We’ve moved our microwave oven into a little corner in the kitchen recently. It makes it a little difficult to open the left-hinged door. So, I’ve been searching the Internet for alternative microwave ovens with either reversible doors (like our fridge) or a left-handed door with a right hinge.
So far, nothing. Do they not exist? One expert site asked that question, and the majority response was that 100% of microwave ovens have left-hinged doors. I feel bad for all you Southpaws (I know quite a few).
In my quest, I did discover some interesting (if not useless) microwave oven facts:
- Electromagnetic microwaves cannot produce the “Maillard reaction” (a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars) in food, which is what browns toast and caramelizes milk and honey. That is why your microwaved food tastes so bland and has a “steamed” appearance.
- New microwave ovens are being manufactured with high-powered halogen heat lamps to create that Maillard reaction with infared energy while the microwave energy cooks the food.
- Microwave ovens generate radio waves at 2.45Ghz, which is annoyingly close to the 2.4Ghz block of frequencies set aside for 802.11b/g WiFi. Also, some cordless phones operate on this frequency.
- Spoons are safe to microwave, however, forks are not. This is because the tines of the fork cause an electrical concentration which results in sparks. From experience, I know that the pointy edges of ketchup packages are affected by this property.
- Along with metal, some foods can produce electrical arcing, such as grapes. See the video below.
[youtube width=”400″ height=”300″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCNNqgKqnaQ[/youtube]
[img src=”http://julieandjesse.com/images/microwave.jpg” /]
I found a microwave and flipped it horizontal. It doesn’t look right. Keen observation thought, i am always on the lookout for the now.
So you just saved me searching. Can’t believe there are no left handed microwaves. We planned to put one in a left corner inside the pantry but need the left handed opening. There are drawer type but they are too wide too. Guess my husband will have to microwave in the pantry.
I am glad I found your site! You saved me hours and hours of search for the elusive left side hinged microwave!! You would think some one would see the need and the market and start to make them!
Thanks for your research.
Laura
There are Left opening microwaves but you’d better be willing to shell out the bucks! look here:
http://www.allfoodequipment.com.au/products.cfm?cat_id=77208AC7-188B-F84D-98785D6CD16FE83A&t=cat
Well…no wonder my search for a left-opening microwave produced no results! Wonder if there’s one that is hinged at the bottom, so the door swings open from the top? Karen
They have microwaves that hinge down – just like when you open your oven door. We too want a microwave that opens the opposite direction and are forced to either open it into a wall or spend the $700 on the really cool looking hinged down microwave. Below is one example.
http://www.us-appliance.com/kbms1454sss.html