Tag Archives: microwave repair

Is My Microwave Broken or Just Quirky?

A broken microwave is a huge hassle, but sometimes if you do some troubleshooting, you can get it working again.

Microwave ovens aren’t as simple and straightforward as your stove or your refrigerator, and sometimes you may have simply come upon a quirk in the design or programming. Some models are so complex, in fact, that users never learn all of their options and functions.

Vent Fan Won’t Turn Off

Has the vent fan attached to your built-in microwave ever turned on, seemingly by itself, and refused to shut off no matter how many times you pressed the off switch? Some models come equipped with a temperature-sensing safety feature that activates the fan when it reaches a potentially dangerous level of heat, usually 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once whatever you’re cooking drops below that temperature, the fan will shut off just as mysteriously.

Nothing on the Control Panel Works

You’re ready to nuke your popcorn for family movie night, but suddenly pushing the control buttons renders no response whatsoever. Don’t panic. It’s possible that someone has accidentally activated your model’s control lock.

Designed to prevent kids from cooking their crayons, this feature is usually activated by pressing and holding the designated lock button or combination. Bonus hint: Use this handy feature when you want to clean the keypad without turning the thing on six times.

Bluetooth Devices and WiFi Signals Drop while Cooking

You may not have made the connection yet, but microwaves work within the same spectrum of radio waves as most wireless devices, including Bluetooth, cordless phones and Wi-Fi networks. It’s actually pretty common to lose connection or have interference when someone turns on the oven.

Steam and Condensation in or around the Door

Have you ever looked over to see steam or vapor pouring out around the microwave door while something is cooking? Don’t worry, radiation isn’t pouring out along with it. Most models are equipped with vents designed to allow steam to escape; this prevents the unit from overheating.

On particularly cool, humid days, this phenomenon is likely to be especially noticeable. You also may notice condensation between the double glass panels of the door. This is also totally normal, unless it fails to dissipate within a day or two.

Unfortunately, sometimes the suspected quirks in your home appliances may actually signal a real problem. At Complete Appliance Repair, serving Woods Cross, Utah, and the neighboring communities, we specialize in the sales, installation, repair and maintenance of all types of home appliances.

Call us today if your microwave or other appliance is broken, or if you need a friendly, professional maintenance call.

Is it Time for Microwave Repair or Replacement?

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Calling for microwave repair might be your first impulse if yours goes on the fritz. Before you make that call, however, consider whether it may be time to replace it instead. Microwaves are relatively inexpensive, so you may think you should just buy a new one. But then again, repair could be the better option, particularly if yours is an easy fix or if your model will be difficult to replace. Deciding between repair and replacement is a matter of looking at a few key factors.

Common Microwave Problems

As one of the most-used kitchen appliances, the microwave can suffer a lot of wear and tear. Problems can range from something as simple as a burned-out bulb or damaged door latch to more complicated issues like a broken circuit board or a faulty magnetron. (Yes, that’s a microwave part, not a character in a Marvel comic!) Chances are, unless you are skilled at home appliance repair, you may not know the cause of your problem. Many common issues have simple and inexpensive solutions, so it may be good idea to get a free repair estimate from a qualified technician.

When to Consider Microwave Repair

Is your microwave still under warranty? If so, you certainly want to contact the manufacturer for further instructions. If your warranty has expired, take a look at the price of a similar new microwave and compare that to the cost of repairs to decide which option is more cost-effective. Often, small problems can be fixed at a fraction of the cost of a new appliance, especially if yours is built-in. Built-in microwaves can be expensive and challenging to replace, so repair is often the best option for these units.

When Microwave Replacement Makes Sense

Replacing your microwave is the obvious choice if the repair estimate exceeds the price of a new appliance. But you may want to consider replacement for other reason as well. If your unit is over 3 years old, a new model will be more energy-efficient. Or, you might decide to buy another microwave if you discover that newer models have additional features you simply must have. When thinking about replacement, you may also want to consider how much use your microwave gets. If yours takes a daily beating, a new one may be the way to avoid future problems.

If you need help deciding between repair and replacement for your damaged microwave, contact Complete Appliance Repair in North Salt Lake. Our highly trained technicians can troubleshoot your oven and provide a free estimate for repairs. We can also help you weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a new model versus investing in repairs on your existing appliance. Contact us today for all of your home appliance service needs, including microwave repair.

Troubleshooting a Microwave

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Troubleshooting a microwave oven can be confusing, to say the least. A mass of electronic components and dangerous electricity, microwave ovens are not generally a DIY-friendly appliance when it comes to repairs. But before reaching out to an appliance repair service, you can try a few fixes on your own. Often, you may find that the problem is related to user error or a simple tripped circuit breaker in your home. If those solutions don’t work, it may be time to make that call.

Is the Problem Related to User Error?

Even if you’ve owned your microwave oven for years, mental lapses can result in the occasional user error. Check to be sure you have selected the proper power setting and cooking time, and that you haven’t accidentally selected some random automatic cycle setting that’s messing up the works. Break out your user’s manual if necessary, or find an online version if the book is long gone. Check online appliance forums also, to see if someone else has experienced – and resolved – an issue similar to the one you are experiencing. Make sure the door is fully closed and properly latched, and that the oven is plugged in.

Is the Problem Electrical?

First, to be clear: Electricity kills! Always unplug your appliances before attempting to troubleshoot any problem. To determine if you have an electrical problem outside of the microwave, try plugging it in to a different outlet and seeing if that improves your results. Or, if that is not a logistical possibility, try plugging something else into the outlet where the unit was plugged in. This way, you can identify any possibility of a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Sometimes a microwave on the fritz will cause the breaker to trip. If you have a repeat failure in a second outlet, the oven is likely the problem. If you have a hard-wired unit, skip this step and call a professional repair service. If the problem is with the outlet, call an electrician.

No Heat, No Rotation and “Funny Noise” Issues

A common microwave complaint occurs when the carousel (also known as the turntable) doesn’t rotate. Most often, this occurs when the glass plate is not properly seated on its ring or platform. Some glass plates have protrusions that fit a specific way in the platform. Check to be sure yours is right-side up and properly aligned. If your microwave seems to be working properly but no heat is produced while it’s running, you may have a faulty magnetron, fuse or other internal component. No good can come from trying to repair this yourself, so don’t hesitate to call a professional. If the unit makes a disturbing growling sound, this can also indicate a serious problem. Once you rule out a foreign object trapped under the carousel, it may be safe to assume you have a capacitor problem. Turn the unit off, unplug it and contact a professional before you try to use it again.

Complete Appliance Repair, serving Salt Lake City and the neighboring communities, specializes in appliance repair in residential and commercial settings. Don’t risk incurring additional damage to your appliances. If you experience a problem, contact their professional service department for help troubleshooting a microwave.

Microwave Maintenance Hints

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The microwave oven is truly a modern marvel, allowing us to do things in minutes that used to take hours. Microwaves are surprisingly durable as well, with long life spans and trouble-free operation. If you have an over the stove unit or range hood combo, having the microwave repaired or replaced can become expensive, and you run the risk of not being able to match your current appliance package. By following a few simple tips, you can extend the life of your microwave and ensure that it keeps doing a great job for you and your family for many years.

How to Clean Your Microwave

Experts recommend cleaning your microwave weekly. Use a mild detergent (ideally one recommended by the manufacturer) but never use any type of abrasive cleaning product or tool. Take special care on the touch pad and labeled services, as some products will remove the lettering. If you have stuck-on food particles inside, heat water in a microwave-safe container for a couple of minutes to produce steam. This will help soften any difficult spots so you can wipe them away. Check the manual, but you can typically clean the glass carousel tray safely in your dishwasher.

Conduct Periodic Microwave Inspections

It is a good idea to inspect your microwave at least monthly. Inspect the door seal for damage and clean any built-up debris that may prevent the door from sealing completely. Inspect the cord and plug for damage and ensure that the unit is plugged in securely. Look at the electrical outlet for any sign of arcing or overheating of the cord. Finally, vacuum the grilles and ventilation holes to remove dust and debris which can cause overheating.

What’s that Noise Coming from My Microwave

Microwaves make noise when operating and chances are you’re pretty familiar with the sound of yours. If you detect a change in the sound or any unusual noises coming from the microwave, it may indicate an impending failure or the need for a service call. A squeaking sound in your carousel microwave may mean a belt that needs replacing. Any type of unusual humming, popping, or buzzing noise may indicate a failed diode, capacitor, or magnetron.

DIY microwave service is definitely not something you should attempt based on the serious risk of electrical shock. Your local appliance service shop can handle replacing belts, lubricating the microwave motor, or repairing leaky doors or seals. Have professional maintenance service done periodically, to ensure a longer, healthier life for your microwave and safety for your family.