The microwave does not heat, but whether it works or not: reasons

When household appliances at hand suddenly fail, many problems arise. Agree, it’s unpleasant if you’re in the mood to have breakfast and suddenly it turns out that the microwave is working, but not heating. The situation, of course, is not critical, because you can heat food in other ways, but it will take more time and the amount of dirty dishes will increase.

When household appliances break down, all usual household chores are disrupted

Although a microwave oven is not the most necessary and expensive unit in the kitchen, it is still a shame to throw it away, especially if the cause of the breakdown is completely removable. To decide whether it is possible to repair the equipment yourself or whether you will have to call a technician, let’s try to figure out why the microwave does not heat, but works, and what to do in such a situation.

If you do not understand anything about technology, do not take any action, call a specialist for help. Phone numbers of service centers can easily be found on the Internet.

How does a microwave oven work?

To make it much easier to troubleshoot problems found in your oven, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its main elements. The waves are generated thanks to a magnetron, which is connected to the camera by a waveguide. Power is guaranteed by a capacitor and diode. Therefore, it is possible that the microwave does not heat, but works.

There is another important element - this is a fuse that protects equipment from unexpected problems. The working chamber is an important part of the appliance in which food is placed to be heated.

To independently cope with equipment repairs when the malfunction is directly related to a defect in a certain element, you need to know the structure of the microwave. The magnetron is connected to the microwave chamber by a waveguide. The magnetron is closed on the camera side with a piece of mica or a plastic cover (this depends on the type of technology chosen). The failure of this component fully explains why the Panasonic microwave oven does not heat food.

In order to obtain high-voltage power, a special additional element (multiplier) was created. It consists of two main parts - a diode and a capacitor. A proven and high-quality fuse helps to avoid unexpected overloads. In addition, the manufacturers have provided one more point - a special lock on the switches makes it impossible to turn on the oven with the door open.

Professionals made sure that it was safe and easy for each user to reheat cooked food. But sometimes, for some reason, modern microswitches become damaged and no longer cope with their tasks, as a result of which the disk spins, but the microwave does not heat. It is important to constantly monitor this in order to avoid additional difficulties.

Specific commands are clearly visible on the device's convenient panel. The selection is made using special switches. Digital control is carried out using buttons; certain models have an easy-to-use touch panel.

How to find a breakdown: detailed instructions

First of all, it is recommended to read the instructions for the microwave oven, paying special attention to the last paragraphs - about possible problems and malfunctions in the operation of the device. Most often, the instructions indicate methods for solving the problem, but if there is no documentation left for the microwave, then you can begin self-diagnosis.

First, it is recommended to measure the network voltage, because even with small deviations, within 5-10V, incorrect operation of household appliances can be observed.

After this, you should turn off the power to the device and use an ohmmeter to check the functionality of the miniature switch on the oven door. Next you will need to remove the top cover by unscrewing the screws.

Proceed to checking the mains fuse. If you cannot visually detect a wire that has burned out inside, and the fuse is not black, then you can use the resistance sister. This will help you know for sure that the part is working properly. Using an ohmmeter, check the high voltage fuse in the housing. If the device shows that there is even a slight resistance, then the situation is not so sad.

If the problem has not yet been found, then it is necessary to check the components of the multiplier, or rather the diode and capacitor. This must be done using an ohmmeter. If the capacitor is faulty, then the instrument needle will not move. This means a break in contact. If a small charge occurs when the arrow deflects, then the part is working.

Be sure to check the feed-through capacitors and filters on the body of the electromagnetic lamp. If, when checking with an ohmmeter, there is no zero resistance, then this is normal. If the device shows zero, it is necessary to replace the part.

Don't forget to check the primary winding of the transformer using a tester. After turning on the microwave oven, the voltage on the tester should be at least 220 Volts, with heating turned on.

What to do if the microwave does not heat

The key to proper and, most importantly, long-term operation of a microwave oven is careful operation of the equipment. A foreign object may accidentally enter the camera. You should not heat food in dishes made of metal, this will lead to trouble. To determine why the Bork microwave oven does not work, you need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. No special skills or equipment are needed for this; available tools will suffice, provided that the user follows professional recommendations.

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What to do if the microwave heats up but does not spin? It is absolutely not necessary to immediately contact the service center for help. It is necessary to identify the damaged component, and then repair the part or replace it with a new one.

Mains high voltage fuse

In order to get to the mains fuse, you need to unscrew the bolts and remove the stove body. Check the wires for external damage: traces of burnout, blackening, burning smell. Using an ohmmeter we check the fuse. If the arrow does not move from zero, this indicates that the part is broken and requires replacement.

Why problems might arise

The microwave is working but the food is not heating, it will be important for you to know that certain factors are often the cause:

Difficulties arising with the supply voltage: to eliminate the cause, it is worth purchasing a power supply of the specified power.
Failure of parts - over time, the design stops working correctly, the door does not open well and the dishes do not warm up completely.
Setting the random mode.
Presence of unnecessary objects in the chamber.

Constantly monitor the serviceability of the selected microwave oven.

If your LG or Samsung microwave does not heat, be sure to check to see if the warranty period has expired. It is possible that the cause of the breakdown of household appliances was a manufacturing defect.

To determine the reasons why the microwave does not heat and is noisy, carry out a comprehensive diagnosis. Start with a visual inspection of the walls of the heat chamber and the power cable. If the microwave does not heat, you need to disassemble the device to check the functionality of the components.

It is important to know that problems in the proper operation of a microwave often lie in its careless use, violation of basic rules and recommendations. As a rule, it is mainly very cheap models that become faulty; their parts wear out quite quickly and easily. Remember that it is the users themselves who are to blame if the microwave oven refuses to heat food properly. People neglect the rules, and then suffer from the poor performance of purchased home appliances. When heating food, be sure to take special dishes and under no circumstances turn on the oven completely empty; such equipment is not provided for this.

Pay attention to some important points: the fuse has a glass bulb and metal elements. When you see a break in the chain, you need to replace it immediately.

Difficulties with the magnetron - poor quality and untested contacts (due to constant heating). The solution to this problem is simple - restoring contact using special tools. Has the cap turned black? You have to make an effort to clean it carefully. The antenna cap is damaged - carefully inspect the magnetron itself, make sure the element is in good condition. Replace the cap, and, if necessary, the magnetron: the new parts must match the installed ones in terms of power and structural features.

To prevent equipment from being used with the door poorly closed, special small switches are installed. It is important to know that often the reason why a microwave does not heat can be due to defects in the microswitch. This will require urgent replacement of parts.

Always be careful about the rules for using the selected devices. If necessary, contact trained specialists and experienced craftsmen.

Features of repair of some brands

The causes of breakdowns for different brands are identical, but the repair of a certain brand may differ slightly from its analogues. Let's look at the features of the most popular brands of microwave machines.

Samsung	Microwave ovens from Samsung rarely break down - the mechanical parts are very strong, so problems with latches can be eliminated by almost 99%. If there is a malfunction, you should immediately check the electronics.
Rolsen	The Rolsen brand cannot boast of impeccable reliability. Breakdowns and even short circuits of equipment are common, so it’s worth looking for a different brand.
Panasonic	Budget models from the Panasonic brand often suffer from rust. This will not directly lead to malfunctions, but will accelerate the wear and tear of the equipment.
LG	Another brand of microwave ovens that is reliable. But there are also two weak points in the LV: fuses and capacitors - they must be checked first.

Also popular brands of equipment include:

Sharp is a popular brand with a wide range of sizes, but the actual size of the camera may be smaller than stated;
Supra is a budget equipment with normal quality, sometimes breakdowns occur, but most customers are satisfied;
Elenberg is also a budget brand, but has a short warranty - only for a year;
Bork - models are distinguished by high functionality and stylish appearance, but we must take into account that the brand is Russian, and the spare parts are Chinese;
Scarlett is a British brand that wanted to produce equipment in Russia, but still chose China;
Daewoo is one of the leaders in electronics, simple controls and stylish models, low cost and good quality. There are retro models;
Erisson - simple, concise and budget models. Ideal for a cottage or rented apartment;
Vitek is a very popular brand, there are many models with different numbers of functions.

The microwave does not heat - simple reasons

You decide to heat up a dish, the microwave works, but the temperature of the food does not rise. The reason can be either simple or complex. If the voltage is low, you need to install a stabilizer to correct the situation. Once you determine why the microwave is not heating food, you need to start repairing it. Is the furnace switched on in line with other appliances? Then switch some of the equipment to other outlets. Also make sure that the oven cord is not damaged.

Even old wiring can explain why the microwave stopped heating and defrosting food. Don't forget about preventive measures. It is extremely important to regularly clean the heat chamber from splashes of grease and food debris. To avoid unpleasant odors, use plastic lids and hoods.

What malfunctions occur

At some point, you may be upset by a problem - the microwave has stopped heating food. By all signs it is clear that it is broken - it hums, there is no backlight in the chamber, the plate does not spin, the fan does not turn on, the food does not heat up. What to do? You should probably contact a service center to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. If you have experience with electronic equipment, you can try to figure it out yourself.

If the stove is new and under warranty, it is better to simply take it to a service center. Perhaps the malfunction is a consequence of the use of low-quality components and poor factory assembly. In this case, the equipment can be repaired free of charge.

More serious reasons

If the food does not heat up, the microwave oven does not turn on, or some modes stop working, then these are the first signs of serious malfunctions. Why doesn't the microwave heat up? Hardware components come out due to:

normal wear and tear;
mechanical damage;
improper operation of equipment;
short circuits.

To determine why the microwave beeps but does not heat food, and then fix the problem, you need to buy the appropriate spare parts.

Fuse

If the microwave disc is spinning and the light is on, but the food is not heating, then you should contact a professional. They will help you cope with the situation.

Fuse blown:

Remove the cover.
Blown fuses turn black or swell.
Check resistance.
Replace parts with proven and high-quality ones.

If the microwave operates but does not heat, disassemble the oven to check the functionality of other parts. It is possible that another component, for example, a magnetron, has broken.

In order to carefully examine the general condition of the fuses, you need to carefully remove the cover, removing the fasteners. The light in the microwave itself does not come on if the mains fuse is faulty. If you do not notice any serious external defects, then take an ohmmeter to check its condition. You can also pay attention to the condition of the cord and plug itself; they must be of high quality and without damage. This condition must be observed. There is a high-voltage fuse directly under the casing; this should also be checked. The safety of using a microwave oven depends on the reliability and serviceability of the parts.

Magnetron problems

If the microwave hums but does not heat, this may indicate problems in the magnetron. A malfunction of this part causes the microwave to turn on but not heat well. There is no need to immediately blame the magnetron for everything; this is due to the fact that well-known brands, for example, Samsung, may have problems with the solder joints of the filter coils when the lamp is operating. Remember that these difficulties can be eliminated quite simply without the help of specialists. But if there are no problems with soldering, you will need to pay attention to the channel thread.

You need to know one more rule in order not to make a mistake - the magnetron housing heats up to one hundred and fifty degrees during operation. It is for this reason that when the microwave was turned on, it was necessary to wait until the lamps cooled down. When you have checked everything and the food is not heating in the oven, replace the magnetron. But keep in mind that the new part must strictly comply with the established parameters and characteristics. You can make a replacement either yourself or by contacting the specialists whom you trust to solve this problem.

Problems with mica plate

What is the reason that the microwave does not heat food? If, after a detailed and careful check and replacement of parts, the oven turns on, but does not heat the food, an additional check of the mica plate will be required. A mica plate is necessary to cover the exit of the waveguide directly into the microwave chamber. If there is carbon deposits on the part, it will interfere with the proper operation of the oven. When serious defects appear, sparks may occur, and this, in turn, will lead to an unexpected fire. All your actions must be well thought out.

Carefully clean the plate from dust, and then carefully, following the rules, put it in place. Please note the following point: if you notice a hole in the plates, replace them as soon as possible. Show responsibility and you will prevent serious troubles from occurring.

This element can be purchased separately in the store without any problems. At the same time, if you purchased a plate from Samsung, but you need a component for Sharp, you will have to make holes for the screws.

Capacitor burnt out or diode faulty

What could be the problem if the oven stops heating? Check with a tester to see if the capacitor or diode is broken. When a problem is identified, the parts are changed. Take care of your chosen microwave oven, and then it will delight you for many years with its serviceability and positive characteristics. If problems do appear, then it is necessary to urgently begin to eliminate them. You can entrust the work to professionals or, if you have experience and relevant knowledge, cope with the tasks yourself. Do not ignore the instructions and instructions for using the purchased equipment. Valuable recommendations will help you prevent unexpected device failure.

Broken multiplier:

Resistance will indicate a problem.
Check the diode itself.
Damage to the magnetron.

Often, problems of this kind can be eliminated with simple efforts, without outside help: you just need to understand the documentation and replace the part. But this will require patience and careful attention to detail.

When the microwave was turned on, the light began to come on, but the equipment still does not perform specific tasks, under no circumstances should you throw it away, everything can be fixed. The whole point is that you violated certain rules for using the device. Anyone can face this problem. Eliminating defects does not always require special knowledge and skills.

If the microwave breaks down, first use the instructions, as they contain hints from the manufacturer as to why the oven may fail. If a solution is not found, check the voltage, also disconnect the device from the network and check the microswitches.

A multiplier is a part that consists of a diode and a capacitor. The reliability of the capacitor can be checked with an ohmmeter. Here you will need minimal knowledge: you saw that the device’s arrow deviates, then points to infinity, then you can say with complete confidence that everything is in order with the device. But when resistance is detected, it means there is a breakdown. This moment (problems with the capacitor) is indicated by the peculiar behavior of the equipment: it hums, but does not do the work. Replace the diode with a serviceable and high-quality one.

To repair a microwave, you need to check the component with an ohmmeter. If the readings are 0.1 Ohm, everything is fine, you can rest assured.

Multiplier check

The multiplier consists of a diode and a capacitor. The condition of the capacitor is checked with an ohmmeter, although it is intended for use in alternating voltage circuits. If the instrument needle first deviates a little and then shows infinity, everything is fine. The presence of slight resistance indicates a breakdown. If there is an internal break, the needle remains at zero. A malfunction of this capacitor often causes the microwave to hum but not heat. Since it is difficult to check the diode at home, it is better to immediately replace it with a known good one.

Troubleshooting

A huge number of reasons why a microwave oven does not heat can be detected and solved quickly and in a timely manner. First of all, you need to prepare some tools in advance - a screwdriver, measuring instruments. These include an ohmmeter - a device that will do an excellent job of diagnosing problems in a microwave oven.

Microwave works but doesn't heat well? Troubleshooting methods:

Incorrectly marked mode - use the instructions to set the desired command (“warm-up”); turn on the oven for a while and make sure that the food is heating up - the problem is solved.
Insufficient voltage - take care to install an uninterruptible power supply.
Problems with the normal functioning of the door - replace parts.

If the microwave oven is no longer in good working order and cannot cope with direct tasks, first refer to the instructions, which contain a list of tips and valuable recommendations on why the oven fails. If you don't find a useful answer, check an item such as voltage. If everything is in order, unplug the oven and check other elements - microswitches.

In some situations, it is impossible to restore a non-working Samsung microwave or a device from another manufacturer. Even troubleshooting a magnetron is too costly a process. It is more rational to purchase new equipment.

DIY repair

There are not many problems with a microwave oven that you can solve yourself. If you are unsure of your abilities, it is better not to start repairs at all. Before you pick up something to do, you need to check it for charge.

The essence of self-repair is only to replace broken parts with new ones. You won’t be able to repair the parts yourself without experience. The operating principle is as follows:

The fuse is a simple and cheap consumable that performs very important functions, so it is advisable to replace it at the first sign of a problem. To select a suitable part, it is recommended to take the spoiled part with you to the store. It is best not to use specimens with thin wire - they are not as reliable;
capacitors - easy to check with a capacitance measuring device, and also easy to replace. Caution: The capacitor may retain an electrical charge for a long time, which may result in electric shock;
diodes - it is difficult to thoroughly check their performance, so they are replaced if there are no other objective reasons for the food not heating. It is easier to replace the diode than to examine it at home;
magnetron - easy to replace, but the purchase itself can be expensive. It makes sense to think about buying new equipment. If you decide to buy a part, then you should take the spoiled copy to the store or at least copy its serial number;
transformer - replacing it with your own hands is dangerous. Not recommended for beginners - because... This is a complex procedure that requires basic knowledge of electronics (you need to be able to calculate the nominal resistance of the transformer windings and use an ohmmeter).

A win-win option is to call a specialist. He will always accurately, quickly and without problems determine what exactly the breakdown is, and will also immediately repair the microwave, if you do not have to order rare parts. The easiest way to “accept” the work of a master is to simply warm up a glass of water.

Repair rules

In order not to harm the equipment and yourself during repairs, you must follow a few simple rules:

Always unplug the cord from the outlet before starting repairs.
Use protective dielectric gloves.
Only use tools with insulated handles.
Do not operate a disassembled, empty, open or broken microwave oven.
Discharge the capacitor before repairing.
Don't forget any metal objects inside.
Do not make holes in the housing.

Preventing damage

We looked at how to determine the cause of a malfunction, as well as how to repair a Sharp microwave oven with your own hands. Now is the time to talk about prevention, which helps prevent failure of the basic components of the stove. You can avoid serious damage by following a few simple tips:

Under no circumstances should food be heated in metal containers;
do not turn on the oven without placing a dish or product in the heat chamber;
You can’t heat eggs;
heat food in plastic containers with lids.

These are the basic rules for operating microwave ovens. More useful information can be found in the user manual and technical documentation.

Magnetron

If, when checking the device, you did not find any breakdowns, then it is likely that the problem is in the magnetron. The sign by which magnetron failure is determined is strong noise (hum) during operation of the device. If the microwave is humming and not heating, then you need to look at the magnetron to see if there are cracks or carbon deposits there. If the breakdown is not visible visually, then check with an ohmmeter. If the magnetron burns out, then you need to buy the same one. It should have the same parameters and size.

Rules for caring for a microwave oven

In order not to have to figure out why the microwave oven does not work after a short period of use, you need to properly care for your household appliances. Rules for caring for your microwave:

The heat-resistant glass tray must be washed with liquid soap.
Do not use abrasive powders to clean the grates, they just need to be "soaked".
Promptly remove any remaining fat or food from the surface of the chamber.
The most unpretentious in maintenance is a microwave with internal walls made of stainless steel; they can even be cleaned with abrasive agents.
Under no circumstances should the oven be cleaned or washed while it is on.
After cooking, wipe the oven with a microfiber or lint-free cloth dampened with plain water.
To remove condensation from the walls of the microwave oven, wipe them with an ordinary napkin.
If the oven is very dirty, do not use the grill or convection mode, otherwise the grease will turn into brown spots.
Use cleaning products labeled as Microwave cleaner.
There is no need to touch the ventilation, as well as the compartment in which the magnetron is located.

These simple tips will help your microwave operate longer.

Transformer primary winding

You need to check the voltage of the primary winding of the transformer using a tester. The operating voltage should be 220 W.

Do not forget to disconnect the household appliance from the electricity before repairing it!

And remember, even when switched off, any equipment can cause an electric shock if used incorrectly. Therefore, if you are not confident in yourself and your skills, it is better to entrust microwave oven repair to specialists.

Useful tips

In order not to waste time determining the reason why the Daewoo microwave stopped heating, you need to adhere to the basic rules for operating the equipment:

toxic cleaning powders can get into food or damage the magnetron;
dirt and grease from the body can be removed with a damp cloth;
to remove dirt from the door, use a damp sponge and wipe the insulation;
It is advisable to wipe touch panels with dry wipes;
to get rid of an unpleasant odor, heat a glass of water with a slice of lemon;
Reheat food by covering it with a special plastic lid to keep the walls of the heat chamber clean.

If the enamel inside the microwave has peeled off, be sure to paint over the damaged areas.

Prevention

The cessation of heating by a microwave oven is associated with wear and tear of certain functional components. The wear process can be slowed down if you follow our recommendations. Avoid the following:

do not place spoons, forks or other metal objects (including utensils) into the chamber;
do not run the equipment idle;
containers with raw eggs and liquids sometimes explode (this damages the device);
Contamination and excessive pressure on the touchpad will cause it to fail.