Bought this microwave about a month ago. It no longer heats food. Why not?

It will need a magnetron and maybe a large capacitor soon

Hi,
Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with yourMicrowave Oven....

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

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I always suggest that food items be placed off-center in the microwave, NOT in the center of the turntable, otherwise the food is not exposed evenly enough to the microwave energy and will not heat as efficiently as it could.

(Placing it in the center is sort of like stirring paint by twirling a stick in the center instead of pulling it around in a circle in the paint can).

Such inefficient heating wastes the energy at best, and at worst it puts a strain on the magnetron.

And it can put heat stress on the center of the turntable tray, which can cause it to crack.


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Hi,
Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with yourMicrowave Oven....

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101
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Depending on the amount of Joules your household/microwave received your low voltage control electronics may have been fried by the lightning strike. For your own safety I recommend a new microwave.

The microwaves are produced by what is known as a KLYSTRON TUBE. Like anything, early failure is possible. There is also the possibility that the transformer or electronic circuit providing the correct voltage to the KLYSTRON has failed, either from over-use, manufacturing defect, or leakage from the KLYSTRON enclosure, which creates heat.
With microwaves being as CHEAP as they are, replacement should not be an issue.

Hi,
Here is a tip that will help you to figure out what is wrong with yourMicrowave Oven....

Microwave Oven Basic Troubleshooting Tips

heatman101
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The cavity thermal fuse may have failed. It is located on the top of the cavity.

That's interesting. We have the same microwave and it just stopped heating food after 13 months. Would have expected more for the money. As above - any suggestions on how to fix it appreciated.

I always recommend that folks put food off-center on the turntable to assure more even heating.

 

It's a stirring action, so imagine how inefficient it would be to stir just by twirling a spoon in the center of your coffee!

 

Also, when you put your food off-center, you're not putting it in the same spot every time. That will help prevent repeated heating of the the same spot on the glass, which can lead to weakness and cracking.

 

The turntable generally replaces the stirrer, which actually scrambles and stirs the microwaves as they come out of the waveguide from the magnetron. But some models, notably GE's, have both.

 

So if you're placing the food properly and it's still burning, since it's under warranty, contact Sharp at 1-800-BE-SHARP (1-800-237-4277) to see about getting it checked.