14 1/2" deep ~ it has a plastic three-pronged stand for the 12 1/2" diameter glass plate that is the carousel.
I use it for my 2 qt. corning ware casserole bowl with lid on all the time and it fits just fine. Of course, it was here when we bought in 2004 so it is an older model; no idea if they still make a similar size.
I like ordering things online - you can usually find a deal that includes the shipping and handling charges, UPS or FedEx delivers it right to your door and no wasting time or gas driving around to the big box type stores! Good look in finding just the right replacement MW.
My last microwave lasted 28 years! It was a litton. We bought a magic chef and it has been working fine until 2 days ago and it seemed to be losing power. It is only 5 years old. I was ticked off but It turned out it was a broken electric wire On the outside of the house.
Thanks, IR. So far, so good. Any yes, Annon, they are so tiny. My 7x11 oblong and large 3 qt round casserole dishes fit. And we did save about $50 getting the mid-size vs the larger one that didn't fit. Now I'm wondering if I really needed that large capacity one.
Posts: 4219 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: Dec 01, 2003
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident, 
