The microwave is a great break from modern life, offering ready-to-eat food at a back. But behold, one fine day you simply notice that the microwave does not heat up anymore.
What’s up? What to do? Before calling for technical assistance, you can perform some simple tests and maybe even solve the problem yourself.
To help you on this mission, we list below the main causes behind a microwave that doesn’t heat up. Check it out and see what to do:
Microwave does not heat up: causes and what to do
Outlet with bad contact
Have you checked the plug in your device’s socket? It could be that it is not seated correctly, or it has suffered damage, such as a short circuit. Therefore, even if it is connected, it is not transmitting electrical current to the device.
It is also worth checking the socket where the device is connected. It is common for outlets to fail to provide adequate power for appliances and, as a result, they cease to function.
Test by plugging your microwave into another outlet and see if the problem is fixed and it turns back on.
Many devices on the same outlet
Do you use benjamins to connect more than one device to the same outlet? This practice is very common, although it is not recommended.
That’s because the devices end up not receiving the necessary charge of energy to work properly, not to mention that they can overload the point of the outlet causing even electrical failures.
So do this check. If your microwave shares the socket with the refrigerator and other appliances, try plugging it into the socket by itself.
Insufficient electrical charge
Another problem that may be affecting your microwave is insufficient electrical voltage. Some appliances require a higher electrical charge to function and, often, it is not compatible with the socket and the voltage received.
Therefore, it is worth checking the appliance instructions for the amperage required for the microwave to work and, if necessary, replace the socket.
Microwave turns on but doesn’t heat up?
It could also be that your microwave is turning on normally, but when you put the food in it doesn’t heat up or heat up enough.
And, as incredible as it sounds, there are several reasons for this, from misuse of the device to damage to key parts. Just take a look:
door badly closed
For safety reasons, every microwave appliance does not work if the door is open or not properly closed.
It could be that the container you are trying to use is bigger than the appliance and this is making it difficult to close the door, or even some small object is getting in the way of closing it.
Therefore, check the activation of the door and that it is closing properly.
The door open and close sensor may also be defective. In this case, it does not read correctly and the consequence of this is that even being closed, the microwave does not work. It’s worth taking a look at this too.
Obstructed air outlet
The sides of the microwave have small holes through which the air is passed from inside the appliance. If these air outlets are blocked, it is likely that the microwave will not heat the food.
It is recommended by most manufacturers to keep a minimum distance of 10 centimeters between the microwave and other appliances or furniture.
Also check these vents for dust accumulation. If you notice dirt embedded on the sides of the device, clean it and see if the problem is solved.
power
Another cause of microwaves not heating up properly is the wrong power. Check what power level is set on the device.
Each type of food requires a different power, both for cooking and heating.
In other words, it is worth checking the manufacturer’s instruction manual for the recommended potency for each type of food.
frozen food
Is the food you are trying to heat frozen? In this case, the microwave takes longer to heat the food completely, since the heating process is from the outside to the inside.
Therefore, it is common for food to be apparently hot on the outside, but inside it is still cold and even frozen.
The ideal is to defrost it first, and then heat it up.
wrong function
Your microwave may be set up wrong. That’s right! You often think that the appliance is in the heat function, but in fact it is programmed to defrost, for example.
In this case, defrosting slowly heats the food, giving the impression that it is not heating, but is actually just performing the wrong function.
dish that does not rotate
Another common situation that prevents microwave heating is a poorly positioned or not rotating turntable.
The plate is a fundamental part of the appliance’s operation and if it is not rotating or is not correctly fitted, then most likely the food will not be heated.
Observe this element and if you notice any defect, provide maintenance or just fit the dish correctly.
misplaced food
Food needs to be well positioned inside the microwave. This means placing them in the center of the turntable. Do not place food on the sides, for example.
Excessive food
If you are trying to heat a large amount of food at once, your microwave appliance may also have difficulties.
This is because it is programmed to serve a certain amount of food at a time. Above that, the device will not be able to warm up satisfactorily.
The solution to this, luckily, is simple. You just have to divide the food into portions and heat them one by one, individually.
Magnetrom Problems
If by any chance none of these situations fits with your problem, then you are at serious risk of having a defective microwave in the magnetron.
The magnetron is the heart of the microwave. This part is responsible for converting electrical energy into magnetic energy.
When this part has defects, it is common for the microwave to make strange noises, such as hum-like sounds.
Unfortunately, in this case, the only solution is to take the device to a technical assistance to carry out the necessary repairs and the replacement of the part, if necessary.
Other internal problems
In addition to the magnetron, the microwave’s centerpiece, there are other parts and components that can present problems with the time of use and, therefore, prevent the appliance from heating food as it should.
Entering this list are internal fuses and switches that may have blown. In this case, it is also necessary to count on the help of a specialized technical assistance to make the diagnosis and, consequently, the appropriate repairs.
Remembering that it is always important to have companies accredited by the manufacturer, so you do not lose the right to the product warranty.
Tips for the correct use of the microwave
Better than cure is always prevention. Therefore, we have listed below some important tips for you to use the microwave correctly and thus avoid future problems. Check out:
- Food must always be in the center of the turntable. The organization in the container (plate or bowl) is also important. Distribute them evenly so that the heat can evenly heat up all parts.
- Avoid placing food and containers against the side walls of the microwave. In addition to hampering the functioning of the device, you also prevent proper heating.
- Some foods need to be stirred or turned during the cooking process so that they heat up and cook evenly. If you don’t, you run the risk of letting the food burn on one side and go raw on the other. This is especially common in larger foods.
- In some preparations it may be necessary to use lids to retain steam and speed up the cooking process. A good example is rice. But if you’re in doubt, just watch how the food is heated or cooked on a conventional stove. That’s because if he requires a lid on the stove, then he will also need a lid on the microwave. But, remember to only use microwave safe lids.
- Pay attention to the type of container used in the microwave. Some, such as metallic ones, for example, should not be used at risk of fire. Others, such as ceramics and glass, have no restrictions, but you should be careful when handling these materials as they also heat up inside the device and can cause burns if picked up without gloves.
So, did you manage to solve the mystery of the microwave that doesn’t heat up? Just follow the tips in this post and you get there!
