Low Cost Microwave That Does The Job!
Written: Apr 03 '07
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Pros: Fits in the place of an exhaust hood.
Cons: None that I seen so far.
The Bottom Line: Need an undercabinet/over range microwave that does all of the basics? Why spend more - this is the one!
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| rbinck's Full Review: Whirlpool MH1141XM 1000 Watts Microwave Oven |
Introduction
When we moved into our new home we decided to forgo the added cost of having a microwave installed by the contractor. The unit they supplied was a Sears unit, which was fine, but the cost was maybe three times what I could get the same, or equivalent , unit for. So we went with the standard over the range vent fan and decided we would get our own microwave later.
After looking at several units we settled on this model because it would do everything we wanted it to do and the controls were easy to use for my wife who is visually impaired. Here simple is better. We liked having only a few buttons for her to learn and we never use a microwave’s special features anyway.
Installation
To install the unit I enlisted the help of one of my sons. The breaker for the existing vent fan was identified and it was turned off. Next we removed the vent fan and installed an electrical outlet for the microwave to use. We had a bit of fun enlarging a hole for the electrical box both through the cabinet back and the drywall, but with the help of a rotosaw it was done. We popped the electrical box with lever type mounting ears into the opening, wired the receptacle and installed the cover plate.
The basic installation involves the mounting of a wall bracket that supports the weight of the microwave and attaching the front of the microwave to the overhead cabinet with two screws near the front. The idea here is the cabinet does not support the weight of the microwave and the cabinet screws are only used to pull the front of the microwave up snug to the underside of the cabinet. You want all of the weight to be supported by the wall plate because you don’t necessarily know how the cabinet was secured to the wall or the strength of the cabinet.
We mounted the wall mounting bracket to the wall and was able to get lag screws into 2 studs. Most of the time this will be possible, although a single stud would probably suffice. Next the template for the holes under the cabinet were made. I had a bit of trouble with the tape trying to hold the template to the underside of the cabinet, so out to the garage where I had some spray adhesive I used for upholstery work (available at an auto store) did the trick of holding the template in place. The mounting and electrical cord holes were drilled and we were ready to hang the unit in place.
After hanging the unit on the wall plate (it sort of hooks onto it) the front screws with washers are installed to pull the front up flush with the cabinet. Plug in the unit, turn the breaker back on and we are ready for cooking.
We did not use the exhaust vent feature as the hood we replaced was just the filter type. The microwave will allow for either type installation. I understand if the unit is to be vented to the outside, additional holes need to be added to the bottom of the cabinet and the ducting attached to the top of the microwave. You may need to get an adapter to go between the top of the microwave and your ductwork as well. There is also the possibility of venting the unit out of the back of the unit through the wall, but it appears a special damper is required.
Operation
The front panel controls consists of a LED display and several touch buttons. There are the customary number buttons along with some other control buttons. Under the display there are three controls that allow access to the preset programming. Left to right these are REHEAT, DEFROST and POPCORN.
The REHEAT button when pressed is followed by a number 1 through 5 and will preset for these foods:
1=Soups – then you enter the number of cups you are heating.
2=Casserol – then you enter the number of cups you are heating.
3=Bake – then you enter the number of pieces you are heating.
4=Plate – then you enter the number of servings you are heating.
5=Pizza – then you enter the number of slices you are heating.
The microwave will then select the cook time and power level that has been pre-programmed into the unit.
The DEFROST button when pressed is followed by a number 1 through 3 and will preset for these foods:
1=Meats- then you enter the number of pounds.
2=Poultry – then you enter the number of pounds.
3=Fish - then you enter the number of pounds.
Like the REHEAT function the microwave will then select the cook time and power level that has been pre-programmed into the unit.
The POPCORN button will set the microwave for popping 3.5 oz of popcorn. I guess this is the standard microwave popcorn package size.
Below those buttons are the COOK TIME and the COOK POWER buttons that are used for manual programming. To set the cook power, you press the COOK POWER button followed by a number 1-9 if you want the power less that the highest level of 10. To set the cook time you press the COOK TIME button and then enter the time in minutes and seconds. Once the time and power settings are entered the START button is pressed to start the cooking. The cooking operation can be stopped by use of the CLEAR button or just opening the door. If you open the door the time remaining will be retained should you wish to restart the cooking. Alternately, you can press the CLEAR button once the cooking is stopped to clear the programming and set the microwave back to the beginning.
Finally at the very bottom of the control panel are three buttons used to set the clock, operate the over range light and the exhaust fan. There are 2 settings for the light (night and full on) and 2 settings for the fan (low and high) and their respective buttons will rotate through Off->Low->High with each button press.
Conclusion
This unit has worked very well for us. We don’t use any of the preprogrammed features, so I don’t have any comment as to the accuracy of the preprogrammed values. We just read the package and set the microwave up manually. Rarely, if ever, has the unit been used to defrost anything as my wife prefers the traditional defrost methods so I don’t know if the defrost tends to cook or not. I know some of the early microwaves would. My guess is with the carousel turning the food constantly, that it wouldn’t.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 130
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Epinions.com ID:
rbinck
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Member: Richard Binckley
Location: Houston, Texas
Reviews written: 125
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
Retired A/V professional, likes Hawaii and Classic Cars
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