# durable? pushbutton microwave door? or.. handle? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 5, 2001, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287 "2001-07-05T02:38:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/90ced4/32.png) [@jally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jally)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/1 "2001-07-05T02:38:40Z")
In '95 I bought a Sharp 700W countertop microwave (R2A55 model). The pushbutton door-open-button seems to be getting weaker. I’d tried unscrewing the cabinet to check the innards (some job!) to see if I could replace the pushbutton easily. But it looked so complicated, that I couldn’t figure out how to remove it in order to order the replacement part - that’s if I could even figure out what replacement part to order. Naturally, the part seemed to be mostly plastic. When buying a new microwave, I wonder if I’d be better off getting one with a handle? Would a handle be more durable than a push button? ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/2 "2001-07-05T03:23:15Z")
[Jally, please tell us what it is with you and appliances. I count 6 General Questions threads you’ve started since you came here, asking about appliances, mainly “why can’t they…?” type of thing. Is it a fetish? Like shoes? I’m genuinely curious.] Oh, well. To address the OP: [http://www.design.ncsu.edu:8120/cud/pubs/center/prod\_guides/micro.htm](http://www.design.ncsu.edu:8120/cud/pubs/center/prod_guides/micro.htm) > [@](#): > > Microwave Door Handles > > A microwave door handle that protrudes from the surface far enough for one to depress it with any part of the arm, a hand, or a closed fist is the easiest to use. > > A door release that must be pulled but cannot be gripped easily, a pull handle that has no opening in it, and a squeeze trigger are difficult for many people to use. Factor all this in, and make your decision. ---
**Author:** ![choosybeggar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@choosybeggar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choosybeggar)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/3 "2001-07-05T04:08:21Z")
Handles are undoubtedly more durable than push buttons and that’s a good thing. For me it’s an especially good thing. I use my microwave oven often. I have used it to effect the irreversible denaturation and coagulation of many a dead chicken limb or dead cow slice in my time. Some may find that I use my knowledge of microwave technology cruelly or ruthlessly. They may call me a sophisticated icicle or a razor-brained sadist. Perhaps they’ll even criticize my linear thinking (meat+microwave=dinner). Nonetheless, I urge you, kind reader, to not be judgmental or crass; after all, I’m not using my knowledge of technology to promote nuclear/bio/chemical warfare, I’m just hungry. ---
**Author:** ![jally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/90ced4/32.png) [@jally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jally)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/4 "2001-07-05T06:57:00Z")
Is there any site anywhere which actually states that handles **last longer** than push-buttons? # The question wasn’t re: which is easier to use, but rather which is more durable (lasting longer). \*Now veering off-topic (hopefully for the last time): To resolve someone’s curiosity about fetishes, I’ll pose a question of my own: Are you in the market to buy a new shirt, or some new socks, or a can of beer? If so, then may I ask you whether you have a shirt, sock or beer fetish? I mean, if my MW door-button conks out, then my food will remain inside the microwave, & I may starve to death. I think it’s preferable for you to wear a frayed shirt or torn socks, than for me to starve to death. After all, if I’m in rigor mortis, then my posts can’t bug anyone anymore. :rolleyes:\* ---
**Author:** ![BooBoo316](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@BooBoo316](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BooBoo316)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 7:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/5 "2001-07-05T07:37:06Z")
Come on, guys. This isn’t the worst question she’s ever posted. I don’t have a site, but I can relate my personal experience with microwaves. My microwave (sorry, I don’t remember the brand) which I have had for 6 years has a push button door. There is no handle at all on the door. When the button is pressed the door [sub]supposedly[/sub] pops open. This mechanism has mostly given out. You have to hit the button with great force to get the door to open, sometimes you have to pull on the edge of the door also. My parents, on the other hand, have a microwave (don’t know that brand either) with a door handle. There is no release button, you just pull on the door. They have had this oven for over 12 years and have had no problems with it at all, door or otherwise. About replacement parts, try [RepairClinic.com](http://www.repairclinic.com) they have a good site. I tried to find out which part you were talking about in your oven, but I did not have enough info to get through the search engine. Since you have the oven right there with you, you should have no problem. If you decide to get a new oven, I suggest you get one with a handle. [sub]And a good warranty[/sub] 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![AbbySthrnAccent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@AbbySthrnAccent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AbbySthrnAccent)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/6 "2001-07-05T07:45:09Z")
Below the handle on the built in microwave with the push button that came with our new home of two years is already cracking. The humongous old microwave we’ve had since 1986 works perfectly with no apparent wear to the handle or door. Abby ---
**Author:** ![jally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/90ced4/32.png) [@jally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jally)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2001, 8:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/7 "2001-07-05T08:08:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by BooBoo316 \* > \*\*This mechanism has mostly given out. You have to hit the button with great force to get the door to open, \*\* > > Sounds _very_ familiar! > > **My parents, on the other hand, have a microwave (don’t know that brand either) with a door handle. There is no release button, you just pull on the door. They have had this oven for over 12 years and have had no problems with it at all, door or otherwise.** > > My sister also inherited such a microwave from my aunt. And considering that, and your parents’ and **Abby’s** experiences, I wonder whether the durability of those handles isn’t so much because they’re _not buttons_ so much as the fact that construction in the good 'ole days was meant to last! > > \*\*About replacement parts, try [RepairClinic.com](http://www.repairclinic.com) they have a good site > \*\* Believe me, I done my research & weeks ago I tried them, but apparently it’s against the law for them to provide people with clear diagrams & instructions for repairing microwaves (due to the danger of microwaves). I couldn’t even figure out from their site if they have my exact part. So I’m not about to go & order a cat in a bag without guidance. And RepairClinic did not offer the guidance, upon emailing them. Maybe they give guidance with other stuff, but not, in my experience, with microwaves. Anyway, thanks to both of you for your input! ---
**Author:** ![Claydeaux](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19b73/32.png) [@Claydeaux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claydeaux)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2022, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/8 "2022-06-05T21:23:35Z")
I signed up merely to say that you seem more like a Duck\_Duck\_Dick. Show some respect. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2022, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/9 "2022-06-05T21:33:55Z")
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**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2022, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/durable-pushbutton-microwave-door-or-handle/71287/10 "2022-06-05T21:38:37Z")
Welcome to the SDMB, @Claydeaux. I don’t know what sort of google search brought you to this particular thread, but the thread itself dates to 2001 and the poster you are responding to hasn’t posted here since 2008. It’s a safe bet to assume that he’s not going to see your post. Note that we do not allow personal insults in most of our forums. As you yourself said, show some respect. If you want to call someone a dick, you may only do that in our BBQ Pit forum (where you can flame anyone in mostly any way you’d like, hence the forum name). As with any internet forum, it’s a good idea to read for a bit to get a feel for what is and is not acceptable here. I strongly suggest that you read a bit more before posting, and take a look at the various rules in each forum, as well as the overall rules in the About This Message Board forum. Since this thread is over twenty years old, this is closed.