Microwave ovens are among the most modern conveniences in your kitchen. They’re great for heating up leftovers and quickly cooking some snacks, but sometimes they break. A broken microwave can be frustrating to deal with, especially if you don’t know how much it will cost to get it fixed. Hence you ,may wonder, how Much Do Microwave Repairs Cost?
This article will help answer your questions about microwave repairs and the costs associated with them. We’ll talk about what common problems cause microwaves to break and the ways that these things can be avoided. We’ll also discuss what the average cost is for a basic repair and what you might end up spending if your issue is more complex. Finally, we’ll look at three different options you have if you want to buy a new microwave instead of repairing yours.
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Microwave Repair Costs
Microwave ovens can be expensive to fix. The cost of a basic repair can range from $68 to $133, which includes the cost of labor. If you have more extensive damage and need a new part, you could be looking at a cost that ranges from $143 to $297.
If your microwave is over 6 years old or has had heavy use, then it might not be worth the cost of a repair. It might be better for you to buy a new one with more features and power than continue paying to repair an older model.
Common Problems that Cause Microwaves to Break
Microwaves are among the most complicated appliances in your kitchen. They have lots of important parts and chips that can malfunction. The most common problems that cause microwaves to break are overheating, power surges and lightning strikes.
Many people don’t realize that microwaves can overheat when they aren’t used for a long period of time, so it’s important to turn them off after use.
Power surges from storms or power outages are another common cause of microwave damage. And finally, lightning strikes can also lead to a broken microwave if the appliance is plugged in at the time of the strike.
Preventing Broken Microwaves
The more time you spend with your microwave oven and the more frequently you use it, the longer it’s going to last. So, take care of your appliance and try to follow these tips for preventing broken microwaves:
-Don’t put anything metal in your microwave. Metal objects might cause sparks or electrical shorts.
-Don’t overfill your plate or bowl when cooking food in the microwave. This will lead to spillage when you open the door, potentially burning yourself or damaging the appliance.
-Avoid using a metal dish or glass object in the microwave as this could lead to electrical shorts and fires.
-If you have a model that does not have a turntable, rotate your dish halfway through cooking for even distribution of heat throughout the container.
The Average Cost of a Basic Microwave Repair
Most minor microwave oven repairs are only going to cost $50-$100. This is a common charge for fixing the faulty touchpad or changing the light bulb in your microwave. Many times, you’ll find that these small fixes will be covered by your warranty.
Dealing with a more Complex Issue
Microwave ovens are typically pretty reliable and not many people experience the need to get their microwave repaired. However, if your microwave breaks, you may be left wondering how much it will cost to fix it.
If your microwave is experiencing a more complex problem, like sparking or smoking when you use it, you’ll want to contact a licensed electrician for help.
This kind of issue could be an electrical fire waiting to happen and needs to be dealt with quickly for safety reasons. You should also consult a licensed electrician if you notice that your microwave has power but doesn’t work properly in some way.
For example, if the door doesn’t close all the way or there are lights that don’t turn on. In cases like this, the part of your microwave that deals with that function may have failed and will need to be replaced by professionals who deal with microwaves on a regular basis.
Repairs like this can cost anywhere from $80-$200 depending on what type of microwave you have and what parts need replacing.
Replacing the Magnetron
Microwaves don’t work without their magnetron. The magnetron provides microwaves by converting electrical power into microwaves.
It’s important that this part of your microwave is functioning properly in order to safely cook food. If the magnetron has stopped working, it will need to be replaced in order for your microwave to work again.
Replacing a magnetron can cost anywhere from $150-$500 depending on the size and power of the unit. If you’re not sure if this is the problem with your microwave, there are some other parts that might need replacing as well.
For example, a defective diode can stop microwaves from passing through and cause the magnetron to burn out. Replacing a diode may cost less than repairing or replacing a magnetron but it can also be more difficult to diagnose which component needs repair or replacement.
Replacing an Outer Case
Microwaves often break due to the oven door breaking. The door is usually made of plastic, which can’t withstand too much pressure. This is why microwaves are largely made in metal frames these days. It will cost you around $40 to replace a broken outer case.
Buying a New Microwave Instead of Fixing It
Sometimes, it’s cheaper to just buy a new microwave than it is to have the old one repaired. This is especially true if you don’t know what is wrong with your microwave or if the repair will cost more than half of the value of a new microwave.
If you’re not sure what’s wrong with your microwave, you might be better off buying a new one instead of having it repaired. For example, let’s say you need a $200 repair and a new microwave costs around $300.
If the repair would cost more than $100, many people would just buy a new one instead since they’d still be saving money in the process.
FAQS
What are the most common problems with microwaves?
Microwaves can break down for a lot of reasons, but the most common reasons are power issues and cooking errors. Power issues could be anything from the microwave not turning on at all to it shutting off by itself. Cooking errors could include leaving food in the microwave too long or putting metal in the microwave. These types of mistakes tend to cause damage that requires a more specific repair than just replacing a fuse.
How much does it cost to get a basic repair?
The average price for a basic microwave repair is around $120, depending on your location and how complicated the problem is. More complex repairs can end up costing substantially more, with some estimates at around $300.
What should I do if my microwave breaks and I can’t afford to replace it?
If you don’t want to replace your current microwave, there are three options: 1) Find someone who is willing to fix your current one for free 2) Replace just the broken part 3) Buy a new one.
Conclusion
Microwave ovens are a staple in any modern kitchen. They are easy to use and they provide a quick and easy way to cook food. But, like everything else, they eventually break. If your microwave is not heating up food, or if the display is not working, or if it is making weird noises, it may be time to call a professional.
No two microwaves are exactly alike so the cost of a repair will vary. However, the average cost of a basic microwave repair is $150.
The best answer when it comes to how much do microwave repairs cost is to expect a wide range. The diagnosis and the repair will depend on what needs to be fixed.
The good news is that a broken microwave can be repaired with just an hour of labor. So if you are looking for a quick fix, replacing your microwave might not be the best option.
