Craigslist Microwave (2024)

FAQs

How to fix a short circuited microwave? ›

Overloading the Circuit

To fix this issue, unplug any other high-powered appliances from the same circuit and try running the microwave again. If it no longer trips the breaker, consider moving the microwave to a dedicated circuit.

But they can do a lot more than heat cold coffee and frozen dinners. In fact, the additional cooking capability of microwaves (includig convection cooking and steaming) has made them more useful than ever, especially if you're not a planner and need to defrost, say, meat to cook for dinner.

Aim for a location that's convenient to the countertop, stove top and fridge. It's really common to pop something straight from the fridge into the microwave, so you want the two to be close together – while ensuring there's bench space nearby.

When an appliance such as a microwave oven repeatedly trips the circuit breaker, it's overloading the electrical circuit, which is rated to handle a finite number of amps. Once the microwave exceeds that number, the breaker is tripped and the electrical flow is shut off.

Once you locate the short circuit, it's time to call an electrician for professional electrical repair. If you can't find the problem, it's also time to call an expert. An overloaded circuit and electrical repair, in general, can be risky. Call a professional rather than risk injury or disaster.

With normal usage for an average family and good maintenance, a microwave often lasts for 7 to 8 years. If the microwave is used less frequently by a single person or a couple and is well-maintained, the lifespan can increase to up to 10 years.

In general, the higher the wattage, the faster and more evenly your food will cook. Most microwaves sit somewhere between 600 to 1,200 watts. Larger, more expensive microwaves tend to have a higher wattage, so this is a price and size consideration that can strongly influence microwave cooking performance.

A good microwave will last approximately seven years. Of course, there are many variables to consider that can affect this. The more often you use it the shorter the life is likely to be, as is misusing it by putting inappropriate items in it.

Microwave radiation leaks are hard to detect because you can't smell or see microwaves. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates radiation-emitting products such as microwave ovens, advises against standing directly in front of or up against the oven while it is operating.

"Electronic appliances and devices, such as toasters, microwaves, or radios, shouldn't be kept on top of the fridge because the vibrations from the fridge's compressor can damage their delicate components over time," says Petya Holevich, Fantastic Services' domestic cleaning expert and supervisor.

Can I use a countertop microwave as built-in? ›

Can You Use a Countertop Microwave as a Built-in? Yes, you can mount your countertop microwave on a shelf or in a cabinet for a built-in look that frees up counter space in your kitchen. This is a great option for anyone looking to add more counter space without requiring a complete kitchen remodel.

A microwave oven, designed exclusively for a kitchen countertop, has vents that are built into the back of the microwave oven. If installed into a cabinet, these vents will be blocked and unable to release steam from the microwave oven. Talk about a fire hazard for your kitchen.

Most repairs are straightforward, and technicians will typically replace only the defective part. Unless there are other issues with the microwave, such as blown fuses or loose wiring, replacing one part is likely to get your unit working again.

That's because a microwave can hold an electrical charge of thousands of volts in its capacitors for hours or even days after it has been unplugged. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that people have been electrocuted trying to repair their microwaves. So don't try it.