Whirlpool Microwave - Simple, Effective and Reliable
Written: Dec 22 '00 (Updated Dec 22 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Turntable on/off, easy to program, one-touch keys, add minute feature, reliable
Cons: Overhead design may be hard to use for some shorter people
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| WorkingMomof2's Full Review: Whirlpool GH7155XHS 1000 Watts Microwave Oven |
Anyone who has looked at microwaves in the past will tell you that there are enough choices out there to boggle the mind. Who knew there were so many options in so simple a device as a microwave? Eventually, though, the Whirlpool Built-In Microwave Model MH714OXFQ was the right choice for us.
The Specs & All That Stuff
This is a simple microwave, installed above the stovetop with a built-in hood. If you need a countertop model, read no further - although Whirlpool makes one, this review is not on that type of microwave. This model is permanently installed and appears built-in with your cabinets.
This microwave is all white, with a built in hood (fan) on the top. It sits about eye level, and the door swings out so that the access to the interior is a little bit above your shoulders. It's a nice size, and easy enough to easily fit large casseroles in -- 1.4 cubic feet. It has 1000 watts of cooking power and 10 different levels.
One thing that I really like is the cooking guide which is inside of the door, right at eye level. The carousel (turntable) is sunken, so it doesn't stick up, and you can turn it off which is great. In my old microwave if you had a large oblong casserole it would bang around as it turned, with this microwave you just turn the carousel off and it doesn't spin.
The control panel and display are digital, and very easy to use. You have these options for cooking: Reheat, Defrost and Cook. Ez-Choice buttons (one-touch auto level/auto length cooking controls) include Popcorn, Beverage, Baked Potato, Frozen Vegetable, Frozen Entree, and Warm/Hold. This last one is great because it keeps a dish warm for a while if you need to hold it until the rest of your dinner is ready, without cooking it any more. There are also options for Cook Time, Cook Power, and Add a Minute. This last one is great because it saves you from changing the time if you just need to cook something a minute longer, without starting over.
Some microwaves have fairly complicated panels, and/or complicated setting routines. One that we looked at was great, but you had to push Cook Time (and the number) then Cook Power (and the level) and then Start. With the Whirlpool MH714OXFQ, you just hit the time and then Cook and you're on your way! There are also hooks inside the microwave for a second shelf (which is included but we don't ever use), but which would be nice if you were reheating two plates of food at one time.
There is also a nightlight on this microwave, which is nice. Because it's above the stove it has three lighting options for the light under the microwave - on, nightlight (dimmer but still on) and off. Obviously the light inside the microwave comes on whenever you open the door as well. The fan is a vent, and can run on high, low or off. Whirlpool calls it a Quiet Partner Exhaust hood, I don't think it's especially quiet but it is certainly less rattly than some fans we had (including our old one). This microwave has a large window in the front and the door closes securely. You don't have to push any special buttons or locks to open the door, but it does close very snugly.
Overall Review
This is a nice, easy to use microwave that has performed without any problems for us. It's not complicated to use, and the turntable off feature plus the add a minute feature are very nice. I like the one-touch and use it all the time for making popcorn (how does it know???), and like the fact that I don't have to input a long string of numbers just to start the microwave.
The only real negative I can see is if you were very short; which would probably apply to any built-in microwave. I am tall and find this to be a very easy microwave to use, and don't have any problem lifting pots up and into the microwave. I would not probably recommend this model for someone short, though, or without good upper body strength just because you do have to lift the dishes up and into the microwave from the oven or counter.
Overall, though, this is a solid performer and we have found it to be easy to use and reliable. Whirlpool also has a promotion going on which was for an extra $20 off, which brought the price down to just over $300 on sale. I would highly recommend this microwave and give it four stars for a nice solid appliance with no performance issues at all!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
WorkingMomof2
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Member: Amy
Location: Southern California
Reviews written: 313
Trusted by: 539 members
About Me:
Every time I close the door on reality it comes in through the windows.
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