Here are some tips to help you successfully reheat meals in the microwave again. Some problems you can fix yourself.

TRANSCRIPT

If you love kicking back on the couch with popcorn and movies, you may have noticed that your microwave is leaving way too many corn kernels. Hi, I'm Paul Blake from Repair.com and I have a few tips to help you get back to successfully heating meals in the microwave. Some problems you can fix yourself, some you can get professionally repaired, and some will have you thinking about getting a new microwave.

First, a warning: Microwaves contain high voltage parts that can be fatal if handled improperly. Do not attempt to penetrate the inner workings of microwave ovens unless you are a qualified professional.

Step 1: Make sure you actually have a problem

Before you invest time or money, make sure your microwave really has a problem. The best way to check is to heat water.

Fill a glass measuring cup with water to the 1-cup mark. Place the cup in the microwave and set it on full power for 1 minute. Repeat several times with fresh water. If the water is not consistently warm, you have confirmed there is a problem.

Step 2: Fix any program errors

If your microwave is not heating properly, it may be due to a previously programmed setting. Press the STOP/CANCEL button and start the heating process again, but use a higher power setting. This may resolve the problem.

Otherwise, there may be a problem with the board and its connections. If a qualified professional determines that the board is defective, the most practical solution may be to purchase a new microwave.

Step 3: Try to dry the circuits

Microwaves installed above the stove can be affected by cooking steam. Condensation that collects on the circuits can stop the heating. Allow the circuits to dry by not cooking on the stove for a few days. If the problem still persists, it may be due to a loose connection in the circuit or a faulty door safety switch. A qualified professional can repair or replace the faulty parts.

Step 4: Listen for unusual noises

A humming or buzzing microwave that gives off a faint burning smell could be an indication of a damaged magnetron, high-voltage capacitor or diode. Replacement magnetrons are expensive, so if a service technician determines that this is the problem, you may be better off buying a new microwave. Capacitor and diode parts cost much less, but remember that you are paying for the expertise needed to install them correctly and safely. It may still make more sense to buy a new microwave, especially if it is a simple countertop model.

Step 5: Prevent future microwave problems

Never slam the microwave door, even if you're in a hurry. And always press the STOP/CANCEL button before opening the door to remove food. These steps will prevent damage to the door safety switch, and that's crucial because microwaves are designed to stop working if the safety switch is damaged.

Remember, microwaves are too dangerous to repair on your own. Visit Repair.com to contact a qualified professional or for more troubleshooting tips and advice.

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