The recent thread asking about stereo receivers has prompted me to try the message board to ask about micro-waves. Mine is over 13 years old and its user interface is about as simple and useful as possible. Although you can set time and level by pushing buttons, the basic operations that I use 95% of the time is to push any one of the buttons 1 to 5 and get that many minutes or an “add 30 seconds” button that will either run it 30 seconds or add that to the time while running. When the microwave conked out a year or so ago, I paid $80 to get it repaired because I simply could not find one with those simple controls. I have searched the web and, although it is hard to tell, it doesn’t appear that any manufacturer is making such controls any more. They have loads of “one touch” controls that make no sense (except for popcorn that comes in standard packages and sizes). I don’t, for example, cook anything in the microwave and my beverages take 2 minutes, not the 1.5 that the beverage button gives since my mugs are large.
I could go on, but I will stick to asking my question. My old one is making funny noises and I am afraid it is on its last legs.