What to do if the microwave takes a long time to heat up - expert advice

A microwave is an indispensable item in the kitchen for many people. With its help, you can heat up food very quickly, it makes cooking comfortable and saves a lot of time.

But unfortunately, any equipment gradually breaks down.

In such a situation, the main thing is to understand why the malfunction occurred . If something that is in constant use breaks down, you want to fix it as quickly as possible so that you can use it again.

It should be remembered that the problem can be either serious or easily solvable . Some of them can be eliminated by anyone, while others should be eliminated by contacting a specialist.

In this article we will look at what kind of microwave oven breakdowns there are and how to fix them yourself.

How does a microwave oven work?

To make it much easier to troubleshoot problems found in your oven, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its main elements.
The waves are generated thanks to a magnetron, which is connected to the camera by a waveguide. Power is guaranteed by a capacitor and diode. Therefore, it is possible that the microwave does not heat, but works. There is another important element - this is a fuse that protects equipment from unexpected problems. The working chamber is an important part of the appliance in which food is placed to be heated.

To independently cope with equipment repairs when the malfunction is directly related to a defect in a certain element, you need to know the structure of the microwave. The magnetron is connected to the microwave chamber by a waveguide. The magnetron is closed on the camera side with a piece of mica or a plastic cover (this depends on the type of technology chosen). The failure of this component fully explains why the Panasonic microwave oven does not heat food.

In order to obtain high-voltage power, a special additional element (multiplier) was created. It consists of two main parts - a diode and a capacitor. A proven and high-quality fuse helps to avoid unexpected overloads. In addition, the manufacturers have provided one more point - a special lock on the switches makes it impossible to turn on the oven with the door open.

Professionals made sure that it was safe and easy for each user to reheat cooked food. But sometimes, for some reason, modern microswitches become damaged and no longer cope with their tasks, as a result of which the disk spins, but the microwave does not heat. It is important to constantly monitor this in order to avoid additional difficulties.

Specific commands are clearly visible on the device's convenient panel. The selection is made using special switches. Digital control is carried out using buttons; certain models have an easy-to-use touch panel.

Mica and waveguide contamination

It is difficult not to notice such a malfunction, since something in the microwave sparks and crackles, but it works. Microwave energy is spent on heating fat and pieces of food that fall on the mica plate and inside the waveguide, as well as creating light and noise effects. Therefore, trying to heat food to the required temperature will not be successful. The problem can be resolved by thoroughly cleaning the pad and waveguide. In case of severe damage, up to the appearance of burnt holes, the plate is replaced. Mica blanks for overlays are sold in radio stores.

The microwave is humming: check the capacitor

Replacing capacitors and resoldering contacts is quite feasible at home. However, if all of the above has been replaced and is working properly, contact a professional.

If the microwave has stopped heating food properly and is making an uncharacteristic hum, then the reason may be the following:

• Diode failure. Its task is to direct the current in one direction. If a part fails, the microwave begins to buzz and the food does not heat.
• A faulty capacitor causes waves to appear and the device hums.
• Failure of the magnetron can cause buzzing and humming.

High voltage diode

Diode testing is almost never carried out due to its complexity. If it is assumed that the diode caused the device to malfunction, then it is easier to replace it. The test is carried out either by a hum when turned on, or by a blown fuse, or by a capacitor that does not heat up normally.

If the microwave hums when turned on, it is possible that the capacitor has failed. It's easy to check: connect an ohmmeter and monitor the readings. If the arrow moves, then the capacitor is working; if not, then it is the cause of the breakdown. Please note that replacement or testing occurs only on a charged capacitor.

Magnetron

If all the parts show themselves to be operational, then most likely the problem is in the magnetron. A sign of malfunction is the humming of the microwave when there is no heating. Conduct a visual check for cracks and carbon deposits, measure the values ​​with an ohmmeter. If it is damaged, replace it with one of similar parameters and dimensions.

You decide to heat up a dish, the microwave works, but the temperature of the food does not rise. The reason can be either simple or complex. If the voltage is low, you need to install a stabilizer to correct the situation. Once you determine why the microwave is not heating food, you need to start repairing it.

Even old wiring can explain why the microwave stopped heating and defrosting food. Don't forget about preventive measures. It is extremely important to regularly clean the heat chamber from splashes of grease and food debris. To avoid unpleasant odors, use plastic lids and hoods.

A huge number of reasons why a microwave oven does not heat can be detected and solved quickly and in a timely manner. First of all, you need to prepare some tools in advance - a screwdriver, measuring instruments. These include an ohmmeter - a device that will do an excellent job of diagnosing problems in a microwave oven.

Microwave works but doesn't heat well? Troubleshooting methods:

1. Incorrectly marked mode - use the instructions to set the desired command (“warm-up”); turn on the oven for a while and make sure that the food is heating up - the problem is solved.
2. Insufficient voltage - take care to install an uninterruptible power supply.
3. Problems with the normal functioning of the door - replace parts.

If the microwave oven is no longer in good working order and cannot cope with direct tasks, first refer to the instructions, which contain a list of tips and valuable recommendations on why the oven fails. If you don't find a useful answer, check an item such as voltage. If everything is in order, unplug the oven and check other elements - microswitches.

In some situations, it is impossible to restore a non-working Samsung microwave or a device from another manufacturer. Even troubleshooting a magnetron is too costly a process. It is more rational to purchase new equipment.

There are a number of reasons why the microwave stopped heating and it’s not a matter of broken parts, for example:

1. The network voltage has decreased. The operation of the microwave oven, as well as its heating, can be affected by slight decreases of 20V. As a result, the plate will be heated, but there will be no food in the middle of the vessel. The issue of power outages can be resolved in one day: you just need to go to the store and buy a power supply.
2. The network is overloaded. If two powerful appliances are running from the same outlet at the same time, an overload occurs. This issue can be resolved by installing another outlet.
3. The door is out of order. As a result of a broken latch, the door does not close tightly and the microwave does not heat food or heats it poorly. Here you can try to repair or completely replace the latches.
4. Incorrect mode selection. Very often, after defrosting mode, they forget to switch back to microwaves. Defrosting does not heat the food to the required temperature, and you are already about to disassemble the appliance.

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Often, the microwave works, but does not heat the food due to the fact that the magnetron is out of order. Next on the list will be a capacitor, a fuse, and a transformer also often breaks. The reason for poorly reheated food may be the following:

• the timer or the control unit itself is broken;
• due to breakdown of the transformer and other parts;
• The inverter may be faulty (this only applies to inverter microwaves).

If you find that the microwave oven turns on but does not heat and makes an unusual sound (for example, buzzing), there are 3 explanations for this:

• The diode has become unusable. This part does not allow current to pass in the opposite direction; the current moves only in one direction. If this part fails, the appliance begins to buzz and does not heat the food;
• it's time to change the capacitor. A capacitor failure leads to the generation of waves and the device hums;
• magnetron failure. A defect in this part may also cause a buzzing or humming noise.

If you nevertheless decide to repair the microwave oven yourself, then before watching anything, turn off the device from the network. Be sure to find the instructions, which contain the names of all the parts that are there.

First of all, after removing the cover, you need to make sure that all fuses are working properly. If you see that they have turned black or the thread has burned out, then you just need to replace them. Often there are two fuse parts inside.

When buying a new part, be sure to take the old (burnt out) one. To temporarily solve the situation, it is not recommended to make bugs out of wire. There is a great danger of fire, and the price of a good fuse is no more than 50 rubles.

If the device hums when turned on, there is a possibility that the capacitor has broken. It’s easy to check its serviceability: you need to take an ohmmeter and connect it to the part. If everything is in order, then the ohmmeter needle moves. And if it stops, then the capacitor has failed, and because of this the stove is noisy.

If you notice a burning smell or something crackling inside while the microwave is operating, after watching this video you will understand what’s wrong. It shows how you can repair a microwave oven if it sparks.

There may be several reasons why a microwave oven does not heat well or does not heat at all:

• low voltage in the network (less than 200 V like the LG MS-2021U microwave oven);
• malfunction of power circuits (magnetron, high-voltage transformer, diode and fuse, capacitor);
• problems in the control circuit, the culprits of which are the timer or the control unit. A common problem with a Samsung microwave oven;
• If an inverter microwave oven does not heat, the reason may be due to inverter dysfunction.

In turn, the following phenomena may be the causes of magnetron failure:

• a metal object entering the chamber during microwave operation;
• natural wear and tear (Electrolux built-in microwave ovens often suffer from this, as they break down very quickly);
• Operating a microwave oven idle leads to sparking, which damages the magnetron.

If the Samsung microwave has stopped heating, and when turned on it makes a buzzing or buzzing sound, the problem may be a failure of the high-voltage diode. The normal operation of this electronic element is to allow electrical current to flow in one direction and block it from flowing in the opposite direction. An example of this is the LG MS-2041U microwave oven.

Another culprit for the lack of heating of the microwave oven is a high-voltage capacitor, the operation of which is aimed at accumulating an electric field. If this element fails, then the process of generating microwaves will not occur. A characteristic hum or buzzing sound will come from the camera.

The process of checking and replacing a high-voltage capacitor requires its preliminary discharge, which is mandatory. This is especially true for the LG MS-2042 microwave oven.

Trying to troubleshoot problems yourself is not worth it, since ordinary consumers do not have sufficient knowledge and the necessary tools to carry out diagnostic and repair work correctly.

Along with replacing the faulty part, a good technician will also carry out preventive maintenance so that the microwave will serve you for a very long time.

The technician's visit is paid depending on the distance of the service center from the customer's home - 10 - 20 USD. e. By the way, the Samsung G2739NR microwave oven costs the same amount.

The simple process of replacing parts costs 20 USD. e. And the Samsung MS23F302TAS microwave oven costs about the same.

The cost of parts that may be needed for repairs ranges from $2 to $20. For the same amount you can repair a Panasonic microwave oven.

Fault Detection

If you still have questions about how exactly to find a breakdown, you can follow the following instructions:

1. Measure the voltage of the outlet to which the microwave is connected - even minor deviations can greatly affect the operation of the equipment.
2. Check the operation of the door latches.
3. For a de-energized microwave, remove the top cover to gain access to the internal parts. If repairs are required, remove the back cover.
4. Check fuses visually. Burnt specimens are immediately visible - they are swollen and black. If there are no such traces, then you need to check the resistance with a tester.
5. Check the voltage in the capacitor and diodes with an ohmmeter.
6. After the microwave has completely cooled down, visually check the magnetron and its contacts. If there are no external problems, then it is worth assessing the resistance of the threads.

What to do if the microwave does not heat

If you decide to do the repairs yourself, remember that you cannot work with the device connected to the power supply. Follow the instructions and if you have the slightest doubt, it is better to use the services of a specialist.

If possible, you can find training videos on the Internet specifically for your microwave oven model. This will speed up the identification of the problem and reduce the likelihood of the situation getting worse.

The key to proper and, most importantly, long-term operation of a microwave oven is careful operation of the equipment. A foreign object may accidentally enter the camera. You should not heat food in dishes made of metal, this will lead to trouble. To determine why the Bork microwave oven does not work, you need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis.

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What to do if the microwave heats up but does not spin? It is absolutely not necessary to immediately contact the service center for help. It is necessary to identify the damaged component, and then repair the part or replace it with a new one.

Content:

How does a microwave oven work?

A microwave is a device that heats or cooks food using electromagnetic waves. The microwave oven has a fairly simple internal structure. It consists of a transformer, a control circuit, a waveguide, a magnetron, a camera and additional control elements (timer, display). The main part in it is a magnetron or microwave generator. It creates a stream of microwave radiation due to a constant electromagnetic field. Thus, heat is produced inside and the food is heated.

Why problems might arise

The microwave is working but the food is not heating, it will be important for you to know that certain factors are often the cause:

1. Difficulties arising with the supply voltage: to eliminate the cause, it is worth purchasing a power supply of the specified power.
2. Failure of parts - over time, the design stops working correctly, the door does not open well and the dishes do not warm up completely.
3. Setting the random mode.
4. Presence of unnecessary objects in the chamber.

Constantly monitor the serviceability of the selected microwave oven.

To determine the reasons why the microwave does not heat and is noisy, carry out a comprehensive diagnosis. Start with a visual inspection of the walls of the heat chamber and the power cable. If the microwave does not heat, you need to disassemble the device to check the functionality of the components.

It is important to know that problems in the proper operation of a microwave often lie in its careless use, violation of basic rules and recommendations. As a rule, it is mainly very cheap models that become faulty; their parts wear out quite quickly and easily. Remember that it is the users themselves who are to blame if the microwave oven refuses to heat food properly.

Pay attention to some important points: the fuse has a glass bulb and metal elements. When you see a break in the chain, you need to replace it immediately.

Difficulties with the magnetron - poor quality and untested contacts (due to constant heating). The solution to this problem is simple - restoring contact using special tools. Has the cap turned black? You have to make an effort to clean it carefully. The antenna cap is damaged - carefully inspect the magnetron itself, make sure the element is in good condition. Replace the cap, and, if necessary, the magnetron: the new parts must match the installed ones in terms of power and structural features.

To prevent equipment from being used with the door poorly closed, special small switches are installed. It is important to know that often the reason why a microwave does not heat can be due to defects in the microswitch. This will require urgent replacement of parts.

Always be careful about the rules for using the selected devices. If necessary, contact trained specialists and experienced craftsmen.

More serious reasons

If the food does not heat up, the microwave oven does not turn on, or some modes stop working, then these are the first signs of serious malfunctions. Why doesn't the microwave heat up? Hardware components come out due to:

• normal wear and tear;
• mechanical damage;
• improper operation of equipment;
• short circuits.

To determine why the microwave beeps but does not heat food, and then fix the problem, you need to buy the appropriate spare parts.

Fuse

If the microwave disc is spinning and the light is on, but the food is not heating, then you should contact a professional. They will help you cope with the situation.

Fuse blown:

1. Remove the cover.
2. Blown fuses turn black or swell.
3. Check resistance.
4. Replace parts with proven and high-quality ones.

If the microwave operates but does not heat, disassemble the oven to check the functionality of other parts. It is possible that another component, for example, a magnetron, has broken.

In order to carefully examine the general condition of the fuses, you need to carefully remove the cover, removing the fasteners. The light in the microwave itself does not come on if the mains fuse is faulty. If you do not notice any serious external defects, then take an ohmmeter to check its condition.

You can also pay attention to the condition of the cord and plug itself; they must be of high quality and without damage. This condition must be observed. There is a high-voltage fuse directly under the casing; this should also be checked. The safety of using a microwave oven depends on the reliability and serviceability of the parts.

If the microwave hums but does not heat, this may indicate problems in the magnetron. A malfunction of this part causes the microwave to turn on but not heat well. There is no need to immediately blame the magnetron for everything; this is due to the fact that well-known brands, for example, Samsung, may have problems with the solder joints of the filter coils when the lamp is operating.

You need to know one more rule in order not to make a mistake - the magnetron housing heats up to one hundred and fifty degrees during operation. It is for this reason that when the microwave was turned on, it was necessary to wait until the lamps cooled down. When you have checked everything and the food is not heating in the oven, replace the magnetron.

What is the reason that the microwave does not heat food? If, after a detailed and careful check and replacement of parts, the oven turns on, but does not heat the food, an additional check of the mica plate will be required. A mica plate is necessary to cover the exit of the waveguide directly into the microwave chamber.

Carefully clean the plate from dust, and then carefully, following the rules, put it in place. Please note the following point: if you notice a hole in the plates, replace them as soon as possible. Show responsibility and you will prevent serious troubles from occurring.

This element can be purchased separately in the store without any problems. At the same time, if you purchased a plate from Samsung, but you need a component for Sharp, you will have to make holes for the screws.

What could be the problem if the oven stops heating? Check with a tester to see if the capacitor or diode is broken. When a problem is identified, the parts are changed. Take care of your chosen microwave oven, and then it will delight you for many years with its serviceability and positive characteristics. If problems do appear, then it is necessary to urgently begin to eliminate them.

You can entrust the work to professionals or, if you have experience and relevant knowledge, cope with the tasks yourself. Do not ignore the instructions and instructions for using the purchased equipment. Valuable recommendations will help you prevent unexpected device failure.

Broken multiplier:

1. Resistance will indicate a problem.
2. Check the diode itself.
3. Damage to the magnetron.

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Often, problems of this kind can be eliminated with simple efforts, without outside help: you just need to understand the documentation and replace the part. But this will require patience and careful attention to detail.

When the microwave was turned on, the light began to come on, but the equipment still does not perform specific tasks, under no circumstances should you throw it away, everything can be fixed. The whole point is that you violated certain rules for using the device. Anyone can face this problem. Eliminating defects does not always require special knowledge and skills.

If the microwave breaks down, first use the instructions, as they contain hints from the manufacturer as to why the oven may fail. If a solution is not found, check the voltage, also disconnect the device from the network and check the microswitches.

A multiplier is a part that consists of a diode and a capacitor. The reliability of the capacitor can be checked with an ohmmeter. Here you will need minimal knowledge: you saw that the device’s arrow deviates, then points to infinity, then you can say with complete confidence that everything is in order with the device.

To repair a microwave, you need to check the component with an ohmmeter. If the readings are 0.1 Ohm, everything is fine, you can rest assured.

Features of repair of some brands

The causes of breakdowns for different brands are identical, but the repair of a certain brand may differ slightly from its analogues. Let's look at the features of the most popular brands of microwave machines.

Also popular brands of equipment include:

• Sharp is a popular brand with a wide range of sizes, but the actual size of the camera may be smaller than stated;
• Supra is a budget equipment with normal quality, sometimes breakdowns occur, but most customers are satisfied;
• Elenberg is also a budget brand, but has a short warranty - only for a year;
• Bork - models are distinguished by high functionality and stylish appearance, but we must take into account that the brand is Russian, and the spare parts are Chinese;
• Scarlett is a British brand that wanted to produce equipment in Russia, but still chose China;
• Daewoo is one of the leaders in electronics, simple controls and stylish models, low cost and good quality. There are retro models;
• Erisson - simple, concise and budget models. Ideal for a cottage or rented apartment;
• Vitek is a very popular brand, there are many models with different numbers of functions.

Preventing damage

We have shared with you information on what to do if the microwave works but does not heat food. It is very important to determine the reason and problem why the microwave stopped heating food. Most often, you don’t have to look for an answer for long: most likely, you used the device incorrectly. In order for the equipment to serve for a long time, you should not do the following:

• heat food in a metal container (a spoon also applies here);
• turn on an empty device (without food);
• warm eggs;
• place containers with lids.

Even if you feel that you can repair the device yourself, know that there is a great danger in any incorrect action. The device has the ability to accumulate electricity and can shock with high voltage. Trust professionals who can determine the problem even just by looking at the device. Your life is much more valuable! Think twice before opening the lid.

We looked at how to determine the cause of a malfunction, as well as how to repair a Sharp microwave oven with your own hands. Now is the time to talk about prevention, which helps prevent failure of the basic components of the stove. You can avoid serious damage by following a few simple tips:

• Under no circumstances should food be heated in metal containers;
• do not turn on the oven without placing a dish or product in the heat chamber;
• You can’t heat eggs;
• heat food in plastic containers with lids.

These are the basic rules for operating microwave ovens. More useful information can be found in the user manual and technical documentation.

Magnetron

If, when checking the device, you did not find any breakdowns, then it is likely that the problem is in the magnetron. The sign by which magnetron failure is determined is strong noise (hum) during operation of the device. If the microwave is humming and not heating, then you need to look at the magnetron to see if there are cracks or carbon deposits there. If the breakdown is not visible visually, then check with an ohmmeter. If the magnetron burns out, then you need to buy the same one. It should have the same parameters and size.

Advice:

Rules for caring for a microwave oven

In order not to have to figure out why the microwave oven does not work after a short period of use, you need to properly care for your household appliances. Rules for caring for your microwave:

1. The heat-resistant glass tray must be washed with liquid soap.
2. Do not use abrasive powders to clean the grates, they just need to be "soaked".
3. Promptly remove any remaining fat or food from the surface of the chamber.
4. The most unpretentious in maintenance is a microwave with internal walls made of stainless steel; they can even be cleaned with abrasive agents.
5. Under no circumstances should the oven be cleaned or washed while it is on.
6. After cooking, wipe the oven with a microfiber or lint-free cloth dampened with plain water.
7. To remove condensation from the walls of the microwave oven, wipe them with an ordinary napkin.
8. If the oven is very dirty, do not use the grill or convection mode, otherwise the grease will turn into brown spots.
9. Use cleaning products labeled as Microwave cleaner.
10. There is no need to touch the ventilation, as well as the compartment in which the magnetron is located.

These simple tips will help your microwave operate longer.