Completely silly question, so I got a new microwave and .... (11,004 views)
applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Dec 16, 2016 22:38:14 GMT -5
My microwave stopped working on Wednesday (an above the stove model), so popped into my mgmt office in my bldg that afternoon, and next day, new microwave installed. Gotta love quick turnaround. I don't even know how old my microwave was .... maybe 10 years or more. Just a guess. So my silly question is.... with my old microwave I could see thru the glass door so I could see the food cooking. Or more importantly, was something about to overflow. The glass wasn't completely clear, but you could see thru it without a prob. It has that typical mesh type lining between the glass. But with my new GE microwave, I cant' see thru it, the door is glass but it hard to explain, the door has a a white background with what looks like just a series of dots inside the glass. So I was wondering if all newer models are this way or  I would think there would be a good reason for that type of lining, safer or ? If not, just seems weird that you cant see what's inside. I know, fascinating question. Thx. |
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Post by Catbatty on Dec 16, 2016 22:52:11 GMT -5
No, it really is fascinating! We bought one last year or year before and it has see thru glass. (It isn't a GE.) How odd. I didn't know they made them without windows either. It will be interesting to see what other people say. Thank you for posting, Applecrisp.  |
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cafelatte
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Post by cafelatte on Dec 17, 2016 12:28:12 GMT -5
Mine is just over a year old and I can see through it (Electrolux). We replaced one in our old house before we moved and we could see through it too. I think it was a GE because that's what was there before. Weird. Maybe the light inside isn't working?
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Dec 17, 2016 16:26:42 GMT -5
Catbatty, I thought it was strange that I just had to ask. Thx for not making me feel like a total fool for posting the question.
Cafelatte, I did try the microwave ....thinking that maybe when it is off you can't see inside, but you can see when it is on (and light does work inside). Nope. Can't see inside. I don't use a microwave often, but comes in handy for some things. I can see some boiling over in my future.
Maybe lots of other microwaves are that way, I haven't shopped for one, so have no idea. I wonder if there is a reason for it, or simply a design feature -- perhaps to blend in more with other appliances.
Thx.
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Post by Catbatty on Dec 17, 2016 17:00:50 GMT -5
Well, it's going to make for more interesting shopping trips from now on.  I'll be staring at microwaves a lot.  I *suppose* that we could google around and see what is online about the subject. Bet there is talk. The world is changing so fast, I am becoming more and more out of the loop. I still have unsmart phones and tv's with remotes, and regular vehicles that still feel new to me after many years... Oh, and a fridge that does have bells but doesn't talk to me or let me talk to it. Sigh. |
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Post by swedishcook on Dec 18, 2016 17:03:12 GMT -5
Our "perfect" countertop microwave is now 13 years old and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. As I sort of have a bone to pick with GE I started looking and found this information by said company. Guess it's buyer beware from now on. |
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Post by Catbatty on Dec 18, 2016 17:48:32 GMT -5
I'm not a fan of GE, either. 1) years ago I wrote to them when we owned a rental with a GE stove and I wrote to them asking about parts for older stoves and got no reply. 2) Then, for our own home, I bought a stove, and paint peeled off in several places...and there were areas on the outside that weren't well thought out and dirt could get in (and be seen) but a pain to clean out. (I always try to look at 'what's gonna catch dirt' and try to not buy apps that have lots of dirt collector places in the design of it...does that make any sense what I just said? LOL) Anyway: I suppose that it used to be low price/low quality... I dunno what the expensive GE's are like today. Maybe improved? But I have never gotten over feeling a tad burned by GE.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2016 7:38:06 GMT -5
I replaced my over the range microwave with an LG from Best Buy about a year ago. So far I've only used it to test it out, so I haven't noticed whether or not you can see inside while the food is cooking. Honestly, if I keep shrinking in height at this rate It won't matter LOL. One of the reasons I picked it, besides the price being right, was that it had a shelf so I could utilize the space better. Meanwhile I'm still using my countertop microwave which is also from Best Buy, and fairly new. It does look kind of dark, but actually, I haven't really noticed. What I don't like about it is that the interior gets scratched very easily while trying to clean it with a sponge, after I noticed some spillage. Guess they just don't build them like they used to. At least it's stainless steel and not that ugly cheap white Builders grade from the eighties
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Post by beth on Dec 19, 2016 10:19:03 GMT -5
See if you can find the model number of the micro and look it up on the GE website or generally to find features info and/or a manual. If that doesn't tell you whether you should be able to see inside, call and ask GE. I've never known a microwave that you couldn't see inside of at least when it was operating. It could be that a lightbulb is broken, not screwed in properly or missing.
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Dec 19, 2016 12:30:40 GMT -5
Thx everyone --- it is designed that you can't see inside -- it has the plastic film as mentioned in swedishcook's link (thx). It is meant to be that way, even called them and said a design element too. Whatever. Here's a pic that i found on line. At least it is nice and shiny and clean (I didn't like how the vents on my old one would show grime). Personally seems ridiculous that you can't see what's cooking, perhaps overflowing ....  |
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Post by Catbatty on Dec 19, 2016 14:51:21 GMT -5
That is so weird! Looks like the owner hasn't removed the packing material. DOES LOOK CLEAN and nice, though. I could live with it.  |
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Post by beth on Dec 21, 2016 10:57:41 GMT -5
I am surprised they have designed it that way and I don't think I would like it. That would be fine for heating a cup of coffee for 30 seconds, using an auto defrost cycle (I do with ground beef in mine) -- and I use a sensor reheat cycle without watching -- and perhaps that is what they are aiming for: more automation, reliance on the technology -- the everything Apple approach. But we do things like heat up a tortilla, cheese and salsa for a snack or light lunch, The timing varies with the moisture in the tortilla, the exact amount of cheese and salsa -- it can be bubbling at 20-25 seconds or take 35, but an extra 10 seconds can render a tortilla inedible. Sounds like more stops and checks, especially until you adjust. It wouldn't be my choice, but I hope it's an easier adjustment for you.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2016 16:15:37 GMT -5
When they say design element I wouldn't be surprised if It is part of a safety and/or energy requirement. In California, many appliances have to be energy efficient and recycled or disposed of properly. It has become a challenge to find a 60 watt light bulb. Also noticed my newer countertop model has quite a bit of condensation build up inside as food is cooking or reheating. It's not perfect, but it's pretty convenient.
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applecrisp1
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Post by applecrisp1 on Dec 21, 2016 17:15:25 GMT -5
Who knows if there is a reason for it, other than for looks, but they do have microwaves that you can see thru. It is nice and shiny and clean so I'm just going to have to go with that. And, I agree -- seems weird. How am I going to know when my cheese is perfectly melted or my water is boiled. Guess I will have to pay attention, stop, open and repeat....
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I would think there would be a good reason for that type of lining, safer or 
I'll be staring at microwaves a lot. 
