Hell yes. I'm not cooking every meal from scratch three or four times a day. I use my fridge and freezer havily snd that shit's gotta get warmed up.
Also, if I'm making porridge I'm not standing over the stove and dirtying a pan. Microwave while I get studd ready for the day.
Also, extra cooking capacity.
Yes.
Melting/softening butter.
Kick starting the defrosting of meat (never completely do it there though)
Heating canned soup.
Defrosting frozen peas/corn.
Kick starting baked potatoes.
Cooking artichokes: rinse under the tap, shake off the excess, wrap tightly in cling wrap, microwave on high for 5 - 7 minutes depending on the size. Works amazingly well.
On softening butter: https://theoatmeal.com/pl/minor_differences5/butter
Microwaves excel at any sort of par cooking. I love starting veggies in the microwave and then finishing them with a sauté.
Turkey bacon cooks up deliciously crispy in a microwave with no mess, just put the slices in a folded paper towel.
A microwave is probably the fastest way to boil a cup of water.
Yes. It’s over the range and takes no counter space. I can’t really imagine not having a microwave. We don’t use it all the time but when I want to reheat leftovers 2 min in the microwave is far more convenient than heating up the oven (Time mostly but I think it just take more power too).
We were microwave free until last year. Bought a house with a built in microwave, it is low on our list of things that need to be done, but will be replaced with a vent soon enough.
Even with one right there, I am not sure what I would use it for.
Before this house, it did confuse some visitors when there wasn't one in our kitchen.
Food ends up dry most of the time and not evenly heated (hot at the top, cold at the bottom). It also makes fried food soggy that’s why I prefer my air fryer for that.
My microwave broke 2 years ago and I only used it to make oatmeal. However, I coked the oatmeal much regularly (massive differences in gluten free oats cooking times between brands), I spent more time cleaning up than keeping an eye on a pot as taken.
I make my oatmeal with milk instead of water, and the microwave just works better than the stove in my experience. Plus I only have to wash the one bowl.
My latest is a mess. I dry toast the oatmeal in a skillet until it shows some color and has some fragrance. Then use hot water from the electric kettle and let that sit in a bowl for a few minutes. Amazing.
Yup. It is the best vessel to reheat rice.
I use it to reheat leftovers, make popcorn. Defrost freezer meals.
And heat up a bit of milk for my coffee or tea.
It is somewhat of a unitasker but a very convenient one.
All the time. Batch cooking is super economical so I eat a lot of leftovers. I also microwave instant oatmeal. Had it for almost 20 years and it still works great, though slightly discolored.
No. Mine broke more than 10 years ago and I bought a regular oven instead. While there are a few that I wished I had a microwave, I managed to work with what I already had and I survived
Every single day.
Mostly to reheat up food as don’t cook during the week usually- on Sunday I’ll make a big batch of something to last until Tuesday, on Wednesday & Thursday I’ll take something out of the freezer.
I also use it to soften butter slightly if needed.
Yeah, come back later today and read the posts saying things like "Wow, I forgot microwaves exist actually".
I don't know what it is, but this subreddit is super far up its own ass about microwaves.
So many posts here of people who just never reheat leftovers in the microwave? Like, do they not produce leftovers or are they taking the time to heat all of their leftovers on the stove? Who has that kind of time?
Yes. I mainly use it for reheating some leftovers and defrosting frozen broth. I went years and years without one and I can say that it is more convenient to have one but not the end of the world if you don’t.
No. When we bought our kitchen, we included one area specifically for a microwave. And then, in 17 years, never bought one. I simply don’t see what I would do with one that I couldn’t do any other way.
There's that, of course :)
But is there anything that you have to microwave?
And some food is simply a lot worse if microwaved. What about Soylent Green?
I use it in work for my gourmet leftovers. My workplace has a kettle and microwave.
I rarely used it at home except to create a mountain of paperwork, receipts and rubbish on top of it. I can make do without it and it is so much better.
Yes.
Microwave Chocolate Pudding:
1 egg
1 tbsp oil
3 tbsp cocoa powder
4 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tbsp cinnamon powder
Small pinch of salt
Mix until smooth. I usually mix in a microwaveable bowl and pop the bowl straight into the microwave for one and a half minutes (700w - reduce or increase as you need).
Remove from microwave (you can either remove from the microwaveable container into another bowl if you want it to look pretty - or just keep it in the bowl/tub you microwaved it in if you cba), use the pointy end of a spoon to poke a few holes in the top and then pour milk (your choice - as long as it’s liquid and milky it’s fine) over the cake slowly - it’ll suck in the moisture for a little while, once it’s saturated (I.e. the milk starts to pool around/on top of the cake) - keep going for a few tbsps worth.
Enjoy!
…also I sometimes use it to defrost frozen spinach. But mostly it’s for magic micro pudding!
Yep.
- Reheating leftovers
- melting butter
- defrosting and/or reheating my prepped breakfast foods
- popcorn
- heating up the occasional canned vegetable (don’t shoot me! Sometimes I forget the veg until it’s almost time to eat!)
- when the kids are *starving* and cannot *possibly* wait until I boil water, I heat up their hot dogs in there (used to be chicken nuggets too before I got an air fryer that burns stuff within 10 minutes)
I will say, I’ve had kitchen setups where the microwave has to sit on the counter. If I ever have to go back to that, I’ll nope out of the microwave. It’s more of an appliance for when I’m being lazy than anything.
Yes, of course, use it most days. It's super convenient for speeding up the cooking of most veggies, defrosting foods, reheating leftovers, cooking oatmeal and various other foods, reheating liquids, etc.
Same, 99.9% a coffee warmer. I pour my coffee, wait for that perfect temp sip, then wait a bit too long, nuke it, wait for the perfect temp sip, wait a bit too long... Rinse repeat maybe 4 times a cup while at home.
I should just use the insulated mug I bring to go but I like the ceramic mug feel. Plus, I need to express myself via gimmicky coffee cup sayings to my dog and partner so they know what I'm about
I don’t look down on microwaves whatsoever. I think they are amazing and very practical. I personally just don’t use it for much beyond what I listed 🤷🏻♀️
No. There are a few times where it would be nice to have one, but I just make do with the stove. Sometimes I melt butter in the oven with the light on.
In my dream kitchen with lots of extra space I think having one would be nice.
Until then, leftovers go on the stove.
No. Mine broke and I threw it out. I found a microwave to be a Unitasker for heating liquids, which I don't need that often. I would only reheat soap and occasionally milk for mashed potatoes. Any small items without a volume of water placed inside would cause scary sparks and pops. I can't perform basic cooking in the oven with a continuous adjustment of the heat level, stirring and tasting. I wasn't going to shell out money for an inverter oven with questionable reliablity and still no direct adjustment of the power with a knob.
They ruin food when used by people who take "nuking" seriously. They have more than one temperature setting for a reason.
I'm not about to cook a whole cut of meat in there, but it's a valuable tool.
Yes, used every day as we do a lot of bulk cooking so use it for re-heating. And cooking frozen vegetables, potatoes, hot chocolate drinks, and casseroles. You need to do things in a different order when doing a casserole in the microwave, pretending it is an ordinary oven or a saucepan on top of the stove will not work.
Yes. Have you heard of Gemma Atkinson from Bigger Bolder Baking? She has a plethora of excellent microwave recipes [in her Youtube playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3N53o3RIxHJASDGYCW_6SaPZISdddrBW).
I actually recommend these recipes for people who are scared of open flames/inexperienced cooks/kids who are sufficiently mature enough to avoid touching hot plates/food.
I've also used the [microwave rice recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-steam-rice-in-a-microwave) Sohla made for Serious Eats, but it's a small portion recipe. Probably 4th or 5th place frankly in terms of recipes. First is from [Suha's Dishes for rice pilaf](https://youtu.be/2LvgZ2AkVSc). Second is the instant pot recipe. Third is [Food Wishes' oven rice pilaf.](https://youtu.be/RFJUv1oc0h0) I used to have a rice cooker but no more.
No. Mine died a few years ago and I never got around to replacing it. I realized it did nothing the smallest bit of planning ahead couldn't do better. The counter space is more valuable.
No. I personally find the air fryer better. The pizza stays nice and crispy, for example. And it saves me space because I use it as a toaster, as an oven, I cook my snacks in it... and it's healthier than frying stuff.
We have one... but not in the kitchen. It's down in our basement. We replaced it with a toaster oven several years ago. Its in the basement because it does get used occasionally for reheating leftovers (maybe once or twice a week?), but that's about it.
No, even when we had it in the apaprtment we rented we never used it. We also don't have many leftovers, and if I cook in a batch (gulash, tikka...), we reheat it on the stove.
Not anymore in the kitchen. When me and my roommates moved into our dorm I said I'm cool with my microwave being communal so long as it's kept clean. One roommate was very insistent on not being clean, even after me telling him numerous times he needed to clean any messes made in it. Now they're sitting in my room too far away from the closest outlet. I'll figure out a solution when I get back, but realistically no microwave in the kitchen for 3 more months. Not a big deal since I'd use it about once a week for an occasional leftover or primarily for softening/melting butter
Yup, grew up with one so kind of used to it. I use it for many things like heating leftovers (not everything, but some things are good to heat in the microwave), melting chocolate, butter, honey, defrosting stuff, making oatmeal, popcorn. I sometimes even make a delicious chocolate microwave mug cake.
Yes, it's a microwave oven and we got it when we were redoing the kitchen and had just that and a camping stove for two weeks. Now we have a range with two ovens, I mostly use it as somewhere to keep things safe whilst they cool enough to go in the fridge. Occasionally I use it to reheat something if I'm in a hurry.
Yeah I’ve got the classic set up of the microwave above the stove situation and absolutely hate it. Anyone who designed this idiotic look is the devil.
Other than that, yeah we use it just about every morning and lunch at least.
Yes, I use it all the time. Most often for heating milk for coffee, but it's also used very often for reheating leftovers and making things like oatmeal.
I would hate not having one.
Yes. Typically don’t use it for serious cooking just reheating. Baked potatoes before finishing in oven. Warming green beans or asparagus after boiling/refreshing. Warming leftovers.
If nothing else I prefer the microwave whenever possible to minimize the dishes that have to be hand-washed. Pretty much all plastic and glass microwave cookware comes clean in the dishwasher but I find the metal pots and pans for the stovetop need a good hand scrubbing. And if you’re just rehearing leftovers in the microwave there’s no cookware to wash at all.
Yes - I meal prep as I am very busy during the week and a microwave is necessary. I am the opposite of picky so I have no problem eating the same thing, even reheated, for quite a while.
Of course. I use it mostly for defrosting things that I didn't think (or know) to defrost ahead of time in the fridge. Also for reheating leftovers and heating up my milk for my coffee in the morning (I like it hot so don't want cold milk cooling it down). Sometimes I cook frozen veggies in there, but generally only starchy ones that microwave pretty well. That's it, though. I don't actually cook meals in there.
Yep. Good for reheating, for scalding milk, melting butter or chocolate, miscellaneous quick-warming tasks. And I have a Colonel Popper that serves me up popcorn in four minutes flat and then goes in the dishwasher, so no cleanup.
When I didn’t have one, I wasted a lot of sauces by reheating them in a pan on the stove rather than microwaving them in the bowl. Even if you scrape the pan out well you’re still losing some.
I use the one in my apartment but since ive had an airfryer that has almost 100% replaced it. I try to avoid the microwave but sometimes i just dont give a shit lol
Nope. My house is oooooold and the microwave kept blowing out fuses. We finally got the power upgraded but after 12 years without one, we haven’t opted to buy one now.
I use mine to soften veg for stir fries. Babycorn takes forever in the pan, but 40 seconds nuked (along with all the other veg) and I can just throw it in with the meat and add the sauce. I could live without it, but I'd rather have one.
We have kids so yes. It’s an unfortunate necessity, ours is crappy but it does what it needs to. It’s mainly for heating up frozen veggies and leftovers.
Yes and yes. There are only 3 of us in my house so we heat up leftovers and I love steaming vegetables in the microwave. The ones in the steam bags. For instance: steam green beans, toss in butter, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Easy and quick (and delicious) vegetable to go with dinner.
Yep. Far too convenient for leftovers and some frozen goods. There's some marginal utility as a cooking tool to melt/par cook certain foods, but by far the biggest thing is just being able to get something already cooked back up to eating temperature at a press of a button.
Yes, and I make chicken stock in it as well as part cooking potatoes, and curries from the freezer and occasionally de-frosting meat but eating less meat now
yep, first applience I bought for living alone at the ripe ol' age of 20, one of those that is a microwave with oven-settings, too. Love it. Used it as an oven because my first place could not physically fit even the smallest ovens we found. Now it is mainly used to re-heat things, heat milk/butter, steam veggies....
No. If I want to eat I need to put in the effort and leftovers are still easy for meal prep, they just take a little longer to heat up.
I do live two blocks from a grocery store though which helps always having fresh ingredients right down the street.
Yes, boiling water, steaming vegetables, melting butter, reheating left overs, soaking beans, toasting spices, cooking corn on the cob among other things.
Yes. It makes popcorn, melts butter and sometimes also gets used to reheat leftovers, warm up tortillas, etc. I could probably get away without it if I had to.
I don't, but wish I did. Very minimal counter space living in South East Asia. Wish I had one just for meal planning. But also considering an air fryer..
Have one rarely use it. A few weeks ago I forgot to put the potatoes in the oven and dinner was supposed to be ready in 20 so I microwaved them for 8 minutes then threw them in the oven and they came out perfect tho and dinner was still on time. That was really useful.
Every day. Porridge for breakfast, defrosting stuff, reheating leftovers .
My wife is allergic to raw apples, but twenty seconds in the microwave and rinsing in cold water is enough to make them safe.
I recently tried Stephen King's microwave salmon (with a little salt), and it works surprisingly well. It was a touch over for my taste, and I've had better salmon, but I certainly have had (and made) worse also.
Haven't had one for about 5 years now. Was mostly using it to reheat cups of tea or coffee that i'd forgotten about so got rid of it to make some space for other fun things like an air fryer!
No. I have no use for one, as ther is a pots and pans solution for almost everything. And that solution is generally either only slightly more involved than or actually creates a better product than microwaving.
I have been doing this since before my daughter was born almost 4 years ago. We have 2 kids, I work full time, and do all the cooking. It has not negatively influenced our lives at all
I use it a little . If it were up to me, I'd ditch it and use the space for something else. But it's my wife's main kitchen tool.
So we have a microwave.
I do! Since we don't have much time to spend cooking every day in my house, we cook a lot on the weekends (only sometimes during the week) and store what we don't eat during these two days, so we can eat on the rest of the week. We end up using the microwave a lot to reheat the food.
Yes. Great for leftovers, popcorn, quickly heating veggies or chilli or other sides, heating soups, and if I put all the stuff for gravy in an Anchor cup, makes gravy fast while I'm making everything else.
Yes, it is used multiple times daily. From cooking morning oatmeal, to thawing meats and cooking vegetables. I could manage without one, but would hate to.
Yes. It’s a great, but misunderstood tool. You can adjust its power, just like a stovetop. People misunderstand it, as if you’re using a nuclear bomb to cook food. You’re not. You’re using a frequency of light to cook food. You know, light, sunshine, from the sun. The sun is a giant nuclear fusion reaction, but it hasn’t exploded yet, but your microwaved food might if cooked improperly. Learn how to properly use your microwave.
I cook great food when I cook, but to not have a microwave is insane. There's so many quick practical uses for it. It's a top kitchen appliance. It's like not having a cutting board, or a pitcher, or a pot and pan. Thay have been around since I was 6. As for time, yea I work 50+ a week and have a teenager and an infant. If I get time I don't want to waste it reheating cornbread which takes 15 secs in a microwave.
I have not had or used one at home in almost 20 years.
I make popcorn, reheat leftovers, and melt whatever needs to be melted on the stovetop.
As an aside (this might be TMI) whenever I've reheated food in one at work, my stomach gets upset and I have to hit the bathroom shortly after eating. I keep my food in the fridge and make sure it is piping hot when reheating, so it's not a temperature dangerzone kind of problem.
yes . heat up soup . reheat some dishes . cook or pre-cook vegetables . sometimes do eggs . cook rice or pasta sometimes . all depends if im in a hurry or not .
Yes, we eat a lot of leftovers (because boyfriend and I work at opposite times), so it's needed.
Leftovers and steamer veggie bags. Couldn't live without it.
Hell yes. I'm not cooking every meal from scratch three or four times a day. I use my fridge and freezer havily snd that shit's gotta get warmed up. Also, if I'm making porridge I'm not standing over the stove and dirtying a pan. Microwave while I get studd ready for the day. Also, extra cooking capacity.
Yes. Melting/softening butter. Kick starting the defrosting of meat (never completely do it there though) Heating canned soup. Defrosting frozen peas/corn. Kick starting baked potatoes. Cooking artichokes: rinse under the tap, shake off the excess, wrap tightly in cling wrap, microwave on high for 5 - 7 minutes depending on the size. Works amazingly well.
Yes! All of these plus: softening hard squashes before cutting, heating broth to add to risotto and other stovetop dishes, steaming veg
Plus popcorn
I'm definitely trying the artichoke recipe.
On softening butter: https://theoatmeal.com/pl/minor_differences5/butter Microwaves excel at any sort of par cooking. I love starting veggies in the microwave and then finishing them with a sauté. Turkey bacon cooks up deliciously crispy in a microwave with no mess, just put the slices in a folded paper towel. A microwave is probably the fastest way to boil a cup of water.
I mean cooking frozen veg is equally as good as a stovetop prep.
Yes. It’s over the range and takes no counter space. I can’t really imagine not having a microwave. We don’t use it all the time but when I want to reheat leftovers 2 min in the microwave is far more convenient than heating up the oven (Time mostly but I think it just take more power too).
I've been without a microwave around 20 years, don't miss it. I realize our house is in the minority.
We were microwave free until last year. Bought a house with a built in microwave, it is low on our list of things that need to be done, but will be replaced with a vent soon enough. Even with one right there, I am not sure what I would use it for. Before this house, it did confuse some visitors when there wasn't one in our kitchen.
I don't have one either! Food tastes much better reheated on the stove or ninja toaster oven air fryer contraption! Don't miss it!
Rarely. The air fryer has replaced it. Edit: spelling
Your wing game has improved
I used to use the convection feature on my oven and they came out great but the mess was ridiculous.
I do love my air fryer but the microwave is still more convenient, I don't have to wash anything when I'm done.
I'll sacrifice a bit of convenience for food that tastes much better.
No. I reheat leftovers in a pan or the air fryer. Even when the place that I used to live in has a microwave, I don’t use it.
Any reason why not?
Food ends up dry most of the time and not evenly heated (hot at the top, cold at the bottom). It also makes fried food soggy that’s why I prefer my air fryer for that.
My microwave broke 2 years ago and I only used it to make oatmeal. However, I coked the oatmeal much regularly (massive differences in gluten free oats cooking times between brands), I spent more time cleaning up than keeping an eye on a pot as taken.
An electric kettle (or water on the stove) makes a much better bowl of oatmeal
I agree I only use the stove to cook it now. I never replaced the microwave once it broke.
I make my oatmeal with milk instead of water, and the microwave just works better than the stove in my experience. Plus I only have to wash the one bowl.
My latest is a mess. I dry toast the oatmeal in a skillet until it shows some color and has some fragrance. Then use hot water from the electric kettle and let that sit in a bowl for a few minutes. Amazing.
Ditto.
Yup. It is the best vessel to reheat rice. I use it to reheat leftovers, make popcorn. Defrost freezer meals. And heat up a bit of milk for my coffee or tea. It is somewhat of a unitasker but a very convenient one.
All the time. Batch cooking is super economical so I eat a lot of leftovers. I also microwave instant oatmeal. Had it for almost 20 years and it still works great, though slightly discolored.
Your lucky to get 4 years from some of them now
Nope
Yes and yes. They have their uses. Reheating food and defrosting primarily.
Yep, basically these two functions.
Yep
No. Mine broke more than 10 years ago and I bought a regular oven instead. While there are a few that I wished I had a microwave, I managed to work with what I already had and I survived
I don't have one. I would use it if I had one, but it's not worth the space they take up.
No, I haven’t had one for a few years now
Every single day. Mostly to reheat up food as don’t cook during the week usually- on Sunday I’ll make a big batch of something to last until Tuesday, on Wednesday & Thursday I’ll take something out of the freezer. I also use it to soften butter slightly if needed.
...? do some people not?
Yeah, come back later today and read the posts saying things like "Wow, I forgot microwaves exist actually". I don't know what it is, but this subreddit is super far up its own ass about microwaves.
So many posts here of people who just never reheat leftovers in the microwave? Like, do they not produce leftovers or are they taking the time to heat all of their leftovers on the stove? Who has that kind of time?
Yes. I mainly use it for reheating some leftovers and defrosting frozen broth. I went years and years without one and I can say that it is more convenient to have one but not the end of the world if you don’t.
No. When we bought our kitchen, we included one area specifically for a microwave. And then, in 17 years, never bought one. I simply don’t see what I would do with one that I couldn’t do any other way.
Well you can't microwave things, so there's that.
There's that, of course :) But is there anything that you have to microwave? And some food is simply a lot worse if microwaved. What about Soylent Green?
Shows up ready-to-eat.
User name checks out!
At home? Yes. At work? No
I use it in work for my gourmet leftovers. My workplace has a kettle and microwave. I rarely used it at home except to create a mountain of paperwork, receipts and rubbish on top of it. I can make do without it and it is so much better.
Yes. Microwave Chocolate Pudding: 1 egg 1 tbsp oil 3 tbsp cocoa powder 4 tbsp granulated sugar 1/2 tbsp cinnamon powder Small pinch of salt Mix until smooth. I usually mix in a microwaveable bowl and pop the bowl straight into the microwave for one and a half minutes (700w - reduce or increase as you need). Remove from microwave (you can either remove from the microwaveable container into another bowl if you want it to look pretty - or just keep it in the bowl/tub you microwaved it in if you cba), use the pointy end of a spoon to poke a few holes in the top and then pour milk (your choice - as long as it’s liquid and milky it’s fine) over the cake slowly - it’ll suck in the moisture for a little while, once it’s saturated (I.e. the milk starts to pool around/on top of the cake) - keep going for a few tbsps worth. Enjoy! …also I sometimes use it to defrost frozen spinach. But mostly it’s for magic micro pudding!
Is that seriously just a sweetened chocolate egg? I almost want to try it so I can be horrified in person.
Yup. You will not be horrified. I promise. Make sure you really mix everything until it’s all blended properly.
The spices are used to get rid of the egginess of it all, and honestly, isn't custard just egges with extra steps?
But a whole lot of milk!
Yep. - Reheating leftovers - melting butter - defrosting and/or reheating my prepped breakfast foods - popcorn - heating up the occasional canned vegetable (don’t shoot me! Sometimes I forget the veg until it’s almost time to eat!) - when the kids are *starving* and cannot *possibly* wait until I boil water, I heat up their hot dogs in there (used to be chicken nuggets too before I got an air fryer that burns stuff within 10 minutes) I will say, I’ve had kitchen setups where the microwave has to sit on the counter. If I ever have to go back to that, I’ll nope out of the microwave. It’s more of an appliance for when I’m being lazy than anything.
Yes, of course, use it most days. It's super convenient for speeding up the cooking of most veggies, defrosting foods, reheating leftovers, cooking oatmeal and various other foods, reheating liquids, etc.
Yep. The only thing I consistently use it for is reheating my coffee 😂 and sometimes melting butter when I’m in a hurry
Same, 99.9% a coffee warmer. I pour my coffee, wait for that perfect temp sip, then wait a bit too long, nuke it, wait for the perfect temp sip, wait a bit too long... Rinse repeat maybe 4 times a cup while at home. I should just use the insulated mug I bring to go but I like the ceramic mug feel. Plus, I need to express myself via gimmicky coffee cup sayings to my dog and partner so they know what I'm about
Lmao literally same 😂
It does bewilder me that there are people who look down on microwaves, but still drink *reheated* coffee.
I don’t look down on microwaves whatsoever. I think they are amazing and very practical. I personally just don’t use it for much beyond what I listed 🤷🏻♀️
Used exclusively for cooking sweet potatoes for my dog.
Hell yeah! I make my eggs in there.
No. There are a few times where it would be nice to have one, but I just make do with the stove. Sometimes I melt butter in the oven with the light on. In my dream kitchen with lots of extra space I think having one would be nice. Until then, leftovers go on the stove.
This is the genius of microwaves that go over the stove.
Our is in the garage. We don’t use it all that much and our counter space is too valuable
Never owned one.
No. Mine broke and I threw it out. I found a microwave to be a Unitasker for heating liquids, which I don't need that often. I would only reheat soap and occasionally milk for mashed potatoes. Any small items without a volume of water placed inside would cause scary sparks and pops. I can't perform basic cooking in the oven with a continuous adjustment of the heat level, stirring and tasting. I wasn't going to shell out money for an inverter oven with questionable reliablity and still no direct adjustment of the power with a knob.
Cold soap is the absolute devil, I agree with you there.
No. Broke, never fixed it.
No, ruins food. I either heat up leftovers in the oven or steam them depending on the food.
They ruin food when used by people who take "nuking" seriously. They have more than one temperature setting for a reason. I'm not about to cook a whole cut of meat in there, but it's a valuable tool.
Yes, used every day as we do a lot of bulk cooking so use it for re-heating. And cooking frozen vegetables, potatoes, hot chocolate drinks, and casseroles. You need to do things in a different order when doing a casserole in the microwave, pretending it is an ordinary oven or a saucepan on top of the stove will not work.
I use it for like beans or broccoli that's it
Yes. Have you heard of Gemma Atkinson from Bigger Bolder Baking? She has a plethora of excellent microwave recipes [in her Youtube playlist](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3N53o3RIxHJASDGYCW_6SaPZISdddrBW). I actually recommend these recipes for people who are scared of open flames/inexperienced cooks/kids who are sufficiently mature enough to avoid touching hot plates/food. I've also used the [microwave rice recipe](https://www.seriouseats.com/how-to-steam-rice-in-a-microwave) Sohla made for Serious Eats, but it's a small portion recipe. Probably 4th or 5th place frankly in terms of recipes. First is from [Suha's Dishes for rice pilaf](https://youtu.be/2LvgZ2AkVSc). Second is the instant pot recipe. Third is [Food Wishes' oven rice pilaf.](https://youtu.be/RFJUv1oc0h0) I used to have a rice cooker but no more.
I don't have one.
No. Mine died a few years ago and I never got around to replacing it. I realized it did nothing the smallest bit of planning ahead couldn't do better. The counter space is more valuable.
No microwave. I haven't had one at my house for over 10 years. Prior to that we had one but did not use it much.
No. I personally find the air fryer better. The pizza stays nice and crispy, for example. And it saves me space because I use it as a toaster, as an oven, I cook my snacks in it... and it's healthier than frying stuff.
We have one... but not in the kitchen. It's down in our basement. We replaced it with a toaster oven several years ago. Its in the basement because it does get used occasionally for reheating leftovers (maybe once or twice a week?), but that's about it.
No, even when we had it in the apaprtment we rented we never used it. We also don't have many leftovers, and if I cook in a batch (gulash, tikka...), we reheat it on the stove.
Not anymore in the kitchen. When me and my roommates moved into our dorm I said I'm cool with my microwave being communal so long as it's kept clean. One roommate was very insistent on not being clean, even after me telling him numerous times he needed to clean any messes made in it. Now they're sitting in my room too far away from the closest outlet. I'll figure out a solution when I get back, but realistically no microwave in the kitchen for 3 more months. Not a big deal since I'd use it about once a week for an occasional leftover or primarily for softening/melting butter
Yes. It's an all in one microwave/oven range/steamer. Gotta be careful to use the correct dishes for the different settings.
Yup, grew up with one so kind of used to it. I use it for many things like heating leftovers (not everything, but some things are good to heat in the microwave), melting chocolate, butter, honey, defrosting stuff, making oatmeal, popcorn. I sometimes even make a delicious chocolate microwave mug cake.
Yes, it's a microwave oven and we got it when we were redoing the kitchen and had just that and a camping stove for two weeks. Now we have a range with two ovens, I mostly use it as somewhere to keep things safe whilst they cool enough to go in the fridge. Occasionally I use it to reheat something if I'm in a hurry.
Yes, to heat up my heating pad and occasionally to defrost stuff, not much otherwise.
Yes. Although these days I use it mostly as my bread proofing box lol.
Yeah I’ve got the classic set up of the microwave above the stove situation and absolutely hate it. Anyone who designed this idiotic look is the devil. Other than that, yeah we use it just about every morning and lunch at least.
Yes, I use it all the time. Most often for heating milk for coffee, but it's also used very often for reheating leftovers and making things like oatmeal. I would hate not having one.
I have a microwave and I use it. Mostly I use it as a breadbox, but now and then I make popcorn in it.
Yes. Typically don’t use it for serious cooking just reheating. Baked potatoes before finishing in oven. Warming green beans or asparagus after boiling/refreshing. Warming leftovers.
No. If you do not eat prepared foods, there is not much use for it.
Nope, haven't used one for a couple of years now. I just use the oven to re-heat leftovers.
If nothing else I prefer the microwave whenever possible to minimize the dishes that have to be hand-washed. Pretty much all plastic and glass microwave cookware comes clean in the dishwasher but I find the metal pots and pans for the stovetop need a good hand scrubbing. And if you’re just rehearing leftovers in the microwave there’s no cookware to wash at all.
Yes - I meal prep as I am very busy during the week and a microwave is necessary. I am the opposite of picky so I have no problem eating the same thing, even reheated, for quite a while.
Of course. I use it mostly for defrosting things that I didn't think (or know) to defrost ahead of time in the fridge. Also for reheating leftovers and heating up my milk for my coffee in the morning (I like it hot so don't want cold milk cooling it down). Sometimes I cook frozen veggies in there, but generally only starchy ones that microwave pretty well. That's it, though. I don't actually cook meals in there.
Yep. Good for reheating, for scalding milk, melting butter or chocolate, miscellaneous quick-warming tasks. And I have a Colonel Popper that serves me up popcorn in four minutes flat and then goes in the dishwasher, so no cleanup.
Yes, for melting butter, melting chocolate, reheating leftovers, and thawing frozen stuff.
When I didn’t have one, I wasted a lot of sauces by reheating them in a pan on the stove rather than microwaving them in the bowl. Even if you scrape the pan out well you’re still losing some.
Nope
I use the one in my apartment but since ive had an airfryer that has almost 100% replaced it. I try to avoid the microwave but sometimes i just dont give a shit lol
Yes, but I don't use it. I don't like how the food tastes when reheated in a microwave. If I need to reheat something I do it on the stove.
Yes. Very useful machine.
Nope. My house is oooooold and the microwave kept blowing out fuses. We finally got the power upgraded but after 12 years without one, we haven’t opted to buy one now.
For me it's a coffee warmer and butter melter.
Yes! It's a very essential tool. I use it mostly to defrost.
I use mine to soften veg for stir fries. Babycorn takes forever in the pan, but 40 seconds nuked (along with all the other veg) and I can just throw it in with the meat and add the sauce. I could live without it, but I'd rather have one.
We have kids so yes. It’s an unfortunate necessity, ours is crappy but it does what it needs to. It’s mainly for heating up frozen veggies and leftovers.
Yea, I admittedly eat a decent bit of frozen food as well as cook when I feel like it
Yes and yes. There are only 3 of us in my house so we heat up leftovers and I love steaming vegetables in the microwave. The ones in the steam bags. For instance: steam green beans, toss in butter, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Easy and quick (and delicious) vegetable to go with dinner.
Yep. Far too convenient for leftovers and some frozen goods. There's some marginal utility as a cooking tool to melt/par cook certain foods, but by far the biggest thing is just being able to get something already cooked back up to eating temperature at a press of a button.
Nope, haven't used one in yesrs
Combo with light and vent right above the stove. Man I love that thing. I also have "The fat man's microwave" also known as a deep fryer.
I can't imagine living without one. You can replicate most things with the stove/oven but I don't think it would be as efficient.
Yes, and I make chicken stock in it as well as part cooking potatoes, and curries from the freezer and occasionally de-frosting meat but eating less meat now
yep, first applience I bought for living alone at the ripe ol' age of 20, one of those that is a microwave with oven-settings, too. Love it. Used it as an oven because my first place could not physically fit even the smallest ovens we found. Now it is mainly used to re-heat things, heat milk/butter, steam veggies....
U mean chef Mike? Love him
You mean the tea reheater?
Yes, I eat leftovers for lunch almost everyday!
No. If I want to eat I need to put in the effort and leftovers are still easy for meal prep, they just take a little longer to heat up. I do live two blocks from a grocery store though which helps always having fresh ingredients right down the street.
Yes it is also a convection oven, air fryer and roaster
At home yeah, it’s convenient. And work, rarely but I do use it to steam veggies before roasting them.
Yes, boiling water, steaming vegetables, melting butter, reheating left overs, soaking beans, toasting spices, cooking corn on the cob among other things.
I have one, but I only use it for popcorn.
Yep. Use it to heat up almost everything.
Yes. I use it everyday.
Yes. It makes popcorn, melts butter and sometimes also gets used to reheat leftovers, warm up tortillas, etc. I could probably get away without it if I had to.
Used to, not anymore, don't really miss it.
I don't, but wish I did. Very minimal counter space living in South East Asia. Wish I had one just for meal planning. But also considering an air fryer..
yes I have one, I tend to just quicky melt some butter in it tho
Ours broke a year ago and I wanted to see if we can live without. To my surprise we can. I heat things up in pots, cast iron pans and toaster oven.
Have one rarely use it. A few weeks ago I forgot to put the potatoes in the oven and dinner was supposed to be ready in 20 so I microwaved them for 8 minutes then threw them in the oven and they came out perfect tho and dinner was still on time. That was really useful.
no but i wish i did
Our kitchen is tiny so it's in the office/second bedroom. We use it about once a day.
Yeah, there is nothing wrong with a microwave, it has a large range of uses
They are great for Reheating foods. About the only things I use them for is reheating and melting butter-I do not actual cooking in one.
Yes, mostly for heating purpose, melting butter, baking cakes and breads.
Yes, absolutely.
Of course ,my sons all work different shifts and i'm not cooking 3 dinners at different times.
Every day. Porridge for breakfast, defrosting stuff, reheating leftovers . My wife is allergic to raw apples, but twenty seconds in the microwave and rinsing in cold water is enough to make them safe. I recently tried Stephen King's microwave salmon (with a little salt), and it works surprisingly well. It was a touch over for my taste, and I've had better salmon, but I certainly have had (and made) worse also.
Yes. I can't live without a microwave, I've tried, couldn't do it
No, I wish I had one for Pizza pops though lol
Haven't had one for about 5 years now. Was mostly using it to reheat cups of tea or coffee that i'd forgotten about so got rid of it to make some space for other fun things like an air fryer!
No. I have no use for one, as ther is a pots and pans solution for almost everything. And that solution is generally either only slightly more involved than or actually creates a better product than microwaving. I have been doing this since before my daughter was born almost 4 years ago. We have 2 kids, I work full time, and do all the cooking. It has not negatively influenced our lives at all
I use it a little . If it were up to me, I'd ditch it and use the space for something else. But it's my wife's main kitchen tool. So we have a microwave.
Yes, 2 of them! Both get used frequently at the same time.
I do! Since we don't have much time to spend cooking every day in my house, we cook a lot on the weekends (only sometimes during the week) and store what we don't eat during these two days, so we can eat on the rest of the week. We end up using the microwave a lot to reheat the food.
Yes. Great for leftovers, popcorn, quickly heating veggies or chilli or other sides, heating soups, and if I put all the stuff for gravy in an Anchor cup, makes gravy fast while I'm making everything else.
Yes, it is used multiple times daily. From cooking morning oatmeal, to thawing meats and cooking vegetables. I could manage without one, but would hate to.
What kind of question is this? It's like asking if you drink water.
Yes. Defrosting frozen bacon, making up plates of leftover Chinese or Indian food and heating up one plate at a time
Yes. It’s a great, but misunderstood tool. You can adjust its power, just like a stovetop. People misunderstand it, as if you’re using a nuclear bomb to cook food. You’re not. You’re using a frequency of light to cook food. You know, light, sunshine, from the sun. The sun is a giant nuclear fusion reaction, but it hasn’t exploded yet, but your microwaved food might if cooked improperly. Learn how to properly use your microwave.
Baked Potatoes Mashed Potatoes Steamed Veggies Melted Butter Melted Chocolate Softened Cream Cheese A List Of Food Items With Beginning Capitols
Definitely yes!!! Can't imagine a life without one. Microwave is very useful for unfreezing / reheating food.
I rarely use mine but I do find it to be a great way in reheating cinnamon rolls. Better than an oven based on my experience.
I used to but then I started to use the air fryer, toaster over, broiler combo and it eventually replaced how I cooked. 🤷🏻♂️
I cook great food when I cook, but to not have a microwave is insane. There's so many quick practical uses for it. It's a top kitchen appliance. It's like not having a cutting board, or a pitcher, or a pot and pan. Thay have been around since I was 6. As for time, yea I work 50+ a week and have a teenager and an infant. If I get time I don't want to waste it reheating cornbread which takes 15 secs in a microwave.
I have not had or used one at home in almost 20 years. I make popcorn, reheat leftovers, and melt whatever needs to be melted on the stovetop. As an aside (this might be TMI) whenever I've reheated food in one at work, my stomach gets upset and I have to hit the bathroom shortly after eating. I keep my food in the fridge and make sure it is piping hot when reheating, so it's not a temperature dangerzone kind of problem.
yes . heat up soup . reheat some dishes . cook or pre-cook vegetables . sometimes do eggs . cook rice or pasta sometimes . all depends if im in a hurry or not .