My microwave has been heating food really unevenly for about two months now. One side of the plate ends up boiling hot while the other side is barely warm, even when I turn it a bunch of times. Is it normal for it to deteriorate like this after 4 years, or can it be fixed without having to buy a new one?
Uneven heating after 4 years can be a few different things, not just the turntable like they said. Check if the plate spins properly when you turn it on - if it's stuck or really slow, that's obvious. But it could also be that the magnetron (the part that generates the heat) is failing, and that's harder to fix without spending quite a bit. Before you buy a new one, it's worth calling a technician to take a look, because sometimes it's just cleaning the air vents or tightening something loose that's come undone.
What you're describing happens fairly often with microwaves after a few years, so it's not unusual. The most common cause is either the turntable getting stuck or spinning very slowly, which leaves areas without constant rotation, or the magnetron (the part that generates heat) starting to fail and distributing energy unevenly. Before spending money on a new one, make sure the turntable spins smoothly without any friction, and try putting the food directly on the oven tray without the turntable for a bit to rule that out. If it's still the same or if the repair cost is getting close to what a new microwave would cost, it's probably more practical to replace it, but it's worth checking those simple details first.
First of all, check that the turntable rotates properly because if it's stuck or spinning too slowly that's your direct problem. But if it's spinning fine, the next thing is to check the magnetron (the part that generates the microwaves), which wears out over time and starts heating unevenly. In some cases it's just dirt buildup in the vents or the air intake blocking heat circulation, so clean the back of the unit thoroughly. A technician can repair your magnetron or replace the turntable for 50-100 euros depending on where you live, which is cheaper than buying a new one.
Log into answer.
