Micro oven not heating? Here’s how to fix it

A microwave oven is an excellent time-saving kitchen essential, but it stops being one when it turns on but fails to heat your food. If you have ever found yourself in a situation where your microwave oven has been nothing but an expensive paperweight, then it is time to remedy that situation.

While they are loved for their convenience and speed, a micro oven not heating is not an uncommon sight. However, before you pick up your phone and dial the technician, here’s how to try fixing it yourself.

Micro oven not heating: Common causes and their fixes

If your microwave is not heating, there is no need to panic. The heating process on your microwave oven involves more than electricity and a timer. The proper functioning of your microwave requires a functional magnetron, door switch, and power circuit. With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at common causes and fixes for a microwave oven not heating.

Check the power supply

It is always wise to start with the simplest cause or fix possible. When your microwave oven is not heating, I recommend you first check that the machine is properly plugged in and the outlet is working. You can try plugging in another appliance to ensure there is no power issue.

Check the door switch

Microwaves are designed with safety interlock switches that stop the kitchen appliance from operating if the door isn’t fully closed. Your micro oven will not heat if the door latch or the door switch is faulty.

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Check the internal heating element

If your microwave oven is not heating, then it could be caused by an internal heating issue. You can check if this is the case by placing a cup of water inside and microwaving it for 1-2 minutes. If your water doesn’t warm up, then you are likely dealing with an internal heating issue.

Reset the microwave

You can also try to reset the microwave to see if that resolves the issue. To do this, unplug the microwave for 10 minutes and plug it back in. This will reset the internal computer and fix any software glitches limiting the heating process.

Check the settings

This may sound basic, but ensure that your microwave oven is not set to ‘Defrost’ or ‘Timer’ mode. It is surprisingly common to see people use these modes instead of the heating mode.

Microwave oven not heating: Other checks and fixes

The above steps are the DIY fixes you can try at home to fix possible causes stopping your microwave oven from heating your food. If these fixes don’t work, then it might be time to put on your fixer hat and investigate the bigger fault.

Faulty Magnetron

The magnetron is responsible for generating the microwaves to heat your food. If it fails, your oven will run but won’t heat. There are a few telltale signs to identify if the magnetron has failed. Look for unusual buzzing or humming sounds or intermittent heat performance. Unfortunately, a magnetron cannot be repaired and requires replacement, and you may require professional help to fix a faulty magnetron.

Check the high-voltage diode and capacitor

Apart from the magnetron, your microwave oven will also fail to heat if the high-voltage diode and capacitor that work with the magnetron to produce heat are blown. These are considered consumables, meaning they can be replaced, but since these parts retain voltage even when unplugged, we recommend caution.

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Investigate the thermal fuse

A thermal fuse cuts off power if the microwave overheats, and if it trips or burns out, your oven will not heat. You can replace the thermal fuse easily, but make sure you have a multimeter handy to check for continuity.

Control board malfunction

If none of the above components are at fault and your microwave still won’t heat, then your microwave’s control board might be at fault. A control board malfunction is an expensive fix, and it might often be cheaper to buy a new appliance.

If you are unable to figure out the cause or find it difficult to investigate the components that make your oven work, you should consider calling a professional. Some microwave heating issues can be resolved at home with little help, but others may require expert supervision. We recommend starting with the simplest fixes, and when in doubt, call for professional help.