Sunday, August 2, 2009

How much would you pay for a microwave?

My mother has had the same microwave since 1984. It has a footprint bigger than the sinks, more than half the size of the stovetop. With counter space at a premium in her kitchen, I often asked her when she would trade it in for a more compact, modern model.

"Why would I buy a new microwave, when this one works perfectly fine?" She dismissed my wasteful attitude.

And so the black and orange monstrosity sat on our kitchen counter. I would roll my eyes at it, but I had to admit that it reheated leftovers as good as my circa 2007 microwave.

This weekend, my mother and I were going through some boxes of receipts and warranties that had piled up over the years. What did we find? The original receipt for the 1984 microwave purchase!!

The cost? $700. Seven hundred dollars! For a microwave! Can you imagine?

I know one thing: I won't be recommending a microwave trade-in any time soon!

5 comments:

post-doc said...

I think my parents had the same microwave! Do you have to press 'Time Cook' before you press the numbers?

Theirs was gigantic as well - it had its own cart - and they only got rid of it when my new house had a built-in microwave and I no longer needed the beautiful silver one they bought me for Christmas. I think after paying so much for the first one, the second one must be free.

The History Enthusiast said...

My parents have the same one too, I think, though theirs might be from 1985. It still works like a charm.

Jennie said...

Hm, my grandparents might have this microwave, but it is elevated above the counter space. Interesting post however. I just bought a $6 toaster and my friend and I were talking about how little one would spend on an item that would likely not last very long. I figure my toaster will last a year and so $6 is a deal. This is the opposite of that concept and I feel I might have paid $700 for a microwave if I knew I would never, ever, have to replace it. For a toaster, maybe $100 for the most durable, everlasting toaster made-with a 100% money back guarantee.

Cath@VWXYNot? said...

Oh wow! I guess it's the same with VCRs and even DVD players - my friend's parents paid a small fortune for the first (top-loading!!!) VCR player I ever saw, and now they're like $20.

Viagra Online Without Prescription said...

I really believe that not too much even though that is so useful, besides that, I am always using one instead of using my stove.