21. I have thought about this too, since we have very little counterspace. We mostly get away with it because our kitchen was big enough to add an island for counterspace. I don't use the microwave that much given the space it takes up, but what I do use it for would be annoying or impossible to do on the stove. I just wish they sold tiny cube-sized microwaves because I could still do everything I needed in a much smaller space: defrost small amounts of frozen meat, fruit, or sauces and heat or melt small amounts of milk or butter. I almost never re-heat leftovers or anything that would require a dinner plate sized space. I guess the main thing is, I would have to get used to using a pot on the stove to melt/heat stuff that I'd normally do in the microwave and I'd have to plan ahead to defrost meat in the fridge. Man, that's really not much actually, given how much space the stupid thing takes up ... However, I won't get rid of mine since we have made space for it, but I would have serious thoughts about replacing it if it broke. I know a couple people who have given up a microwave because they felt it just wasn't worth the space it took up. As far as I know, they're quite happy with the trade-off.

Posted at 10:58AM on May 29th 2006 by Allison

22. I think pass on the microwave and get a toaster oven instead. You'll love it more, and it takes less space.

Posted at 11:17AM on May 29th 2006 by jilly

23. Microwaves harm your healthy food and also make worse the poisons of "tv dinner" type "food".

The time saved from using a microwave is not worth the potential loss of years of your life!

I live without a microwave and even eat cold food at times. "Gross, cold food!" Uh, I'd rather live healthy, thanks.

Space considerations aside, I highly recommend researching the harms of microwave ovens.

Posted at 7:18PM on May 29th 2006 by jnasato

24. My husband and I have been microwave-free for almost 5 months now, since we moved into our new place in April. At first it was just at the bottom of our priority list, then we consciously decided that we didn't need one. For re-heating leftovers we just pop it in the oven. First we were using foil for reheating everything, but I've bought some mini pots and pans suitable for single servings. I've never used a microwave to defrost - if the fridge, the counter, or in the worst case a pan of room-temp water won't do it, we won't be eating it that night! And it adds an element of health to your eating - no microwave popcorn and no tv dinners. Ironically, I've discovered what takes the longest to reheat in the oven is a tv dinner - 40 minutes for a turkey dinner. Who needs it?

Posted at 4:54AM on Aug 6th 2006 by Nikkia

25. Dont buy one you will be healthier and will stay away from most salt sugar laden foods that you have to use a microwave for. I lost a good amount of weight the first month mine broke that I had for 10 years or more my second one. Just got another 3 months ago and back to some of my bad habits again.........LOL

Posted at 8:50PM on Aug 17th 2006 by MJ