Microwaves are convenient, fast, and easy to use. They can cook food really well, and they’re even more handy when you’re catering for a large number of people.
I’ will discuss overheating of microwave ovens and how to troubleshoot them. I’ill also touch upon the common causes of overheating in microwaves and how you can limit the risk of this happening to you.
How to Identify Signs of Microwave Oven Overheating?
It’s important to pay attention to signs of microwave oven overheating. Unplugging the unit and opening the door are the first steps when an oven has overheated.
Check for signs of moisture around the edges of the device, such as water droplets or a burn mark. Also, check the fan and make sure it is not torn or damaged.
Finally, if your microwave starts smoking or makes loud noises unplug it immediately and call for help.
Note: A thermal cut-out switch is activated which causes the microwave to automatically shut down for 15-30 minutes. This helps prevent damage from occurring due to overheating.
How Hot Is Too Hot for the Microwave When Overheating?
Overheating in a microwave is caused by a malfunctioning cooling fan or a lack of water molecules to heat.
The temperature of the magnetron (the part inside the microwave oven that generates heat) should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit when it is running.
A newer microwave has an auto-shutoff feature to prevent overheating, and 1000-watt models operate well at an internal temperature of 575 degrees.
If the microwave is hot enough to burn your hand, then something is faulty. In general, avoid leaving food in the microwave too long and make sure all parts are properly functioning before using.
Also, don’t overload microwaves with multiple items or large amounts of food.
What Are the Causes of Microwave Oven Overheating?
Common causes: An overheated microwave oven is one that is too hot to use. Common causes of overheating in a microwave oven include a faulty heating element, poor door seals or use of harsh cleaners.
Other factors: Other factors that can lead to overheating include leaving food unattended in the microwave for too long, allowing food to spill over into the oven, using an older model of the appliance, using the wrong sized dish for the food being cooked and using a power cord or switch that does not work properly.
Results: (a) These factors can cause the appliance to not turn on, leading to overheating. Also, uneven distribution of microwaves or a faulty turntable can result in uneven cooking and eventually overheating.
Results: (b) Overheating of a microwave oven can damage the appliance and cause burns or injury if it isn’t immediately taken offline.
Tips: It’s important to monitor your microwave oven and prevent overheating by following the guidelines listed above and by checking the appliance regularly for signs of trouble.
What To Do When a Microwave Is Overheating?
Unplug the Microwave: When a microwave is over-heating, it’s important to take immediate action. Unplug the microwave to stop the heating process and ensure it is no longer connected to electricity.
Ventilating: After the microwave has stopped heating, open the door to allow air circulation for ventilation.
Don’t open the door: If smoke starts coming out of the microwave, don’t attempt to open the door if a fire is present.
Call 911: Instead, call 911 immediately and follow their instructions. Keep an extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency
With these simple steps, you can avoid causing any damage to yourself or your appliance
Remarks: If the microwave does not return to normal functioning after cooling down, seek professional help as soon as possible.
How Can I Troubleshoot a Microwave That Is Overheating?
In case of overheating, the first step you should take is to check the fan’s functioning. A faulty fan may lead to overheating of the microwave, resulting in malfunctioning of the machine.
If the fan is working properly, there is nothing to worry about. It can’t be switched off accidentally in such a situation as it won’t work.
The microwave may also activate a thermal cut-out switch to shut down if it gets too hot. This is a safety feature incorporated in certain models to prevent overheating of components and damage to them.
Microwaves are generally safe to use and do not cause any harm other than the heat they produce when turned on.
However, if any damage occurs due to overheating, it’s best to seek professional help.
How Can I Prevent My Microwave From Overheating?
There are a few simple measures you can take to prevent your microwave oven from overheating.
Avoid using extended periods: Firstly, avoid using the microwave for extended periods of time.
Adequate ventilation: Also, ensure adequate ventilation in the kitchen. This will ensure that any excess heat is able to dissipate and won’t build up inside the microwave.
Keep microwave clean: Finally, keep the microwave clean of grease and dirt as these can build up on the vents and cause it to overheat more quickly.
Avoid using water: Avoid using water in the microwave as this can cause superheating and lead to burns and contamination of materials.
Avoid overload microwave: Don’t overload the microwave or cook food for longer than necessary as this can also cause overheating.
By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your microwave oven is safe to use and doesn’t get overheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a microwave to cool down
It can take a few hours for a microwave to cool down after it has been turned off. Make sure to unplug the microwave before you go in order to avoid any accidental fires.
What is the temperature range of microwave?
The temperature range of a microwave varies depending on the model, but is generally between 100-300 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to keep in mind that the temperature inside a microwave oven can be much higher than the temperature on the exterior, so be careful not to touch or open the door while the oven is in use.
Conclusion
It’s normal for your microwave oven to overheat from time to time. It usually does not pose any serious threat as long as you keep a watch on how long you heat food and rotate the food occasionally. However, if you notice any of these signs, take it to a technician immediately. He will be able to determine the exact cause of overheating and offer you the best solution. Meanwhile, here is a blog that talks about preventing overheating in microwaves.