Repair or replace?

[Mik]

Double wide drawers ROCK. We got one in our summer kitchen remodel. LOVE it.

[Jolly]

Technology is mature. I'd replace. I'd do some cipherin' to see if a cheaper model would fit my needs and kitchen space.

[blondie]

Pricey yes, but I’d seek to duplicate the model of the existing one, then seek to repair the broken one & keep it as a backup. Microwaves only last 8 yrs or so.

[jon-nyc]

Yeah. Plus all drawer models are pricey. If one out there were $400 I wouldn't trust it.

[blondie]

I’ve no experience with drawer units, but I wouldn’t want anyone trying to retrofit, drill, futz around within the cabinet down there. The thing needs to slide operate smoothly, open-close for the long term.

[blondie]

Is your drawer unit vented? Like to the exterior of your home? Just curious.

[jon-nyc]

No. It's not acting as a range hood and the microwaves themselves don't vent air to my knowledge.

[blondie]

I guess I’m asking the wrong question. I want to know its location .. above counter or below counter within a cupboard space, or if it’s in an island?

[blondie]

What’s its brand too?

I’m building a house now btw. Have also have had to replace above counter shelf type microwaves in 2 other homes. Oh and 1 above the stove thing.

[jon-nyc]

In an island. (Peninsula, I guess)

[blondie]

Are those pop up controls?

[blondie]

If your unit is made by SHARP, and I think most are no matter their branding, you should have no problem replacing it.

[George K]

I bought our first microwave as a Christmas present for Mrs. George in 1982. It was a Panasonic and it cost $700 - do the inflation-adjusted thing. When we sold our house in 2013, it was still working.

In the condo, we have an above the stove GE profile. Been fine since 2009.

[blondie]

@George-K .. I’m a huge fan of Panasonics. They last the longest. I like shelf units. I’ve had 2. That’s what I’m doing with this new build too. If I were in Jon’s situation, I’d just go with what he has though.

[Renauda]

@jon-nyc said in Repair or replace?:

In an island. (Peninsula, I guess)

I know microwaves are not vented but they do produce heat that needs to be dispersed. I have always been led to believe that the air vents on the microwave cabinet should be offset or spaced away from any walls or frames by at least 2 or three inches to allow heat dispersion around the unit.

To be honest I have never encountered a microwave in a drawer like you have. Only a dedicated wide open nook/shelf beneath a cupboard or in the open on top a counter or stand alone table/sideboard.

[George K]

@Renauda said in Repair or replace?:

To be honest I have never encountered a microwave in a drawer like you have.

Other than saving counter space, what's the advantage of this style? I see it as cumbersome.

[Renauda]

@George-K

I would think so too, having to stoop down to place in or remove anything from the microwave. Counter level or just short of shoulder height would be my preference.

[George K]

@Renauda said in Repair or replace?:

having to stoop down to place in or remove anything from the microwave.

Think of it as loading a dishwasher - that needs regular cleaning.

[blondie]

I’d rather have a below counter drawer microwave than what builders here are doing .. a below counter swing out door microwave. Still, both suck when it comes to cleaning up messes.

[Renauda]

@George-K said in Repair or replace?:

@Renauda said in Repair or replace?:

having to stoop down to place in or remove anything from the microwave.

Think of it as loading a dishwasher - that needs regular cleaning.

Even worse.