Our survey team recommends that you repair any higher-end OTR microwave that's 4 years old or less and consider repairing one that's 5 to 7 years old. Replacement is recommended for any OTR microwave that's 8 years or older.
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.
If you're not sure if your microwave has been damaged, you can test it by putting a microwave-safe container with water inside and then running it for a minute. If the water isn't hot, the microwave has been damaged. If the microwave still heats, it hasn't been damaged and can still be used safely.
Microwaves older than 10 years or with faulty doors should be replaced immediately in order to reduce radiation exposure while you cook.
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.
If you've looked after it well, there's no reason why a vintage microwave should be dangerous. However, it is possible that the screen or rubber seals around the door may have perished, allowing some radiation to leak out. For peace of mind, buy a microwave leakage tester.
On average, a microwave can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance. However, many people may have microwaves that have surpassed that and are still working. While it may seem like a great cost-saving measure to keep using an old microwave, it may not be the best option in the long run.
Another way to tell if your microwave is emitting radiation is to use an EMF meter. These devices measure the amount of electromagnetic radiation in an area and can be used to detect the presence of microwaves. If you place the meter near your oven, it should register a reading.
As a magnetron ages the emitted waveform becomes less pure and “splashy". This makes it less efficient. In Radar terms a splashy magnetron has to be replaced immediately For cooking purposes the chicken will still get cooked but maybe not as quickly.
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.
If you don't clean your microwave regularly, accumulated grime and food particles can cause performance issues. This buildup can affect how your microwave heats and operates, leading to inefficiency and potential damage. Make sure to wipe down the inside of your microwave frequently to remove any spills or splatters.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, microwaves cause 4 percent of cooking-related house fires per year (PDF) and 1 percent of associated deaths. A similar percentage of homes have a range or cooktop, yet those appliances account for 62 percent of cooking fires and a whopping 89 percent of the deaths.
Slow and Inconsistent Heating
The primary function of a microwave is to heat food quickly and evenly. If you find that your microwave is taking longer than it used to or if there are cold spots in your meals, it's a clear sign that the appliance is not performing at its best.
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.
In California, for example, the only legal way to dispose of it is to go through a microwave recycling facility or retailer take-back program.
Circuit Overload Protection
If your microwave trips a breaker regularly, it could be due to a sensitive circuit breaker or a short-duration power surge. While these breakers are designed to protect your electrical system from damage, frequent tripping might indicate an underlying problem.
A small amount of rust inside a microwave isn't going to cause any serious harm if it is spotted right away and dealt with. However, if rust is left long enough, it can compromise the microwave's internal structure, and although the risk is low, it could potentially allow some radiation to leak out while it's in use.
Protection from microwave and EMF radiation
Perhaps the most important way to protect yourself from over-exposure to controlled frequencies is to never work with or near live equipment: the safest practice for controlled activities is to ensure that all radio/microwave emitters are switched off.
Don't Toss Out Your Broken Microwave
Because of their electrical components, microwave ovens are considered e-waste in some places, and improper disposal will get you some serious fines and/or into a bit of legal trouble.
Sell It Online
The average used microwave sells for $25 but the return can be up to $100 for nicer models. Start a listing with one of these popular sites: eBay.