Is It Worth Replacing The Magnetron
Cavity magnetron
The cavity magnetron is a high-powered vacuum tube that generates microwaves using the interaction of a stream of electrons with a magnetic field while moving past a series of open metal cavities (cavity resonators). Bunches of electrons passing by the openings to the cavitie…
Is it worth replacing a magnetron in a 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. Of course, you don’t have to know for sure immediately which option is better for you.
How do I know if my microwave magnetron is bad?
- You do not need to remove the door or the button panel to access the magnetron.
- Organize the screws in small dishes for each side so you don’t lose them.
- Don’t touch any wires inside the microwave since they could possibly still have a charge. If you want, wear rubber gloves for an additional layer of protection.
How much does it cost to replace a microwave?
Should you repair or replace a microwave? The cost to install a new microwave ranges from $110 to $190, plus $100 to $700 for the appliance. Depending on the purchase price of your microwave and the cost of repairs, you may decide to replace it. As a general rule, you should consider replacement if: The microwave is more than 10 years old
Is it worth getting a microwave repaired?
When your microwave problem involves a single component, it’s often worth making the repairs to fix that one thing. A broken microwave door handle, the glass plate or roller guide, for example, are common aspects that break and can quite easily be replaced.
How much does it cost to replace a microwave magnetron?
$100 to $200Microwave 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.
How long does a microwave magnetron last?
2000 hoursThe 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.
Are microwaves worth repairing?
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.Aug 16, 2017
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a microwave?
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.Jan 11, 2022
What causes a microwave magnetron to fail?
There are a lot of reasons why a magnetron can fail in a microwave oven. Magnets Cracking, Burned out terminals, Burned antenna/dome, a loose connection of magnetron, Resistance continuity are some of the things. ... Some of the causes can be seen, while others are only known by testing.
Why is my microwave not heating up my food?
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.
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.Oct 22, 2019
Why is my microwave making a grinding noise?
The stirrer is a metal blade that distributes the microwaves energy by rotating. This action is what causes your food to cook evenly. After years of use, the stirrer motor becomes worn and emits a grinding noise. You will need to replace the motor to eliminate this unnerving sound from infiltrating your kitchen.
What are the signs that a microwave is going bad?
6 Signs It's Time to Replace Your MicrowaveSmoke, sparks, and burning smells. 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.May 1, 2019
How do I know if my microwave is leaking radiation?
Call the phone inside the microwave. If you hear no ring, your microwave is not leaking radiation. If you hear a ring, your microwave is leaking radiation, assuming the settings on your phone are correct. It's highly unlikely that your leaking microwave is a danger to your health.
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.
How long should you keep a microwave before replacing it?
To avoid replacing yours more than about once every 10 years—which is how long most manufacturers tell us they should last—you'll want to take care of it. Your microwave may not get as grimy as your oven, but even so, one of the best ways to keep it humming along is to keep it clean.Dec 13, 2021
How to Troubleshoot and Repair the Magnetron
To troubleshoot the magnetron, you’ll need an ohmmeter or multimeter (sometimes called a Multi – Meter).
What to Do Next
If you’ve determined you need to replace your magnetron, you have two options: buy a replacement and follow the simple replacement guide- or replace the microwave altogether. A new magnetron isn’t cheap- it could run you anywhere from $100-250- more often than not equal to or greater than the cost of a new microwave.
Jed Smith
I'm a musician and recording engineer and live in Queens. I have a cat. Her name is Elsa. I love to write about consumer tech and musical instruments.
What is the magnetron in a 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.
How long does a microwave last?
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. If your microwave is over 6 years and especially if it’s approaching 10 years old, you’re likely better off with a new microwave.
Can you replace a microwave door handle?
Any single component can usually be replaced, especially if you can see where that component is and how it fits into the microwave design. A burnt out lightbulb is also a common one-component repair.
Can a microwave be repaired?
IF the repair seems easy, simple, or straight-forward, then a repair is likely your better option. If a repair seems involved, dangerous, or requires multiple stages of repair, then repairs might not be worth your time.
Can a microwave rattle in the cabinet?
For mounted microwaves, sometimes your problem isn’t related directly to the appliance at all. If your door falls open or closed, if there’s an occlusion with the cabinet, or if the microwave rattles in its brackets, these are installation problems that can be easily solved without getting a new microwave.
What happens when magnetron gets hot?
When the magnetron gets to hot, it shuts off power to the device. Some of these fuses reset once the device cools, some don't. Sounds like you have one of the later. You can replace the fuse, temp rating is usually written on the device itself.
Is the magnetron inside the microwave clean?
The inside of the wave-guide, the motherboard, and the magnetron are surprisingly clean given the state the rest of device was in. Because the magnetron is the most expensive part in the microwave, I'm a bit hesitant to order one and try swapping it out.
A quick note on safety
Microwave ovens are very safe devices. However, if you have any doubts about how safe they are, you should always consult your local consumer protection agency. In case you feel that the microwave is not working properly, please contact us immediately. We will try our best to help you solve the problem.
The components of a microwave
A microwave oven is composed of many parts. These parts are responsible for heating and cooking food. It consists of a magnetron, waveguide tube, cavity resonator, power supply unit, and cooling fan.
Check for human error
To ensure safety, it is important to check the following items: 1. Check if the door is closed properly. 2. Make sure that the door latch is working properly.
The magnetron
A diode is a semiconductor component used in electronics. It is a rectifier that converts alternating current AC into direct current DC. A diode consists of two regions of opposite conductivity types separated by a junction. In other words, a diode is a type of electrical switch that allows electricity to flow only in one direction.
How do I know if my microwave magnetron is bad?
If your microwave oven has been running for a long period of time, the magnetron tube could burn out. This is because the magnetron tube generates heat to produce microwaves. To check whether your microwave oven’s magnetron tube is working properly, turn off the power supply and remove the turntable.
What causes a magnetron to fail in a microwave?
A magnetron fails when it overheats. Overheating occurs when the magnetron tube becomes too hot to operate efficiently. It happens when the magnetron tube gets too hot from using too many watts of energy. A magnetron tube can only generate about 1,000 watts of energy.
How much does it cost to replace a magnetron in a microwave?
Replacing a magnetron in a household microwave costs between $100 and $200. This depends on how old the microwave is and what type of microwave it is. Most microwaves sold today are built with a magnetron tube. These tubes are very expensive and usually last for 10 years or longer.
