If you don’t quite know where to start with microwave maintenance, here are five simple tips you can use to keep your microwave heating your food!
Microwaves are an essential household appliance. Without them, it becomes difficult to prepare food or reheat leftovers. The unique way microwaves function accelerates many steps in the cooking process. While every step could probably be done using a stovetop or oven, it is more practical and convenient to use microwaves.
When a microwave oven no longer appears to function as it should, the tempting go-to is to purchase a new appliance. Yes, this solves the problem, but it costs more money.
Before ripping your microwave out of its place in the kitchen and vaulting it to the curb, see if you can correctly diagnose the problem and resolve it on your own.
Become Familiar With Microwave Settings
Have you noticed that it takes longer to heat your food than usual? Does your microwave not seem as effective as it once was? Consider your microwave settings.
Every microwave oven is different, but most share the adaptability of changeable heat levels. Most microwaves default to heating food on high power. Additional settings, like a defrost setting, alternate between power levels.
Not all food needs to be bathed with high amounts of microwave radiation to cook. For some foods, this is counterproductive, only serving to cook food prematurely or unevenly. Unbeknownst to us, you could sometimes adjust the power level to a lower setting. In this case, there is nothing wrong with your appliance. All you need to do is change it back to your standard power setting!
Checking You Microwave Door Latches
The microwave door is an essential feature in protecting you from stray microwaves that could cause harm. Steel plating and mesh line the microwave and reflect microwaves into the cooking cavity.
Your microwave oven will discontinue operating without a secure or functional door.
The microwave is secured using a couple of catches on the outward swinging door. A missing catch stops the microwave from operating correctly. Make sure the latches are appropriately attached and snugly secure the door.
Stopping Your Microwave From Buzzing
There are a few moving parts inside your microwave. The most active one controls the disbursement of microwaves into the cooking cavity. The motor that causes this little fan the rapidly rotate gives off secondary vibrations that can rattle the rest of your microwave.
There are a couple of locations on your microwave door that can be affected by these vibrations over time. These locations are the mounting pins that hold the door handle and attach the door to the rest of the unit.
If your door is causing the buzzing, carefully removing the molding around the inside of your door and securing the mounting screws is the best way to ensure your microwave doesn’t buzz and rattle as it operates.
The Turntable Dismounts or Doesn’t Spin
When the turntable isn’t rotating, it could be a settings issue or a mechanical issue.
Many microwaves have a button that controls whether the turntable rotates or not. Be sure to test that setting before moving on to other issues.
If there is no movement whatsoever, check the coupling that fits over the motor. If this is damaged, it could prevent your microwave from turning correctly. You can replace the coupling if it is too damaged.
If that component works and the problem is that your turntable dismounts from the coupling often, check the support frame under the turntable. The weels can sometimes become clogged with food or just wear down over time. Clean out the wheels or replaces the support; either method can help keep the microwave plate on the turntable.
Microwave Fan Not Working
The fan above your stovetop carries cooking fumes outside, particularly harmful pollutants created by the stove or cooking foods, where these fumes can dissipate, becoming less toxic.
This fan has a filter attached to it for the purpose of catching grease and grime before it gets into the fan components. If the filter becomes too clogged, it can impede or fully restrict the function of the fan.
There are two types of filters typically used on microwaves: Carbon filters and steel mesh filters. Carbon filters need to be completely swapped out; their components use chemical properties that have a finite ability to catch pollutants. Steel mesh filters can be soaked and cleaned in soapy water; once dried, they can be reinstalled and reused above your stove.
If cleaning or changing the filters doesn’t seem to change the problem, it may be the connection between your microwave fan and the vent to the outside. After years of use, this coupling can become weak or misaligned. Additionally, there could be other components clogging the connection. Check for alignment and continuity.
If all else fails, this could be an electrical problem. The motor on your fan isn’t designed to last indefinitely. Sometimes, your component’s buildup of elements and chemicals can short or damage the motion-generating pieces.
In a situation where the motor is to blame for a non-functional fan, the motor will need to be replaced. This can be done at home using basic equipment and replacement parts.
A Proper Diagnosis from Dr. D’s Appliances
If you need to perform microwave maintenance or repairs on any other appliances, try fixing it yourself before giving up and getting a replacement. Many parts can be replaced with relative ease and require no special training or expertise.
If you don’t want to troubleshoot the issue and only want to get back to life as usual with as little hassle as possible, you can call the experts.
We fix appliances fast so you can get back to making meals and treats for yourself and your household. Call us today for service on your appliances. We are happy to help you get back to your routine!