Built-in microwave ovens in the kitchen are built into the cabinets and bolted to the wall, so replacing one that breaks is no easy task.
You’ll want to take care of the yours, to avoid replacing it more than once every 10 years, which is how long most manufacturers tell us they should last.
Your microwave may not get as dirty as your oven, but still, one of the best ways to keep it running smoothly is to keep it clean. That means cleaning the inside when someone heats up a bowl of pasta without covering it, and regularly cleaning the grease filters that trap cooking vapors from the stovetop, especially if you often fry food.
OTR models in our microwave ratings range from under $100 to over $1,000 . Repairing one can cost at least a few hundred dollars. To avoid hassle and expense, here are some simple steps you can take daily or weekly to make your microwave last. (Tip: Most of these suggestions also apply to countertop models, but they are easier to replace).
1. Be quick with cleanup. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Leftover food can absorb some of the microwave’s energy when you turn it back on, creating a hot spot that can damage the interior. Take special care not to scratch the protective mesh inside the door if it is exposed, as it prevents microwaves from escaping and doing damage.
To remove cooking stains, clean the walls and oven base with a warm, damp cloth. Wash removable parts, such as the turntable, with hot water and dishwashing liquid.
To hide odors, place a container of water containing a quarter cup of juice in the oven. lemon and put it on high temperature for 1 minute. Remove the bowl and wipe out the oven cavity, using any condensation that will have formed to wipe it off. Clean stains with water. Repeat if necessary. Scrape off tough stains with a credit card.
2. Turn on the exhaust fan. The exhaust fan in an OTR is not as efficient as that in a range hood, but you should still use it. “Many times, the user does not turn on the hood when cooking on the stovetop, which causes moisture that rises from pots and pans to collect on the microwave’s electronics and shorten their life,” explains Wayne Archer, expert. Sears Home Services technician. If moisture accumulates, wipe it off with a paper towel or soft cloth.
3. Degrease the grease filter. It’s easy to forget about these filters at the bottom of the microwave that trap steam and smoke from cooking. But if you let them get too dirty, they can make your microwave work less efficiently and pose a fire hazard. They’re easy to slide out to clean, but you’d better put on some rubber gloves before doing so. Soak the filter in a sink filled with hot water and a degreasing dish detergent like Dawn. Some manufacturers say you can put it in a dishwasher, but check your owner’s manual first. If your filter no longer fits properly, replace it.
4. Don’t slam the door! Your microwave door has three (or sometimes four) safety switches that disable the oven when the door is open. For the microwave to work properly, the switches must line up with their corresponding latches when the door is closed. “All of the door locks, latches, and door switches are plastic, so slamming the microwave door shut can physically break any of these components,” says Chris Zeisler, Service Supervisor. from RepairClinic.com. “All series of switches must work in unison.” Damage to any of the switches or latches could render the microwave unusable.
5. Don’t turn it on while it’s empty. Some people mistakenly turn on their microwave while it’s empty when they only intended to use the timer. If this happens for a short time, nothing happens. “But if there’s nothing in the microwave, there are no water molecules to activate, and the unit can quickly overheat or cause burn marks on the inside,” explains Zeisler. “Microwaves can concentrate in a section of the cavity and cause damage”.
6. Avoid most metals. Metal reflects microwaves, while glass, paper, plastics and most ceramics allow them to pass through to food. Placing metal utensils or dishes with metal trim or gold or silver plating in a microwave can cause electrical arcing; that is, that sparks come out. If the metals are in contact with the sides of the interior, the electrical arcs can burn a hole in the cavity wall, damage that cannot be repaired. So keep at least an inch of clearance on all sides of your food. Some manufacturers say that you can use a small amount of aluminum foil in a microwave, but only if it is neatly folded around the food. If you want to try that, check the microwave manual first. Protruding pieces of aluminum foil or metal from the flanges can act as an antenna and cause electrical arcs that damage the microwave.
7. Use pre-programmed cooking times. To prevent food from overcooking and splattering inside the oven, use the presets. And keep in mind the cooking times. “On several occasions we have heard of a microwave going back to the factory because the wrong cook time was entered into the control system and the unit burned out,” says Zeisler. “If you accidentally set it to 50: 00 minutes instead of 5: 00 minutes, you can damage the microwave”.
8. Do not try to repair electronic components yourself. Not that you necessarily would, but in case you’re tempted to, consider that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported that some people have been electrocuted trying to repair their microwaves. According to RepairClinic.com, a microwave can hold thousands of volts of electrical charge on its capacitors for hours or even days after being unplugged. “The capacitor is a component that stores energy and releases it when needed,” explains Zeisler. “This energy can be released when a person touches it.” RepairClinic.com advises leaving such repairs to a specialist. But first ask the total cost. It’s an expensive repair and replacing the appliance may cost less.
Make your appliances shine
You may not be able to control all the clutter in your kitchen, but Consumer Reports expert Sara Morrow shows you some easy steps to keep your microwave sparkling clean.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a fair, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.