What are the signs that a microwave is going bad
What are the signs that a microwave is going bad. The microwave is a great convenience, whether built-in or just resting on the counter. It can quickly heat popcorn, cook or thaw frozen food, and boil water.
You might find that your microwave is the secret ingredient to some of your recipes! It’s also great when you’re sick or tired, and cooking is out of the question.
The microwave is also easy to use for younger members of the family and relatively easy to clean up after any explosive contents. But nothing lasts forever, not even microwaves.
Modern microwaves are typically designed to last only a few years, if not a decade, before needing to be replaced.
You can try to extend the life of your microwave by performing regular repairs and replacing parts as required, but you’ll eventually need to replace it.
What are the signs that a microwave is going bad
We will discuss here some signs that a microwave is going bad.
Sparks and Shouldering Odors
If you see any of these signs, it means you’ve got a big problem on your hands.
Cut power to the microwave immediately by unplugging it, and don’t try to turn it back on no matter what.
If there’s smoke or sparks, or you can smell something burning, it’s too late, and there’s no going back. Your microwave is failing, so it’s time to get a new one.
Food is not being cooked properly
Microwaves are amazing because they cook food so much faster than other methods. But if you notice your microwave isn’t cooking as quickly as it used to, or not, there might be a problem.
A good way to test if your microwave is losing power is to cook one cup of water on high for two minutes. If the water isn’t boiling, it might be time for a new microwave.
Microwave is Extremely Loud
All microwaves make some noise–this is perfectly normal. You might hear a soft roar or a low hum from your microwave, which is to be expected.
However, if you feel like your microwave is suddenly getting louder, or if it’s the loudest thing in the room, this could indicate a problem.
More specifically, it could mean that a mechanical part of the microwave is no longer functioning properly. In some cases, the sound comes from the drive motor, which can be replaced relatively easily.
However, in other cases, the sound comes from the magnetron, which means you’ll need to replace the entire microwave.
The Door Handle Will Fail
If your microwave door has a handle, it’s a popular hot spot in your home. Depending on the family, cooking style, and cravings, your microwave door might be open hundreds of times daily.
Your microwave door handle needs to be sturdy and intact. If you have a crack in your microwave door, it’s not the end of the world.
You can either try to replace the handle yourself or hire a professional appliance repair technician.
If you want to replace the handle yourself, just be aware that you’ll need to be comfortable taking the door apart.
Confirming the source of your problem is the first step, and then you can decide whether or not you want to tackle the repair yourself or have someone else do it for you.
FAQs
How long should a microwave be used before it needs to be replaced?
The average microwave oven only lasts for seven years with normal use. If you have a large family who relies on the appliance to heat snacks and leftovers or defrost meals.
You may find yourself replacing it every four to five years. To help your microwave oven last longer, give it some TLC by practicing good maintenance habits.
How can you tell if your microwave is emitting radiation?
If you don’t hear a ring from your microwave, it’s not leaking any radiation. However, if you hear a ringing noise, then it is most likely that your microwave is leaking radiation.
But don’t worry too much about it! Even if your microwave leaks, the chances of it being harmful to your health are slim.
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