How much do you use the microwave?

[Anonymous]

The only thing I've used the microwave for over the last decade has been to soften or melt butter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am really confused by the lack of microwave usage here! I cook every night but I still use the microwave constantly -- to reheat leftovers (often for lunch), to "bake" potatoes, soften butter, cook veggies quickly.

What do people do to reheat leftovers if not using the microwave? Do you do everything on the stove? wait for the oven? Or do you just throw away all leftovers so you never have them?

The stove or oven or toaster oven. It usually tastes better.

[Anonymous]

I don't even understand this. I use the microwave multiple times daily.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am really confused by the lack of microwave usage here! I cook every night but I still use the microwave constantly -- to reheat leftovers (often for lunch), to "bake" potatoes, soften butter, cook veggies quickly.

What do people do to reheat leftovers if not using the microwave? Do you do everything on the stove? wait for the oven? Or do you just throw away all leftovers so you never have them?

People used to live without microwaves before they were invented, you know!

We don't have one, and yes, we heat things up in a pot on the stove. We use the oven to bake potatoes. We steam vegetables in a pot on the stove. We make popcorn in a Whirlypop on the stovetop. I soften butter by putting it on the stove while the oven heats up, or a melt it in a pan. We use a Breville tea maker or a tea kettle to make tea or boil water. Not that big of a deal!

[Anonymous]

Until I had children, almost never. Now - daily.

[Anonymous]

Well I am surprised with responses as well. I use it *all* the time. I like things super hot, so even if it was cooked 10 mins ago and is lukewarm I heat it again. I avoid plastic in the microwave.
And we all end up eating at slightly different times, so I can't heat up the whole meal and leftovers on the stove top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am really confused by the lack of microwave usage here! I cook every night but I still use the microwave constantly -- to reheat leftovers (often for lunch), to "bake" potatoes, soften butter, cook veggies quickly.

What do people do to reheat leftovers if not using the microwave? Do you do everything on the stove? wait for the oven? Or do you just throw away all leftovers so you never have them?

People used to live without microwaves before they were invented, you know!

We don't have one, and yes, we heat things up in a pot on the stove. We use the oven to bake potatoes. We steam vegetables in a pot on the stove. We make popcorn in a Whirlypop on the stovetop. I soften butter by putting it on the stove while the oven heats up, or a melt it in a pan. We use a Breville tea maker or a tea kettle to make tea or boil water. Not that big of a deal!

I'm not criticizing -- just curious. I could do all of the things you mention, and my grandfather ran a French restaurant without a microwave and I probably could too (I am a pretty serious cook), but I just find it so convenient for many things, and so much faster, so I was wondering why you would prefer it given the option. I also like that I can take my leftovers out of the fridge and put them straight in the microwave (I use only glass containers), and not have another pan to wash from heating on the stove. I like that potatoes cook in the microwave in 6 minutes instead of 1 hour in the microwave which is great when I get home from work at 5:!5 and want dinner on the table by 6. But I am glad it is working for you to not use the microwave - thanks for clarifying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am really confused by the lack of microwave usage here! I cook every night but I still use the microwave constantly -- to reheat leftovers (often for lunch), to "bake" potatoes, soften butter, cook veggies quickly.

What do people do to reheat leftovers if not using the microwave? Do you do everything on the stove? wait for the oven? Or do you just throw away all leftovers so you never have them?

People used to live without microwaves before they were invented, you know!

We don't have one, and yes, we heat things up in a pot on the stove. We use the oven to bake potatoes. We steam vegetables in a pot on the stove. We make popcorn in a Whirlypop on the stovetop. I soften butter by putting it on the stove while the oven heats up, or a melt it in a pan. We use a Breville tea maker or a tea kettle to make tea or boil water. Not that big of a deal!

I'm not criticizing -- just curious. I could do all of the things you mention, and my grandfather ran a French restaurant without a microwave and I probably could too (I am a pretty serious cook), but I just find it so convenient for many things, and so much faster, so I was wondering why you would prefer it given the option. I also like that I can take my leftovers out of the fridge and put them straight in the microwave (I use only glass containers), and not have another pan to wash from heating on the stove. I like that potatoes cook in the microwave in 6 minutes instead of 1 hour in the microwave which is great when I get home from work at 5:!5 and want dinner on the table by 6. But I am glad it is working for you to not use the microwave - thanks for clarifying.

[Anonymous]

Just curious -- those who avoid the microwave, do you do this because you worry that microwaving isn't healthy?

[Anonymous]

I'm not criticizing -- just curious. I could do all of the things you mention, and my grandfather ran a French restaurant without a microwave and I probably could too (I am a pretty serious cook), but I just find it so convenient for many things, and so much faster, so I was wondering why you would prefer it given the option. I also like that I can take my leftovers out of the fridge and put them straight in the microwave (I use only glass containers), and not have another pan to wash from heating on the stove. I like that potatoes cook in the microwave in 6 minutes instead of 1 hour in the microwave which is great when I get home from work at 5:!5 and want dinner on the table by 6. But I am glad it is working for you to not use the microwave - thanks for clarifying.


I think the flavor and texture really suffer, especially in a baked potato! I would rather not eat one or eat late than have a microwaved potato. I also don't find it incovenient to wash out a pan.

I do have to use one at work if I have leftovers, and I just don't like how they heat unevenly, the dish gets too hot to handle, etc.

[Anonymous]

I am really surprised that a lot of people don't use microwaves. We use ours multiple times a day too!

I would rather reheat some things on the stove top or in the regular oven but time doesn't always allow that.

I also pack my lunch from leftovers so I use the microwave at work. I was just trying to imagine what my lunch would be like with out a microwave- cold lunch, sandwiches, or eating out. I don't think that will sustain me.

[Anonymous]

I use it everyday. I use it to defrost things, heat up leftovers, half cook a sweet potato before putting it in the oven, heat up water or milk for tea and hot cocoa, etc. When my last one broke I went out and got a new one within days. And I don't buy appliances lightly. Usually I mull it over first. Couldn't do that with a microwave... I need it. Yes, I could LIVE without it, but it just makes life easier. I don't have a dishwasher though.

[Anonymous]

As an armchair anthropological student, I do wonder how many of the PPs who never ever use a microwave are immigrants? 1st gen?

The only people I know personally who never use a microwave (or don't own one) are 1. 80+ years old or 2. from China, Russia, or Guatemala.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As an armchair anthropological student, I do wonder how many of the PPs who never ever use a microwave are immigrants? 1st gen?

The only people I know personally who never use a microwave (or don't own one) are 1. 80+ years old or 2. from China, Russia, or Guatemala.

My family's been in this country for over 200 years. My parents got a microwave like the first week it came out. I threw mine out when I moved 6 years ago because I never used it and I don't miss it one bit.

[Anonymous]

My German mom has been here for over 50 years and she still won't allow a microwave in her kitchen. In her opinion, that isn't cooking (or necessary).