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by function_seven 2049 days ago
# Microwave oven

- Default to no clock until time is set.

Yes. Nothing is more passive-aggressive than a flashing "12:00" Just be blank, it's fine.

- Quality-feel dial for function, or possibly buttons for this.

Stick with buttons for the functions, but make them real buttons that move, not membrane switches with no tactile feel. There can still be a membrane cover over it for ease of cleaning

- Dial could be pushed for start or other feature. Push again for pause. Push and hold for reset.

This must be done right, though. I hate a lot of multi-function dials that both spin and depress, because they often make it too easy to accidentally twist the knob a bit as you're depressing it. Detents should be solid and deep to avoid this.

- Door opens downward, horizontally mounted.

Heh, I'd rather it swing upward, so it's not in my way as I load or unload the oven.

2 comments

>Heh, I'd rather it swing upward, so it's not in my way as I load or unload the oven.

The main issue with this orientation is the rising steam could scold your hands. I guess having an elevating hinge to pop the door out first would largely fix the issue.

What if it was like a sliding door which treadmilled into the side of the microwave?
That would be really cool, but I'd be suspicious of long term reliability or the quality of the shielding in such a setup.

You'd have to figure out how to make it robust against bits of food and grease. I don't want to have to clean and lube the track every 6 months.

And if you did design it to be hassle-free and just as good as a plain door with respect to shielding, then I assume it's gonna be expensive :)