5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Microwave Oven
Be on the lookout for sparks, smoke, and funky smells
No matter how modern, high-tech, or expensive a home appliance is, it's bound to experience wear and tear after a few years. This is inevitable when it comes to things we use daily like the refrigerator, the TV, and the microwave. Since we use the microwave to reheat food and prepare meals, it's important that we keep it in tip-top shape. Here are some signs that it needs repair or better yet, a replacement:
1. Funky smells mean serious damage. If you’re heating something for a few minutes and your microwave starts to emit a burning odor—or worse, smoke—there’s no going back. Stop whatever you’re doing and unplug it immediately to avoid fires.
2. The keypad isn’t working right. Is your keypad not processing the right commands? Try cleaning it with a damp washcloth as dirt or oil might be lodged in there. If that doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to trade your microwave in.
3. It makes horrible sounds. As it cooks, your microwave should be relatively quiet, but if it makes grinding, exploding and buzzing sounds, there might be something wrong with the mechanism. Make sure to check the turntable and the fan blades—if those are working fine, there’s most likely a bigger underlying problem.
4. There are worn gaskets on the door. Radiation leakage is harmful to one’s health. If you see pitted or worn gaskets around the microwave door, it’s time to part ways to avoid exposure.
5. It's older than a toddler. Most modern microwaves are built to last for 8-10 years. If the one you own is way past this mark, don’t be surprised if it is no longer in working order.
PHOTOS and SOURCES: @kinterior_ and @samsunghomeappliances (Main) | kitchn | brightnest
