Good inexpensive over-range microwave replacement?

[jplee3]

Hey all,

Our old GE microwave is dying on us - I found some quick fixes to rehab it on Youtube but the solution likely won't last long. The microwave is probably over 15yrs old and it actually doesn't heat up food all that well, so I think it's time for a new one.

Does anyone have suggestions on a reliable microwave that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I was about to just buy the lowest priced Samsung, Amana, etc on Lowes but figured I'd check here first in case anyone has recently replaced theirs in the last several years and if there are certain brands or models you might recommend.

[LotsaGray]

Hey all,

Our old GE microwave is dying on us - I found some quick fixes to rehab it on Youtube but the solution likely won't last long. The microwave is probably over 15yrs old and it actually doesn't heat up food all that well, so I think it's time for a new one.

Does anyone have suggestions on a reliable microwave that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I was about to just buy the lowest priced Samsung, Amana, etc on Lowes but figured I'd check here first in case anyone has recently replaced theirs in the last several years and if there are certain brands or models you might recommend.

Have not bought one in awhile but actually need to. I doubt there are drastic differences if you stick with any of the majors. I would narrow buy capacity, wattage, specific features (we prefer actual turntable vs magnetic stirring) and from among those go based on price.

[jplee3]

Hey all,

Our old GE microwave is dying on us - I found some quick fixes to rehab it on Youtube but the solution likely won't last long. The microwave is probably over 15yrs old and it actually doesn't heat up food all that well, so I think it's time for a new one.

Does anyone have suggestions on a reliable microwave that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? I was about to just buy the lowest priced Samsung, Amana, etc on Lowes but figured I'd check here first in case anyone has recently replaced theirs in the last several years and if there are certain brands or models you might recommend.

Have not bought one in awhile but actually need to. I doubt there are drastic differences if you stick with any of the majors. I would narrow buy capacity, wattage, specific features (we prefer actual turntable vs magnetic stirring) and from among those go based on price.

I'll probably end up getting the $200 Samsung - there is already a Samsung oven/range so why not just match the brand hahah. I think reviews overall for any microwave in this range are going to be pretty consistent with some outliers. It's tempting to let this turn into "crap, the microwave is dead. Let's just do a whole kitchen remodel!" too lol

Actually, Bestbuy does have open-box models and I did purchase a range and microwave from them for our last place - they turned out to work pretty well. My nearby BB has a Samsung microwave for $138 open box and in excellent condition (normally $200-210) so I'm wondering if I should just go for it...

[bob60014]

Recently remodeled our kitchen and replaced our old, huge GE with a Whirlpool low profile microwave. It provides a much cleaner look above the range and works great too.

[NotWhoYouThink]

When we did this our main criteria was something that fit into the existing space!

If you search online you'll probably be able to find someone who makes custom aluminum trim kits so you don't end up with installation gaps that make you think about expensive remodels.

[jplee3]

When we did this our main criteria was something that fit into the existing space!

If you search online you'll probably be able to find someone who makes custom aluminum trim kits so you don't end up with installation gaps that make you think about expensive remodels.

Yea, I made sure to measure the existing microwave to get the dimensions. The open box one I just ordered should fit the space.

Recently remodeled our kitchen and replaced our old, huge GE with a Whirlpool low profile microwave. It provides a much cleaner look above the range and works great too.

I would only do this if we remodeled. For the current space, we have no plans to do that. I agree though that they look nice - in our case it would look terrible because the previous owners, when they "remodeled", whoever they used left the old ugly tile backsplash behind the existing microwave so if I went with slim profile, it would show all the original tiles along with the newer backsplash. The slims are also quite a bit more expensive. I just want to swap out what's there and get something that roughly is the same dimensions back in place and working.

[psteinx]

1) You're unlikely to find many meaningful reviews, but if you do, bravo.
2) You're unlikely to be able to test the one you're interested in, in the store (floor models not plugged in).
3) So you're kinda shooting in the dark - I would lean on brand name/reputation.
4) If you're gonna DIY mount it, consider replacing with the same brand you have. IIRC, I went to replace one, and the positions of the screws and whatnot on the backside were different. There's a better chance, if you stay with the same brand, that the mounting positions will be the same, saving you some effort and some extra holes in your wall (granted, the extra holes wouldn't necessarily be seen, but...
5) I think they all top out at ~1100 watts, and there's not much if any reason to go less, and of course, a carosel/turning plate thing is the way to go. Beyond that, the buttons and whatnot may vary, and often have a suboptimal UI design, but again, it's hard to really test the alternatives. There may be meaningful differences in the fan and/or underside lighting.

[quantAndHold]

All microwaves today are made with the same innards, made by the same company. Your priority should be finding one that fits the space and looks nice. Underneath the shiny exterior, there's no difference between brands.

[talzara]

All microwaves today are made with the same innards, made by the same company. Your priority should be finding one that fits the space and looks nice. Underneath the shiny exterior, there's no difference between brands.

Two companies make almost all of the world's microwaves.

However, the OP wants to buy a Samsung over-the-range microwave. Samsung still makes its own microwaves.

[Parkinglotracer]

Samsung at Lowe’s or Home Depot. I’d also shop AJ Madison or ABT on line - we have great deals with them.

[chuckwalla]

Few months ago, I replaced a 15-year old Maytag unit with another Maytag from Lowes. Happy with its looks and performance.
Although the same brand, I did have to remove the old wall bracket and replace it with the new one as the holes didn't quite line up.
Also had to drill a new hole on the cabinet bottom above because the power cord placement was also slightly off.

[quantAndHold]

All microwaves today are made with the same innards, made by the same company. Your priority should be finding one that fits the space and looks nice. Underneath the shiny exterior, there's no difference between brands.

Two companies make almost all of the world's microwaves.

However, the OP wants to buy a Samsung over-the-range microwave. Samsung still makes its own microwaves.

Samsung being the manufacturer is not really a good thing, though.

[PeninsulaPerson]

When we re-did our kitchen a few years ago, we very consciously went for a countertop microwave.

Specifically to avoid the replacement--fitting hassle. And also because I'm short and I don't like taking boiling hot things down from over my head.

(We were lucky to have the counter space for it. Also our kitchen looks like a kitchen, not like so many magazine/WSJ photos where everything is hidden. Props to those who like that style. Just not our cuppa'.)

[Big Dog]

All microwaves today are made with the same innards, made by the same company. Your priority should be finding one that fits the space and looks nice. Underneath the shiny exterior, there's no difference between brands.

There is a difference in air flow and noise, however. If you really want to expel the cooking air, you may need a replacement that has more cfm's.

https://homemicrowave.com/300-cfm-vs-400-cfm-microwave/

[Wading Ashore]

GE Model: JNM7196DKWW- $289
I had to replace my GE in 12/21. Got this one at Best Buy. Works fine, has some sort of easy-to-clean surface.
Main reason to buy it was that it fit in the space!

[Count If]

Recently had our range microwave replaced along with the range, visited several hardware/big box stores first and ended up at Best Buy. While the floor models were nice we wanted some additional specific features: 2-speed vent minimum, 2-level surface light over the range and a larger size turntable, in white. We wanted a steam cleanable range that also had an air fryer and center flat griddle on top, in white. The sales agent tracked down GE models that met our needs and offered a bundle with some discounts applied-- paid a bit more for the microwave ($348) and had to wait a few days for delivery but consider it worth the extra money and time. Don't feel locked into what's displayed on the floor, ask for features you want.

[jplee3]

Well, I ended up grabbing an open box Samsung microwave at Bestbuy: ME17R7021ES. Snagged it for $138.99 after tax.

It was in "excellent" condition and when the guy brought it out it was basically a brand new unit - it looked like someone opened it, took a quick look, then changed their mind and decided they didn't want it and returned it. Literally everything was in the box as far as I could tell and nothing was ever removed - just the tape/seal was broken. Also, it was available at my local store just a few miles away, so I kind of lucked out in that sense. Looking at the site now, there really aren't a lot of open box microwaves available at this store (at least in this price range) and I doubt there would be many that would be in the condition that this one came out in (virtually brand new)... EDIT: I actually see a nicer Whirlpool one (WMH53521HZ) that they have in "excellent condition" as well for $193.99. I think if I saw that one earlier, I might have gone for that instead... ah well, too late now.

Installation was mostly a "breeze" - I lucked out with the original mounting plates from the old GE as they fit the new microwave perfectly. The person who did the install before didn't do a good job with leveling things though so the previous microwave and the current one both tilt forward ever so slightly (can't really tell with the visible eye but the door will swing out if you open it up slightly). I did have to drill another top mount hole (or widen the existing one) on one side to get the screw on that side to fit. I think the microwave weighs slightly more than the old one and I noticed some slight sagging on one side of the top shelf where the mount point is - I think I'm going to need to use some L-brackets soon to reinforce the inside corners.

The glass rotating plate is kind of small on the new one - the old GE had a large plate that we could fit multiple bowls on. The current one I don't think we'll be able to pull that off, unfortunately. But at least we have a working microwave that heats food through without taking forever (this was another issue we were having with the old one). I do wish the keypad were illuminated (particularly at least for the night-light button so you can see where you're pressing if you want to turn it on/off).

As far as reliability, I guess time will tell :T I just wanted something inexpensive to hold us over at least. At some point we're going to do a kitchen remodel and hopefully this will last until then. Or, maybe we'll just do that kitchen remodel whenever this one dies LOL.

[mjg]

Well, I ended up grabbing an open box Samsung microwave at Bestbuy: ME17R7021ES. Snagged it for $138.99 after tax.

It was in "excellent" condition and when the guy brought it out it was basically a brand new unit - it looked like someone opened it, took a quick look, then changed their mind and decided they didn't want it and returned it. Literally everything was in the box as far as I could tell and nothing was ever removed - just the tape/seal was broken. Also, it was available at my local store just a few miles away, so I kind of lucked out in that sense. Looking at the site now, there really aren't a lot of open box microwaves available at this store (at least in this price range) and I doubt there would be many that would be in the condition that this one came out in (virtually brand new)... EDIT: I actually see a nicer Whirlpool one (WMH53521HZ) that they have in "excellent condition" as well for $193.99. I think if I saw that one earlier, I might have gone for that instead... ah well, too late now.

Installation was mostly a "breeze" - I lucked out with the original mounting plates from the old GE as they fit the new microwave perfectly. The person who did the install before didn't do a good job with leveling things though so the previous microwave and the current one both tilt forward ever so slightly (can't really tell with the visible eye but the door will swing out if you open it up slightly). I did have to drill another top mount hole (or widen the existing one) on one side to get the screw on that side to fit. I think the microwave weighs slightly more than the old one and I noticed some slight sagging on one side of the top shelf where the mount point is - I think I'm going to need to use some L-brackets soon to reinforce the inside corners.

The glass rotating plate is kind of small on the new one - the old GE had a large plate that we could fit multiple bowls on. The current one I don't think we'll be able to pull that off, unfortunately. But at least we have a working microwave that heats food through without taking forever (this was another issue we were having with the old one). I do wish the keypad were illuminated (particularly at least for the night-light button so you can see where you're pressing if you want to turn it on/off).

As far as reliability, I guess time will tell :T I just wanted something inexpensive to hold us over at least. At some point we're going to do a kitchen remodel and hopefully this will last until then. Or, maybe we'll just do that kitchen remodel whenever this one dies LOL.

No idea if you would want the hassle - but given the Samsung was an open box, you can easily return and buy the "nicer Whirlpool".

[jplee3]

Well, I ended up grabbing an open box Samsung microwave at Bestbuy: ME17R7021ES. Snagged it for $138.99 after tax.

It was in "excellent" condition and when the guy brought it out it was basically a brand new unit - it looked like someone opened it, took a quick look, then changed their mind and decided they didn't want it and returned it. Literally everything was in the box as far as I could tell and nothing was ever removed - just the tape/seal was broken. Also, it was available at my local store just a few miles away, so I kind of lucked out in that sense. Looking at the site now, there really aren't a lot of open box microwaves available at this store (at least in this price range) and I doubt there would be many that would be in the condition that this one came out in (virtually brand new)... EDIT: I actually see a nicer Whirlpool one (WMH53521HZ) that they have in "excellent condition" as well for $193.99. I think if I saw that one earlier, I might have gone for that instead... ah well, too late now.

Installation was mostly a "breeze" - I lucked out with the original mounting plates from the old GE as they fit the new microwave perfectly. The person who did the install before didn't do a good job with leveling things though so the previous microwave and the current one both tilt forward ever so slightly (can't really tell with the visible eye but the door will swing out if you open it up slightly). I did have to drill another top mount hole (or widen the existing one) on one side to get the screw on that side to fit. I think the microwave weighs slightly more than the old one and I noticed some slight sagging on one side of the top shelf where the mount point is - I think I'm going to need to use some L-brackets soon to reinforce the inside corners.

The glass rotating plate is kind of small on the new one - the old GE had a large plate that we could fit multiple bowls on. The current one I don't think we'll be able to pull that off, unfortunately. But at least we have a working microwave that heats food through without taking forever (this was another issue we were having with the old one). I do wish the keypad were illuminated (particularly at least for the night-light button so you can see where you're pressing if you want to turn it on/off).

As far as reliability, I guess time will tell :T I just wanted something inexpensive to hold us over at least. At some point we're going to do a kitchen remodel and hopefully this will last until then. Or, maybe we'll just do that kitchen remodel whenever this one dies LOL.

No idea if you would want the hassle - but given the Samsung was an open box, you can easily return and buy the "nicer Whirlpool".

I thought about doing that (ordering the Whirlpool and then returning the Samsung), but also thought about the hours and labor my wife and I spent removing the old one and putting the Samsung in. No doubt it wasn't super difficult (especially because I didn't have to deal with the mount plate and have done this once before) but I'd hate to have to do it all over again (I re-taped the duct work and boot as well... not to mention, there's a possibility that I would have to re-do the mount plate on the wall depending on the Whirlpool mount points etc - currently the old mount plates were mounted to TILE.... yes, TILE - whoever did the install before simply drilled drywall screws through the grout lines to secure the mount plates. Probably not a great idea and if I wanted to really do this right, I should have just pulled the tiles off, installed the new mount plate to the drywall and stud/s and then mounted the microwave after but we just needed a quick solution). At this point, I think the Samsung should do just fine - we just needed something that would get the job done...