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In the case of my microwave I replaced the old unit with a larger one so needed a slimmer trim kit.
Mark, thanks so much. That's a brilliant idea. I don't think I will need it because it's for the sides of the microwave and my width will be the same. But how ingenuous is that?
We had Lowe’s install appliances. They might be contractors, but the installations went fine.
I think this is a great idea for OP. She needs to take a photo and measurements to Big Box hardware or major brands local dealer and have them guide her. She is not the first clueless customer!
I bought an LG micro, and I like it a lot.
Silibran, you have no idea how much I needed the reminder that I'm not the first clueless customer. I do feel like I am because every other home project and trip to the store was with my husband, who knew what he was doing. Its like I just arrived from a couple of centuries ago or from some deserted island and everyone else has skills and knowledge that I am sorely lacking. But you are right, there have got to be some other clueless customers and they are there to help. Mr. Rogers said his mother told him to "always look for the helpers." I'm not sure she was talking about retail sales people in a big box hardware or major brands local dealer, but at this point, I need a variety of helpers and am just grateful that they exist.
I'll have to check into a LG. I guess I don't have to be loyal to GE---it's just that it's lasted 14 years, but as someone said, the quality nowadays may be different.
You are correct. As far as the debate technique you use, you are also correct. Now, I am going to use your same argument to flip you from the offense position to defense. I suggest to you that the exact same thing happens with homeowner insurance. Companies sell insurance policies because they make big money on them, not so the customer can save anything. A combination of factors make it more prudent for me NOT to have homeowner insurance, and I have saved thousands of dollars with that choice.
Extended warranties, insurances, casinos, lotteries all fall under the same general theme that the house wins overall. Life experience has taught me which of those games to roll the dice on. Having had multiple over-the-stove microwaves fail due to cheap control board components and poor design creating heat buildup that creates product failure, I know that my odds are better than the house odds of a warranty company in this case.
If some day (and I am not holding my breath) a company makes an over-the-stove microwave capable of surviving three days of home canning on a gas stove, or even a big Thanksgiving dinner with a day of cooking on all burners, I'll happily skip the fail-safe option. I don't home can or mount big family holiday dinners, but such tests of reliability are not unreasonable. I would wager that over half of microwaves sold today would fail them. It is only recently that some are designed to have the fan power on when they are off but the stove underneath heats to the point that components could be damaged.
Call it a "debate technique" if it makes you feel better, I have nothing to defend. You're of the opinion that extended warranties are wise purchases, I am not.
Call it a "debate technique" if it makes you feel better, I have nothing to defend. You're of the opinion that extended warranties are wise purchases, I am not.
*shrug* You are now using "argument by authority" - a classic logical fallacy. If consumer repose, insectopedia, louse logic, and kipslinger's clueless writers want to debate me and check out my veracity, I still have my previous microwave in my wheelbarrow waiting for a (seemingly never arriving) bulk pickup day. I also have the nifty magnets out of two other magnetrons that I am using to hold up pictures.
Look, I posted to try to advise someone who has little or no experience other than an ancient and reliable appliance. I suggested that a MASSIVE $25 +- investment in an extended warranty might be prudent, given the state of quality control and manufacturing these days.
I ALSO have stated that the warranties are NOT ALWAYS a bad deal, and related my personal experience with microwaves. I ALSO have given naysayers ample opportunity to just sit down and listen to real world (REPEATED) experience.
If you are so hidebound in your belief system that you want to guarantee the OP won't need an extended warranty, I have a public bet for you. YOU guarantee her over-the-stove microwave will work for three years or you replace it or give her $300 and give me $26 OR... at the end of three years I will GIVE you $25. Money - mouth. I'll even put my $25 in a non-interest bearing escrow account waiting for you, upon and subject to her release of it at the end of three years. I am so tired of internet BS that this is a cheap bet for me. By doing so I might save a widow either $25 or $300. How about it? (The extra dollar is for wasting my time)
*shrug* You are now using "argument by authority" - a classic logical fallacy. If consumer repose, insectopedia, louse logic, and kipslinger's clueless writers want to debate me and check out my veracity, I still have my previous microwave in my wheelbarrow waiting for a (seemingly never arriving) bulk pickup day. I also have the nifty magnets out of two other magnetrons that I am using to hold up pictures.
Look, I posted to try to advise someone who has little or no experience other than an ancient and reliable appliance. I suggested that a MASSIVE $25 +- investment in an extended warranty might be prudent, given the state of quality control and manufacturing these days.
I ALSO have stated that the warranties are NOT ALWAYS a bad deal, and related my personal experience with microwaves. I ALSO have given naysayers ample opportunity to just sit down and listen to real world (REPEATED) experience.
If you are so hidebound in your belief system that you want to guarantee the OP won't need an extended warranty, I have a public bet for you. YOU guarantee her over-the-stove microwave will work for three years or you replace it or give her $300 and give me $26 OR... at the end of three years I will GIVE you $25. Money - mouth. I'll even put my $25 in a non-interest bearing escrow account waiting for you, upon and subject to her release of it at the end of three years. I am so tired of internet BS that this is a cheap bet for me. By doing so I might save a widow either $25 or $300. How about it? (The extra dollar is for wasting my time)
Again, you have your opinion based upon your self-generated anecdotes and your view that the reality of extended warranties has somehow been recently altered. Your "advice" to the OP was more a command than a suggestion (Also... be sure to buy the extended warranty on any new microwave.") I would postulate that she cares not an iota about flux capacitors but simply wants an operable appliance to replace the one she has.
I would also note that the nine month old appliance you repeatedly mention was covered by the manufacturer's standard warranty and is relevant only to the idea that component failure may be higher in the initial period of use when no benefit is to be derived from extended warranties.
I have my opinion based upon not just my personal experience but on actuarial truisms which I have passed along and supported. An opinion that will save her money in the long term. Feel free to sneer at those responsible for the articles I cited, those having experience and insight into the mathematical realities of the situation; that's why some choose to call them authorities, as if that was a bad thing. So be it.
I went thru this about 5 years ago. Studied it until the cows came home.
Microwaves are a $100 dollar disposable item now days. In the end made no sense to try to replace it with another which would probably fail within a few years.
Since the big box stores were of little help resolving issue I visited the better appliance stores. Ended up paying about $300 hundred dollars over parts for a professional instal. Ended up removing the old microwave and installing a quality stainless steel vent hood. To make up the lost back space they installed a large piece of stainless steel.
As appliances fail I am replacing with stainless steel. Kitchen still has one black appliance but it all looks fine. I generally buy mid grade from HomeDepot. I add the 5 year warranty. When they fail after that I just replace. Very happy with current decision.
Mark, thanks so much. That's a brilliant idea. I don't think I will need it because it's for the sides of the microwave and my width will be the same. But how ingenuous is that?
I’ve been pleased with them all 3 times. They made a small mistake for my warming drawer but sent the replacement pieces quickly and without additional charge obviously.
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