You don't realize how much you use your microwave until you don't have one. Seriously, what did people do before they were invented in 1946? (Or the '70s and '80s, when most U.S. households started getting microwaves.)

Even if you have a toaster oven, a slow cooker, and a rice cooker, there's nothing that replaces that speed and convenience. 

Whether yours is busted, crusted in the last tenant's food explosions, or your current landlord decided you just didn't need one (New York apartments or notorious for this), splurging on a new microwave is something you'll have to budget for at least once. Read more...