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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to be pissed off about this unwanted microwave?

112 replies

Mallorie · 21/12/2018 19:02

We have a 20+ year old microwave - it works fine and I keep it clean but the plastic is a little yellowed and most of the markings around the dial have worn off. It doesn't bother me at all, one because I barely use it, and two, because I think it's idiotic and wasteful to replace a perfectly useful appliance for no other reason than appearance (you should see my beloved 25 year old Mercedes but that's another story).

I have a good friend who comments about the microwave every time she's over, saying 'I know you can afford a new one' (true) and 'That thing can't actually work' (not true). I think it's a boring conversation so I just sort of say mm-hmm and move on to something else.

She's only gone and bought me a brand new spaceship of a micro for xmas, which judging by the photos on the box is basically made of chrome and flashing lights and I am just getting angrier at it by the minute. It's still sitting in the nest of paper where I unwrapped it- she was so excited about it and I made the right noises when I opened it but now I just want it out of the house.

I am thinking about giving it away on freecycle or similar to someone who needs a micro, but what will I say next time she's over? I'm thinking of saying that it blew up and blew a fuse the first time I used it and that our old wiring isn't up to this massive futuristic cooking machine, which is plausible, but who knows what else of mine she'll try to replace next.

OP posts:

Amortentia · 21/12/2018 21:25

I'd think a newer microwave, probably built in China, is probably not any safer than older one personally - every electrical item we replace seems to be cheaper and nastier than their predecessors (for all those going on about safety)

Please be assured that any electrical appliance for sale in the UK regardless of where it is made must meet the same safety standards. But I’m pretty sure that a 20 year old microwave no matter how well made is very unlikely to meet those standards now.

Starlight456 · 21/12/2018 21:27

We should have a section for ungrateful gift receivers.

You know if you don’t use it she will know .

iamyourequal · 21/12/2018 21:27

OP You say she is a very good friend. She has given you a generous gift, which you need (I would have though, on safety grounds alone). I think you should throw the old one out, plug the new shiny one in, use it, and learn to love it. If you do anything else it will show your total lack of gratitude and could lose you a friendship.

45redballoons · 21/12/2018 21:29

Exactly how old does the Mumsnet jury think is acceptable for a microwave to be before it must be replaced?

ThanksItHasPockets · 21/12/2018 21:38

BlackAmericano do you know how much a Thermomix costs?! Your SIL owes you quite a few delicious meals cooked in it at the very least.

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 21/12/2018 21:49

Yes I do know how much it costs, because DH paid for it from the joint account (after being told that I absolutely did NOT want one). My SIL is a fabulous cook and has made me many delicious meals (well a few, she lives a 12 hr flight away), but none of them from the Thermomix which over-processes everything so it all has a mush texture that I can't stand. She's my favourite in-law though, so I genuinely do hope that she is enjoying using it, and it's a much better solution than my first impulse after I finally unpacked it and gave it ago, which was to beat it with a lump hammer.

ExCharlieBucket · 21/12/2018 21:50

ill buy it off you OP, mine packed in today and im SKINT

littlebillie · 21/12/2018 21:59

They can leak past a certain age I would replace

Excited101 · 21/12/2018 22:26

Free cycle your old one and keep the new one, win win

EdtheBear · 21/12/2018 22:33

Exactly how old does the Mumsnet jury think is acceptable for a microwave to be before it must be replaced?

Honestly I'm not sure however mine is about 15yo and I'm considering replacing it, because of age.

DaphneBlake101 · 21/12/2018 22:36

Not a microwave but I'm very attached to my slow cooker - it was a wedding present for my mum and dad, making it over 30 years old and older than me. I was given it when I bought my house but my husband is obsessed with the idea of buying a new one. I don't get it - mine still works and nothing I buy now will ever last as long as this one has.

SnappedandFartedagain · 21/12/2018 22:53

You shouldn’t be using a microwave that old. They should be replaced at least every 9-10 years for your own safety.

safariboot · 21/12/2018 23:21

Unless you have a small house, keep it as a spare. Or say that you couldn't figure out how to use it. My DM has poor eyesight and struggles with microwaves with loads of buttons, we have to have a simple one with mechanical dials.

theonetowalkinthesun · 21/12/2018 23:33

This reminds me actually, my DM at her house has a set of chef's knives, keeps them really sharp and she really likes them. Fair enough, each to their own.
Whenever she's at mine and I'm chopping something, she always makes comments about how my knives can't possibly be sharp enough and I need some knives like hers. I say, "No, DM, I really like the knives I have and I really don't want any chef's knives because you know I'm clumsy, so the idea of using an extremely sharp chef's knife stresses me out. I'm really happy with my knives. Thanks for the thought anyway."

Then one time DM is round and she needs to use a knife to cut something of hers, and she huffs and puffs the whole time she is using my knife, complaining at how it's sharp enough and how do I live with knives like this.

I literally say the words to her, "Mum, I know they aren't what you'd like, but I really like these knives, and I would not like and would not use knives like yours. Please don't go and buy me some chef's knives, because I know what you're like, I really don't want them and will not use them, so please don't buy me any, as I'm worried you're gonna buy me some now!"

Guess what she brings round that she has bought me, a month or so later?

Fuming I was, but couldn't say anything. They remain untouched by me.

Topseyt · 22/12/2018 00:03

My previous microwave was about 18 years old when it died. Never a problem. Over its last few months though it just got weaker and weaker until it took far too long to heat anything. I replaced it last January.

I don't think there is an age limit, provided the door seal has not deteriorated.

donquixotedelamancha · 22/12/2018 00:18

I'd think a newer microwave, probably built in China, is probably not any safer than older one personally - every electrical item we replace seems to be cheaper and nastier than their predecessors

It's not some nebulous, made up idea of safety- often old electricals are well made and can last decades; but microwaves surround the cavity with metal meshes to prevent leakage of the EM waves. As the microwave gets older, these get worn or move and microwaves leak.

Frankly unless you are constantly running it with your genitals pressed against the door, it's a very small risk. Most people would choose to replace it every 10-15 years to minimise that risk, because that's cheaper than paying someone to test it each year.

malmi · 22/12/2018 00:59

If you definitely hadn't agreed with her that you need a new microwave, I'd say it's not on for her to have bought you one.

Is there another appliance you actually need that you could exchange it for? Or if not then as others suggest you could keep it in the loft until it's needed, but do your friend the courtesy of telling her that's your plan.

I've never been one for chucking working stuff out just because it's old. So wasteful.

knittedmouse · 22/12/2018 01:28

The old old one is probably leaking radiation due to deteriorated door seals by now anyway. Plus it won't be as energy efficient.

NotACleverName · 22/12/2018 01:31

What a bloody evil cow, buying you a new appliance for Christmas. Keep your manky old microwave and throw the new one at her. Time to end the friendship!

AGHHHH · 22/12/2018 01:37

Can you post photos of both? I'm curious!

MargaretRiver · 22/12/2018 01:41

Apparently you can test for microwave leakage by putting your mobile phone in it, closing the door and then getting a friend to phone & then text you.
If the door seal allows the mobile and /or wifi signals in, it could also let microwave radiation out .
You could test both microwaves and compare, out of interest.

Frankswife87 · 22/12/2018 04:30

I wish my appliances would last 20 years! I'm lucky if my microwave lasts 3 years, what's your secret? Im no longer in charge of cleaning the microwave as I've knackered 3 microwaves in 11 years by attempting to clean them

Unacceptable · 22/12/2018 04:52

Margaretriver
Ooooooh. That sounds like it's a real test, I was wondering how to find out if my maybe 25 yr old one is safe.
I too love my old, faded, slightly yellowing micro and anyone who knows me well enough also knows that I like what I like and wouldn't buy me something to their taste and expect me to be grateful.
I am actually the type who would rather be given fucking coal from some uptight passive aggressive 'friend' who is trying to impose their tastes upon my kitchen! (I'm sound though as only things my mates buy me for kitchen have high alcohol or calorie content)

Shoxfordian · 22/12/2018 05:56

Your friend has been very kind.

How would she know you had a strange emotional attachment to an old microwave when all you said was mm?! Use the new one and chuck out the old one.

sashh · 22/12/2018 06:09

Give it to your local refuge, someone setting upa new home would need something.

Tell your friend you tried to cook chestnuts in the new one but you left them too long so they set on fire and the microwave now stinks of smoke and you can't get it clean (yes I did this many years ago).

But you are really glad you kept you old one as you know exactly how to use it and you were struggling with the spaceship.

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