Can Cut-to-Size Save You Money?
February 20, 2013 | Money Saving Tips | No comments
As an alternative to buying genuine replacement parts there will often be a universal option available. This is especially true when it comes to consumable items such as filters. In many cases to make these universal parts fit your machine you may have to adapt them in some way. Sometimes this is as simple as manually extending the part like in the case of the universal oven shelf, but for others you will need to cut them to size. In this post we focus on a couple of cut-to-size products and discuss the advantages.
Microwave Wave Guide Covers
The purpose of a microwave waveguide cover is to shield the opening through which the microwaves enter the oven cavity. Microwaves are produced by the Magnetron behind the control panel and the waveguide cover prevents food particles and moisture getting into the internal workings of the microwave. During use or cleaning your waveguide cover can become damaged and may need to be replaced.
Microwave waveguide covers are usually made of mica and it is possible to purchase genuine replacements designed to fit a specific model of microwave, however you can also buy larger sheets that can be cut-to-size. If you do opt for the universal sheet then you will need to use the old waveguide as a template if it is still in one piece or alternatively measure the opening to construct your own.
This might sound like a lot of extra effort, so is it worth it? The simple answer is yes. A universal sheet such as the BuySpares waveguide cover is often cheaper than buying the genuine replacement whilst delivering comparable performance – so it’s good for the pocket. Depending on your microwave model you may be able to cut several filters from the one sheet, meaning you have always got a spare should the problem reoccur.
Cooker Hood Filters
Cooker hood filters don’t last forever and they need to be replaced regularly, often twice a year. With this in mind it can be handy to keep cooker hood filters in the house so you can replace them as soon as they become saturated. Similarly to the waveguide covers, universal cooker hood filters can be a cheaper alternative to genuine parts and if purchased in a large sheet or roll they can be used several times.
Other popular cut-to-size products include vacuum cleaner filters, fridge shelves and deep fat fryer filters.
Tags: Cooker Hood Filters, Microwave Waveguide Covers, Vacuum Cleaner Filters