I understand that microwaves aren't great for crispy dishes but I reheat a lot of "saucy" dishes, such as curry and pasta sauce.
I'm currently doing it on my electric stove but I wonder if I should get a microwave to save on electricity and for convenience.
the downside would be that this would mean another big(ish), bulky, ugly appliance that costs money and could potentially break. But I think this one might be worth it… what do you think?
also, is it worth looking at 2nd hand or is this one of those things that's best bought new?
Cheers!
ETA: specified what kind of stove I have
should I get a microwave for reheating food?
byu/kingderella inFrugal
Posted by kingderella
5 Comments
It only takes a couple of minutes to heat up on the stove so I think savings are minimal. If all you would use microwave for is reheating then I think it’s not worth it. I also use it for melting chocolate, quickly defrosting something, heating up milk, on a rare occasion even cooking some veggies in it.
Price of gas vs price of electricity. I can’t answer that for you but it is probably negligible.
My mum’s bottom of the barrel microwave has lasted 20 years and it’s one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat food as well as saving time and effort on stiring.
I was going to say “microwaves aren’t even that expensive” then I checked. Why microwaves cost so much now (I know why they do)!?
But it’s such a convenience. By the time you take out the pan, turn on the stove, wait for it to get hot, then drop the food in, you’d be throwing away your scraps from using the microwave.
We have a small home, and it’s really about counter space. We use our toaster oven/air fryer way more, and there is only space for one or the other. I had a microwave for many years and don’t miss it a bit.