What's The Deal With Microwave Ovens?
Why are so many causing problems these days?
02/23/2012 | By Mark Huffman
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ConsumerAffairs.com
| Appliances
Over the last few years a number of consumers have reported all sorts of problems with their microwave ovens. It's somewhat surprising, since it isn't exactly a new technology. Most modern kitchens have had them since the early 1980s.
Byron, of Social Circle, Ga., reports his Maytag microwave started causing problems after about five months of use.
“Would not cook a complete cycle without error that door is open, needs to be closed,” Byron wrote in a review on ConsumerAffairs. “Repairman has been out five times already and the problem is still not corrected. Maytag/Whirlpool has said they will not replace item, then they decided they would possibly replace at a pro-rated amount. So, I have to purchase a microwave twice to have one that works? Hmmm, somewhere I feel I'm being taken for a ride in this deal.”
Scary kitchen
And he's not the only one. Virginia, of Glen Burnie, Md., reports her six-year old Magic Chef not only doesn't work properly, but is downright scary.
“Last night I was warming up a blueberry muffin for 15 seconds,” Virginia said. “ All of a sudden there was a big red flash, the flash was so strong and bright, that it looked as if it came out from around the door. The light would not work, the turn table would not turn, and it made a humming sound. I felt a tingling feeling over my face for about an hour last night. Today my face looks as if it was sunburned.
In fact, a number of microwave owners have complained lately that they believe their appliances are fire hazards.
“A fire began within the wall of the unit directly behind the control panel,” David, of Brooklyn, N.Y., reported about his GE. “No mistake, misuse or error on my part at all, it simply burst into flames! I did research on the matter, there are many similar scenarios around the country.”
Recall
From time to time, microwave ovens have been recalled because of potential fire hazard. In 2007, for example, GE recalled 92,000 microwave ovens because of potential fires. At the time, GE said it was aware of 35 incidents of minor property damage and one incident in which a fire damaged adjacent kitchen cabinets.
Complaints about microwave ovens are not limited to one brand, so when purchasing a new microwave, do plenty of research from a variety of sources to see which is least likely to give you problems. Consumers who have experienced a fire or other microwave safety issue should file a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Sandra Baugus (Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:23:00 +0000): I purchased a Sanyo microwave from Costco. I had it about 2 weeks. I put a hot dog on a paper towel, turned it on and all of a sudden there was a loud pop sound the over caught on fire. It does not work now and even if it did I would not trust it.
Sara Pittman (Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:27:06 +0000): I have not a microwave oven in my house for over 8 years.
Jim Bell (Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:28:18 +0000): If you check the country of origin I'll bet it says China. Quit buying that chink shit.
Eric LaPointe (Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:54:46 +0000): I guess I've been lucky when it comes to this issue... I STILL use the Emerson the my mother first bought when they first came out, I will admit that I use it as a backup for times like TV Dinner night with a family of four, now we don't have to wait till all dinners or what not are cooked. My teen kids also have microwaves in both their bedrooms, so eating microwavable dinners only take the time of one cooking cycle not four. I currently have four microwaves in the house, I've never had to throw one away, I've only bought three (Plus the one I got from my mother, equaling four) and I still own four. I've either been lucky, or know how to use and keep clean, the ones I own...seeing that one of them is 22 years old, and another is 19 years old, one is un-known, and the last one bought was 7years ago. All their turntables work, and I've only had to replace the light bulbs twice in the newest microwave. I don't know what to tell anyone that is having major issues with theirs, but maybe their doing something wrong, like not cleaning it, or using dishes that are not microwave safe, something has to be off, or they may just have a bad sting of luck, something isn't right about it.
Faye-Linda Quimby McGovern (Fri, 24 Feb 2012 01:42:58 +0000): check to see if t was made in China....if so, it figures. Enough said.
Jacqueline Folwell (Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:08:46 +0000): My expensive Magic Chef 1.3 stainless steel microwave that I have had 1 year Door fell off 1st month was repaired and 4 months later fell off again. I fixed it this time. Last Week it quit cooking and in trying to get it to work started shooting flames. It is very noisey and very dangerous. Can't be fixed this time and they won't replace it, so I bought another and you can bet it wasn't a magic Chef. I have a small Sharp too that is 12 years old and still working and cost a heck of a lot less.
Mary A Ballerin (Fri, 24 Feb 2012 04:34:07 +0000): My three year old LG over-the-range microwave's "nightlight" burns through light bulbs at an incredible rate, and they are expensive replacements.
Lin Davis (Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:38:58 +0000): My Kitchen Aid Microwave started spontaneously. I was reading a book and heard the microwave start. I couldn't turn it off by opening the door or by hitting the stop button. I unplugged it to stop it from running. Contacted KitchenAid and they did replace the entire control panel. Could have been a real problem if I had been out of the house. Now I unplug it when I go on extended trips. Still worry about this when I go out for a short time.
Jack Carney (Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:53:05 +0000): Bought top of the line Whirlpool Gold micro. $1,000. Goes out 2 months after the warranty. Company not interested.
Would of been better with a Chinese micro at $100 a pop and replacing it every year for 10 yrs.
Any questions? vbfever1@hotmail.com I am in Ca.
Edwin Walker (Sun, 26 Feb 2012 22:27:13 +0000): I wonder if competition has caused manufacturers to cut corners on corners on corners. I still use my GE over range that Came in my trailer in 1998. It had a couple of minor issues originally that were fixed, and has had no issues for the past 13+ years. I'm afraid to buy a new one.
Rosanne Montalvo Digiovanna (Sat, 10 Mar 2012 13:33:49 +0000): This is strange, my kenmore 1200 watt microwave had been taking longer and longer to cook lately. I just assumed the instructions on the box of new products I was using was wrong. it isn't reheating evenly either. it is less hten a year old. ugh. so sick of stuff not being made well. I miss pride in manufacturing.