It can be worth replacing a magnetron in a microwave. If you’re out of warranty but the microwave is still relatively new, then it can be good value for money. If you’re not confident about replacing the part yourself though, you’ll also have to factor in the price of getting a professional to do it for you.
Is it worth getting a microwave repaired?
When your microwave problem involves a single component, it’s often worth making the repairs to fix that one thing. A broken microwave door handle, the glass plate or roller guide, for example, are common aspects that break and can quite easily be replaced.
Should I repair or replace the microwave?
When to Replace Your Microwave
- Microwave is Over 6 Years Old. The first indicator that your microwave is better off replaced is the five-year lifespan. ...
- Multiple Stacking Problems. Another indication that you should replace your microwave instead of replacing a part is if you have more than one problem to tackle.
- The Magnetron is Damaged or Burned. Finally, there’s the magnetron. ...
How much is a magnetron for a GE microwave?
Replacing a microwave magnetron costs $100 to $200. This includes a part price of $50 to $100 and $50 to $100 for labor. A magnetron is the primary component that produces heat for the appliance. This part creates microwave energy. New magnetrons cost $50 to $100. If you’re shopping for one, be sure you’ve got the right type.
How much does a new microwave cost?
The average cost of a microwave is $100 to $600. In comparison, a new microwave costs $50 to $500 for countertop models, $150 to $600 for over-the-range types, and $400 to $2,000 for built-in. Our buying guide covers microwave prices by brand, type, and size.
What is the magnetron in a microwave?
Why replace a microwave?
Why do microwaves come in one package?
What is the control panel on a microwave?
Why does my microwave spin?
What to do if microwave is scratched?
Can you repair an over the range microwave?
See 2 more
Is it worth repairing a microwave magnetron?
But when this convenient appliance stops working, is it even worth repairing? The average cost to repair a microwave is about $150, including labor and parts....Microwave Repair Cost by Type of Repair.Repair TypeCost RangeMagnetron$100 – $200Diode$55 – $125Glass Tray$80 – $160Light Bulb$55 – $1204 more rows•Jan 11, 2022
How long does a microwave magnetron last?
around 1,500-2,000 hoursA magnetron can indeed wear out over time. Most magnetrons are designed to produce around 1,500-2,000 hours of energy, but this can be as low as 500 depending on the make and model. They certainly aren't designed to last forever, but the average household should get around 6-7 years of use from the appliance.
What causes a magnetron to fail in a microwave?
The most common cause of an overheating magnetron is when too much energy is reflected back into the device. This can happen when you run your microwave empty (something you should never do), or if the turntable has been removed.
How much does a magnetron for a microwave cost?
$100 to $200Microwave Magnetron Replacement Cost Replacing a microwave magnetron costs $100 to $200. This includes a part price of $50 to $100 and $50 to $100 for labor. A magnetron is the primary component that produces heat for the appliance. This part creates microwave energy.
Is it worth fixing a microwave that won't heat?
IF the repair seems easy, simple, or straight-forward, then a repair is likely your better option. If a repair seems involved, dangerous, or requires multiple stages of repair, then repairs might not be worth your time. Expense of replacement parts should also be considered when deciding whether to enact a repair.
Is a magnetron easy to replace?
The magnetron can malfunction even in the best microwave ovens, but as long as you follow some safety guidelines carefully, it's a fairly easy fix- the bigger question is whether it's worth the trouble and cost.
How many years should 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.
How do I know if my magnetron is working?
Look at the multimeter's screen and take note of the reading. If the resistance stays below 1 ohm, then the electric filament inside the magnetron functions properly. If you get a higher reading or if the screen reads "OL", then the magnetron is faulty and should be replaced.
Why is my microwave running but not heating?
If the microwave is running but not heating your food, another possibility is the diode has burnt out. A diode allows the electrical current to flow in only one direction. If the diode fails, it could mean there is a short, which will allow the current to flow in both directions, or only part way in one direction.
What are the most common microwave repair problems?
The 10 Most Common Microwave Repair ProblemsMicrowave Plate Won't Turn. Plate. ... Microwave Won't Turn On. Wall Plug. ... Microwave Door Not Closing Properly. Door Latch Assembly. ... Microwave Door Stuck Closed. ... Microwave Doesn't Shut Off. ... Microwave Not Heating. ... Microwave Making Noise. ... Microwave Touchpad Does Not Respond.More items...•
How do you test a microwave magnetron?
0:001:20How to Test a Magnetron (MIcrowave) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so as you touch both ends of the plug you'll hear it beep. That's what it should do okay. NowMoreAnd so as you touch both ends of the plug you'll hear it beep. That's what it should do okay. Now what you'll want to do now is touch an end to of the plug. And then the casing in different areas.
Why is my microwave making a high pitched sound?
Most common causes for noisy microwave ovens In good condition, the magnetron will emit a low hum during operation. However, if the magnetron is damaged or nearly burned out, it may begin emitting high-pitched sounds or growling noises.
How do I know if my microwave is dying?
Here are the telltale signs that it's time to start shopping for a new microwave.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.
Why does my microwave make a loud buzzing 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.
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 rattling noise?
A thumping or rattling noise is often caused by the turntable plate not being placed in the microwave correctly or because of defective rollers. Check that the turntable plate and roller support are installed correctly. Check the rollers for wear and tear and debris.
What is the magnetron in a microwave?
A microwave’s magnetron is what creates the heat. It is the heart of the microwave and, like the heart, its performance indicates a microwave’s age. If your microwave is so old that the magnetron has become noisy or non-functional, it’s time for a new microwave one way or the other. Not only is replacing a magnetron a complex and costly repair, ...
Why replace a microwave?
The first is that replacement parts or labor might be more costly than a new microwave. The second reason would be if the broken part is an essential core element of the microwave, such that a replacement is equal to replacing the whole microwave.
Why do microwaves come in one package?
The reason for this is because microwaves come in one complex package. Unlike a washer or refrigerator, microwaves don’t come apart in panels. The entire cabinet must be removed for the vast majority of repairs. In addition, many cheaper microwave models are more expensive to acquire replacement parts than to replace the whole microwave. ...
What is the control panel on a microwave?
The control panel is the circuit board that handles the functions of the keypad. Programmed functions like Defrost and Popcorn are handled by the control panel, as are button-presses, timed heating, and timers. If the control panel stops working, this is a very involved repair to conduct and you’re often better off replacing the microwave than replacing the microwave’s core computer. It is also likely more cost-effective.
Why does my microwave spin?
The spinning microwave plate helps to cook food evenly , and it’s also one of the most common parts of a microwave to break. The glass (or plastic) plate inside might shatter, the roller guide might break, or the coupler might crack. All of these parts can be replaced simply by opening the microwave. The motor underneath that spins the plate can also be more easily replaced through the underside of most microwave models. So a spinning plate problem can be fixed with a repair.
What to do if microwave is scratched?
If your microwave is scratched or a piece of plastic is cracked, don’t worry. These are easy things to either fix or ignore. Microwave feet, for example, are easy to replace. This can be done with a small screw-in foot of a standard size or a small sticky foot, as is often used with furniture. Scratches can be covered or polished, and cracked non-electrical parts are often simple to glue or replace.
Can you repair an over the range microwave?
Last on the repair list is over-the-range microwaves. The kind of microwave that mounts with your upper kitchen cabinets is often a higher-end model and to mount them to the cabinets, you need a model-specific trim kit. Believe it or not, a new trim kit can cost more than a new microwave, so in this equation, it’s often more cost-effective to repair your over-the-range microwave than replace it with a new model to save on the new trim kit.
What is the magnetron in a microwave?
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. If the magnetron is busted, microwave replacement is a part of your future.
How long does a microwave last?
The first indicator that your microwave is better off replaced is the five-year lifespan. Microwaves can last a long time, but they have the shortest lifespan of household appliances. If your microwave is over 6 years and especially if it’s approaching 10 years old, you’re likely better off with a new microwave.
Can you fix a microwave door?
Surface-level repairs are often easier because they are easy to reach. You don’t need to dive into the microwave cabinet to replace or repair the broken piece.
Can you replace a microwave door handle?
Any single component can usually be replaced, especially if you can see where that component is and how it fits into the microwave design. A burnt out lightbulb is also a common one-component repair.
Can a microwave be repaired?
IF the repair seems easy, simple, or straight-forward, then a repair is likely your better option. If a repair seems involved, dangerous, or requires multiple stages of repair, then repairs might not be worth your time.
Can you tell the cost of an appliance repair?
Of course, you don’t have to know for sure immediately which option is better for you. In many cases, there’s no way to know the real cost of an appliance repair until you’ve had an inspection and consulted with a technician. Appliance repair technicians now how to quickly and safely take apart an appliance and test each of the essential components. They also often carry common replacement parts or can give you a quote on parts that need to be ordered.
Can a microwave rattle in the cabinet?
For mounted microwaves, sometimes your problem isn’t related directly to the appliance at all. If your door falls open or closed, if there’s an occlusion with the cabinet, or if the microwave rattles in its brackets, these are installation problems that can be easily solved without getting a new microwave.
How much does it cost to replace a microwave?
Replacing an integrated microwave could cost you upwards of $300, particularly when you factor in the cost of installation. If you have a high-end model from a brand such as Viking or Thermador, then it’s likely to cost a lot more. According to Angie’s List, the average cost to fix a microwave is $133, so you could stand to make a big saving by getting a repair. That’s particularly the case if you’re covered by a home warranty, with average service call fees ranging from just $60-$75.
How much do common microwave repairs cost?
Another common issue that’s relatively cheap to repair is a faulty touchpad, which can cost anywhere between $20 and $50 for parts and installation. Replacement microwave doors and even some fan repairs can also be very cost-effective.
How much does a microwave cost?
These days, you can buy a relatively good standalone microwave for around $100, with high-powered options costing another $100 or $200 more. If your microwave breaks down, then unless it is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, the cost of the microwave will be a big factor in whether you get it replaced or repaired.
Why is my microwave not heating?
If the microwave is not heating, there’s a burning smell or a snapping sound, then that could well be the cause of the fault. The magnetron will cost around $150 to replace, so depending on the cost and age of your microwave, it may be worth considering a replacement. A transformer is another expensive issue to fix.
What is the magnetron in a microwave?
A microwave’s magnetron is what creates the heat. It is the heart of the microwave and, like the heart, its performance indicates a microwave’s age. If your microwave is so old that the magnetron has become noisy or non-functional, it’s time for a new microwave one way or the other. Not only is replacing a magnetron a complex and costly repair, ...
Why replace a microwave?
The first is that replacement parts or labor might be more costly than a new microwave. The second reason would be if the broken part is an essential core element of the microwave, such that a replacement is equal to replacing the whole microwave.
Why do microwaves come in one package?
The reason for this is because microwaves come in one complex package. Unlike a washer or refrigerator, microwaves don’t come apart in panels. The entire cabinet must be removed for the vast majority of repairs. In addition, many cheaper microwave models are more expensive to acquire replacement parts than to replace the whole microwave. ...
What is the control panel on a microwave?
The control panel is the circuit board that handles the functions of the keypad. Programmed functions like Defrost and Popcorn are handled by the control panel, as are button-presses, timed heating, and timers. If the control panel stops working, this is a very involved repair to conduct and you’re often better off replacing the microwave than replacing the microwave’s core computer. It is also likely more cost-effective.
Why does my microwave spin?
The spinning microwave plate helps to cook food evenly , and it’s also one of the most common parts of a microwave to break. The glass (or plastic) plate inside might shatter, the roller guide might break, or the coupler might crack. All of these parts can be replaced simply by opening the microwave. The motor underneath that spins the plate can also be more easily replaced through the underside of most microwave models. So a spinning plate problem can be fixed with a repair.
What to do if microwave is scratched?
If your microwave is scratched or a piece of plastic is cracked, don’t worry. These are easy things to either fix or ignore. Microwave feet, for example, are easy to replace. This can be done with a small screw-in foot of a standard size or a small sticky foot, as is often used with furniture. Scratches can be covered or polished, and cracked non-electrical parts are often simple to glue or replace.
Can you repair an over the range microwave?
Last on the repair list is over-the-range microwaves. The kind of microwave that mounts with your upper kitchen cabinets is often a higher-end model and to mount them to the cabinets, you need a model-specific trim kit. Believe it or not, a new trim kit can cost more than a new microwave, so in this equation, it’s often more cost-effective to repair your over-the-range microwave than replace it with a new model to save on the new trim kit.
