Issues with the door switch, internal fuse, magnetron, diode, high-voltage capacitor, and electronic control board are common causes of microwave malfunctions, requiring repair or replacement by a technician.
Misset functions or broken parts are often to blame when your microwave is not heating up. Settings like Control Lock Mode, Demo Mode or power levels set too low may be preventing food from cooking, or more complex causes like a broken magnetron, door switch or high voltage diode could be the source of the problem.
Smoke, sparks, and burning odor are the primary signs that signal the last days of a microwave. Other problems like unexplained loud noise, prolonged or faster cooking, loose door hinge, and malfunctioning keypad are signs to invest in a new microwave.
The average microwave oven lasts about seven years with normal use, yet even less with heavy use and poor maintenance. A large family may find themselves replacing their appliance every four to five years as they become more reliant on its use to heat snacks and leftovers or to defrost meals.
It may be a damaged power cord, a bad fuse, or a malfunctioning circuit board – all of which are issues with the microwave itself. This microwave failure may also be from a natural cause. Have there been any power surges or storms near you? That can cook the wiring in your appliance.
Understanding the most common parts that can break in a microwave, such as the magnetron, door switches, turntable, control panel, and high voltage components, can help users identify issues early and seek professional repairs or replacements.
Reasons: Control panel issues: A malfunctioning control panel can prevent the microwave from responding to your inputs. Fuse problems: Blown fuses can interrupt the power supply to the microwave. Power cord damage: A damaged or disconnected power cord can prevent the microwave from receiving power.
On average, microwaves last 7-8 years.
If the cost of repairing a microwave comes close to or exceeds the price of a new one, it might make more financial sense to replace it. However, if the costs of repairing are relatively low and the microwave isn't too old, it could be worth repairing the microwave.
As the best microwave overall, we chose the Panasonic Microwave Oven; it combines a 1,200-watt motor with a compact exterior. If you're looking to save money and space, the Commercial Chef Countertop Microwave is the best budget microwave: simple but effective, much like microwave cooking itself.
The most likely cause is that the diode, which increases the voltage to the magnetron, has burned out. If this is the case, then the magnetron can't receive enough power to generate microwaves. These can usually be replaced for a low cost.
One of the most common issues with a malfunctioning Magnetron is the lack of heating. If your microwave is running but not producing heat, it could be due to a faulty Magnetron, burned-out filament, or a malfunctioning high-voltage diode.
Heat the water for exactly 2 minutes and 30 seconds on the High power level. The High power level is the default heat setting on the Microwave. A temperature rise in the range of 28 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 22 degrees Celsius) indicates that the Microwave oven is heating/cooking properly.
Generally, metal pans or aluminum foil should also not be used in a microwave oven, as the microwaves are reflected off these materials causing the food to cook unevenly and possibly damaging the oven. The instructions that come with each microwave oven indicate the kinds of containers to use.
Repair versus replace
Ilya Uvaydov, owner of Urban Appliances Repair in Daly City, California, says the only microwaves he typically repairs are high-end models made by Viking, Thermador and other luxury brands. The cost to fix these units ranges from $200 to $600, depending on the problem.
The average microwave oven lasts about seven years with normal use, and even less with heavy use and poor maintenance. A large family may find themselves replacing their appliance every four to five years as they become more reliant on its use to heat up snacks and leftovers, or to defrost meals.
Issues with the door switch, internal fuse, magnetron, diode, high-voltage capacitor, and electronic control board are common causes of microwave malfunctions, requiring repair or replacement by a technician.
Magnetron Replacement
The magnetron is the heating technology that powers your microwave. Without it, your food is as good as cold. Replacing a microwave magnetron costs between $100 and $200 on average.
"Microwaves alter the taste of food, take up a lot of room and make nearly everything mushy," she says. Nicole Robina, a publicist, agrees with Shortt that conventional ovens are the way to go. "Everything tastes better when you heat it up in the oven," she says. "It's worth the extra time."
Take Your Microwave to an Electronic Waste Recycling Center
If your local recycling center doesn't accept appliances, you can check with an environmental conservation group such as GreenCitizen, which accepts mail-ins. Send your microwave to them and they will recycle it for you for a small fee.
If the inner case is damaged, rusted, with holes, or not making a perfect seal with door, radiation can leak. This is dangerous to humans. Also, if the damage is severe, the magnetron gets very hot and fails. Or in rare cases, the power supply may catch fire.
If the Microwave is overheating and shutting itself down, this is caused by high voltage parts inside the unit getting too hot the leading the thermal cut-out switch to be activated as a safe feature to prevent further overheating.