Microwave Parts
Quasar Microwave Ovens
I remember very clearly the first Microwave Oven we had was a Quasar Microwave Oven. I was into astronomy at the time and that name really stuck in my head. It came with a quasar microwave oven cookbook and was a huge appliance really. It still is the largest microwave I think we've had. Anyway, it was the early 80s I believe. Maybe 1982 or 1983 when we got the quasar microwave and it lasted for my parents at least until the late 1990s, in fact I think it may have lasted until after the turn of the century.
I haven't heard much of quasar microwave ovens lately though which made me wonder if they're still made. I've seen people looking for quasar microwave manuals or quasar microwave parts. In looking around a bit online I do find several people talking about 11-25 year lifespans out of these warhorses! I have seen several stories of people having to replace a fuse or a lightbulb in their quasar microwave and it kept trucking!
I think ours had the microwave function as well as something that it referred to as convection cooking and there was a little rod in the ceiling of the microwave that turned as it worked. I also think I remember a probe port in the interior side of the microwave that you could plug a thermometer or thermostat of some sort that then could be inserted into whatever you were cooking. (I think I remember that right!) It seems as though we even managed to cook a turkey in there one of the first years we had it for Thanksgiving. (I may not remember that right though it's been 25 years I guess.)
The most recent manufactured Quasar Microwave I can find was made in 1992 and I saw it listed on craigslist for sale. They mentioned that it was model MQS1108WN. They also talk about the Quasar brand being made by Mitsubishi which I didn't remember. Unfortunately I don't see many references to this brand or line of microwaves being currently available. A search at amazon only seems to turn up their Quasar Microwave Cookbook and I think that is only available used now.
It's too bad if they really aren't made anymore as they have such a reputation for long lives and reliance. (Of course, I suppose from a marketing point of view that could be considered a problem when it comes to repeat buyers.)
The shortest running Quasar microwave that I've seen reference to is a model MQ7755YW. It looks as though if you do have a problem with your quasar and it's not a light bulb or fuse you may have some real problems getting replacement parts these days as many repair shops seem to be reporting that they just can't get the replacement parts for quasar microwaves anymore. Too bad as I really felt like Quasar really was a pioneer of the microwave in some ways.