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Avoiding Microwave?  

post #1 of 19
4/26/04 at 8:19pm
Thread Starter 
I don't know if this is the right place or not...

I'm trying to use our microwave less -- ideally, when we move, I don't want to bring it along. But I hate eating anything cold that should be hot. Any tips for reheating leftovers without the micro? I have an electric range, an oven (broiler doesn't work), and a toaster. I'm wondering if a toaster oven might be a good idea.
post #2 of 19
4/27/04 at 12:21pm
Yes, I was going to suggest a toaster oven. That's what we used growing up to reheat leftovers, lunches, etc. And toast!
post #3 of 19
4/27/04 at 1:07pm
Yup, I second the toaster oven. I also got a nice tea kettle to heat water. My mircowave just recently died and thats what it took for me to completely stop using it.
post #4 of 19
4/27/04 at 3:59pm
I haven't owned a microwave for 5 years and have never owned a toaster oven. I reheat stuff just on top of the stove. Put it in a pan, cover and slowly heat. Somethings need a little extra moisture, so whatever the dish was, I put in the appropriate liquid...milk, oil, water, butter etc. I will reheat some things in the oven too.
post #5 of 19
4/27/04 at 5:46pm
We don't own a microwave, but our toaster oven gets lots of use for heating up small portions of things that don't do well on the range, like pizza (I hate heating up the whole oven for 1 slice!). The range is the way to go for pasta, rice, beans & other "stirrables" with some added water.
post #6 of 19
4/27/04 at 6:20pm
Thread Starter 
Sounds like the toaster oven is the missing link. I've reheated wet stuff in pots fine, and a few things that would fry ok like slices of meatloaf, but some stuff just didn't work.

Now I just have to reconcile myself to the fact that if I give up the micro, there will be more dishes to wash.... sigh.... I think I'm going to have to stop relying on leftovers so much for snacks.

Oh, has anyone seen a ceramic-type pitcher for heating milk on the stove? I saw one in "Enlightenment Guaranteed," which was a German movie. I haven't seen them anywhere else. Basically just a tall pitcher, but it was safe for the stove top. Any idea where I can get one? I'm clueless about what is safe for stove/oven use, so I dont' want to just pick up a ceramic pitcher at the thrift store and try it out.
post #7 of 19
4/28/04 at 12:53pm
I say look on ebay. A few years ago I was wanting a really obscure movie and I found it lickity split on ebay.
post #8 of 19
4/28/04 at 4:37pm
Toaster ovens draw a HUGE amount of electricity for what they actually do.

Far more efficient is a double boiler. Re-heat the stuff in the top, a little water in the bottom that creates a LOT of steam -- superheated and regular -- which efficiently transfers the heat to the food using waaaaay less energy than a toaster oven.

I use the Tramontina (good quality cookware, uses 18/10 steel with a copper plate insert in the bottom) saucepan with a double boiler and a steamer. Have been known to stack all three at once on one burner! Very space and energy efficient. Seems expensive when you buy it, but it will last DECADES and use faaaaaaar less energy than a toaster oven. Can re-heat a little or a lot.

Have even taken it along as a tool-for-all-occasions (in the kitchen) when going to someone's "camp" with a dubiously equipped kitchen. Have also used it on an open fire. (To do that, rub the outside of the saucepan with biodegradable bar soap to keep the soot from being hard to clean off.)
post #9 of 19
4/28/04 at 5:26pm
I don't like using my microwave... but it's so convenient that I haven't been able to talk myself into getting rid of it. Sounds like none of you use one and I'd like to know why if you don't mind sharing. I'm looking for reasons to get rid of mine.
post #10 of 19
4/28/04 at 7:20pm
Thread Starter 
Tramontina, is the double boiler fine for heating things that I want to get kind of toasty/crispy, like pizza, lasagne, creamed stuff on toast, etc.? I had been thinking of getting one anyway as the broiler element in our oven doesn't work. But I don't want to be using all sorts of hydro either.... I have an electric range, does that make a difference?

Chocomoto, I've heard enough dubious things about microwaves that I just want to be on the safe side. I also don't really like the way things come out if I cook or reheat them in the micro. Speed and fewer dishes to wash are the only things that I like about it. Oh, and my kids like playing with it. Right now, I'm moving it up to a high shelf above my oven fan which the people who lived here previously made for their microwave.
post #11 of 19
4/29/04 at 9:12am
Oh I LOVE the double boiler trick. That will be perfect for the stuff that doesn't work *just right* on the stove top. Thank you so much!

Here is one article that I found just by searcing *microwaves bad* so I'm sure you could find a ton more if you googled. http://www.**********/general34/morebad.htm
post #12 of 19
4/29/04 at 9:13am
One more: http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards2.htm
post #13 of 19
4/29/04 at 9:20am
K one more, lol http://www.karinya.com/microwaves.htm

This one is saying that using plastic in the microwave is really the dangerous part and to instead use glass, corning/pyrex type containers. And if you need to have food covered use a paper towel not plastic wrap cause the toxins can drip into your food.

Alright, I'm done investigating for now!
post #14 of 19
4/29/04 at 3:12pm
I read the mercola article. The Swiss scientist, Hans Hertel, actually lives right by my parents-in-law. Maybe I should go and talk to him...I'm sure he'd convince me. I think he used to work for Nestle.

I often reheat food in Tupperware. I wonder if that's just as bad as plastic wrap? I know...I should just get rid of it!
post #15 of 19
4/29/04 at 5:17pm
Hmmm.. I have a double broiler, I've never thought to use it for reheating. (Well, actually, I've never used it. LOL.)

Quote:
I often reheat food in Tupperware. I wonder if that's just as bad as plastic wrap? I know...I should just get rid of it!
I have lots of Tupperware. I never use it for reheating. I primairly use it for storage of dry goods. I would rather use glass, but with 2 little ones who frequently 'help' in the kitchen, that just isn't an option.

I think there are some old threads around here about plastics and what kinds are more harmful than others. The worst kinds are among the cheapo disposable kinds like Gladware and Ziplocs. I avoid those like the plague.
post #16 of 19
4/29/04 at 6:24pm
There was an article about Tupperware and that it is the safest of all plastics to use cause its material makeup is quite different from other plastics. If I had a microwave I would probably feel ok with using Tupperware, but definitely not the cheap stuff at the dollar store.
post #17 of 19
4/29/04 at 7:14pm
We haven't had a microwave in like nine years and never, ever miss it! We reheat in the toaster oven or on the stove and defrost in warm water if we forget to take something out. Get rid of it! Be free!
post #18 of 19
4/29/04 at 11:06pm
Yup, I defrost in warm water too!
post #19 of 19
4/29/04 at 11:26pm
We never had a microwave until my sister and bil gave us one this past christmas. They just could not believe that we didn't have a microwave- I mean it is the 21st century and all that. Now we have this huge, ugly thing taking up space in our kitchen and I feel too guilty to bring it to Goodwill.
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