Sometimes, appliances break. When that happens, we’re left wondering if it’s worth trying to fix it or if it’s better to buy a new one. So, what’s the best option when your microwave breaks?
Whether you should repair or replace your microwave depends on a few factors: the issue the microwave is having, the age of the microwave and the cost of repair vs. replacement.
In some situations, the answer is obvious, while others might be harder to determine. Below, we’ll take you through the process of deciding if you can repair your microwave or if you should replace it.
Repair vs. Replace: Things To Consider
Before you decide if you should try to repair your microwave or buy a new one, there are a few things you’ll want to think about.
- Basic troubleshooting. Anyone who has dealt with technology knows you should check the basics before panicking. If your microwave isn’t turning on, have you checked to ensure it’s plugged in? Did you check the fuse? Have you reset the outlet breaker? These points seem obvious, but it can be easy to forget these things when you’re stressed.
- The user manual. Most user manuals will have a troubleshooting section that discusses common issues people may have. It may also have a page telling you when to call for a repair. If you can’t find the physical copy of your manual, you can usually research it online. Find the model number, then go and search “[brand] [model] manual.”
- The model’s current status. If your microwave is a few years old, the manufacturer may not produce it anymore. When that happens, you might have difficulty locating parts. Before deciding whether a repair is the best option, you must know if you can even get the necessary parts.
- Your comfort level. How positive are you that you can repair your microwave yourself? Maybe you’re great with appliances and aren’t worried at all. You might be comfortable with minor cosmetic repairs but lack experience with wiring. Maybe you aren’t comfortable at all, and in that case, will need to have a repair technician come in.
- Cost vs. time. You may decide that the repair is doable yourself. But if the repair takes you several hours to do, it may not be worth it. Consider how much time and money you’d be willing to spend before committing to a project.
When To Repair Your Microwave
You’ve considered the above and are leaning toward repairing your microwave. What problems are worth fixing?
[Also read My Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning. Is It Broken? ]
Cosmetic Damage
Does your microwave have scratches? Did your kids color on the glass, or did someone microwave a burrito, and it exploded? These are all things that you can fix without repairing the whole unit. It may take some work or special cleaning supplies, but it makes more sense just to fix the cosmetic issues.
Door Issues
If the problem lies with your microwave door, odds are that you can fix it. You’ll likely have to pry the door apart first, but pieces like the handle, latch, hinges or glass are simple to swap. You need to consider if you feel comfortable pulling the door apart and if you can get those parts.
Some replacement parts may be specific to your model, while you can find others at your local home improvement store.
Plate Issues
You may have already guessed that you can replace a broken microwave plate. Microwave plates are one of those components that don’t have to come straight from the manufacturer. As long as your replacement is the same size, you shouldn’t have issues.
But what happens if the plate is fine but not spinning? First, check to make sure nothing is stuck and causing a jam. If the plate is free of debris, the rollers, couplers or motor could be the cause of the problem. When your microwave plate can’t rotate, it prevents the device from evenly cooking your food. Luckily, you can replace these easily.
What if the motor is the issue? Repairing the motor isn’t difficult either. While you’ll need to disable the power and unscrew the bottom panel, you only need to plug the new motor in where the old one was.
Exhaust Fan Not Working
Ovens and stoves need some sort of apparatus to remove heat and fumes from the kitchen. Sometimes a hood fan does this job. Another option is to mount a microwave with an exhaust fan above the oven. A defective exhaust fan can’t effectively air out the room, but luckily it’s often easy to fix.
First, check the filters. It can be easy to forget that you must clean them, just like the interior of your microwave. Clogged filters prevent the exhaust fans from doing their job. If your grease filter is the problem, you only need to remove it and wash it. However, charcoal filters are not reusable, so you’ll need to replace them.
If your filters are clean and the exhaust fan still isn’t working, the problem may be more internal. Before investigating further, unplug the microwave, so you don’t get electrocuted. Remove the outer panel and take a peek at the fan blade. If this piece is damaged, you’ll need a replacement. Although unscrewing and re-screwing the panel is a pain, the new fan blade should simply slide into place.
If everything with the fan itself seems fine, the issue may be the motor. This part is a trickier repair than the turntable motor. If you’re confident in your abilities, you can find YouTube tutorials for advice. Otherwise, you may be better off hiring an affordable appliance repair technician.
When To Replace Your Microwave
There are a few circumstances when it makes more sense to replace your microwave. Such instances include situations when the issue lies with certain components or when repairs cost too much.
Should I Replace My Microwave if It Is Cheap or Old?
Most microwave warranties only go up to five years. Most microwaves last several years but can degrade quicker if you use them frequently. If you’ve had the appliance for about seven years, it makes more sense to upgrade.
Most high-quality microwaves are a few hundred dollars, although some models can go for more than $1,000. Quality countertop microwaves cost at least $100. If you’re looking for a cheap appliance, you can find some microwaves for around $50.
If your microwave was one of the less-expensive models, you might as well replace it. Odds are it won’t last much longer, and some parts may even be more expensive than the microwave itself.
When Is My Microwave Too Expensive to Repair?
You’ve determined that the repairs are beyond your expertise and have called in a repair technician. They tell you that the issue is your microwave’s magnetron, and it will cost $100-200 to fix.
At that point, it’s probably less expensive to get a new one. If the repair is closer to half the cost of a new microwave and your appliance is more than a couple of years old, replacing the microwave will likely save you future hassle.
What Happens If the Parts Aren’t Available?
Sometimes, you don’t even have the option to repair your microwave. While people can swap out many microwave parts with another brand, several are specific. If your microwave needs an old part you can only purchase it through the manufacturer, you aren’t going to get your device repaired.
[Also read 4 Most Common Electric Ovens Problems and How to Find Them]
Which Parts Are Too Difficult To Fix?
Above, we discussed how some parts are pretty easy to repair. Other parts are difficult to fix. If the issue lies with your microwave’s control panel or magnetron, it’s better to replace the microwave.
The magnetron is what makes the heat in your microwave. These typically go out when your microwave is toward the end of its lifespan. Repairing a magnetron yourself is complex and having a technician do it can cost up to $200. At that point, knowing your microwave doesn’t have long left anyway, it’s more cost-effective to replace it.
The control panel is the circuit board for the keypad. You can only cook food if your buttons function. Like the magnetron, repairing the control panel is difficult and costly. Just the part itself can cost as much as a new microwave.
Wrap Up
Sometimes, it’s obvious you have to replace your microwave. If it has faced extensive damage over the years, you know it’s beyond repair. But other times, when a component goes bad, we hope it can be fixed first. With issues like a broken door or clogged filters, fixing it is the logical solution. If the repair is expensive or your microwave is old, it may not be worth trying to fix it.