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I've gone through 3 over the range microwaves in 3 years.

Hi,

We moved into our house in 2012 and had an over the range microwave installed. We purchased it new prior to moving in. There was already a spot for it but the people who sold us the house took theirs with them. This microwave was an LG and it worked until 2014 where one day it just started popping and sparking from behind the control panel when I turned it on to cook something. We replaced the microwave with a Magic Chef one. This one lasted just over a year. Just in time for the warranty to run out and it too began popping and sparking behind the control panel when you turn it on. We replaced it with another Magic chef microwave but a different model on 12/12/16. Yesterday it, too started popping and sparking when I turned it on. Is there something I'm doing wrong? The microwave was properly installed. We even had the electricity checked. It read 120 volts on the meter the electrician used. My house amps is 200. My husband thinks that the popping and sparking is the magnetron of the microwave. But why do they keep breaking? Anyone have any suggestions?

I'm wondering if I'm the cause. I do run a daycare so the microwave does get a lot of use. Warming up bottles and cooking lunch every day. Do microwaves have a life expectancy before they go kaput? Could moisture be getting into the magnetron causing it to short out? Is it a requirement to run the exhaust fan on the microwave when cooking on my stove? I have to admit I'm not a fan of the sound of the fan so I don't use it as often as I should.

Any ideas or suggestions? I'm kind of tired of having to buy a microwave each year.

Thank you!

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What kind of dishes are you using? Some are not microwave safe the glaze or materials as well as metal objects (foil) and containers can be a problem.

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I usually use paper plates. I do have a couple malamar plates but they say microwave safe on the back.

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Is it accessible to kids who like to put things in microwaves to see them spark?

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I would also check consumer reports on best brands to buy. I don't think LG and Magic Chef are in the top 10. We've had a GE for 10 years now.

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Hi @shadowcat_378,

How high above the range top is the bottom of the microwave oven?

If it is <45cm (18") perhaps this is the reason.

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The magnetron is replaceable on most units. Check out this IFIXIT guide: How to a Fix a Microwave Oven. I've fixed mine about a year ago its now 15 yrs old and still working.

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shadowcat_378 popping and sparking could most certainly be a sign of a cracked magnet and the only viable repair would be to replace the magnetron. Here is the thing so, there are some pretty powerful capacitors on the inside of your microwave. If those do not get properly discharged they will pack a punch. We are talking lights-out punch here! So if you are not quite sure you want to fix your microwave by yourself, don't!

If you can give us your exact model, we may find some more instructions for the repair of it.

Do microwaves have a life expectancy before they go kaput? Yes, but 1 to 2 years is definitely not it.

Could moisture be getting into the magnetron causing it to short out? No, you'd be looking at other components that would fail first.

Is it a requirement to run the exhaust fan on the microwave when cooking on my stove? No it is not. Strictly an exhaust fan and not related to the fan on the inside of your microwave.

The only suggestion I have is that you consider getting a well known reliable brand (Farberware, GE and Panasonic to a lesser extend) or go all out and get a commercial microwave .

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I also have this problem -my LG over range microwave stopped working after 18 months and same with my GE over range microwave.... thinking it might have something to do with moisture from the steam by product of cooking on the stove top

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According to Mr. Appliance the average lifespan is 8 years

LOW HIGH AVERAGE

Microwaves 5 10 8

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I discovered that it’s the way it’s being cleaned. After 4 microwaves I discovered it’s because when it’s being cleaned they spray the cleaner into the microwave. This causes it to short. You must put cleaner on rag then wipe.

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shadowcat_378 will be eternally grateful.
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