Craigslist Microwave (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to buy a second hand microwave? ›

"When buying second-hand appliances, you don't get the same protections as with new products from a trusted retailer or manufacturer, and there's limited regulation to protect you," says Giuseppe Capanna, product safety engineer at ESF.

With normal usage for an average family and good maintenance, a microwave often lasts for 7 to 8 years. If the microwave is used less frequently by a single person or a couple and is well-maintained, the lifespan can increase to up to 10 years.

Microwave cost

A microwave costs $100 to $600 on average, depending on the brand, type, features, and size. Microwave oven prices are $50 to $500 for countertop models and $150 to $600 for over-the-range types. Built-in microwave prices are $400 to $2,000.

Yes, microwave ovens use less energy (up to 80% less) than conventional ovens.

If you've looked after it well, there's no reason why a vintage microwave should be dangerous. However, it is possible that the screen or rubber seals around the door may have perished, allowing some radiation to leak out.

A good rule of thumb is that if your appliance is more than ten years old, it may be time to buy a new one. However, if your microwave is newer, repairing it could be a better financial decision.

Always Tidy Up. Tidying up is a simple method for extending the life of your microwave. Food and liquid spills can absorb microwave energy and cause burns. Liquid spills can damage the inner metallic surface, reducing its lifespan.

In general, the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. Most microwaves sit somewhere between 600 to 1,200 watts. Larger, more expensive microwaves tend to have a higher wattage, so this is a price and size consideration that can strongly influence microwave cooking performance.

What wattage microwave should I buy? ›

As a general guideline, consider choosing a microwave with around 1,000 watts as this is a standard power for most recipes. It's important to be selective about your microwave's functions and choose a model with wattage, shortcuts and functionality suited to how you use a microwave.

Microwaves do have some downsides. For example, they may not be as effective as other cooking methods at killing bacteria and other pathogens that may lead to food poisoning. That's because the heat tends to be lower and the cooking time much shorter. Sometimes, food heats unevenly.

A microwave heats and reheats food well. On the other hand, an air fryer gives foods that crispy, fried quality that a microwave just can't replicate. Plus, an air fryer can be a healthier way to cook while speeding up cooking times.

Which is better: an air fryer or a microwave? An air fryer is ideal for cooking healthier, crispy dishes, while a microwave is best for quick reheating and defrosting. Choose the appliance that aligns with your specific cooking needs and preferences.

Purchasing a refurbished appliance can be an excellent option – especially for your wallet. The idea is that your “new-to-you” appliance, should run as smoothly as a brand-new appliance. This makes an excellent, cost efficient route to replace any appliances or help lower the budget on full-kitchen renovations.

The average microwave oven lasts about seven years with normal use, yet even less with heavy use and poor maintenance.

There is rarely much of a difference between last year's models and the brand-new ones; by purchasing a discontinued model, you can often get virtually the same appliance for nearly half the price.

Over-the-range microwaves are built into the cabinetry and bolted to a wall, so replacing one that conks out is no simple chore. To avoid replacing yours more than about once every 10 years—which is how long most manufacturers tell us they should last—you'll want to take care of it.