If a microwave is not heating can it be fixed ?
I have a Prestige model P25 microwave with hood. All the features work light, clock, timer, fan, grill, oven, turn table except the most important part. The microwave itself. Can this be fixed?
RICHI P
History of the Microwave Oven
The microwave oven was discovered not as a result of someone trying to find a better way of cooking food, but was discovered by accident by Percy LeBaron Spencer of the Raytheon Company. During World War II, two scientists invented the magnetron, a tube that produces microwaves. Using magnetron’s installed in Britain’s radar system, the microwaves were able to identify German planes on their way to bomb the British Isles. Whilst working at Raytheon, Spencer noticed that when he stood close to the magnetron, radar waves had melted a chocolate bar that was in his pocket. Further experiments then showed that using microwaves for heating would increase the internal temperature of many foods far more quickly than when using a conventional oven.
The first Raytheon commercial microwave oven was the 1161 Radarange, which was marketed in 1954. Rated at 1600 watts, it was so large (roughly as large and heavy as a refrigerator) – and expensive it was practical only for restaurant and commercial use. .
In 1967, Amana, a sub-division of the Raytheon Company, brought out its first domestic microwave oven, which really started the use of microwave ovens for cooking in the domestic kitchen. Sales were very slow in the initial few years, mostly due to the oven’s relatively expensive price, although eventually the microwave oven was more accepted in the home and the concept of quick microwave cooking arrived. In the following years, Litton and a number of other companies developed and competed in the domestic microwave oven market. By the close of 1971, the cost of microwave ovens began to lessen and their capabilities were added to.
Microwave Oven 5 Golden Rules
Microwave oven ” 5 Golden Rules”
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Never switch on a microwave oven that is empty.
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Regularly clean the oven door seals and free of food debris to ensure a good, positive seal.
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Scrutinise the door of your microwave oven regularly. If the door is distorted or bent it should be replaced or repaired immediately.
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Always try to avoid standing immediately in front of a microwave oven whilst it is switched on.
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Do not place any objects made of metal into a microwave oven; it will cause arcing inside the oven.
Replacing your microwave motor
NOTE: Before you commence any microwave repair, make absolutely certain you have disconnected the microwave and discharged the capacitor (see article - discharging capacitor).
To get to the fan motor, remove the external cabinet. The external cabinet is generally secured in place with just a few screws. The fan motor is usually behind the control panel near the back of the microwave cabinet.
Before you proceed and replace the fan motor, first examine the motor to make sure there is no debris obstructing its movement. There could possibly be some physical object restricting the fan’s movement, and you may not need to replace the motor at all. If you find an obstruction restricting the fan clean it out and remove it. Test then to ascertain if this has rectified the trouble by switching on your microwave. DO NOT switch on your microwave with nothing in it(always place a cup of water or similar in it prior to switching it on).
Next, check that the motor is properly connected to the unit. There could be a loose wire at the terminal block and the wire may only need to be reconnected to get everything up and running again.
If all the wires are properly attached, disconnect one wire from the fan motor and use an ohmmeter to check for continuity. If your ohmmeter test results in a reading of ‘open’, then the winding in the motor is faulty and you will have to replace the motor.
If you are unsure or do not feel capable of carrying out the above tasks then consult with an appliance repair technician and have him or her replace your microwave oven fan motor for you.
Cleaning Your Microwave
Cleaning a microwave oven – inside and out
There’s not a good deal of work that needs to be performed in order to maintain a microwave in good working order. Frequent cleansing can help to forestall possibly expensive repairs in the future, and can even assist in prolonging the life expectancy of your microwave.
Cleaning the Inside:
The inside of your microwave should be cleansed after each and every use. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and some detergent. In the event that old food deposits have developed and have been caked on to the inside of your microwave, loosen it by putting a cupful of water in the microwave. Set the microwave on ‘high’ for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing steam to circulate inside the microwave. You can also try adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the water to additionally help to loosen the food residue. Food spills that are not properly cleaned up can cause to arching and sparks inside your microwave.
If the inside has any burn marks, sandpaper them smooth then paint all over them with microwave touch up paint. If your microwave has got any burn holes inside, do, not use it and call an engineer out to have a look at it . If the wave guide has burn marks on it, replace it along with carrying out a complete cleaning. If you believe any food has slipped through the wave guide cover or into either the roof or the walls of the oven cabinet, then take out the waveguide cover and throughly clean the area in behind it also.
Cleaning the Outside:
The exterior of your microwave should also be cleaned on a regular basis in much the same manner as the inside: using a damp cloth with some detergent on it. If you use a atomiser bottle, don’t spray it near the door door latch, ventilation holes, or anywhere else where liquids can ooze into the inside. Also, do not use a dripping wet cloth for cleaning. Apply additional care whilst cleansing on and around the touchpad and the area circling the touchpad. If any liquid gets underneath the touchpad, it could lead to unreactive keys, stuck buttons, or even temperamental operation.
Finally, make sure to abstain from using strong solvents. A small quantity of isopropyl alcohol could be used to get rid of sticky residue.