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Microwave stopped heating - anyone know why? |
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#1 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,097
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Microwave stopped heating - anyone know why?
Hi. I just realised that my microwave has stopped heating things. Whatever I put in there, it just won't heat up. The timer works fine and it makes the usual sound when operating, but it's now blowing a little cool air from the bottom of the door hinge.
It's only a cheap device and around 8 years old, so I guess it will be better to buy a new one than get it repaired, but if anyone has experienced this issue themselves and knows a DIY solution, I'd be glad to hear it. |
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#2 |
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Inactive Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 519
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probably because its not longer working? what a stupid question!
regards pearl |
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#3 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,197
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Quote:
Hi. I just realised that my microwave has stopped heating things. Whatever I put in there, it just won't heat up. The timer works fine and it makes the usual sound when operating, but it's now blowing a little cool air from the bottom of the door hinge.
It's only a cheap device and around 8 years old, so I guess it will be better to buy a new one than get it repaired, but if anyone has experienced this issue themselves and knows a DIY solution, I'd be glad to hear it. It wont be worth repairing ![]() I'm putting my perfectly ok old one on Gumtree for £20. Check Gumtree in your area. |
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#4 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,197
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Quote:
probably because its not longer working? what a stupid question!
regards, knobhead |
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#5 |
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,097
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Quote:
probably because its not longer working? what a stupid question!
regards pearl |
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#6 |
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,097
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Quote:
One thing is likely.
It wont be worth repairing ![]() I'm putting my perfectly ok old one on Gumtree for £20. Check Gumtree in your area. |
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#7 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: In a jar, on a shelf
Posts: 31,661
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You need science!
http://www.evilmadscientist.com/2011...an-snack-food/ and see also- http://what-if.xkcd.com/131/ I read that, and had to try the appalam thing. Yours may just sit there if the magnetron's knackered and there are no microwaves. I'd suggest getting another cheap new one if you can, just in case your 2nd hand one was previously owned by a person like me.. But doing the grape plasma thing is FUN!. |
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#8 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,197
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Yeah, I might go second hand, but I don't want that one packing up out of the blue as well.
What do you use it for mostly? |
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#9 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 22,789
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8 years old is pretty good to be honest, most of the ones i have had lasted 2-3 years if that. Saying that I now got a Sainsburys basic one and that have lasted for over 2 years, so not too bad.
The magnetron is normally the thing to go and if your microwave is a dial timer type they will normally go through the motions, a digital one will not normally work as they come up with a error. Not worth fixing these days. |
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#10 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Leeds
Posts: 10,953
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What a stupid reply.
Asda use to sell a decent microwave for about £10.00 I think, maybe even a little less, and probably still do, I check when I'm next in if I remember. I'd say your better getting a cheaper new one than a second hand, but that's just my opinion. . My last microwave did exactly the same as yours and after about the same amount of time. Pity as it was a really good one with easy to use controls but all I want mine to do is reheat and the odd but of cooking so it's not worth it for me to spend loads on one. |
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#11 |
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Up North
Posts: 58,791
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Asda use to sell a decent microwave for about £10.00 I think, maybe even a little less
I'm sure it's safe and tested etc. but just to imagine a device like a microwave oven being available to buy brand new for £10. Basic kettles can cost more than that. |
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#12 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,197
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Thankfully, he/she is now now banned due to things said in the soap threads I think, and other disruptive comments made elsewhere.
Asda use to sell a decent microwave for about £10.00 I think, maybe even a little less, and probably still do, I check when I'm next in if I remember. I'd say your better getting a cheaper new one than a second hand, but that's just my opinion. . My last microwave did exactly the same as yours and after about the same amount of time. Pity as it was a really good one with easy to use controls but all I want mine to do is reheat and the odd but of cooking so it's not worth it for me to spend loads on one. ![]() Has it got a starting handle? |
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#13 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 21,724
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Unless it's a super duper microwave with combi grill etc then just chuck it and get a new one.
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#14 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Herts
Posts: 17,003
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In most cases the high voltage fuse will of gone inside the microwave. It is not a particularly hard job to change but dangerous if you do not know what you are doing.
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#15 |
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,197
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I just checked Gumtree locally - loads of choice from £10 to £30.
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#16 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Sat at computer with heatin on
Posts: 45,573
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from has lasted from Asda, years ago, still going, and under £20
i say get a new one if you use it a lot |
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#17 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 11,097
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Quote:
Pick one up for £15/20 and if it lasts 12 months you're sorted.
What do you use it for mostly? Didn't realise they could be had for as little as £10. The cheapest on Asda's website at the moment is £35, though. Had a look in Tesco yesterday, but a similar story. I'm gonna look in some of the big charity shops next time I pass. Thanks for the suggestions. |
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#18 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,228
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I've had mine 19 years and it still works fine! It's in daily use (ready meals, cups of tea).
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#19 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 23,314
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Mostly for defrosting/reheating frozen meals. I quite often in batches so it's something I do often. It doesn't need to have any special functions.
. |
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#20 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Leeds
Posts: 10,953
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One thing to look at is the capacity! I made that mistake recently when I replaced mine. Went from a 20 litre to a 17 litre without really thinking it through - it makes a big difference if you need to heat two things at a time!
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#21 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 5,704
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Quote:
Mostly for defrosting/reheating frozen meals. I quite often in batches so it's something I do often. It doesn't need to have any special functions.
Didn't realise they could be had for as little as £10. The cheapest on Asda's website at the moment is £35, though. Had a look in Tesco yesterday, but a similar story. I'm gonna look in some of the big charity shops next time I pass. Thanks for the suggestions. |
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#22 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1
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Replace the old microwave
Quote:
Hi. I just realised that my microwave has stopped heating things. Whatever I put in there, it just won't heat up. The timer works fine and it makes the usual sound when operating, but it's now blowing a little cool air from the bottom of the door hinge.
It's only a cheap device and around 8 years old, so I guess it will be better to buy a new one than get it repaired, but if anyone has experienced this issue themselves and knows a DIY solution, I'd be glad to hear it.
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#23 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 21,724
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Quote:
I have heard that most appliances, such as microwaves are actually built to last 7-10 years. So, If you got 8 years, you are doing well. Even if It seems to work perfectly well after so many years, because of its age, the oven could be dangerous and should be thrown out. The screen or rubber seals around the door may have perished and it may lead to radiation leaks. If they are focused on the eye, it can cause cataracts to form. Microwave radiation has also been found to cause Leukemia and other forms of cancer. So, it's better to avoid that old microwave and buy a new one. I have stopped using my 10-year-old oven since last year and bought a new one from 'Best Brand Appliance', Canada ( http://www.bestbrandappliance.ca/ ).
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#24 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 59
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Quote:
In most cases the high voltage fuse will of gone inside the microwave. It is not a particularly hard job to change but dangerous if you do not know what you are doing.
OR If you can't be arsed doing a proper job just wrap the blown fuse in aluminium foil, pop it back in and BING! - normal function should be restored!
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#25 |
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Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Folkestone
Posts: 1,648
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My microwave is 39 years old. I used to make my sons porridge in it when he was a baby and he's 40 in a few weeks time! The only thing I've had to do was replace the light bulb in it a couple of years ago. It's used daily for cooking veg, poaching/scrambling eggs, reheating and defrosting things. I used to make loads of sponge puddings, which took all of 5 minutes, for my ex-husband, but I can't have them
![]() I'll be very sad when it packs up but I wouldn't have it repaired, I'd just buy a new one as they're not really that expensive these days. Bet when I do it won't last 40 years though.
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