The cost to repair a microwave is usually $70 per hour plus the price of materials . The total cost ranges from $50 to $400, averaging about $150. Most homeowners will pay $100 to $200 including labor and parts. This depends primarily on the brand, model and the broken part.
How many years does a microwave last?
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.
Are over the range microwaves worth repairing?
Because they are built-in, over-the-range microwaves may be worth repairing, especially if the unit is less than two or three years old (and, of course, if it is protected by a service warranty). The accessibility of the unit affects the repair cost, however.
Why did my microwave suddenly stop working?
The most common cause for a microwave oven not working at all is a blown main fuse . The microwave main fuse will cut the flow of electricity if too much current passes through it.
What are the signs that a microwave is going bad?
- Smoke, sparks, and burning smells. These are signs of a serious and urgent problem. ...
- Food isn't cooking properly. ...
- It makes horrible sounds as it cooks. ...
- The door doesn't seal properly. ...
- The keypad doesn't function. ...
- It's over 10 years old.
Is it worth replacing a microwave magnetron?
No matter how new your microwave or if there's only one problem, if the magnetron is out then you might as well replace the entire appliance. The magnetron is the heart of a microwave that actually makes the micro-waves. Replacing it is about equal to the cost of buying a whole new microwave, sometimes even greater .
What causes a magnetron to fail in a microwave?
Microwave does not heat
If the microwave is turned on when it is empty, this cause the magnetron to burn out . A burned magnetron has to be replaced as it cannot be repaired. Other probable causes behind this problem are faulty diodes, capacitor burn, defective door switch and transformer failure.
Which brand of microwave is the most reliable?
Microwaves from Breville, Hamilton Beach, Insignia, LG, Proctor-Silex, and Signature Kitchen Suite stand out as the most reliable brands; all six brands earn an Excellent rating. Seven of the 32 brands in our survey earn a Very Good rating.
Should I replace my 20 year old microwave?
If you take good care of your microwave up into its old age, there's a low risk of harm, but if it's damaged in any way you may want to get it checked out. If you've looked after it well, there's no reason why a vintage microwave should be dangerous.
Do microwaves get weaker with age?
Although microwave ovens lose power as they age , Anantheswaran says most consumers unconsciously adjust cooking times without realizing the oven is not performing as efficiently. “You can replace the magnetron in a microwave oven,” Anantheswaran says.
How do I fix my microwave that is not heating?
How do you fix a microwave magnetron?
Microwaves can stop responding due to software glitches or unintended microwave settings. Press the cancel/reset button to do a soft reset on your microwave . If necessary, perform a hard reset by unplugging your microwave for 30 minutes, then plug it back in.
Can a microwave be repaired?
The average cost to repair a microwave is about $150, including labor and parts . While this estimate falls on the lower end of appliance repair costs, take a moment to consider whether you're better off replacing your microwave instead.
Do old microwaves leak radiation?
If microwave ovens are used while broken or altered, it is possible for them to leak electromagnetic radiation . Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can't smell or see microwaves.
Why does my microwave turn on but not heat?
When your microwave turns on but does not heat up, it may mean the door switch is broken . The door switch signals other microwave components to supply power when closed, and to stop heating when open. The door switch can also be called an interlock switch.
Why is my microwave making a loud humming noise?
Microwave Magnetron Noise
Magnetron is part of the high voltage circuit and provides the micro waves that generate heat. If the magnetron is defective, it may cause a loud buzzing noise, which indicates that the magnetron is nearing the end of its life or might be defective .
