Microwaves are a kitchen staple. They heat food quickly, make leftovers a breeze, and can even handle simple cooking tasks. But like any appliance, microwaves have parts that can wear out or get damaged over time. This microwave buying guide will walk you through the essential accessories of your microwave and what to do if it needs attention.
Motors
Microwave motors do several vital jobs:
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Turntable Motor:
This motor slowly rotates the glass plate so your food cooks evenly. A broken motor means some spots will heat while others stay cold.
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Fan Motor:
This motor helps circulate air and vent steam and also cools the magnetron (the part that makes the microwaves).
Turntable
The microwave's iconic turntable is more than just a place to put your food.
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Materials:
Most turntables are made of heatproof glass.
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Damage:
Glass plates can break if dropped or exposed to sudden temperature changes.
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Replacement:
Finding a replacement is usually easy. Just make sure the size and mounting mechanism match your microwave model.
Roller Rings
These unassuming plastic microwave roller rings are crucial. They sit under the turntable and support it as it turns.
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Wear and Tear:
Roller rings can get gunky with food or crack over time. This makes turntable rotation jerky or noisy.
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Replacement:
These parts are inexpensive and easy to replace. Look for ones designed for your microwave model.
Wave Guide
This is how the microwaves get into your food! The microwave waveguide is a small channel, usually on the inside wall or ceiling of the microwave.
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The Cover:
The waveguide has a protective cover (often made of mica) to prevent food splatter from damaging it.
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Damage:
Torn, chipped, or burnt waveguide covers need replacing. A damaged waveguide itself is trickier to fix and might need a technician.
Troubleshooting Microwave Problems
Here are some common issues and their likely causes:
Microwave Won't Heat Food
- Magnetron: This is the part that generates the microwaves. Magnetron failure is often serious and might mean a new microwave is needed.
- Door Switches: Safety switches prevent the microwave from running if the door isn't properly shut. Faulty switches can trick your microwave into thinking the door is open.
- Control Board: The control board manages the microwave's functions. Issues with it can lead to all sorts of problems.
Noisy Microwave
- Turntable Issues: Check the roller ring and motor. Worn or dirty parts can cause rattling or grinding noises.
- Fan Motor: A noisy fan may need cleaning or replacement.
- Magnetron: If the magnetron is near the end of its life, it can get excessively loud.
Turntable Issues
- Motor: Make sure it's working.
- Coupler: This little piece connects the turntable motor to the plate. If it's broken, the plate won't spin.
- Support: Check that the roller ring is intact and sitting correctly.
Care and Maintenance
- Cleaning: Clean spills promptly to prevent build-up. Regular cleaning makes the microwave last longer.
- Cover Food: This prevents splattering and protects the waveguide cover. Use microwave-safe containers!
- Don't Slam the Door: It can damage the latching mechanism and the safety switches.
- Unplug for Repairs: Always unplug a microwave before opening it up to replace parts.
FAQ
How to Buy Microwave Oven Spare Parts Online
First, know the part you need. Look at your microwave's manual for the part name or model. Go to the Steve Appliances site. Type the part name or number in the search bar. Look at prices and reviews, and if it fits your model. Add to cart and check out. Enter your address and pay.
Where to Buy Microwave Parts
You can buy microwave parts from a few places. The maker's website is a good start. It guarantees the part will fit and work well. A website like Steve Appliances Spare has many parts. Always make sure the part fits your model before buying.
How to Ensure You're Buying the Right Microwave Part
First, find your microwave's model number. It's often on the back or inside the door. Use the manual or go to the Steve Appliances website to find the part. Make sure the part number matches what you want to buy. Checking these things helps avoid buying the wrong part.
Final words
Some microwave repairs like magnetron or control board replacement are best left to professionals. But many of the simpler parts are easy for the average homeowner to DIY. A bit of know-how and some research on your specific microwave model can save tons of money in repairs! Join the Steve Appliances community. Buy microwave accessories, microwave spare parts, and get the support you deserve.