Microwave...

[Miss Phode]

Does anyone else here NOT have a microwave. I obviously know that I'm the oddball because I do not have one and refuse to get one. I used to have a microwave, but I threw it to the curb, because I had literally never once used it. Now I'm starting to come across recipes on this board that use a micro and I wonder if anyone else goes without this seemingly necessary tool.

[LindaJay]

Have had one for the past 22 years. I don't really "cook" with it except to steam raw vegetables. I primarily defrost and reheat with it. Since both of us work full time -- cooking at lot at once, then just having to steam some veggies and/or reheat something at the end of the day is a lifesaver.

But if you've lived with it this long, and don't have the time restraints that really drive microwaving, what's the point! My vote would be for a nice little convection/toaster oven! Then you get speed and you can "cook" with it!

[not2late]

I use it to heat, defrost and melt. The only things I cook in the microwave are shellfish, like clams and mussels. Occasionally, I'll cook some veggies in the microwave: artichokes, asparagus and spaghetti squash do okay.

[Heidi3]

I have one but I hate it ...first off it is over the stove and I caught on fire twice trying to reach to get something out of it....second it does not work well at all and spot cooks....if I had a decent one that was not in a dangerous place I might take advantage of it more..but I really like stove top/oven cooking ....it is fun and interactive....the plan is to buy a new cooktop and ditch the microwave for a good vent.....if I long for one down the road maybe a cheapo but I am planning not to get one .....I do need an new oven and am intending on a double with a convection however!!! :icondance :icondance :icondance that is why I need to do 6-10 hour shifts this week!!!.....

[LindaJay]

Ya know -- when we had our kitchen redone, they suggested that we put the microwave over the stove because the microwave venting could also serve as the venting for the stove -- and the cost difference was insignificant. So, it might be worthwhile to just replace it with a new microwave that is better than your old one and can provide your venting as well. Or at least having one somewhere when you need a quick reheat (a double oven is my dream!).

I am quite intrigued by your pyrotechnic episodes! My microwave has been over the stove for years, and we have a gas stove, but I have never ignited myself when using the microwave -- how did you manage that? I am almost 5'8", so is height a factor here or is this just a special skill talent of yours?

PS -- can't wait to try that curry with the eggplant!

[not2late]

My micro is on it's own table away from the adult appliances.

[Heidi3]

well my problem is I am 5'2 so I have to really step up to get into it ..I did try a step stool but you see I really GET INTO cooking ...I put music on loudly and rock in the kitchen while I am chopping and diceing sauteing :icondance and baking....I just loose myself in it!!!..it is my Zen!....so for me ..the over the stove thing is just toooo dangerous!!!....being short and preoccupied I could go up in flames at any moment!!!.... :yikes :yikes :yikes ...but honestly I can turn out some food!!!!!.....damn good food!!!!....it is my art!!!!.....I just need a kitchen safety class I guess!!!

[LindaJay]

LOL! I always knew you were a "hottie" but I always thought it was a figurative descriptor, rather than a literal one!

I bet AP has gotten way more insights on the hazards of microwave cooking than expected!

[NulloModo]

I have a microwave, and I love it for convenience in prep, though I rarely cook with it.

I use it to defrost, to reheat leftovers, to melt/soften butter and cream cheese, and to heat up mugs of water for morning tea. Other than that I don't break it out much, and most 'microwave recipes' are pretty vile.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Yep, reheating in the microwave is da bomb, that is the only thing we use ours for! It is also great for melting things like cheese because you can do it on a very low heat and you don't have to worry about it sticking to the darned pan! I say get one. You can get them soooo cheap now and you don't need a bunch of fancy schmanzy options on it so why not? Great for making parmesean flax crackers too! One of my current fav's!

[Miss Phode]

Sorry, I didnt mean that I planned on ever getting a microwave. My post was a little confusing, sorry. I was kind of doing a poll to find out if there was anyone else out there that manages to survive without a microwave. That's all.

[Heidi3]

I could easily!!! :wave