Is it worth getting a microwave repaired?

If your microwave is relatively new and the repair costs less than replacing it, the fix is worth it. But are microwaves worth repairing if something major is broken? Probably not. Consider getting a replacement appliance for about $100, which should work for 7 to 10 years.

Ceramic Fuse – 20 amp The ceramic fuse protects the microwave by shutting it off if there is an electrical surge. If your microwave is not turning on, you may need to replace the fuse. This part is 20 amp, just over an inch long, metallic on both ends and ceramic in the middle.

The electrical and breaker size requirements for our Countertop and Over-the-Range Microwaves are as follows: The microwaves require a 120 volt, individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3 prong grounding type receptacle protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse.

It costs an average of about $150 to repair a microwave, with a range of about $50 to $400. Most homeowners will pay $100 to $200, including labor and parts, depending on the brand, model, and the broken part. This cost doesn’t include any discounts that service providers may offer to members.

The most common reasons why a microwave is not heating up are a defective high voltage diode, the door switch, the magnetron or some other minor component. A qualified technician can usually figure out which piece needs replacement and will do so safely, even if replacing the part requires opening the machine cavity.

Microwaves usually contain several types of fuses for safe operation. A main fuse or line fuse is a fuse that will cut the flow of electricity if too much current passes through it. Conversely, a thermal fuse will prevent electrical flow if the fuse is heated to a specific temperature.

A homeowner can determine if a glass fuse in blown by performing a visual inspection and looking for a break in the thin wire and a brown discoloration in the center of the fuse. A ceramic fuse, however, shows no damage upon visual inspection. Testing a ceramic fuse is the only way to tell if the fuse has blown.

Most microwave fuses look like the one pictured to the left. They are usually an inch or two long. Each end is metallic and the center is either ceramic or glass. To get to the fuse, remove the outer cabinet of the unit, which is usually held in place with a few screws.

Generally with fuses as long as you replace it with a fuse having the same rating it is OK to do so. Although ceramic fuses do offer better thermal and arc protection than glass fuses which is why they’re used in microwave ovens and other high current appliances.

Clear the lock mechanism — as indicated by the DOOR LOC light — by pressing and holding in the oven door light switch for 20 to 30 seconds. While the switch is depressed, the latch motor will gradually withdraw the lock, allowing you to open your oven door.

Press the unlock button on the control panel for 3 seconds. Look near the control panel above the oven door for a button labeled “Oven Lock.” If you don’t see this button, you may be able to unlock the door by using the “Clear/Off” button. Push the button and keep it held down to trigger the door latch.

Most microwaves contain at least a main fuse or line fuse and a thermal fuse or thermoprotector. The main fuse is usually a narrow, rectangle shape, two inches in length, and either a ceramic fuse or a glass fuse with a filament.

Thermal Fuse or Cut Out Microwave ovens use one or more thermal cut-outs, sometimes called thermal fuses, to protect the oven from overheating. They are located inside of the cabinet, often near the oven cavity or the magnetron.