April 1982 Wow!

[k0ua]

Decided to replace the Microwave today. It is dated on the back Manufacture date April 1982. Well that is almost 40 years. That is a long time for something like this.
It still works. The mother in law took a lot of the sap out of it about 7 years ago when she run it for about an hour with no load in it. The wife said the interior cavity had a lot of lightning inside of it and it was smoking hot. It still worked after that but the cooking times had to be about double. The vacuum fluorescent display characters are getting very dim. You can still read it, but it sure isn't bright. The interior light went out about 2 weeks ago. The wife thinks the cooking power continues to fade. I do know the new one (Toshiba) sure cooks a lot faster than the old one (Montgomery Ward). But to think the thing has lasted as long as it has is kinda rare. We use the thing every day.

We will see how this Toshiba holds up. I am betting it won't be cooking 40 years later.



picupload

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I had to replace one from the early 80s, new ones use inverters.

 

[rangerfredbob]

wait, that's the month/year I was born, don't call me old...

 

[oosik]

I'm on my third microwave - in 40 years. The previous two died in a cloud of smoke and blew the circuit breaker. I've never cook with mine - just reheat.

So I splurged on this one and got a Breville. Hopefully, if it's going to die - it goes quietly.

The only appliance that has had a long life span - my two slot toaster. We got it as a wedding gift in 1964. It's a Kenmore and still works just fine.

 

[Thomas]

Goes to show they can make appliances etc. last longer than todays,8-10 had to replace stove and refig. last year.

 

[KennyG]

Microwaves are a special case. Actual operating time is often only a few hours per year.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

I remember when they first came out. I wasn't impressed...I called it a "$300 weeny heater".

 

[Rebeldad1]

Microwaves are a special case. Actual operating time is often only a few hours per year.

wow.. thats a lot.
we use ours maybe 5-15 minutes a day. we dont cook so much as reheat.

 

[Rebeldad1]

wow.. thats a lot.
we use ours maybe 5-15 minutes a day. we dont cook so much as reheat.

oh... just reread. that was a per year.

 

[MossRoad]

Nice! That's a fancy one. I just retired our 1985 model. It only had a timer dial and cook/defrost buttons. We got it for a wedding present. Still worked, but was only 600 watts. We only used it for popcorn and defrosting. So we bought a nice new one last year. All the bells and whistles. Guess what? We only use it for popcorn and defrosting!

 

[k0ua]

Nice! That's a fancy one. I just retired our 1985 model. It only had a timer dial and cook/defrost buttons. We got it for a wedding present. Still worked, but was only 600 watts. We only used it for popcorn and defrosting. So we bought a nice new one last year. All the bells and whistles. Guess what? We only use it for popcorn and defrosting!

I was just amazed that all of its buttons etc, still work. Sure if the mother in law hadn't abused it, it would work a lot better. I set it aside on the counter in the dining room. Not sure what I should do with it. It does still work. I could replace the interior light pretty easy. Not that the light is critical to its operation. First TBN member that wants to pick it up and carry it off can have it. First NON TBN member that wants to pick it up and carry it off can have it too!.

 

[MossRoad]

I was just amazed that all of its buttons etc, still work. Sure if the mother in law hadn't abused it, it would work a lot better. I set it aside on the counter in the dining room. Not sure what I should do with it. It does still work. I could replace the interior light pretty easy. Not that the light is critical to its operation. First TBN member that wants to pick it up and carry it off can have it. First NON TBN member that wants to pick it up and carry it off can have it too!.

I put my old one in the garage.



Why?

I have no idea. Sentimental I guess. I guarantee it will sit there for years gathering dust. Where does one dispose of a radar device?

 

[k0ua]

I put my old one in the garage.



Why?

I have no idea. Sentimental I guess. I guarantee it will sit there for years gathering dust. Where does one dispose of a radar device?

Large appliance recycling center.

 

[ovrszd]

I was just amazed that all of its buttons etc, still work. Sure if the mother in law hadn't abused it, it would work a lot better. I set it aside on the counter in the dining room. Not sure what I should do with it. It does still work. I could replace the interior light pretty easy. Not that the light is critical to its operation. First TBN member that wants to pick it up and carry it off can have it. First NON TBN member that wants to pick it up and carry it off can have it too!.

It would make a great shop microwave!!! I got mine when the Bride got a new one for her house.

You have any idea how much you paid for the old one James???

 

[ovrszd]

I put my old one in the garage.



Why?

I have no idea. Sentimental I guess. I guarantee it will sit there for years gathering dust. Where does one dispose of a radar device?

I use my shop one almost every day. At least 4 times a week.

On a cold windy damp day like this it's great for popcorn.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I put my old one in the garage.



Why?

I have no idea. Sentimental I guess. I guarantee it will sit there for years gathering dust. Where does one dispose of a radar device?

Mines in the barn in a partly disassembled state.

 

[ultrarunner]

I do get attached to appliances and tools with excellent longevity.

This is why it was sad when the cook times nearly tripled last week on moms 42 year old GE Spacemaker.

Dad didn’t want one but Mom working in Hospital decided she would give herself a present.

Thankfully the neighborhood microwave woes occurred because utility line voltage dropped to 69 volts.

In 1990 I installed one in my Service Van and still kicking but seldom used these days.

 

[MossRoad]

I use my shop one almost every day. At least 4 times a week.

On a cold windy damp day like this it's great for popcorn.

Thanks for the words of hope! I'll keep it until I retire, when I'm sure I'll be spending more time in the garage.

 

[ultrarunner]

My 102 neighbor has a bought new Maytag Washer and Dryer pair with zero issues bought new in the 80’s and used every Saturday.

Grandkids bought him new front loaders which he told me how can I refuse?

Now I have an extra pair with a wipe down look like new.

I think only in America are so many good appliances kicked to the curb…

 

[k0ua]

It would make a great shop microwave!!! I got mine when the Bride got a new one for her house.

You have any idea how much you paid for the old one James???

It came with the house when we bought the house in 1992.