I don't know how long microwave pasta makers have been around but I wish I'd had one of these gadgets long ago,...especially in Summer because when it's over 90 degrees outside, my kitchen is already hot without ever turning my stove on.This pasta maker does an excellent job cooking without heating up the kitchen. The time in cooking and cleanup it saves over the traditional method is amazing! In the time it takes me to cook pasta in water on the stove, we can be finished with dinner and the cleanup.I've cooked spaghetti successfully to perfection following the instructions that came with this for a 900 W micro @ 8 minutes/ 2 servings. (Al dente results) I guessed my way through cooking Rigatoni successfully, which required a few minutes more than the shortest amount of time that the pasta box suggested for the stovetop method. I guessed at the water and made sure not to overfill, and the pasta turned out perfectly. It will take more experimentation to calculate various pasta timing and water addition amounts.When the pasta is done, I have found that it works best for me to place the straining lid on it AFTER removing the container from the microwave, making sure that I have a good grip on it before removal. If you slipped and dropped it or moved it around too much while removing it, you could easily scald yourself. (slow and steady is the way to go..)I'm glad I discovered this microwave pasta maker. It makes my life easier.