New microwave - turntable or flatbed?

[cozietoesie]

My current microwave - an older turntable model - is starting to show some signs of frailty and I may have to acquire another at fairly short notice. (We use it a lot.)

Given the large price difference and the fact that if we have to have a new one, we'll likely be stuck with it for a good while, I was wondering in particular whether it's worth investing in a flatbed model.

Does anyone have any microwave recommendations?

[cozietoesie]

I guess nobody has a flatbed microwave - and that's telling in itself.

[janethegirl2]

Turntable, why would you want a flat bed one?

[cozietoesie]

I suppose I liked the thought of a larger capacity which would take different sized plates and dishes more easily. And also, with no turntable, easier cleaning I assume?

[ReedBunting]

we replaced our not so old panasonic with a flatbed panasonic earlier this year as our one had developed a non repairable fault.
New one is slightly smaller internally but that has only been a problem once when using it as an oven for big things and required juggling around pans to fit.
But I have to say I like the flatbed and think it's an improvement. it still catches me as odd that whatever you've got in doesn't turn around though! If I'm worried about things boiling over then I make sure I use the rectangular Pyrex tray that came with the microwave.
we also opted for a drop down door rather than side hung and that's great. HTH

[KP86]

Is Flat bed the same as a convection microwave? Or just a microwave without a turntable?

We have a commercial non-turntable microwave at work and it's great. Easy to clean, heats evenly etc.

If I had a choice and it wasn't heaps more expensive I would probably go with the flat bed.

[cozietoesie]

They're a lot more expensive, I'm afraid.

[oldfatandtired1]

I've recently moved house and inherited a flatbed microwave. I didn't know such things existed! It is bloody fabulous.

[cozietoesie]

Ah. Why is that, old?

[Passthecake30]

I have a combi neff microwave/grill/oven, no turntable and the microwave works just fine. I didn't even know microwaves existed without revolving until last year

[oldfatandtired1]

It just seems so much better than my old turntable microwave! Can't really explain why. It is a Siemens and a pretty expensive model but I do love it, use it all the time.

[TheFutureMrsB]

I have a flatbed Panasonic combi microwave/oven with the drop down door and it is great. Easier to clean, heats stuff evenly and bakes cakes better than my electric oven. I luffs mine

[LogicalThinking]

A flatbed panasonic here too and I love it
Much better than my old turntable models.

[cozietoesie]

Hmm. So those who have one mostly really like it?

[ShelaghTurner]

I've never heard of a flatbed microwave but if it means that the stupid turny ring isn't going to jump off its thingy every time I use the damn thing then I'm buying one .

[LogicalThinking]

This type
www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-NN-CF778SBPQ-Combination-Microwave-Stainless/dp/B001HN6QS4?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21
No annoying turntables!

[cozietoesie]

Not an entirely fulfilling relationship with your current one then, Shelagh?

[ShelaghTurner]

You might say that

Want to know why my microwave is such a bastard? Let me tell you... What kind of idiot sits down to redesign the company's new offering and thinks "hmm, I know what will go down a storm, let's make the ring underneath the round glass plate triangular! Yes! No trouble will come from that at all!"

Wanker

[ReedBunting]

Logical that's the one we've got.

[ParrotFashion]

Got a Miele combi oven with flatbed and its brilliant. Just so easy and solid and no faffing. Heats evenly. Wouldn't buy a revolving one again, what is the point?

[FrogFairy]

I have a Panasonic flatbed combi microwave with drop down door.

I really like it but find it hard to clean, especially the tubes at the top inside. Not sure how to clean them without damaging them.

Mine is less than three years old but is making loud cracking/popping noises when in use so may be on it's way out. Not sure I would pay another £250 for the next one.

[NanTheWiser]

I've also got the combi Panasonic flatbed with drop down door - bought about 4 years ago. Love it - easy to bake dishes in rectangular containers, and it's very powerful, so microwaving is much quicker. As I live alone, I often heat up ready meals, and this is perfect for the job. Go for it!

[FrogFairy]

Nan please can I ask how you clean yours? Especially the grill part inside. Mine is singing and I really want to scrub it but worry I will damage it.

[NanTheWiser]

Frog, I am ashamed to admit I've never cleaned the grill, but that may be because I've never used the grill function! As for the rest of the inside - just a wipe round when I think about it. I don't cook "messy" food too often, although heating soup usually means a few splashes which get wiped straight away.

I'm surprised yours is making a noise, as Panasonic are so reliable - my old Dimension 4 combo was about 30 years old when I replaced it, and still worked well!

[FrogFairy]

Glad I am not the only non cleaner of the grill. I think mine would be fine if only used as a microwave, it is convection roasting that has has caused the problem with splashes of fat.

Mine should still be under five year warranty if it breaks, though these things often seem to have loopholes.