10 Common Problems with a Microwave Oven & How to Solve It

Last Updated on 15 February, 2024 by Sourav Roy

Who would have thought that a microwave would become such an integral part of our daily routine? At this point, there is no household without a microwave anymore.

Common Problems with a Microwave Oven

Bringing home the best microwave oven is one thing; maintaining it is a different ball game altogether. Just like any other home appliance, a microwave oven can malfunction as well. However, you don’t have to worry about that. The good news is that you do not have to rush to buy a new one. In case of any fault, you can fix it easily.

After speaking to many users, we have compiled a list of common microwave oven problems. The information we’ll provide will certainly help you out, as we will reveal the easiest ways you can deal with them. So, let us look into all possible microwave oven problems and solutions.

 

10 Common Microwave oven Problems & Solutions:

 

1. Burning Smell from the Microwave

If you smell a burning odour from your microwave, then we advise you to act immediately. There are several reasons which could lead to this smell. It could be due to some leftover burnt pieces of food, which have stayed inside the microwave for a while. Using a non-microwave plastic dish can also cause this disturbing smell. The worst reason could be a fault in the wiring.

How do you fix this?

Burning Smell from the Microwave Fixing

  • Avoiding the first situation is very easy. It would help if you kept the inside clean. Make sure to do so after every use. Some simple home solutions can help you eradicate this smell. Lime and water solution works well in banishing the unwanted smell.
  • Leaving coffee beans inside the microwave for a couple of hours can do the magic as well. What else? Baking soda, vinegar, vanilla and berries.
  • In case of any faulty wirings, call the technician right away. The longer you wait, the more problems you invite.
  • Lastly, there is a reason why we have so many options of microwave-safe dishes available in the market today. Using a non-microwave plastic dish is a big no. It will cause the plastic to melt, produce a burning smell and even damage your appliance in some ways.

 

2. Microwave Takes Too Long To Warm Food

This is one of the most common microwave problems. Most people have already experienced it at one point. One common reason for that is filling up the microwave with too much food. You may also experience this issue due to the magnetron malfunction. Using unsuitable cookware or placing the food wrong can also block the heat, reducing the microwave’s efficiency.

How do you fix this?

microwave oven magnetron replacement

  • Adding too much food quantity at one go is the biggest mistake we all tend to do. It will only result in lowering the microwave temperature. As a result, the food will take a long time to warm up. If you want to heat a large portion of food, the best option is to divide the quantity. It will get done faster.
  • A magnetron is the main component of a microwave. To put it simply- a magnetron generates microwave energy. In case of a malfunction, the food will not heat up at all. The only way out to fix this problem is to get it replaced.
  • We want to emphasise how important it is to use the right cookware once again. Using inappropriate material will block heat radiations.

 

3. Microwave Ceiling Heats Up

Not everyone is well versed with this. But it’s not rocket science. A microwave comprises a wave-guide cover, which is plastic on the top. It is designed to protect the appliance from food particles getting accumulated in the inner section. In the case of tiny food particles on the cover, expect it to get re-cooked and generate heat. It will cause the ceiling to get hot.

How do you fix this?

replace a waveguide cover on a microwave

It would be best if you kept this section completely clean. Scrape off all the tiny molecules and burnt spots, if any. We recommend you do it with a sponge, damp cloth or paper towel. However, if it does not get managed to be clean, do not hold back. Replace the cover immediately.

 

4. Microwave Stopping Mid-way

This problem with a microwave could occur due to various breakdowns. It can arise due to a complication with the thermostat, door switch, transformer, fan motor, touch panel or capacitor.

How do you fix this?

If you are looking for smooth functioning, keeping all the above components intact is a must. Though, we don’t recommend you indulge in repairing it yourself. Seeking expert help is the best possible solution, if possible. Some of these parts are covered in the warranty. So, you can save some extra bucks.

 

5. Noisy Operation

Operating a microwave should be a silent affair. If you hear any unusual sound, your appliance is in for some trouble. Loud and irritating noises could be due to the burning up of the magnetron, turntable motor, fan motor and wearing out of the stirrer motor.

How do you fix this?

microwave noise repair

Replacing these components at the right time is important. There comes the point where you cannot repair them. It is best to substitute them before they damage the appliance.

 

6. Microwave Light Does Not Turn On While Running

Just like the refrigerator, a microwave also has a bulb for you to keep a check on everything inside. This bulb lights up when you turn on the appliance and carry out some operations. There is no way you can turn it off. Is your microwave light not turning on during operation?

How do you fix this?

How to Replace a Microwave Bulb

The most obvious way to fix this microwave problem is to get the light replaced. However, if you face the same issue despite doing so, there is a problem with the wiring or main control board. In fact, something concerning that you must always be aware of. If you notice the light being dim, it may be due to the overloading of the circuit.

 

7. Microwave Door Not Closing

There is no way you can operate the microwave without closing the door. The light will surely turn on; however, there will be no energy radiation. Hence, the oven will not do what it is supposed to. So, the microwave door must close properly. This problem with the microwave may arise due to a broken spring or a loose latch assembly.

How do you fix this?

Repair Microwave Door Latch

You can tighten the latch and fix the spring yourself if you are equipped with all the screws and are experienced. If not, you should always take professional help. As a side note, always make sure to unplug the appliance before you go ahead with anything.

 

8. Microwave Turntable Not Spinning

Are you aware of what leads to the microwave turntable not spinning? Uneven distribution of heat. You may have some parts of your food to be hot and some to be cold. Now let us get to what causes this problem- faulty motor, coupler and guide rollers. Dirt accumulation underneath the turntable may also cause it not to spin.

How do you fix this?

How to Replace a Microwave Oven Turntable Motor

The most apparent reason for this could be a faulty motor, which is placed below the plate. All you have to do is get it replaced. It would help if you also looked into the coupler and guide rollers to ensure no damage. Once you are sorted with all of the above, make sure of no debris and dirt left. That can certainly block the turntable movement.

If you clear it all and still have the issue, there is yet something that is not visible but may be a huge hindrance. Detach the glass plate and check if it has been damaged from the bottom. If yes, replace it with a new one.

 

9. Microwave Touchpad Does Not Respond Sometimes

Ever come across a situation wherein your touchpad stops responding? We know it can be frustrating. With time, most people have faced this problem with their microwave. Sometimes the entire keypad stops to respond, and sometimes only a few indicators work. In any situation, you need to be prompt at getting it fixed. This problem can occur due to a fault in the switchboard or simply because the control panel being too dirty. Some advanced microwaves do come with a child lock feature. In case of activation, the other switches stop responding.

How do you fix this?

How To Repair Microwave Oven Touch Pad

  • In case it’s dirty, you can fix the issue easily. Clean it as often as you can. Using any soapy solution should do the works. Make sure you wipe it off well with a dry cloth.
  • Where technical disruptions are concerned, please do not leave them unattended for long. Replacing the touchpad without specialised knowledge of how a microwave works can lead to unwanted consequences. Therefore, calling a skilled person is the best option.

 

10. Food Exploding In The Microwave

Have we all gone through this? Many of our engineers certainly have. It is not a major problem. However, the after-effects could be troublesome. Leaving food uncovered is going to lead you here. This microwave problem is usually a result of laziness. Also, heating food for a long time can cause this outburst. Especially food items with large water content.

How do you fix this?

Use Microwave Covers to cover food

  • No matter what food item you put inside, remember to cover it even if it is as simple as heating your chappatis or just warming water.
  • Do not keep the heating duration on for a long time. To be on the safe side, you could always check the process mid-way.

 

Wrapping Up:

You are, undoubtedly, aware of the most common microwave problems and solutions now. Are you feeling like an expert? Well, you should. There’s no room for confusion anymore. You know exactly what has to be done. Have you encountered any other problems barring the ones mentioned above? Get in touch with us. We’ll be more than happy to help you.

If you plan to get your hands on the best microwave, go ahead and check our blog on the 9 best microwave ovens in India 2024.

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