Saturday, April 2, 2011

Decisions

A decision needs to be made. Our microwave has been on the decline for at least a month and today was the day for it die. I am of the mind to not replace it. I know that hubby and son use it the most. What we use it most for is: baked potatoes, heating water for coffee, heating canned dog food, popcorn, hot dogs, frozen burritos, reheating leftovers. All of these can be heated stove top or in the oven. The only one I am questioning is hot dogs. No one in my family likes boiled hot dogs. I guess they could be heated in the oven. I certainly do not want to purchase a microwave just to heat hot dogs. In a couple of months we will be making a major purchase for a dehydrator. I'm thinking the money we save on not replacing the microwave can go toward the dehydrator. Does anyone out there not have a microwave in their home and do they wish they did? Advice would be appreciated.

5 comments:

Deb said...

I think that the $100 you would spend on a microwave might be less than the amount your electric bill will go up if you use your oven more. Microwaves are more energy efficient than the oven.

Besides, with summer coming up, your house will be hotter if you use the oven and your cooling bill will go up. Microwaves are not that expensive. You could probably get a dorm-sized on for $50. Or maybe check some garage sales?

Hot dogs are best grilled, according to my kids.

Kelly Rhoades said...

I'm with Deb! Buy the microwave. Maybe they'll be one at the church yard sale next week!

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Having a microwave around is handy. We hardly ever use ours, but when we do it is such a convenience. If you aren't going to purchase one, what about broiling the hot dogs under the oven broiler? It gets a nice crispiness. You have to watch it though - it burns quickly!!
Staci

l said...

We haven't had a microwave in almost 3 years. We have had 2 that blew up on us, so we dediced not to try again. We really have done just fine with it. The only times we used it was to warm up leftovers, which we warm up on the stove now or my husband takes them to work (microwave at work). Maybe see if you can survive without one for a month or 2, then decide..
We have a dehydrator. We use it, but not regularly.

Heidi said...

We haven't owned a microwave for 4 or 5 years, more for health reasons than cost. I hardly miss it. Instead, we have a small toaster oven. Popcorn is done with an air popper, hot dogs on a grill, and hot water with a kettle. Leftovers go in the toaster oven just fine. My husband complained a bit at first, but it didn't take long to get used to not having one.