Our office has owned this
Avanti 1000 Watts Microwave Oven (Model # MO902SST) for about a year. It sees a lot of use!
Description
Avanti has produced a stylish stainless steel countertop microwave oven. It is not a counter hog. The exterior measures 20” wide x 12” high x 16” deep. It is 0.9 cubic feet. Overall, this is an attractive appliance. One of the features that gives it flair is the curved vertical handle on the door. The door has a smoked-glass front, which contrasts nicely with the stainless steel housing. This microwave also includes a removable clear glass turntable.
The control panel at the right of the door has a simple look and feel to it. The digital clock has electric-green numbers for easy visibility. Beneath the clock are six preset quick-cook buttons (popcorn, baked potato, pizza, beverage, frozen dinner, reheat). Beneath them are six more buttons to operate microwave functions (power, timer, cook, cook by weight, defrost by weight, speed defrost). Underneath those buttons are numbered buttons (1 – 0) with a clock and resent button on either side of the zero. A large Start/Stop button is centered at the bottom of the control panel.
This microwave comes with a manual in both English and Spanish.
Our Experiences
We were delighted to get this microwave oven last year. It replaced one that looked like it had been around since microwaves were first invented. The Avanti definitely adds a stylish and sleek look to our utilitarian office kitchen. The small footprint is great, too, since it shares counter space with a coffee maker and all the coffee accessories nearby. It is recommended that this microwave be placed at least 5” away from walls for proper ventilation.
This is a basic microwave that is easy to operate. Place the food in the microwave and close the door. A function button (such as Cook) must be pressed before entering any numbers (such as a cooking time). This microwave timer sets the cooking time up to 99 minutes and 99 seconds. As a default, this microwave always cooks at highest temperature and defrosts at the lowest temperature. Note: The manufacturer states that the glass turntable must remain in the microwave during cooking.
Our office staff cooks and reheats a variety of food items in this microwave. It has cooked breakfast and lunch, heated leftovers, cooked frozen pizza and boxed microwave dinners, and popcorn. We have placed all manner of containers in the microwave, too. People use microwave-safe plastic and glassware. They cook on paper plates or dishes, heat liquid in mugs, and prepare meals in manufacturer packaging.
Some of the foods I have heated include microwave pizza and Lean Pockets. I bring leftovers from home such as spaghetti, pot roast and Yorkshire pudding, homemade soup. Reheated meals include takeout leftovers such as pizza (can you tell I like pizza!), pasta, and Chinese food.
I consider this a loud microwave. It doesn’t stop conversation. Everyone can hear and talk with each other, but the microwave is definitely noisy. When done cooking, the microwave emits loud beeps, which are a great alert that the next person can use it.
I have asked my coworkers how they feel about this Avanti microwave, and all the responses are, “It’s okay.” No one raves about it, and no one curses it. I have had mixed experiences using it. The microwave cooks fine, but for a 1000 watt microwave, it takes longer than it should to completely heat food. I need to cook leftovers longer, often thinking they are done only to have to return them for more heating in the microwave. I follow manufacturer package instructions for cooking foods in a 1000 watt microwave, and still they need longer to heat.
While this is not a great inconvenience, it has ruined a few of my meals. The 5” pizzas I cook are the best example. The microwave does not cook the pizza all the way through when following the cooking instructions on the package. Naturally, I reinsert the pizza into the microwave and cook it a bit longer. Doing this hardens the crust so that the pizza is almost inedible. When I cook this same type of pizza in other microwaves, this does not happen. The pizza cooks beautifully and tastes great.
In case you are wondering, fingerprints do show on the stainless steel exterior. There are often smudge marks left by various people.
Care & Cleaning
The manufacturer recommends cleaning the oven interior with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Mild detergent can be used, but nothing harsh or abrasive. The exterior should be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Keep the control panel dry. The manufacturer says not to use detergents, abrasives or spray-on cleaners.
The glass tray can be washed in a dishwasher or in warm sudsy water. Since we don’t have a dishwasher at work, it occasionally receives a rinse in the sink.
I find it interesting that the instructions state to consult a dealer if the microwave oven light needs replacement. During a year of use, the light is still bright.
Purchasing
The company bought this Avanti microwave from Staples for $99.00.
Summary
This
Avanti Microwave Oven receives average reviews from everyone in the office. No one hates it. No one loves it. That’s why I am giving this microwave an Average rating. I’m going to recommend it with a caution to explore other brands before investing in this one. Would I purchase this model Avanti microwave for my home? No. For me, there are other microwaves that cook better than this one.
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Please read my other reviews:
Whirlpool Over-the-Range Microwave Oven
T-Fal Avante Elite Toaster Convection Oven
KitchenAid Classic Plus Hand Mixer
Keurip Ultra B50 Coffee Maker
Frigidaire Side-By-Side Refrigerator
GE Profile Refrigerator with Bottom Freezer
Broan Allure III Kitchen Oven Hood
Maytag Gemini Double-Oven Range
Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart
