When you move into your first apartment, one of the last things on your list is probably going to be a new microwave.
Or maybe you’re living in a dorm, and the only place to find a cheap used microwave is at the local thrift shop. Whatever the case may be, you end up with something that needs an upgrade. How Much Does it Cost to Make a Microwave Oven?
Well, we’ve got some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that it’s not cheap or easy to make a Microwave Oven from scratch. The good news is that there are plenty of kits out there that can help you transform your retired version into a brand-new piece of tech for less than $100.
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How Much Does it Cost to Make a Microwave Oven?
While microwave ovens do have a lifespan of about 10 years, making one from scratch is not a cheap or easy proposition.
You might be able to find an old microwave on the cheap, but it’s unlikely to have the guts you need to make it work with your current setup.
If you’re lucky, you can use an adapter to plug an old microwave into a new outlet, but it may not work as well as you’d like. It’s best to just buy a new one.
The cheapest microwaves out there cost around $20, but you can also find some great models for $50 or less.
Any higher than that, and you’re getting into territory where it’s worth considering a better built-in microwave.
Step 1: Find the Right Kit
When you’re ready to make a microwave oven, you’ll need to find the right kit. There are a few different options out there, but the best one for you will depend on your budget and skill level.
One-Step Conversion Kits – These kits are designed for people who only want a microwave for basic tasks like reheating food and popping popcorn.
They are a one-step conversion, which means you don’t have to worry about installing a new door.
The kit itself includes the microwave, a new control panel, and the wiring you need to get it all working again.
– These kits are designed for people who only want a microwave for basic tasks like reheating food and popping popcorn.
They are a one-step conversion, which means you don’t have to worry about installing a new door. The kit itself includes the microwave, a new control panel, and the wiring you need to get it all working again.
Two-Step Conversion Kits – If you want to make things a bit fancier, you can go with a two-step conversion kit.
These let you select the microwave you want and then add on the new control panel and doors so the whole thing matches.
Step 2: Disassemble and Clean
Before you get started on the microwave itself, it’s important to clean off the old one. You don’t want to risk getting paint or other materials from the disassembly process all over your old microwave.
Once it’s clean and ready for retirement, you can start taking it apart. This is where that bad news we mentioned at the beginning of this article comes in.
Microwaves are tricky to take apart because they’re designed to be as wide as possible. This means that every part of the microwave is also as wide as possible.
When you disassemble it, it’s not only difficult to measure but it’s also easy to damage components.
Luckily, the people who sell conversion kits know this, so they include a booklet full of tips and tricks to help you get the job done.
Your best bet is to find a workbench or table that’s big enough to hold everything. It’s also helpful to have a few flashlights or bright lights to help you see inside the microwave with minimal disruption.
Step 3: Install the New Components
When your microwave is all disassembled, it’s time to start putting things back together. Start with the control panel.
It has a built-in circuit board and power switches, so you want to make sure you get the connections right.
The instructions will walk you through how to get everything connected, but it’s a good idea to make sure you’re using the right tools. It’s tempting to use your standard screwdriver, but you stand a better chance of stripping the screws if you don’t use a proper tool.
After you get the control panel wired up, you can start working on the microwave itself. Most microwave kits include a new door, so you’ll want to install that first.
And, of course, you’ll need to install the microwave inside your kitchen or wherever you’re planning to put it. Make sure to have all the tools you need for the job on hand before you start.
There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a project and realizing you don’t have the right wrench or screwdriver.
What’s Wrong with Your Microwave?
The first step in making a microwave oven is diagnosing the problem with your existing microwave. This can be tricky, but you have a few clues.
First, try plugging it in and seeing if it sparks.
Sparks mean that your current microwave has a short. This could be due to corrosion, a problem with the wiring, or just a bad connection.
If the microwave makes a humming noise, that’s a sign that it’s working, but not in a way that will help you make it into a new microwave.
Humming indicates that there’s too much voltage coming through the circuit. The last thing you want to do is plug a microwave into an outlet that provides too much power.
This can cause damage to the new microwave and overload the circuit.
Finding the Right Parts
When it comes to making a microwave oven, your options are limited. Microwave ovens contain a few critical components, like the magnetron and turntable.
Finding replacement parts for microwave ovens is tricky, because they often contain proprietary components that aren’t shared with other appliances.
The best thing you can do is search for microwave ovens on sites like eBay or Craigslist and find one that doesn’t work.
You can often buy these microwave ovens for cheap, and the seller will usually be happy to let you take the parts off their hands.
If you’re lucky, you can find microwave oven doors, turntables, and the magnetron itself. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a new magnetron and turntable online.
Other parts, like the fan that cools the radiation inside the microwave or the door switch, can be replaced with a standard part.
Installing New Doors and Trim
When you’re ready to install the new microwave doors and trim, it’s helpful to do a little prep work. Start by cleaning the doors and trim. It’s better to do this before you install them than after.
You can use a rag and some mild cleaner to get rid of any grease or grime that may be on the doors and trim. Once they’re clean, use a paint scraper or sandpaper to knock off any paint or glue that may be leftover.
You can also use a small amount of paint stripper to take off any old paint. When they’re ready, it’s time to install the new microwave doors and trim.
Open the microwave door and mark the spot where the hinges go with a marker. It’s best to use screws to install the hinges, but you can also use glue if you don’t have a screwdriver handy.
It’s important to make sure that the hinges are in the right spot so the microwave door closes properly.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Once you finish with the doors and trim, it’s time to paint the new microwave. Start by cleaning the inside of the microwave with water and a rag.
You don’t want paint or other materials getting on the inside of the microwave, as they can get in the food and make people sick.
Next, decide what color you want the microwave to be. Be sure to consider the surrounding colors in your kitchen and make sure your new microwave matches.
Finally, apply two or three coats of paint to make sure the microwave is fully covered. When the paint
FAQS
How much does an enclosure cost?
An enclosure protects the inner workings of the microwave oven and is typically made from metal or plastic. Enclosures range in price from $20 to $100.
How much does a power cord cost?
A power cord might be one of the cheapest parts you’ll need for your microwave oven, costing around $3-10.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to make a microwave? It depends on your specific microwave and what you need to replace. It also depends on whether you buy a kit or go the route.
There are microwave repair kits out there that can help you fix your microwave for less than $100. They come with everything you need to make the repair, including detailed instructions.
Whether you buy a kit or go the DIY route, you’ll have your microwave up and running in no time.
