When is microwave too old

These are signs of a serious and urgent problem. Food isn't cooking properly. It makes horrible sounds as it cooks. The door doesn't seal properly. The keypad doesn't function.

It's over 10 years old. A microwave oven's power diminishes over time because its magnetron tube weakens. It is the source of a microwave oven's energy and power. So as the magnetron tube becomes weaker and less effective, the microwave oven becomes less powerful. How long should you keep a microwave before replacing it?

Even though your microwave is still fine, replace it when it reaches nine years to avoid a sudden malfunction. However, when there's premature damage, you should buy a new one to prevent safety hazards. Can a microwave give you cancer? Microwave ovens do not cause cancer.

Microwave ovens do not make foods radioactive. Microwave ovens heat food by producing radiation which is absorbed by water molecules in the food. So they do not make food any more likely to cause cancer. Is it dangerous to stand in front of the microwave? Standing in front of your microwave may increase your exposures to microwave radiation; however, such increases are likely to be low, especially when compared to your exposures to microwave radiation from your cell phone.

Are microwaves worth repairing? If your microwave is relatively new and the repair costs less than replacing it, the fix is worth it. In general, the problems worth fixing include: No light when the door opens or while cooking. At most, you may need a few new bolts or a small sanding tool to make the installation right.

Of course, not all microwave malfunctions were meant to be fixed. The low cost of a new microwave combined with the potentially stacking cost of replacement parts and repairs can often make it more practical to just buy a new one. The first indicator that your microwave is better off replaced is the five-year lifespan. Microwaves can last a long time, but they have the shortest lifespan of household appliances.

Another indication that you should replace your microwave instead of replacing a part is if you have more than one problem to tackle. The more issues stack up. The cost of replacement parts will also begin to stack along with the hours necessary to fully repair your microwave. In addition, stacking technical problems usually indicates that there are more problems to come.

Systematic failure is the symptom of an old, badly damaged, or very poorly designed microwave. The magnetron is the heart of a microwave that actually makes the micro-waves. Replacing it is about equal to the cost of buying a whole new microwave, sometimes even greater. If the magnetron is busted, microwave replacement is a part of your future.

Appliance repair technicians now how to quickly and safely take apart an appliance and test each of the essential components. They also often carry common replacement parts or can give you a quote on parts that need to be ordered.

With the help of an experienced appliance repair technician, you can quickly determine whether your microwave needs to be replaced or repaired. From there, you will either agree on a plan to repair your microwave or start on a quest for a new one. Use this opportunity to think about the kind of features you might like in a new microwave and how to improve on your current kitchen experience. Our appliance repair team is happy to answer any questions you might have regarding your microwave or any other home appliances you may be concerned about.

Though microwaves can be repaired, it's often more cost effective just to get a new one and send your old one to be recycled. Here are some clues that will tell you if your microwave is on its deathbed. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. Your microwave might be dying; here's how to tell Here are some signs your microwave may need to be replaced.

Alina Bradford. March 20, p.