Why Is My Microwave Not Heating? Following an extremely tiring day, the usual evening kicks in and you feel like indulging in a tasty snack. You then remove the container from the refrigerator and place it in the microwave. You think that 90 seconds ought to heat it perfectly. Patiently you wait until that alert sounds off. Upon reaching for the supposedly hot container, you find that it is still COLD!
If your microwave isn’t working, it could be caused by a variety of components. Check out these troubleshooting tips to determine whether you need to repair or replace it.
Common mistakes tell why your microwave is not heating
1. You are misusing the timer
Ensure you are not setting the timer to begin cooking several hours ahead of time. If it isn’t generating warmth, give thought to if you put in the delay timer to start cooking afterwards.
Solution: You can unplug it momentarily to restructure the system if the timer is not easily removed.
2. You are using items not microwavable
There are unsafe items to heat up in a microwave.
Too much heat can damage your appliances or even your house. Additionally,defrosting meat in a microwave doesn’t guarantee it is safe; there may be bacteria present.
3. You are putting food that should not be microwaved
Microwaves are useful for heating leftovers, water, and fat molecules. Yet some foods, unfortunately, cannot be heated up in the microwave like frozen meat, whole eggs, fat-free and dry food.
So if your food isn’t getting warm quickly or at all, it might be due to the type of the food itself.
Common reasons why your microwave is not heating
1. The high-voltage diode
The diode, placed near the microwave panel controls, is a crucial component for powering the magnetron. Without it, the microwave won’t be able to spin up or heat food.
Solution: Unplug the microwave, then use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the front cabinet panel.
With the help of a good multimeter, measure the polarity of the diode.
When measuring resistance, you should find a lower value in one direction and a bigger value in the opposite direction.
If these readings are not present or the multimeter shows continuity on both ends, then you need to replace that diode with a new one.
The other case is the diode indicates the correct direction. In this case, a certified technician should examine the power circuits.
Safety warning
It’s best to have a professional service your microwave, since attempting the repairs on your own poses a serious safety hazard.
Even after being unplugged, the high-voltage capacitor in a microwave is capable of holding a lethal amount of electricity.
2. Door switch
Doors on older microwaves may not lock correctly if they’re slammed regularly, as the door switch can malfunction.
Installing a safety feature like a microwave door lock is a good idea to ensure safe operation.
If the lights remain lit when the door is closed and the microwave isn’t operating, the door switch is faulty.
Solution: You can investigate this issue by using the following steps:
- Disconnect the appliance.
- Unscrew the external bolts and take off the outer cover of the cabinet.
- To check if a switch is energized, use a multimeter.
- To unlock the microwave door, press the release button and check that the switches are working correctly.
- If the microwave terminals show a reading of zero, then you know that the switches are functioning correctly. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace them.
3. The magnetron
The magnetron produces the necessary heat for microwaves to work.
If a magnetron malfunctions, it can blow fuses which could lead to additional problems with the microwave.
Solution: To determine if the magnetron is functioning correctly, you can;
- Disconnect the unit, take out the cabinet cover, and carefully discharge the high-voltage capacitor.
- Taking out the magnetron.
- A multimeter can be used to measure the voltage across terminals. If the magnetron is functioning properly, they should measure a resistance of between 2 and 3 ohms.
- Subsequently, take a probe and press it against the metal casing covering the magnetron; if you get a reading of zero, something is wrong.
After discharging the capacitor with a rubber-handled screwdriver, this step can be completed.
It’s best to have a qualified technician take care of replacing the magnetron, as working with high voltage is hazardous.
A professional can take care of the magnetron diagnostics if that’s what you want.
If the magnetron in your microwave is no longer functioning, it may be worthwhile to replace the entire appliance, depending on its age.
Read also: Is Microwave Better or OTG?
4. Thermal Fuse / Thermal Protector
Like other heating appliances, microwaves are designed with safety mechanisms to prevent overheating. Usually done with fuses. It cuts off power when the appliance gets too hot.
Solution: involves replacing the thermal fuse or Thermo protector.
It is a straightforward solution. However, when attempting to access the microwave, e cautious of the high-voltage capacitor. It is hazardous.
The component might not be near the high-voltage capacitor, but you can refer to a diagram of your microwave model and attempt to replace it safely. Be aware that this is a dangerous action, though.
It is highly recommended to reach professional support for solving your microwave issues.
5. Control Board
The control board in a microwave operates similarly to a computer’s motherboard, managing all its functions.
If it doesn’t work, you’ll have no control.
If it’s not working properly, it’s unlikely that the microwave will even power on or work correctly. Sadly, replacing this part is very challenging. If your microwave is not new, think about getting a new one.
Read also: Are mason jars microwave-safe?
Frequently asked questions
What is a magnetron?
A magnetron is an electronic device that converts electrical energy into microwave radiation. It is used in microwave ovens to generate heat and cook food.
What are the tools used when troubleshooting my microwave?
1. Rubber-handled screwdrivers,
2. Safety goggles,
3. Protective gloves.
4. Diagrams of your microwave model
5. Replacement parts from the manufacturer.
6. Appliance tester or multimeter to help diagnose any electrical issues.
7. A rubber-handled screwdriver. It helps discharge the capacitor and is used before attempting to replace the thermal protector.
It is important to unplug the appliance from the power source before attempting any repairs.
What is the control board in the microwave used for?
The control board in the microwave is responsible for controlling all of the functions of the appliance. It is responsible for:
1. Powering on and off
2. Setting cooking times
3. Regulating temperatures and much more features.
What is the best way to clean and maintain my microwave for optimum performance?
The best way to clean and maintain your microwave for optimum performance is to:
1. regularly wipe down the interior and exterior of the appliance with a damp cloth.
2. Additionally, you should also check the door seals for any signs of wear or damage, as this can affect the performance of your microwave.
3. It is also important to keep the vents free from dust and debris, as this can cause overheating.
4. Finally, it is recommended that you replace any worn-out parts such as fuses or control boards. This ensures that your microwave is working properly.
Read also: What Is Microwave Grill Oven?
