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Common Technical Flaws in Microwave Ovens

microwave replacement

The microwave oven was an incredible advancement and has significantly simplified tedious processes in the kitchen. Reheating food doesn’t require playing with fire around a stove anymore and is quick and easy with a few button pushes. Despite their simplicity in use, however, they are highly advanced appliances and malfunctions can be difficult to handle for a novice.

Knowing how to approach repairs can be difficult as finding what caused the malaise can be a headache in its own right. Unless you’re confident about fixing machines, finding an expert to help make repairs is usually the right way to go. The good news is, the internet makes it as simple as typing up appliance repair Hamilton near me in any popular search engine available in Canada. 

Some of the most common malfunctions and solutions are:

  • Sparking inside the oven

  • Food not heating up

  • The plate not spinning as intended

  • The microwave starting and stopping sporadically

Sparks

Seeing sparks going off alongside your meal can be a terrifying sight but doesn’t actually have to mean doom for your appliance if handled quickly. This typically occurs when there is metal within the oven while it’s running, causing a build-up of charged particles. Removing the object quickly is vital to preserving your microwave oven. 

In rare cases, sparking can be a sign of faulty diodes or even a broken-down waveguide. These are issues that will require thorough repairs. 

Cold Meals

In case your food is no longer heating up, it’s most likely an issue with the magnetron. Sadly, a busted magnetron that’s burned out cannot actually be repaired and will need replacing. It’s recommended to turn to a professional in case you’re not experienced with making similar repairs. 

Standing Still

The glass plate in the microwave oven is one of the most important moving parts when it comes to making sure your food is properly warmed up. It serves two purposes in that process. The plate rotations ensure that the heat is evenly distributed and that any excess energy is absorbed. 

In case the plate isn’t functioning properly and has stopped spinning or is spinning inconsistently, your meals might not be receiving an even distribution of heat when warming up. This usually means that there’s a broken motor that needs replacing. Thankfully, it’s a pretty simple repair to make.

False Start

If your microwave stops working right after you set it to go, despite not meeting its time requirements, you’re likely looking at a broken door seal. This might mean that your oven believes that the door is open. It should be a straightforward process to prop up the sealing material. Replacing it might also be worthwhile to extend the longevity of your appliance. Making sure your microwave door closes properly will ensure that it will continue operating without sporadic abruptions.