Microwave Safety

During the bathroom renovations, our house took several hits. I already told you about the antique light shade. Here’s another.

The light in our microwave had blown out eight months ago. (And why wouldn’t it? It is the most used kitchen appliance.) Neither Charles nor I took the time to figure out how to replace the bulb and just lived with watching our food cook in the dark. (Yes, whatever happens, it was ultimately our own fault.)

When my dad started working on the bathrooms, we made a list of other projects that we wanted him to do, including replace the microwave light bulb.

After months and months of renovations, we shortened the list. (Just to get things wrapped up already, right?!?!) We moved the bulb to the very bottom of the list.

I sat down with my dad and reviewed the list, detailing the priority – even saying “Don’t worry about the light bulb if you are running out of time. That should be the last thing you do.”

What do you think he started with? Oh yeah, the light bulb. He couldn’t find access to the panel in front of the bulb. I’m not sure why, but he thought it would be helpful to start the microwave with the door open. He held the latch with pliers to “trick” the oven. Which as luck would have it, burned out the microwave.

By the way, Famous Tate has great deals on microwaves. Our new one requires you to only press the number key and it starts running on high for that many minutes. And there’s a button for 30 more seconds. (Yes, I am that lazy.)

Just in case you aren’t familiar with all of these new fangled kitchen appliances, here are some links on microwave safety.

(Oh yeah, when we were removing the old microwave from above the stove, the light bulb panel popped right open. Nice.)

Tips for Using a Microwave Oven for Dummies - (In all fairness to my dad, the Dummies book does not say close the microwave door while trying to run the microwave.)
Microwave Safety from the FDA
Wiki Answers on how to keep your door open while the microwave is running (They say this is comparable to checking the amount of gas in your gas tank by using a lighter.)
Famous Tate - so you can buy a new one after reading the article listed above