[theclaw]

My cheap unbranded microwave has a dial to set the power (which is always on max) and a clockwork dial to set the time, which also starts the oven when turned.

This is the best UX of any microwave I’ve ever had - I can start it with the correct time in a single action just by feel - I don’t even have to look at it.

I very much doubt it has any firmware to speak of, or what feature such firmware could possibly offer that would improve my experience.

[userbinator]

I agree completely. Knobs are very intuitive and self-indicating. The very first microwaves used that UI:

https://www.radarange.com/

[bschwindHN]

A dial for power and a dial for time is the way to go. Everything else is just overcomplicating the solution.