A microwave that doesn’t heat may also have a broken magnetron. The magnetron is responsible for heat production within the appliance, and a malfunctioning magnetron could blow a fuse, ultimately causing other functions of the microwave to fail.

Why is my microwave turning on but not heating?

Your microwave may turn on but not heat up. This could be caused by a problem with the high voltage diode, which helps to power the magnetron. The high voltage diode is located in the cabinet. Unplug the microwave and discharge the high voltage capacitor after removing the cabinet.

Why isn’t my microwave heating my food?





If your microwave isn’t heating, first check it’s not because of a setting (timer, low power). Switch on/off and test again with water. If it’s still not heating, common issues are door frame switches, high-voltage diode, or the microwave’s magnetron. If you’re not qualified, check with a professional.

Is it worth fixing a microwave that won’t heat?

If your microwave is relatively new and the repair costs less than replacing it, the fix is worth it. But are microwaves worth repairing if something major is broken? Probably not. Consider getting a replacement appliance for about $100, which should work for 7 to 10 years.

How much does it cost to replace a magnetron in a microwave?

$100 to $200

Microwave Magnetron Replacement Cost



Replacing a microwave magnetron costs $100 to $200. This includes a part price of $50 to $100 and $50 to $100 for labor. A magnetron is the primary component that produces heat for the appliance.

What causes a magnetron to fail in a microwave?





Microwave does not heat



If the microwave is turned on when it is empty, this cause the magnetron to burn out. A burned magnetron has to be replaced as it cannot be repaired. Other probable causes behind this problem are faulty diodes, capacitor burn, defective door switch and transformer failure.

How do you fix a microwave magnetron?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But just to go real quick you're going to take your pliers. And you're going to stick them in there. And you're going to make sure you touch metal and you're going to discharge your magnetron.

Is it cheaper to fix a microwave or replace it?

Consider a replacement if you have a basic model that can cost as little as $60. On the other hand, an expensive model with special features or a mounted microwave might be worth repairing. High-end microwave models can run from $500 to $1,000, so repairing these devices is often cheaper than replacing them.

How long does a microwave magnetron last?

2000 hours



The average life of a microwave magnetron tube is 2000 hours. It’s possible to cook and heat food in a microwave oven for 2,000 hours before the oven loses power.

How do you know if your microwave is dying?

6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Microwave

  1. Smoke, sparks, and burning smells.
  2. Food isn’t cooking properly.
  3. It makes horrible sounds as it cooks.
  4. The door doesn’t seal properly.
  5. The keypad doesn’t function.
  6. It’s over 10 years old.


How long do microwaves usually last?



The average microwave oven lasts about seven years with normal use, and even less with heavy use and poor maintenance. A large family may find themselves replacing their appliance every four to five years as they become more reliant on its use to heat up snacks and leftovers, or to defrost meals.

Do old microwaves leak radiation?

If microwave ovens are used while broken or altered, it is possible for them to leak electromagnetic radiation. Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can’t smell or see microwaves.

When should microwave be replaced?

You should replace your microwave every ten years. There are times, however, when you may need to replace it earlier. For example, when you damage the microwave, when it smells like smoke, when food is not heating up correctly, or when the keypad no longer works.

Should I replace my 20 year old microwave?

If you take good care of your microwave up into its old age, there’s a low risk of harm, but if it’s damaged in any way you may want to get it checked out. If you’ve looked after it well, there’s no reason why a vintage microwave should be dangerous.