Or you can take a large pot and put 3 tlbsp of olive oil with 1/2 cup of popcorn kernels on medium heat (covered). In about 5 minutes you will have fresh delicious popcorn.

I've lived with out a Microwave for years and now have one in my new apartment and I have to say, I really don't like having one. It's mounted above my stove so it doesn't take up any space, otherwise it would be gone. :)

we moved to our new place two months ago and didn't even notice the microwave was missing until i tried to battle peeps ...

I've been living for more than 10 years without a microwave now, and I want one again! But, I have absolutely zero room for one. Even a tiny one. You can use a large stock pot with a steamer insert to re-heat food too. You just need to wrap the food in foil first. The benefit of that is, you don't have another dish to wash.

Seconded, danabarrett. I understand the convenience of having hot leftovers and popcorn in a (pardon the pun) jiffy, but using a stove or oven doesn't take much more time. I've never had a microwave, nor did my parents or grandparents. It has never been necessary. Why have two appliances to do the job of one?

I have never wanted nor never needed a microwave. I think they are predisposed to assist in preparing crappy food. Give me a gas stove top over a microwave any day!

I've been living without one for a few years now. It didn't start as a conscious choice, just never got around to getting one. I find that everything I can do in a microwave can be accomplished (more deliciously) on the stove, in the oven or toaster, or my personal favorite: the broiler. It's quick and sandwiches and mini-pizzas come out toasy, melty, and delicious.

I went about two months without a microwave in my old apartment. Ironically, I found the microwave actually helped in the situation of having a tiny kitchen. That and it fit perfectly on top of my fridge.

I didn't really have the counter space to deal with the constant washing/drying of stuff I was putting into the stove to reheat when a paper plate and the microwave did the job just the same.

I don't have a microwave. The only time I miss it is when I'm holding a jar of homemade frozen soup under the hot water tap waiting for it to defrost enough to put it in a pot on the stove. Most things, I think, reheat better on the stove top than in the microwave, and it doesn't really take that much longer. Canned soup is not something you need a microwave for, and I totally agree with danabarrett about popping your own popcorn from kernels rather than a package.

I have a microwave but almost never use it. Occasionally I'll use it to heat up hot chocolate in a hurry but mostly it just takes up space. It never occurred to me to ditch it altogether, but now that I realize how little I use it...

I lived without one for years. I was a big fan of the Jiffy Pop until someone gave me an old air-popper. I LOVE air-popped popcorn now. I realized I actually like the taste of the popcorn and not all the butter and salt.

Even when I've had a microwave, I made soup and other canned goods using the stove. My husband swears that things don't taste good heated or reheated in the microwave.

Haven't had a microwave in about 10 years.

What's the big deal with "Fast"?
I can toss a plate of leftovers in the oven, then go change clothes and sort through the bills, catch up on e-mail correspondance and toss a load of laundry in the washer - by that time dinner is ready.

BTW - Stove-popped popcorn is far, far better than that microwave stuff.

"The only time I miss it is when I'm holding a jar of homemade frozen soup under the hot water tap waiting for it to defrost enough to put it in a pot on the stove."

Rather than run the hot water - why not put your jar in a saucepot of lukewarm water and put the entire thing on "Medium-High"? (With the lid off, of course)

i donated my two microwaves to goodwill last year. haven't missed it at all. it forces you to cook more, and buy less processed crap.

I have one, and rarely use it. But, I honestly don't know if I could let it go. It makes defrosting much easier. Any suggestion to defrost easier and faster?

Yet another person without a microwave. I reheat on the stove with a tent of foil over the top. Pizza or bready things go on the Le Creuset grill I keep on a back burner.

my current apartment is the first place where i've had limited counterspace, hence the microwave now lives on top of the frig. where it will forever go from now on!

I moved into an apartment without a microwave and lived without one for a year. It's not that bad for the most part, and a lot of things you would cook in the microwave taste a LOT better when made in the oven, but it did take some getting used to. My place now has one, and I have to say, I did go back to using it as much as I did before.

I have now spent 2.5 yrs microwave-free and I haven't missed it once. I also use my stovetop to reheat. I find things actually taste better, food heats just as quickly and none of that over-nuked cardboard edges on my food.

Microwave ovens help conserve energy, or so we're told. Still, microwaved popcorn is probably very bad for you with all the chemicals and treated paper and it doesn't taste anywhere near as good as the stuff you pop on the stove with just the right amount of salt and melted substance of your choice. Life's a big ole trade-off. I like to use my electric kettle to boil water so my microwave often plays the role of potted plant and condiment holder.

I ditched my microwave a few years ago. I thought it would be a nightmare given that I had 3 kids ages 3 and under but I feel much better about what I give them when its not "nuked" . I don't miss it at all.

I got rid of mine when I moved into my new apartment, and bought a compact 20$ air popper instead - that was the only thing I used a microwave for, anyways. Microwaved food is never good. Always mushy, heated unevenly, and tough on the outside. Viva la revolution!

I ditched the microwave 10 years ago when we moved into a smaller place. I very rarely miss it. The tools and appliances I have instead serve me much better.

I'd rather release my old-style oven than my microwave oven (or home photocopier or home fax machine). I use my microwave oven repeatedly daily. I use my old-style oven to store metal pans that I don't use.

I'd probably use my old-style oven if I baked desserts, or if more than two people lived here. I'd also use it if it didn't create much more unnecessary heat than my microwave oven does.

I keep my old-style oven, even though my kitchen is small, because the old-style oven came with my home. All the homes around mine have one, so it may as well remain for this home's next owner. My microwave oven arrived with me, and will leave with me.

I have lived happily for years without a microwave oven - however, I don't think I could live without my toaster oven! It reheats every thing better (esp items like pizza - I always get nice crispy crust that youcan't get with a microwave).
If I want to reheat my coffee I just put the tea kettle on and refresh with hot water (I also don't own a coffee maker - I make french press coffee only and drink it black so this technique may not work for everyone :)

Got rid of my microwave about a year ago, and never looked back. Not only do I have more counter space (which is sparse in my apartment), but I also don't worry that I'm radiating my brain cells or anything.

I've also rediscovered the joys of using my gas stove, which doesn't really take much more time than using the microwave used to. Plus, I never really liked the way food tastes when cooked in a microwave, so the quality of my leftovers / frozen food is much better.

Have never owned a microwave nor do I want one. No space issues for me!

I never owned a microwave, never got around to getting one. Bu then we rarely eat leftovers at home (we bring them to work for lunch) and we use a very old air popper for popcorn.

shlowzi: try freezing your soup in containers that do not have a "neck". I freeze most things in old yogourt or ice cream containers, that way they just slide out even when they are frozen.

wow, and I thought I was the only one without a microwave! Glad to see so many others out there and like them, I too do not miss it one bit!

Really glad to see the like minds on the not having a microwave. I personally think they are gross, reminds me of all the bad smells going on from working in a office or in my dorm in college.

I do have a toaster oven that gets used daily.

As for keeping coffee hot I use a Chemex to make my coffee. I put the heat on the stove very very low while I am pouring the hot water, then once my coffee is done I put it into a thermos and it stays hot for several hours.

Seriously, who doesn't have space for a microwave, a small one... it's not that big! If anything, I think of a microwave as a "space saver" as you can get rid of many clunky pots and pans, and other cooking hardware (not everything). I've known people in 200 sq. apartments that did just fine with a microwave. What's next, get rid of the stove and cook your food on the engine of your car (it can actually be done with foil)?

I love my microwave. I lived without one for a year once, and I'll never do that again. My husband had never had one before I met him (never had a dishwasher either) and he uses it just as much as I do. I use it mainly to heat things up fast- it doesn't heat up my house like the stove does in summer-and it uses less energy. It is above my stove so I don't have to worry about space, but even if I did, I would have a microwave.
The appliance I HATE is a toaster oven, and we no longer have one.

I survive on reheated leftovers, and I wouldn't consider tossing the microwave. My kitchen is small though, so I decided to have a little 2-slice toaster instead of a toaster oven on the countertop.
I know someone who keeps her microwave in the basement, since she uses it rarely.

Instead of a microwave and toaster, I simply have a toaster oven. Use it to toast, cook and reheat.

Microwave-less for awhile now by situation rather than a conscious choice; the only thing I really really miss is being able to heat milk for coffee in the morning without opening my eyes first.

I ditched my microwave seven months ago when I moved into my current place and I've barely missed it.

A secret for me, though, it making dinner nearly nightly and taking the leftover to work where I can microwave them for lunch... Works well for me and gives me incentive to bring my lunch...

"...I don't think I could live without my toaster oven! It reheats every thing better (esp items like pizza..."

Or you could just slap that leftover pizza on a cookie sheet or in a skillet and toss it in the oven on 325 for a few minutes.

Any excess energy that is used to fire up a conventional oven that already exists is pretty much offset by the energy not used to mine, refine, ship, build, package, ship, warehouse, sell, purchase and clean one more piece of "stuff".

One con the original poster forgot - whatever you can make in the microwave takes at least twice as long if not longer on the stove/in the oven. All microwave dinners can be made in the oven - but for that five mins or less it takes in the microwave, prepare to wait 30-45 mins.

A microwave (at least newer models) use less energy than the stove and produce no extra heat. So in the era of everyone trying to be energy conscious, why are so many people electing to use MORE energy? I must agree with chispace - though it so wouldn't surprise me to find out some people are cooking their meals on the car engine wasting precious fuel.

I like that pendent in the picture looks like this one which I want for my barn but not 400.00

http://www.marstonstore.com/marslang/ProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=2&subcategoryid=51&selection=0&itemno=LI140

i've been in an ongoing battle with various relatives for over ten years because i don't have a microwave. i live in small studios and the mental room one would take up is TOO much.

I don't know if I could do without a microwave just yet. I'm trying to be better about eating more leftovers, and if I had to do it over/stovetop, I think laziness would win out more often (totally psychological I know). I do like the idea of putting it above the fridge though! I wonder if that'd work for us.... ours is taking up counter space & while we don't have a tiny kitchen, I'm not crazy about it!

@bepsf The big deal with fast is something like this: I have 1 to 2 hours between when I get home and when I need to be in bed. Cooking will take at least 1/2 hour, more with cleanup. Re-heating frozen leftovers on the stove will take a similar amount of time and require about as much monitoring or it'll burn to the bottom of the pan since my stove doesn't do a true "low". Microwaving the whole thing takes about 10 minutes and has the added bonus of not dirtying another dish.

I use my microwave quite often. Finishing the fritatta I tried cooking under the broiler that turned out to be burnt on top and raw in the middle, for example. Softening butter quickly. Re-heating homemade frozen meals. It's the best way I've ever found to re-heat leftover sticky rice.

It doesn't have to be a vehicle for pre-packaged food from the grocery store. It is even possible to *GASP!* make your own microwave popcorn. I lived just fine without one for a year but it's a nice convenience.

I have been without a microwave for a few years, and really the only people that mind are my dog/house-sitters! I much prefer the taste of my reheated food when it comes from the stove. And as far as it taking longer? Yeah, maybe a minute or so, but it's not all that much longer.

Pier723 asked about defrosting easier and faster. I think quite possibly the easiest thing is taking it out of the freezer and putting it in the fridge. The hardest part may be the planning ahead and remembering to do it a day ahead of when you want to use it. Really though, not all that hard...

Oh, I feel I have to comment on making toast on the stove. I don't have a toaster so I do make toast on the stove occasionally. I eat toast very, very rarely as a result and it's never quite right. My folks recently got me a camp toaster as a joke, hopefully, it'll make toast an option again.

When I lived in an apartment with a very tiny kitchen, my roommate / sister and I decided we'd get a microwave if we could come up with five good reasons for one.

Here's all we could come up with:
1. Popping microwave popcorn
2. Reheating leftovers
3. Defrosting meat

I hate having appliances that are more expensive to repair than replace, which was the situation I kept finding myself in with microwaves. I've been happy without mine for years.

I lived without a microwave for over six years and didn't miss it. I got a good deal on one and used it regularly, but it wasn't a life altering acquisition. The RV I live in now came with a microwave and it has limited usefulness. When I'm parked and plugged into 120V power, I use it a lot, more than I would have expected. It's just so much easier to make rice in it than to try to control the heat on the gas stove. When I'm not plugged into power, I use the stove. Canned soup takes half the time to heat up on the stove than it does in the microwave! When my microwave fails, I will probably not replace it and instead turn the space into another storage cabinet.

Nope, never considered it. It's too convenient to give up. If I need to heat something up fast, I don't wanna sit around waiting for the oven to heat. If I decide I want to make meat for dinner and don't have hours to let it sit around defrosting, I pop it in the microwave. Not to mention, I save myself the hassle of extra dishes (and thus water), by microwaving things like soup.

Tiamat_the_Red --

You put your frittata under the broiler???
OF COURSE it came out burnt!

You're supposed to bake Frittatas at 350 degrees - or cook them on the stovetop - not broil the thing!

Wow. Great post and great suggestions. We haven't popped popcorn in the microwave for years- we are stovetop devotees!

I use mine mostly for defrosting, and for creating a draft-free humid space in which to let bread dough rise. (I zap a cup of water for 1 minute, then pop the dough in, and let it do its thing.)

If I could find a bread-dough rising alternative, I'd be ok with letting the microwave go.

But my toaster oven? I'll wait to see what that post says!

Seconded zoee. Air conditioning makes stove use possible, just not sensible in hot weather.
Granted, I was one of those who said I would never buy a microwave, I saw no need for it... I also once said that about computers...

;)

I use my microwave almost daily, but not for food -- to heat up a microwaveable hot/cold pack. The toaster oven handles most of my reheating, and in the summer when I don't want to heat up the whole house, also frequently handles all my cooking.

But I like Tiamat the Red's comment a lot. Some comments here make it sound like using a microwave is something to be looked down upon. I give that attitude a thumbs down.

I see I am not the only one who has lived just fine without a microwave. The only reason I even have one now is because my parents insisted I have one.

Honestly, food taste better warmed in an oven. You meat doesn't dry out once it's cooled and you can safely remain in the vicinity while it cooks.

Lose of a microwave is not a big deal. You'd be surprised.

I haven't had a microwave in years. But I DO have a counter-top toaster oven. I use it all the time - reheating leftovers, roasting vegetables, and of course, making toast. It's more energy efficient than the oven and more versatile than a microwave.

It's forced me to stay away from plastic containers, which is probably a good thing. And it also forces me to stop and enjoy my morning coffee while it's hot, because I can't reheat it very easily.

We got rid of our microwave when we moved back north from Austin--24 years ago. Never looked back. many of the kitchens we have had simply had no good space and we found that we really didn't use it except for reheating and most of the reheating we do is at school (where we have access to a microwave). We just don't need it when we cook from scratch and use standard appliances.

I don't use my microwave much because it's above the fridge and I'm short. I'm jealous of my mom with her huge Ohioan kitchen with room for a microwave AND toaster oven AND two fruit bowls on the counter with room to spare!

Haven't had a microwave in 15 years. Haven't missed it at all. Even when warming bottles for 2 babies (only takes a minute on a stovetop). Leftovers go in a saute pan or steamed.

steamed puddings....

I didn't have a microwave for 2 years and I didn't mind a bit! I have one now and I find that I rarely use it.

I have a grill pan, and the paper that came with it suggested using it to defrost things - you set them on the metal and somehow it speeds defrosting. I have no science wisdom with which to back this up, but it's worked for me in the past. It defrosts quickly so I don't worry much about germs. Otherwise, I usually just plan ahead long enough to defrost in the refrigerator.

Have never had a microwave (ever), don't see the need for it.

so what do you all do to defrost meat if you don't have time to let it sit out?

I've lived without a microwave for 4 years now, and I haven't missed it. We are moving at the end of the month, and our new place has one...we'll have to see how often we use it!

I have not had a microwave for years. People actually think I am crazy when they come over and notice I don't have one. I can think of crazier things.

Also, not having a microwave has definitely encouraged my husband to eat healthier.

Going on four years without a microwave, and loving it.

I haven't had a microwave for about four years. The hardest part was convincing my boyfriend of two years we didn't need one. Our first apartment together had a microwave over the stove, an easy win. When moving into a new house six months later he insisted we buy a microwave. Luckily it broke almost immediately and we've been a microwave free couple for ten months now.

The thing I miss the most: microwaving my sponges. 20-30 seconds in the microwave killed the mildewy-germ smell. Now no matter how much I ring it dry it still smells after just a couple days. Washing them in the laundry doesn't kill the smell either. Any suggestions?

@mary, thanks for the tip!

@pier723: I also have switched to putting my meat out earlier. I always aim for doing it in the fridge a day ahead of time, because that's best for the meat and also it's made me a better cook. I don't know, maybe it says something negative about me (like, if I were *really* a good cook I wouldn't need to think about regularly used recipes 24 hrs ahead of time), but stuff turns out better now. But, oh, it was so so hard to make that my habit! And sometimes, stuff happens and plans go sideways or things get forgotten and I don't have that extra day. So, in that situation, I defrost my meat in the pan, with seasonings sprinkled on top and a lid on tight. All my ground meat is separated into single pound amounts and formed into flat rectangles (mostly by the grocery store, but I'll flatten it out if I have to). I can "defrost" it in the hot pan fairly quickly so that it doesn't get a bad texture from being steamed a long time, then I take off the lid chop it up with my big spoon or metal spatula and keep on with the recipe, the liquid evaporates pretty quickly and I still get a good browning when that's called for (dirty rice, pork with wood ears). I'm sure a refined palate could tell the difference, but my family isn't refined so we think it's still good.
Other meats that are bulky like chicken parts and roasts, well, usually I'm doing them in the oven not the stovetop and I don't bother to defrost them at all, except a little to be able to pull chicken legs apart on the roasting pan. I cook them low and slow (I adjust the time specified in the recipe) and my meat, even boneless skinless chicken breasts, are now never dry. My mom and a cousin have adopted this attitude and they say their meat isn't dried out anymore either. I do use a digital meat thermometer that can go in the meat in the oven to make sure stuff is done all the way through. I've read plenty of cookbooks that recommend cooking chicken and roasts at 350 or 375 or even higher.
My undefrosted chicken is never cooked at more than 325, and roasts never higher than 350. If a roast needs a good sear or a start at 400, then I sear it anyway (it does work for me, swear) or I move the high-temp oven time to somewhere in the middle of the cooking, I don't do it at the start. It really will not make a difference in the juiciness of the roast if you use the oven to brown and crisp it after it's been in there for 30-45 minutes and then turn it back down. Julia Child probably says it will, but Alton Brown says all that special treatment to sear and brown at the start makes no difference, I have found that my mileage matches his.

mechelle --

I stick my scrubbie-sponges in the dishwasher.

"so what do you all do to defrost meat if you don't have time to let it sit out?"

Those are the nights I eat vegetarian.

Mechelle, you can put sponges in the dryer to get the same results, be careful of the heat setting if it has a plastic/scrubby side. Also, leaving it out in the sun till bone-dry will work on germs and smell. But that is slow, of course. I keep two going in rotation.

Sorry for the series of posts, but I thought I should mention that I do have a microwave. We use it for steaming veggies (not in plastic!). We use a good plate left homeless after a relative's first marriage ended: a Franciscan that is thick and good quality, freezer-to-oven, probably could even put it on the burner. It gets nicely hot and and with a damp paper towel (or, now we're trying to improve, a damp floursack towel) 2 minutes gives us a perfect mound of just about everything. For potatoes, we put the towel on the plate so the jackets are nicely crisp and don't stick to the plate.
We could never afford to have a whole set of Franciscan dinnerware so I love being able to use it all the time.

I have room for my microwave. I have a microwave cart that my mom and I made. :) I like using the microwave for making marshmallows explode, steaming veggies, warming tortilla shells, melting butter, telling me what time it is, telling me that the rice on the stove should be done boiling. (it's the most convenient timer I have) I do not like washing large crusty pots and pans all the day... I love my microwave. I don't care if that isn't hip enough. Saving time is sexy. haha...

Anyway, Tiamat_the_red, I think you've made some valid points. I don't buy many microwave meals or prepackaged stuff either, it shouldn't be assumed that microwaver users do. Funny, microwave users vs. non users. weird.

Also, I've heard of so many people who make fritatas in the broiler, just saying...

@Jick, battle peeps! Hilarious!

I've always had one, but I'm considering not bringing one to my next apartment. I realized I only use it for heating up frozen vegetables or defrosting meat. I generally use the stovetop or the oven for re-heating (although if you live in a warm climate, the thought of turning on the oven during July...ugggh.) Since I live in SW Ontario, it's more of a possibility. Especially if you don't have A/C and would rather just live on cold food or stovetop food most of the summer anyway.

I got rid of our microwave after our last roommate (ever) moved out, and I've never missed it. I guess I'd rather have counter space than a little extra time. They heat food so unevenly, too, that I never could get the hang of reheating things.

I grew up without a microwave. Reheating leftovers on the stove top does create more mess, but it's so easy - and food texture is better. We used to defrost meat in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of warm water if we forgot to take something out.

Not too sure what do to about stinky sponges, though. Have you tried drying them in the sun?

My boyfriend brought a microwave with him when we moved in together, and it sits on top of the fridge too. I rarely use it, although he uses it to steam veggies and heat leftovers. And I never use it to defrost meat. I'm hopeless at it and the few times I've tried, I've thrown out my dinner because it comes out half-cooked, grey, and rubbery on the outside, and frozen inside. BLECH.

Boy, from reading these comments I wonder how the microwave industry holds up (for some reason that reminds me of 30 Rock & Jack Donaghy)

I haven't had one for years. When I did have one it encouraged some very bad eating habits, so I'm glad it's gone.

I use one at work to heat up the leftovers and soup I bring from home for lunch.

My first microwave was huge (they all were back then) and it lasted almost 25 years. When it died, I don't think I even lasted a week before I replaced it with the same model, but much smaller version. Very rarely is it used for prepackaged foods, mostly I use it for defrosting, reheating, steaming veggies, but yes, my teenage dd uses it to nuke popcorn. My microwave's footprint is smaller than the toaster oven that has been stored out in my garage for years but my 2-slice toaster sits on my counter & is used almost every day.

I've lived without a microwave for almost 3 yrs now and I never miss it! I have my stove and toaster oven, so between those two things, all my bases are covered.

:-)

My husband makes a breakfast smoothie in an old Vita-Mix that still works great. It (makes soup), the microwave, and the electric stove top are sufficient cooking appliances for us.

My microwave is very old and has required only one repair. It is used to prepare casseroles from raw chopped chicken or ground turkey and fresh or frozen vegetables. My husband makes magic with the microwave.

My kitchen's stove top is used for wok or skillet dishes, and for boiling eggs or pasta. A hot plate might do those jobs as well. It certainly would require less space than burners on a traditional oven.

I cooked nice coq au vin as well as legume dishes in my pressure-cooker. It was much more energy-efficient than baking chicken in an oven. However, I released it since my husband worried that it would explode.

I released my broiler-toaster oven and grill after we stopped eating beef. I released my crock pot since I didn't get good results. It was the same with Hitachi rice makers.

As mentioned earlier, I use my oven primarily as a storage cabinet. Using an oven seems like overkill unless you're preparing something like a whole turkey for a large gathering.

My freezer's far too small to store leftovers from something like that for two people. Even if I had a large freezer, the leftovers would be freezer-burned and boring long before they were finished.

Except for the oven and a toaster, I released each thing as it became unworkable for my situation. This is my standard routine since otherwise my small galley kitchen would become useless.

Very rarely use ours. But it's so small and there is already a built in space for it so it's there to reheat tea once in a blue moon. It's really just a glorified laundry timer.

Well.. I HAVE a microwave. Having just re-arranged most of my kitchen to accommodate a new fridge, I have now located the microwave (unplugged) on top of the tallest cupboard in the kitchen. I do not remember the last thing I did in the microwave..

Apart from look at it thinking, Why... Why do I own you... AHH now I remember, because you were a gift... (truth be told I would have preferred undies and socks!)

A microwave works by heating up water molecules. Anything that you can accomplish by the use of steam is done ably and more quickly and with less water in a microwave. Microwave does not equal oven. Microwave does not equal stove. Microwave equals incredibly efficient steamer.
I find it very useful, and have lived quite happily in places with only a microwave, toaster oven, and mini-fridge.

When I moved into my apartment 2 years ago I didn't have a microwave, and I was fine for about 3 weeks. I had even decided not to bother getting one. Then, there was that one day that was incredibly long, and I got home really late, ravenous after not eating all day. I was cursing myself on the way to Taco Bell (cringe) and bought a microwave the next day. Sometimes there's just no time to really cook but you still need something hot. In my current house, my roommate has a toaster oven, and I've gotten to like using it. I hate having a ton of kitchen gadgets and appliances (I haven't had a toaster for about 8 years), so I'm debating making the switch: toaster oven for microwave. As much as I love the microwave, I'm leaning toward toaster oven.

I haven't had a microwave in years and years, and don't miss it. If I need a fast snack, I can smear some avocado on toast, or make a cheese sandwich.

Love that I'm not the only one without a microwave! Too bulky and makes my tiny kitchen ugly. Although I am an avid cook, I find no need for one. I love Jiffy Pop too :-)

too many people make a false equivalence between microwave use and all-processed foods. i've found the microwave to be surprisingly efficient and effective for cooking fresh produce. you can microwave-saute onions super fast that come out great, for example. sweet potatoes (with skin pierced) cook through in five minutes. it's also a plus to be able to cook and store in the same container (ceramic/glass), or cook and eat for single servings: saves time, water, and energy.

but the stovetop pot popcorn cookers are totally right; the microwaved stuff is vile in comparison.

I grew up without a microwave and as soon as I moved out I got one. I use it for everything. I love it but I'm probably just trying to rebel or something. But for reals, I love it.

There are already a bajillion comments on this post, but I use my microwave every day. In southern Missouri from June until August, you couldn't PAY me to turn on the stove. It's just not happening.

I've never owned a microwave, nor a dishwasher and, now, not a clothes dryer, but for a brief, shining period, we had a garbage disposal and that was kind of cool. Now I just compost instead. I find that the less I own, the less I seem to need. Well, maybe a toaster.

After 90 posts, what's left to say?

MissZ, you're not alone.

I have never owned and never will own a microwave. Not because I'm opposed to them environmentally or because I believe questionable claims about them destroying the nutritional value in food.

I find that they take up too much space, are a pain in the tookus to clean, don't brown or crisp or sautee, and are more inconvenient to my lifestyle than any other cooking implement I have ever come across. I cook often because I enjoy it (I also order pizzas and pick up take-out). But I have never been able to appreciate microwaved food, with the significant exception of the lean cuisine meals I take to the office. But therein is the difference. Microwaves are for a 15 minute lunch break, not for a meal.

I suppose if I were also a parent I might feel otherwise. But cooktime is my my downtime and I relish it.

I heart my microwave. Couldn't live without it, esp for defrosting ground turkey/beef while I change clothes after work. Yes, I know I could toss it into the fridge in the morning, but I ALWAYS forget to do so. VIVA microwaves!

too little counter space in my teeny studio meant choosing between the microwave and a toaster oven. The toaster won a place in the kitchen. I haven't missed the microwave; if anything it's made me think more about the food I put into my body - I rarely buy frozen meals - except lean cuisine pizza, which is better in the toaster anyway - and cook everything from scratch. In the end, it really doesn't take much longer to cook on the stove or oven or toaster oven.

I microwave popcorn by putting plain kernels in a brown paper lunch bag (folded over). So yes, you can make microwave popcorn that is not processed and unhealthy. I mostly use my microwave for that, and to quickly melt butter and chocolate for baking. Of course, this could be done on the stove as well, but the microwave is so easy.

I love my little red microwave and use it for many things most nights, sometimes it's for processed dinners but mostly I use it to augment my cooking on the stove to assist me by steaming broccoli for instance while finish cooking up some beef stroganoff on the stove. I also use my traditional oven for many things, including broiling too, the microwave is fantastic for quickly melting butter and stuff like that while doing other things and it takes a minute to melt butter in the microwave and you don't have to monitor it while it melts, unlike on the stove.

It sits on a shelf in the pantry and I just ran a heavy duty extension cord from the plug behind the fridge to power it as the pantry sits just to the left of the fridge and my kitchen isn't all that large to begin with.

I also have a coffee pot that is used daily when home and I have a 2 slice toaster that's used daily, again when home.

I also quickly defrost meats in the microwave and reheat leftovers quickly as I rarely am able to think of what I want for dinner in time to get it out to thaw over night and usually when I DO have something in mind, I'm often at work so can't just pull it out.

My parents had one so I got used to having one and got my first one, a largish Wellbilt in 1996, noisy but worked, then got rid of it when I moved away as it was not the best microwave but did the job, later got a used Emerson microwave from my old job, it worked fine but was not powerful for 2 years until it began to spark, and replaced it with the red one I have now, also by Emerson and works great.

So they are handy and yes, I do heat canned soup on the stove but during the summer, I'd rather not heat up my kitchen any more than necessary.

Do you have anything like this in the US?

http://tinyurl.com/y2rt5kr

I don't have a microwave by choice and do not want one. I enjoy cooking, and reheating food on the stovetop or in the oven is not an issue to me. I never think food tastes as good when heated in a microwave anyway, and I'm skeptical about the radiation. But it's also just something I don't need at all.

@Mary you bleach your produce. That's terrible.

I was in a hot tub once with too much chlorine, and I "bleached my produce" too. It IS terrible!

Excuse me?

I see plenty of perfectly good wallspace in that kitchen for a solidly mounted shelf. Why is it taking up table space? Or cabinet space? And yes, you CAN get along without a microwave but sometimes I chose not to as I live in a rather hot climate and anything that doesn't heat up my home(I also love my crockpot, same reason)gets my vote.

I have only lived with a microwave once. It lasted about 2 years, then it broke and I have never missed it.

Getting rid of my microwave was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It completely changed the way I way I cook and plan meals, and I've yet to miss the so-called "convenience" it provided.

romateamo -- More reasons for a microwave: alternative and quicker way to heat water for coffee or tea, you can use it to make steamed veggies (which are very healthy for you), warming sauces for pastas or meats, and if you do it correctly you can also reheat bread (wrap in a damp paper towel or hand towel) - I'm tired or I'd think of more.

For those who keep saying meat and food dries out in the microwave, ever try simply placing a cup of water in there as well? It works wonders and since it's just a cup of water, you can simply pour it out and put the cup back.

I've now been living without a microwave for 6 months and I'm desperate to have another. It would be okay if I lived on my own because then I'd have enough fridge space to store stuff. However flatmates put their pans of food directly into the fridge and then reheat the next day or two days later.

Meaning the fridge is full of pans of partly eaten food and I have only one small grocery food box on the bottom of the fridge for my food.

A microwave in a shared flat to conserve on fridge space of pans is necessary in my opinion!! But I do agree in the right circumstances being without a microwave is easier than I thought but not when trying to share a tiny fridge and flat mates who like to do as little washing up as possible.

While I can definitely see the space-gaining benefits in ditching our microwave, I think the energy-saving benefits of keeping it make way more sense. We don't use it to prepare food, but, as several people have pointed out, it's the most efficient way to reheat food. Honestly, I find the attitude that you're in some way better off without a microwave a little pretentious.

I have one, and I always THINK I'm going to regret getting rid of it but when I think about it, there's no reason to:

-I only like popcorn made on the stove in my Dutch oven with olive oil (the microwave stuff tastes like stale Cheerios to me, plus there's all sorts of mystery goop in that chemical butter)

-I LOVE my toaster oven for reheating pizza, stuffed breads, etc. Microwaving that stuff just reduces it to a soggy mess that's so hot you burn the daylights out of yourself when you take it out, but if you let it cool it's a congealed, unappetizing mess

-On the rare occasion I make canned soup I do so on the stove

-I've never had success reheating leftover pork chops, chicken, or steak in the microwave. That goes in the toaster or in a cast iron pan or the oven.

how big are your microwaves? mine is tiny and not a "space issue" at all. I suppose if you have one of those gigantor 20 year old versions that cooked unevenly I would question the decision to own one, but now they are small and fast. I don't cook chicken or steaks in them, but I reheat water for tea or coffee, milk, steam veggies, cook potatoes, melt butter and quick defrost hamburger. Leftovers get eaten because they can be heated up quickly.
They are energy efficient and don't heat up my house in the summer. I don't worry about radiation from my microwave anymore than my cell phone or my Ecko cheese grater (google that one up) as far as texture, sure they have limitations, but as I said, I don't actually COOK with the microwave.

I do just fine without a microwave! I had one for a while, when my ex-boyfriend was staying at my place, and all I ever used it for was... heating depilatory wax...

I had a microwave that hogged precious counter space, yet I never used it, so finally got rid of it. I have not missed it a bit.

@patrick (the other one) - LOL! Totally made reading through the bajillion comments worthwhile.

Amazing amount of microwave hate... pshew. Who knew it was such a controversial appliance!

I use ours at home, and not for processed frozen dinners. Cooking vegetables, melting butter, toasting nuts, par-cooking potatoes before baking them to crisp them up. Sure, you can use the stove for that too, and I do. But our apartment came with a microwave mounted above the cooktop, and I bear no ill will towards it. :)

I want to get rid of our microwave, but am foiled everytime by my husband. The compromise: A convection/microwave combo! We love our small convection oven, because we cook for 2 99% of the time. This way, we get the convenience of 2 appliances, in one little space!

We don't use a microwave. In fact, we had to purchase one when my daughter was born to sterilize bottles in the bottle sterilizer, but the day she was off bottles, we cleaned it out and put it in our basement. I think microwaves promote overeating and they also leach so many nutrients from one's food.

When I moved into my new (small!) apartment, I decided to trade in the microwave for counter space. Though I was skeptical at first, I have never looked back. I reheat solids using the broiler and liquids on the stove. Plus, popcorn made on the stove is so much better than the microwave version!

@InMadison, actually the opposite is true: Conventional ovens zap away more nutrients than microwaves do. High temperatures and long cooking times lead to the evaporation of moisture from conventionally cooked food, and that water within the food contains nutrients. It isn't something that will significantly impact your daily nutrition, but microwaves preserve more nutrients.

I love my microwave. It's red and sparkly and fits perfectly on top of the fridge. I use it to steam veggies (in a big glass bowl), re-heat hot beverages, and sometimes reheat lunch leftovers. I have an air popper for popcorn. And while we do have a toaster oven, I still reheat many items in the microwave for speed--though if I'm not ravenous I will use the toaster oven for texture.

It certainly doesn't encourage overeating or junk--we never buy frozen meals. We even make our own fish sticks. The microwave oven isn't essential or evil. We could live without it, but I prefer not to. It does use less energy than our uneven electric stove, and doesn't heat up the house, as others have mentioned. Plus did I mention? Red and sparkly! Love it.

I have a microwave, but when this el cheapo one dies, I'm doing the "without" experiment. Even though small, it takes up the space of at least 2 other appliances (i.e., coffeemaker, toaster). One can always change one's mind.

I can't believe no one has mentioned oatmeal! I don't necessarily have the time/money to make slow cooking steel-cut oats all the time on the stove top, but I live on microwaved quick-cooking (not instant, more like the five minute stuff) oatmeal for breakfast (and sometimes dinner, to be honest) throughout fall and winter. It's by far the most satisfying, convenient, and healthy way I could start my morning. And that is reason enough to keep my microwave around.

When we remodeled our very small kitchen, I made a conscious decision not to include a microwave oven. We installed a insta-hot water dispenser instead and that was one of the best decisions I ever made...There is always instantly hot water to defrost frozen meat, soups...whatever. No need to worry about making cocoa, coffee or tea. I start out with hot water to steam my veggies, leftovers etc. It is almost as fast as a microwave and steaming makes everything taste better too....

I love not having a microwave! There's absolutely nothing that I can't make because I don't have a microwave. EVEN oatmeal! All oatmeal needs is hot water. Just get yourself a kettle or a regular saucepan, fill with water, put on stove and ta-da! Hot water!

Wow, there apparently are a LOT of microwave haters.

I have a microwave and will never part with having one. It's a very useful cooking tool. And, yes, I use my stove and oven for cooking too.

I can understand those with extremely limited space not having a microwave, but when there's room for one it can be every bit as useful as having running water in the kitchen, which is something I won't be doing without either. Though maybe some of the microwave haters on here wouldn't so much mind not having running water in the kitchen. Just sayin....

I grew up without a microwave and did not get one until after I was married. But then of course growing up we had a housekeeper, a cook, a gardener, and a driver.

Pre-packaged microwave popcorn does stink. We make our own. Mash regular popcorn and some butter into a small ball. Pop in a brown paper bag. Pop into microwave until most of the kernels are popped. Delicious.

A microwave basically came with my apartment. It died maybe two months ago and I decided I had to have one again. I feel some things just don't reheat properly in a toaster oven, oven, stove-top and/or would take too long. Also using a pan to heat up one serving of food means one more dish to wash. I don't *cook* things in the microwave--popcorn included but I realized I'd really rather have one than not. I have the space and you can get a good microwave for cheap. If you feel you don't need one so be it, but I feel some people here have really taken a smug "microwaves=evil" attitude.

When I bought my place it was supposed to have a microwave, but the seller took it with him. Three years later, I still haven't replaced it and I don't miss it all. I have a DeLonghni toaster over which is terrific for heating up small plates. And my popcorn is a hit with visitors - put some olive oil in a sauce pan, add loose kernels, and cover. Tada! Add some nutritional yeast for a healthy cheesy flavor, garlic powder and a little salt and enjoy.

We gave up our microwave in favor of counter space as well. We do have a nice toaster oven which reheats most things just fine. Things like soup or liquids just go on the stove top! We do have a microwave in the basement, though, for popcorn (and "microwave emergencies"...which are rare).

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned how dangerous it is to put a microwave on top of your refrigerator. It's so easy to dump hot food all over yourself, when you have to reach above your head.

There's little else to add, but to the commenters who talk about heating up your kitchen with a stove, I use my toaster oven in those cases... it's much less hot. In my future life, I want to have a house with a properly insulated oven, so this isn't an issue. My mother lives in Houston, and doesn't have any issues with the oven heating up her house.

Wow - this whole thread just goes to show that the issue of how we cook and eat is something that raises a lot of hackles and a lot of judgment. I know it's one of the things that causes the most tension at my family get-togethers and such... I think most of the worst fights between my mom and my grandmother have started in the kitchen. People seem to develop strong ideas about what the "right" way to do something is in the kitchen, and damn anyone who says anything different.

For the record, count me among the happy microwave users. I have lived in places without a microwave, and yes, it's true that I can do almost everything I'd do in a microwave in some other (usually slower, usually messier) way without one. But I eat a lot of leftovers, and I love being able to have a hot plate of last night's dinner ready to go in minutes. I warm up real maple syrup for pancakes (in a glass pitcher), or homemade hot fudge. I soften butter for cookies. I too use the microwave for rising bread dough. And for steaming veggies and defrosting frozen berries and cooking a quick bowl of oatmeal on a weekday morning and sterilizing sponges and yes, I will admit it: I even use my microwave to cook storebought frozen meals sometimes! Many of the ones from Trader Joe's are pretty tasty and pretty healthy... and they're a lot cheaper than getting takeout on the occasions when you don't have time to cook a real meal. So, judge me if you want to. If you're happier without a microwave, I'm happy for you. I'm keeping mine... it's going to live on a built-in shelf in my new kitchen.

@aggie, mccann's irish has a quick cook steel cut oatmeal that's ready on the stove in 5 minutes. sure, you can't just walk away from it, but i wait in the kitchen while my espresso is brewing on the stove, anyway. :)

I lived without a microwave for a few months when I lived in Greece last year, and didn't miss it much. But how do people recommend reheating leftover Chinese, etc? Do you heat it on a skillet or in a pan in the oven? That seems rather inconvenient, but other than that, you guys are persuading me to go microwave-free!

Off topic, but I love that kitchen in the picture !

Oh, and on topic I don't have a microwave either ;-)

I have a microwave and use it mostly for reheating coffee, defrosting meat, and cooking veggies. I'd love to go without it, but don't think I could.

I just bought some Kashi oatmeal that states in the directions that it HAS to be made it the microwave. It says that if you just pour hot water in it, the ingredients won't be cooked enough. So, I guess I'll still hang on to the microwave for a little while. :)

I'm certainly not a fan of anything made to "cook" in a microwave. But I use mine daily for warming up coffee that sits while I work or for taking the chill off my doggie's food she likes it just "so"... I don't see what the harm is in having one that is useful to thaw foods and reheat some types of foods..its so funny when you see the big honkin ones at the thrift stores..dinosaurs.

@WeeBeastie: yes, but they're a lot pricier: http://products.geappliances.com/ApplProducts/Dispatcher?REQUEST=SpecPage&Sku=PSB2201NSS

@aggie -- I love microwaved oatmeal. You don't actually have to buy a special kind. You can buy any kind. I use the regular version, not the 5-minute or instant. Have you tried adding extra oat bran to it? It makes the oatmeal a little creamier -- I love it!

Once a hostess at a party appealed to me as the final authority on how to heat a rice dish, though I have no idea why I was elected to be the authority. I told her that I always use the microwave, since the steam heat makes the rice reheat perfectly. She said, "The microwave kills the food." I said, "Then why do you have one?" She looked perplexed, then shook her head. "The microwave kills the food."
She asked me again how to heat the rice. I repeated, "I always use the microwave." Rinse and repeat.
After two more rounds, I answered, "Susan, I don't have another answer for you. I only have the one answer."
She was quite put out. I surreptitiously refilled her wineglass until she forgot about it.
Oh, I forgot: she reheated the rice in the oven and scorched it.

I certainly don't cook with the microwave, but I do reheat things. It's so much easier to heat a single serving of leftovers or a single mug of tea or milk for cocoa than to gauge things for a pot on the stove, and it does indeed mean fewer dishes to do. When you have multiple people in the house who only ever manage to eat dinner at the same time, it makes things simpler.

These are some interesting comments. My bf and I have lived without a microwave mostly because we've moved a lot and didn't want to lug the things around. Some of our apartments have been incredibly tiny, always had extremely tiny kitchens (like the two of us could barely stand in them together much less cook together or open any of the cabinet/fridge doors). I don't miss the microwave & usually we reheat things in the oven. I guess we don't mind the heat cos even in summertime DC weather it's not that bad (we open the windows/doors/just deal with it). Rice reheated comes out fine, Chinese takeout is refried on the stove. Indian food actually tastes reaaaaaally great reheated in the oven (dumped on top of the rice with naan in a foil). Steaming happens on the stove either with a strainer in a pot of water with a lid on top or in our double boiler pot thingys. Just stir them halfway through. Potatoes can be a pain in the butt but generally we boil then bake. Oh, and grilled cheese. Man I love some grilled cheese though the only way I knew how to do it was toast the bread, then heat it in the microwave when I was little. I felt very fulfilled when I managed to make my first perfect grilled cheese on the stove! I don't clean sponges in any way other than rinsing, squeezing, setting it on something with drainage so it can dry and replacing probably every two weeks or so. I am just not that worried about germs/bacteria (my bf likes to rinse off food he drops on the floor if he's going to cook it on the stove anyway hah)...

Yes, it does take a little more time. In the morning I usually put leftovers in the oven, take a shower, get ready to go and they're done by that time. For some foods, like say chow fun leftovers we just heat them up directly on the stove and it doesn't take long at all. Generally we have to plan meals but reheating in the oven isn't really so bad, you can do it while you're doing something else. We eat vegetarian so we don't have to deal with defrosting meat. Though when I was growing up we had a microwave yet my mother would just put the meat in the fridge before she left for work so it would thaw.

I don't really have any opinion on having a microwave or not, it's just not something that we really cared to carry around all the times we moved or spend money on when we finally got to a place. I am curious about this bleaching of vegetables and don't get it... Also, bepsf I always cook my fritatta in the broiler! Maybe like two minutes or so in the broiler at the end of cooking but I always turn the pan around halfway through so it doesn't scorch :) It just makes the top and sides nice and crispy. Maybe I will try going with the oven all the way next time though.

When I got my own place 4 years ago the microwave went with my roommate and I didn't want to spend the money to buy one so I went without. Now I don't even really think about it. Besides, with only 4.5 square feet of counter space where would I put it?

I tried popping popcorn on the stove last night for the first time, and it didn't end so well. I slowly stirred them in some olive oil, but when they started to pop, kernels were flying all over the kitchen. All of my lids were in the dishwasher, of course, so I removed the pan from the heat, but it was still hot enough that they kept popping. I covered it with a plate, but I have a feeling I'll be finding kernels and popcorn in random places for the next little while.

I wasn't impressed with the result either. I found it to be really tough, and not light and fluffy at all. I think I'll stick with my microwave for now.

I'm suprised only one person (Shantiquan) mentioned the health risks involved in microwave popcorn. Seriously, Google it, people working in the factories where they make it have actually died. It's the fumes it outgasses which are dangerous, not eating it.

However, people who think microwaving "kills" the food should consider that microwaves were invented in the 1940's and if they had any severe health consequences, we would have noticed by now. You know, like how we noticed about the microwave popcorn.

I have the smallest microwave ever: the Sharp Carousel Half Pint in sapphire blue. For some odd reason, they are no longer in production, but you can find them on ebay for about 100.00 or so. Once this one is gone, I'm not getting another, unless the exact one shows up at a yardsale.

We use ours for quick reheats for late night snacks (we all work nights here), warming up coffee, and for rewarming side dishes when we have guests over (the stove is sort of small and the burners are usually all occupied). But for all that we use it, it's not worth the amount of counterspace that the larger ones need.

AlyCatNat - Do you also know that people who work in mines tend to get black lung disease? I have both an uncle and a grandfather who lost fingers in factories where laundry detergents were made. A buddy of my fiance's almost lost his hand working in a place that produces magnets. People who do jobs involving solder having a high chance of getting lead poisoning.

My point is you can't necessarily blame it all on microwave popcorn - you can't really pick any factory that it isn't very dangerous to work at.

We lived in a 1920's house with one counter and low cabinets - so low that we couldn't put our microwave out. It sat on top of the fridge for the next two years, and using a chair was such a pain, that I found other ways to do things. We've since moved into a nicer place, but we just continued the lifestyle we were used to.

A funny story though - I used a microwave for the first time in years, and they have definitly improved the function. I put a bowl of something in for 30 seconds and I about burned myself. Oops!

"I blame the microwave for most of our problems. Anything that gets that hot without fire, that's from the devil. You don't believe me? You put a Hot Pocket in there for three or four minutes, pop that thing in your mouth, if that's not hell, ladies and gentlemen, I don't know what is." - Ellen DeGeneres

ErinBoBerin - before you give up stove top popcorn forever, maybe try this.
Start with maybe a 2 qt pot.
1. Use corn oil, not olive oil. Put just enough in to barely, barely cover the bottom of the pan. Add 1 tsp of butter.
2. Turn the burner to high and let the oil just begin to sizzle.
3. Add enough popcorn with just a bit extra to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover immediately with a tight fitting lid.
4. Turn the heat back about 1 setting (from Hi to 8).
5. When the kernels begin to pop, slide the pan back and forth on the burner - not slowly, not wildly.
6. You may have to raise the pan and set it back on the burner a few times to keep from burning the corn.
7. It's done when the popping is down to about 2-3 seconds apart - or when the lid is raised by the popped corn.
If this sounds like cooking by sight, it is This old Southern gal has done it this way for 40 years and learned it from my grandfather. It's worth the effort. Wish you good luck.

About microwaves in general - the older I get, the better I like my microwave. After raising and cooking for 4 children, cooking no longer holds any allure.

I'm late to the game, but....

Our microwave broke a couple of weeks ago. I decided to embark on an experiment. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that we really weren't using it for all that much. We have a tiny kitchen. I don't want to replace it and I don't think I will! There are certainly some times when I miss the convenience and speed of the microwave but, overall, things can still get cooked well and (fairly) quickly and painlessly.

The single only thing I miss about my (long gone) microwave is melting bikini wax!

The only microwave I ever had was the one in my last apt, mounted above the range. I heated up coffee and maybe melted the occasional hunk of butter. When I bought my condo there was a plug-in microwave on the counter which was taking up valuable space. I took it to work and we used it there.

What an interesting topic this has been. I had no intention of getting a microwave, mainly because there is no place to keep one in my studio apartment. Then my mom gave me a very old, yet very functional one, and I managed to find space for it on the top shelf of my utility closet. In order to use it, I have to get out a stepladder and clear a path to the far end of the closet, so it is rarely used, maybe 2 or 3 times a month. Most things I reheat in the oven, and I love making toast directly on the oven rack. So why do I keep the microwave around? Leftover shrimp fried rice! It's the only thing I've found that reheats better in the microwave than in the oven.

I have one cuz I thought we needed one when we re-did our kitchen - it sits above the cooktop. Hardly used tho except for coffee cup reheats and the once in awhile frozen thing. Would totally trade it in for a fancy hooded exhaust situation.

Very interesting conversation here. Nothing major to contribute, but I lived without a microwave for 3 years or so and didn't miss it at all.

i've never owned a microwave. Guests are always bewildered by this. Just never had the desire to have one.
Can't miss what you've never had.

I agree that you don't need two appliances for the same job, but in that case, why not ditch the stove?

I would happily do without an oven, which I use -- it's a total waste of space. But it was built-in and I'm not allowed to get rid of it. I wish I could.

A microwave is MUCH smaller. That and a tiny hotplate are all I ever need.

Oops. I meant that I NEVER use the oven.

BTW, this post smacks of the same self-righteousness as the "I never watch TV" people.

For many year, I lived happily without a microwave. It was a sore subject between my grandmother, who lives in Thailand, and me for all those years as well. She thought it was so backward of me to live without one when she had one in Thailand : ) I eventually got married and moved in to my husband's place which has a microwave. I still insist on boiling water for my tea on the stove. This drives my husband crazy. Ha-ha : )

The only time I even use this thing is to microwave popcorn. I don't even need it.

I stopped using the microwave three years ago. Microwaves are bad for your health because can cause cancer and make you feel sluggish. I don't miss it at all. As mentioned above, everything tastes better and only takes a few more minutes longer with a stove. Always worth it. I used to hate reheated pizza, now I save pizza for later because it tastes better when it has been reheated in the oven.

I have had one since 1982, but always a convection/microwave so it takes up no more space than an oven. A microwave is almost essential for defrosting. I prefer frozen peas lightly done in the microwave rather than simmered in water. Microwaves are good for warming up cold, hard butter to a spreadable consistency.

I could do without one, but why, I could do without a lot of things in life, but I am not sure it would make me any more happy. There has to be a balance.

Oh wow I was thinking about getting a microwave after not having one for 7 years but now after reading this post, I am rethinking the idea.