Tag: microwave

How to choose a new microwave and the best microwaves of 2021

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Microwaves are often the unsung heroes of the kitchen, a reliable appliance that’s there to quickly get you a warm plate of food or make bigger tasks faster and easier to handle. It’s one of the most used appliances of all homes, especially useful for giving independence to each member, as you can heat or prepare your own meals in reduced time and using less space. 

Because of its usefulness, it has become one of the most demanded appliances and one that should not be missing from your kitchen. So, what should you consider when getting a new microwave.

  • Space: depending on the amount of space your kitchen has you can narrow the model of microwave you will get, they come in many adaptable sizes o that should not be much of a problem. For the sake of this list, we’ll be raking the standard 24-inch microwave model, that will fit in most traditional sized kitchens. 
  • Power: this will determine how much your microwave can do interim of helping you cool, we mean actually cooking beyond heating up leftovers. This will have more to do with preferences and the power outage available in your home.
  • Style: there are all types of microwaves, from the classic appliance look in white, black, or silver to the more high-end models that can rival any other appliance. Make sure it matches or mixes well with the rest of your appliance and kitchen decor.
  • Features: a big one to consider. What will your microwave do? A lot or just enough. Modern microwave models can heat up, defrost, roast, and cook pretty darn well so you may be getting more than you think. Remember more features usually mean a higher price tag so keep that in mind. 
  • Price: simple enough more capacity, features, stylish finished, and fancy brands will mean a pricier microwave. Don’t forget you will still get a lot from a more “normal” microwave. 

Now let’s get to the list of the best microwaves of 2021

The Viking model VMOS501SS

This American brand is known for its durability and high quality, with most appliances lasting well over the double digits in years. With this model microwave, you will also be getting over 13 sensor settings, plus a feature that can help you calculate cooking time and power settings. It has child locking safety, keeps your food warm for at least 30 minutes, and has an easy add minute feature for extra cooking time. 

The Miele model M6260TC

Super-sleek design and great opening which allows for various sices of cookware. As with other Miele appliances you can expect durability and great features, like the Clean Touch Steel™ for easy cleaning and a LED light to put a spotlight on your food. This microwave comes with a ton of extra safety features to protect from misuse and accidents. It has excellent heat distribution and a 15-minute warm function for keeping plates at serving temperature. 

The GE Model PEM31DFWW

The most classic of the models on the list it still has an impressive 10 power level and sensor cooking setting. You can also enjoy an add 30 seconds feature with just a button. A timer to program turns off and on. All of that on top of 800 Watts of cooking potency, for faster meals. It also comes with a safety feature to prevent accidental use. 

The easiest way to clean your microwave

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If you are done with using a whole cabinet of products to get the grease, smell and unmentionables out of your microwave then this is the article for you. The best way to clean your microwave? With the power of natural products. Nothing fights food’s trace like other food. The answer to all your microwave problems has been in your pantry all along: Vinegar, this all-natural ingredient has tons of cleaning superpowers. 

How can clean your microwave with vinegar?

  1. Fill a microwave-safe container with half vinegar, half water, and put it on a two-minute high cycle. You can add some citrus peels or fruit for extra scent. 
  2. Grab a sponge or cloth and dip it in the same solution. Then just wipe all the walls of your appliance. 
  3. Food leftover, grease and general dirtiness should come off easily with no scrubbing required. 

How does this vinegar cleaning method work?

Heating your water/vinegar mix makes the solution distribute all over the microwave and the mix of ingredients plus heat breaks down the stuff you want off the appliance. 

Why you should give cleaning your microwave with vinegar a chance?

There are tons of benefits of using this all-natural cleaning method for you and your appliance.

  • It’s very cheap to make 
  • No chemicals 
  • Environmentally safer 
  • More eco-friendly 
  • Clean messes easily 
  • Sanitizes 
  • Deodorizes 

Extra Tips 

  • Be careful with the hot vinegar and water solution after you heat it up, wear gloves to prevent it from burning your hands or either wait until it cools enough to touch before wiping.  
  • You can use the hot water and vinegar mix to clean other appliances too. It’s great for stainless steel. 

Why it’s important to clean your microwave? 

  1. Cleaning your microwave keeps the appliance working properly 
  2. It prevents food from acquiring leftover tastes left in the appliance 
  3. Maintaining hygiene

Things You Should Never Put in a Microwave

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Microwaves are incredibly useful appliances to have in the home, great time savers and easy to use for anyone, but there are somethings to take into account when using one, specifically what you can put in them safely. 

If You Forget, Just Call Maydone 

If you happen to forget any item on this list (it happens!) and your microwave starts to act up just give Maydone a call! Calgary +1 587-885-1446 GTA +1 (888) 513-0052

Styrofoam 

This type of containers is not resistant to the heat created in the microwave so it can melt, and even if you don’t notice, it could be releasing chemicals into your food that definitely don’t want there. 

Light Plastics

Always check the bottom of containers for a “microwave safe”  stamp, if it’s not there and the plastics feel very thin or light, you’re better of transferring the food into a plate. Same as with Styrofoam it can release chemicals or melt if used. 

Paper Containers

Like the materials above paper is not made for microwaves, it can become toxic when heated there. 

Other Stuff Not Microwaveble 

Fabrics

Never do this one, ever. 

Uncovered Plates & Containers 

Unless you like cleaning, always use a cover to avoid messes. 

These Foods

Hot Peppers

Terrible idea, the fumes that result from heating this up in a Microwave can be dangerous, think hot pepper spray. 

Egg with shells 

Steam build in the shell as it heats up and it can explode.

Whole Fruits 

Same as the egg, even if it doesn’t blow up it can cause burns when you try to peel the fruit. 

Frozen Meat 

Defrosting settings are super helpful, but be careful that you don’t trust the Microwave to cook the meat fully. It can be left raw and that’s a dangerous gamble.

Frozen Baby Bottles 

Any kind of baby food should be thawed before heating, it can be too hot for the baby and cause burns. 

Nothing 

This is a big one if you use the microwave while empty the Microwaves power bounces off the internal walls and could possibly explode, making it one of the most dangerous things you can do. 

How to Install a Microwave on a Shelf or Cabinet

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Did you get a microwave as a Christmas present? If you are looking for help on how to install a countertop microwave in a shelf or cabinet, this is the right article for you.

For a lot of people, it is impossible to imagine cooking a meal after a long working day. But thanks to the invention of microwaves, it is easy to warm up leftovers and have a hot and hassle-free dinner. But there’s more to the applications: Nowadays, there are a lot of recipes that allow you to cook a whole meal in your microwave oven, without even using your stove or oven.

So, if you are still wondering if you need a microwave for your apartment, this might have convinced you. Anyhow, installing a new appliance can sometimes be tricky. Our experienced technicians are always there to help you out if you don’t know how to install the appliance yourself or if you need to get your microwave repaired. You can contact them through our online form or find all our other contact details here.

Which Microwave Do I Need?

In case you are wondering, which type of microwave you need, you can have a look at this article where we explain all the different features. Once you’ve found the right appliance for your needs, you will have to install it. And even though installing a countertop microwave can be very, there are some things that you keep in mind, especially if you want to put your appliance on a shelf. Here are the tips from our experts.

 

1. Find a Shelf or Cabinet for Your Microwave

 

For the first step of the microwave installation, it depends if you decided to buy a countertop microwave or a built-in appliance. If you went for a built-in microwave, you probably have accounted for it when planning your kitchen. Anyhow, in case you bought a countertop appliance and you want to place it on one of the shelves or in a cabinet, you should find a shelf big enough to fit it and that has a plug close by. Before placing the countertop microwave there, make sure to remove any objects from the inside that could fall out.

2. Find the Vents

To find out where the vents of your microwave are, you can turn the appliance on and feel with your hand where it blows the air out. Make sure not to place the microwave too close to a wall or the side of a shelf so the air can flow freely. For some built-in models, it can be important to have an advanced ventilation installation, such as over the range microwaves.

3. Make Sure the Microwave has Access to Electricity

If you are placing your new microwave on a shelf or a cabinet, it might be necessary to drill a hole into the shelf or the cabinet to make sure it has good access to the next plug. Remove the microwave while doing that, so it doesn’t get into your way. Snake the wire through the hole and plug in the appliance.

Don’t forget to put all the parts back in that you took out of your microwave and test your appliance. It should now be ready to heat your leftovers or cook you a hassle-free dinner after work.

How Long is The Lifespan of Your Appliance?

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What’s the lifespan of each appliance in your household? This article tells you how long you can expect your washer, fridge or dryer should last.

Are you in the process of buying some new appliances for your home? Before spending a lot of money on an appliance, it can be interesting to know how long you can expect it to last. Or maybe you need to replace one of your appliances and you are wondering if it’s worth buying a used appliance such as a washing machine that is almost five years old?

That’s why we have decided to write this article on the lifespan of different appliances. You will find out how many years a dryer should last and after what time you might have to replace the range hood in your kitchen.

Anyhow, if one of your appliances stops working, we encourage you to have it checked up before giving up on it. Our experienced technicians might find a way to repair your stove or the beloved microwave that has never failed you before. You can contact us online or by calling +1 (888) 513-0052 or +1 (289) 801-7857 during our office hours (Mon – Sun from 8 am – 10 pm).

Furthermore, there is one reason why you shouldn’t be too disappointed if you need to replace your appliance. New appliances cost a lot in the beginning, but they have a much lower energy consumption compare to old appliances.

What Factors Influence the Lifespan of Appliances?

Many different factors influence the lifespan of your appliance, such as the brand and the quality or how often you use it. Furthermore, it is important to clean your appliance and maintain it regularly.

Lifespan of Dishwashers

The dishwasher in your kitchen can last up to 12 years. Newer dishwashers have the benefit of using less water and energy. They are also more efficient in the way they are designed.

Lifespan of Washing Machines

On average, a washing machine should be replaced after 11 and 15 years these days. Having that said, older washing machines that were manufactured a few centuries ago might still be working. But as mentioned before, they use a lot more energy than newer models.

Lifespan of Dryers

The average dryer lasts between 10 and 13 years. There are many things that you can do to extend its lifespan, for example by cleaning the lint trap regularly.

Lifespan of Fridges

Your fridge should last about 13 years before it needs to be replaced. Have a look at these tips on how you can expand the lifespan of a fridge as we have collected them in an earlier blog post.

Lifespan of HVAC Appliances

You can expect your heating, ventilation or air conditioning system in your household to last for a lifespan of 15 to 25 years. On average, air conditioning units will last a bit shorter, between 10 and 15 years. Nevertheless, all of these appliances require regular maintenance to keep working efficiently and to expand their lifespan.

Lifespan of Stoves / Ovens

The stove and oven in your kitchen should last around 10 to 15 years. After that time, you might experience problems with the bake element or the control board.

Lifespan of a Microwave

Nowadays, microwaves last for around seven years, depend on the usage. If used a lot without being cleaned and maintained properly, a microwave might need to be replaced after around five years already.

Our Tip: Save Up Before your Appliance Break

It is always good to be prepared if you know that your appliance comes towards the end of their lifespan. Therefore, you should make sure to have some money on the side so you can afford a new appliance immediately after the old one gave up!

How to Clean Your Kitchen Appliances

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Are you waiting for the perfect time to clean your kitchen appliances?! Not only do we have the best advice when you should clean them, but also some good tips on how to clean your appliances quickly and effectively.  

When was the last time you cleaned your kitchen appliances? As winter is approaching, you’ll probably spend more of your weekends inside than during the summer months. So, this makes it the perfect time to give your kitchen a good scrub. If you clean your appliances regularly, you can also expand their lifespan. And: It makes it more fun to use them and prevents them from needing repair.

Anyway, if you need to get a broken appliance repaired or need help with the installation of a new appliance, you can contact us online or give us a call: 1 (289) 801-7857 or +1 (888) 513-0052. Our technicians are available from 8 am to 10 pm in the Greater Toronto Area and we offer $30 off for first-time customers.

How to Remove Grease from Your Appliances

What do you need? One lemon, kitchen towel

How to do it: To remove grease stains from your appliances, you can simply use a lemon. Cut it in half and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then you can start rubbing it on all kitchen appliances that have grease on them. Repeat this with the other half of the lemon if necessary. Finally, wipe the lemon away with a kitchen towel – you’ll see how easily you can clean the grease stains.   

How to Clean a Burnt Stove

What do you need? Salt / White vinegar, baking soda, newspaper

How to do it: If you’ve spilled some food on your stove while cooking, it works best to sprinkle salt on it before it cools down as that will make it easy to peel it off. In case you want to clean other stains on the cooktop, you should cover them with white vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda on it. Give it some time to set before you start scrubbing it away with a newspaper. Furthermore, you can use a dry towel to clean the stove from the vinegar and baking soda.

How to Remove Bad Smells from Your Fridge

What do you need? Baking soda, vinegar, vanilla

How to do it: Everyone knows that feeling: You’re opening the fridge and it just smells horrible. Honestly, that can ruin your appetite. So, if you want to get rid of these smells, you should make sure to throw all the old food away. Then, scrub the surfaces with baking soda and warm water. After cleaning it, mix some baking soda with a tablespoon of vanilla and put it in the fridge. From now on, your fridge will smell fresh and clean!

How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

What do you need? Vinegar, microfiber cloth, oil, paper towel

How to do it: Are there some fingerprints on your stainless steel appliances? Well, don’t worry. Nothing is easier than to wipe them away and make them look shiny and new. Firstly, spray vinegar on the appliances. Wipe it down in the direction of the grain by using paper towels. Finally, dip a microfiber cloth in a bit of oil and use that cloth to polish the appliance.

 

If you want to know how you can clean your dishwasher, you’ll find some good tips in this previous blog post. You can find more tips on our Facebook page and our Instagram account. Follow us so you’ll never miss a new tip!

 

Three Common Microwave Problems

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Is your microwave not working properly? Have a look at these three common problems and how to fix them – maybe that will help you out.

Do you know the feeling when you’re coming home from a long day at work and all you want to do is to sit in front of the TV, eating a warm dinner?

If you don’t feel like cooking, you can just use your microwave oven to warm up a delicious dish. Since microwaves were invented in the 1940s the appliances have changed a lot and got more sophisticated so you can use it easily to cook a whole meal.

Microwaves heat food by exposing it to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range. If your appliance is not working, it can be hard to detect the problem. This is why we summarized some of the most common microwave problems for you in this article!

If you are not sure if your appliance can be repaired or if you need to buy a new microwave oven, get in touch with our experienced technicians. We work with genuine appliance parts and offer up to one year warranty. Furthermore, we can help you with microwave installation if you need to purchase a new appliance.

Problem 1: The light doesn’t work properly

Is the light in your microwave very dim or not working at all? Even though this doesn’t affect the way your food is being heated, it can be annoying if you can’t see what’s going on inside of the appliance.

The light can be dim whilst defrosting or heating a dish at low power. To find out if that’s the reason, you can heat a cup filled with water at maximum power and see if the light gets brighter.

If the light isn’t working at all, the light bulb might have burnt out. To replace the bulb, you should find out where it is located. If it’s easy to reach, you can replace it yourself. Be careful if it is close to the capacitor as you could damage the parts connected to it. It might be necessary to get professional help to replace it.

Problem 2: The microwave isn’t heating

A very common reason for this problem is magnetron failure. The magnetron is a part of your appliance that generates the microwave energy. If the microwave appliance is turned on whilst being empty, the magnetron might burn out. Unfortunately, once broken, the magnetron cannot be repaired but must be replaced.

Since you can get electrical shocks even if the appliance is unplugged, we recommend that only experienced people replace the magnetron themselves. If you need the help of a professional, you can schedule an appointment with our technicians online or via phone (+1 (289) 801-7857 / +1 (888) 513-0052).

Problem 3: The turntable doesn’t rotate

When the turntable of the microwave doesn’t rotate, it is impossible to heat food. Therefore, it is important to fix this problem, which mostly involves a broken motor. The good news is: A worn-out motor can be replaced.

If it’s not the motor, then a non-working turntable might be an indicator for a fault in the main control board, the touchpad or the control panel. Check these parts to find out if they are working properly.

Anyhow, these are only three problems out of many others that can affect your appliance. As microwaves are sophisticated appliances, we highly recommend that you call a technician to figure out what’s wrong with yours instead of getting frustrated.

How to Find the Best Microwave

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Do you want to buy a new microwave? As there is a lot of choices out there, this guide will help you to make the right choice for your kitchen!

When you’re about to buy a microwave for your kitchen, there are some things you’ll need to consider before purchasing one. Usually, microwaves have a life-span of about ten years, so it’s not something you’ll have to think about every other year.

These days, microwaves come with a lot of different features ranging from defrosting to pre-programmed settings and sensors that will automatically know how long your food has to be cooked. So, the level of sophistication you should choose depends on what you want to cook with your appliance. Buying a fancy microwave oven with features that you’ll never use will cost you more than an appliance with simple features that can heat, melt or make popcorn.

Which Microwave Type to Choose

First of all, you’ll need to know which type of microwave you want to buy for your kitchen.
There are different types of microwaves: Built-in, over-the-range microwaves and countertop appliances.

Countertop microwaves are the most popular ones. They come in different sizes and with different features. Furthermore, they are easy to install by simply unpacking them and plugging them in. Just make sure that there is a plug close to where you want to put your appliance. Another benefit is that if you ever need to move out of your apartment, you can take the microwave with you.

If you want to go for a built-in or over-the-range microwave, things are getting a bit more complicated. You’ll probably the help of a technician to install your microwave. But don’t worry too much about that, as you can schedule an appointment with one of our experienced professionals here.  

Built-in microwaves often have benefits, for example, if they are over the range hood. They often come with a great ventilation system that can filter smoke and odors before blowing it outdoors or back into the kitchen.

How Much wattage Do I Need?

Most microwaves have power outputs between 600 and 1200 watts. More power will ensure that the food cooks faster. Most recipes that are designed for microwaves require a power of at least 800 watts. This will make sure that the food cooks evenly and it will be enough power for most households. The more often you use the microwave, the higher the wattage should be.

Which Microwave Size Should I Buy?

Next, you’ll have to decide how big you want your new microwave to be. The size of your appliance should be defined by how many people are living in your household. You’ll probably need a bigger microwave if you are a family of four and a smaller one if you are a single person. If you want a built-in microwave, the space in your kitchen will define how big your appliance can be. There is more choice if it comes to countertop microwaves.

Capacities range from 0.5 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet. While smaller microwaves should fit most dinner plates, bigger appliances can be used to cook casseroles and larger dishes.

Every household has different needs when it comes to microwaves and what they should be able to cook. So, before you make a decision, which appliance to buy, think carefully about what you need and how much money you want to spend on it. Furthermore, you can compare different brands and types of microwaves here.