I need a new microwave and some advice

I bought one from amazon last week.
It is apprently very simple to use, but i haven't worked it out yet

I would go into an electrical shop, look at the models available and ask advice from an assistant.

Russel Hobbs do one with dials. We bought one for my mum and it does the job. It is 700watt though.

RUSSELL HOBBS RHM1725 Solo Microwave - White

Ours is Russell Hobbs (I think), bought last year.

The only thing that was confusing was that you have to turn the timer dial anti-clockwise first then clockwise to set the time. Easy when you get used to it.

If you go on Amazon you can enter your requirements about wattage in and read the reviews, I always read the bad ones as well as the good as it can throw up things you might not think about. My personal gripe on mine, Panasonic, is that you have to push a button to open it, I have mild arthritis in my thumbs and it really hurts, also the touch controls , the power setting button are not very visible if I haven't got my reading glasses on. I only bought last October but seriously thinking of getting another.

Thanks for the comments so far. I think a trip to Currys is in order. I think that is where I got my current machine (a Samsung).

I was giving my current microwave a clean the other day and, as with my bad back and stiff neck I find it difficult to see the top inner surface, I was using fingertips to detect rough bits i.e. bits that needed cleaning. One didn't seem to want to come off - and then I discovered I was removing the top surface (paint?).

I was concerned that with the under surface exposed it might start sparking with what I assume is bare metal exposed. I put in a bowl with some water and gave it 10 secs, observing while I did it and it seemed ok. No visible arcing, or unexpected sounds and the water got warm, but it reminded me how old it is and that inevitably it will fail, probably sooner rather than later.

If you are going to purchase a new microwave, then you might consider looking at those that do not require a turntable (called 'flatbed'). Gives you so much more room and means the machine can take all different shapes and sizes of containers. Well worth paying that little extra for one of these.
As the one you have is twenty years old, surely you do not just want to replace with such old technology. Time to update to modern machines.

I always get my "White" goods from John Lewis... I read the reviews to get an idea plus they often give longer warranty.
My last 2 have been "Panasonic" my previous one I gave my daughter, that's still going strong.

Try Argos, they have cheap and cheerful basic ones that I couldn’t find in Currys

Mine is a basic one just with 2 dials: heat levels and time.
It wont last as long for course by my goodness easy to use.

Currys

RUSSELL HOBBS RHM1725 Solo Microwave - White
£53

I’d just go basic.
We have combination oven & microwave. It’s wonderful as a small oven, but absolutely fire as a microwave.
Food takes ages to cook through, or not evenly cooked.
I would go basic. No grill. If you only want to heat food through.
& if you can get a flat bed as someone said on here but doubt they come as standard if cheap, that would be better for cleaning.

In fact, if you bought one at Lidls I think they do a 3yr guarantee

I have a flat bed combination one from Argos . I know Argos are brilliant at returns so I chose to order from them .

I have one like the one in the picture in our holiday let, nobody should have to look at instructions to reheat a pie!
It has simple dials and no ridiculous features it’s just power and time!

MT62

I’d just go basic.
We have combination oven & microwave. It’s wonderful as a small oven, but absolutely fire as a microwave.
Food takes ages to cook through, or not evenly cooked.
I would go basic. No grill. If you only want to heat food through.
& if you can get a flat bed as someone said on here but doubt they come as standard if cheap, that would be better for cleaning.

Dire Neff

Was your last one basic? I wouldn't bother to change to anything complicated.
Mine cost £30 from Argos 20-odd years ago and works as well as ever. It's not as fast as the fancier ones, but I find it convenient and SIMPLE.

They have touch pads rather than dials these days. You'll cope.

For a 5 second heat, set 30 seconds but open the door/press the stop button after 5 seconds.

They all have different power settings. You'll get used to what they're called!

Don't fall into the 'I only need...' trap. Choose the slightly bigger one.

Mine cost a bit more because it is a flatbed and so easy to clean. It is touch control. I am partially sighted, so I have put red dots, courtesy of my corner shop, Amazon and it all works well.

My only gripe is there are no 30 seconds after 5 minutes so Alexa comes to my rescue.

I got this from Amazon - cheap and cheerful - does everything you need

My one piece of advice I would offer is to buy one without a turntable.

I've had my Neff for over 24-years and it still looks great and 'behaves' as new.

Not having the restrictive glass plate makes it so easy to clean (just a damp wipe needed) and without the restriction of the plate you can put more in the oven and of differing shapes.

I would never ever buy one with the revolving plate again

.

we have a flatbed one, on offer from George at Asda, £60 now,
its fine, no more clunking glass turntable and easy to clean
we really bought it to nuke lasagne the next day but of course its used for defrosting heating reheating, push pad controls, kind to arthritic hands

My advice would be a trip to your local white goods shop or a Curry’s, before you go write down your exact requirements,
dials, wattage etc to ensure you get as near to perfect as possible

I have a Goodmans microwave … black with rose gold lever.. simply turn the dial for the times u need👌

Touch pads are much more reliable these days, and the settings are infinite and precise. As someone else mentioned, go for a flat bed (no turntable) much easier to clean. Stainless steel interiors are also easier to clean, and no paint to peel off. I have a Neff, 8 years old and good as new.