When is it Time to Replace Your LG Microwave? (17 Signs You Should Know!)
Have you ever wondered if it’s time to replace your LG microwave? Are you worried you might be missing the telltale signs that it’s time to invest in a new one?
Let’s explore the factors you should consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your microwave.
Key takeaways
- LG microwaves have an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years, with issues becoming more common around the 6-year mark, including slow heating, overheating, and physical damage to the door and handle.
- If your LG microwave is over 10 years old, it is advisable to consider replacing it due to increased likelihood of malfunctioning and reduced efficiency.
- The best time to buy a new microwave is during holiday sales (e.g., Black Friday, Cyber Monday), seasonal sales, new model releases, online shopping platforms, and local retailer promotions.
- Consider the extent of damage and age of the microwave when deciding between repair and replacement.
- Basic warranties typically cover 5 years and may be sufficient, but extended warranties may be beneficial depending on usage and potential misuse of the microwave.
17 signs that it’s time to replace your LG microwave
1. Rust and corrosion
If you see rust or corrosion on your LG microwave, it’s time to replace it.
Rust and corrosion can cause smoke and sparks, which can lead to a fire. Rust and corrosion can also cause damage to your appliance as well as injury to yourself.
If you want to fix it, you can try mixing a combination of lemon, vinegar, and water. These natural ingredients act as natural cleaners and may be able to safely remove rust and corrosion without doing much damage to your microwave.
If the corrosion is too far deep into the microwave, then this might not work.
2. Sparks or smoke
If you see smoke or sparks, it’s a sign that there’s a problem with the electrical components of your microwave.
The best thing to do is stop using it immediately and contact LG for repairs rather than attempt to repair it yourself.
These situations can potentially lead to a fire if you continue to use your LG microwave.
3. Failing magnetron
The magnetron is the part that generates microwaves. It’s the heart and soul of your microwave.
The magnetron is like a vacuum tube, which means it has other components like wires and capacitors inside.
It is located in the back of your microwave, and you’ll know if it isn’t working because your microwave won’t heat.
It’s rather difficult to replace a magnetron because that process requires you to open up your LG microwave and go deep into removing lots of the internal components.
It’s also highly dangerous and risky, with the potential for harm from an electrical shock.
Be sure to check with an electrician before attempting this yourself—it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing!
4. Failing diode
The diode is an electronic component that allows current to flow in one direction only.
When a diode breaks, it can stop current from getting to the microwave’s magnetron and heating coil, so they don’t heat up right.
This can cause your microwave to either not heat food at all or overheat while cooking.
Replacing a faulty diode is as dangerous as replacing a magnetron. The process will require removing the microwave’s casing, safely disconnecting the diode from the high-voltage capacitor, replacing it with a new one, and reconnecting it back into the capacitor.
Again, this is a highly dangerous procedure, so make sure the microwave has no power in it. De-electrify the capacitor by bridging some metal between both prongs of the capacitor.
5. Blown fuse
If you see a blown fuse, it’s time to replace the microwave.
Once you’ve removed the cover, find and remove the blown fuse. Check your owner’s manual for exact directions on how to do this safely.
Some LG microwave models are made and designed differently, so it’s hard to tell where the fuse might be.
However, since you already know that a fuse is a cylindrical glass tube with metal caps on both ends, it shouldn’t be too hard to find.
Replace the fuse with one that is rated at around 10 to 15 amps higher than what came with your microwave oven, like 20 amps if yours was 10 amps or 30 amps if yours was 20 amps.
Plug in your microwave again and see if it works now!
If that doesn’t work, the whole microwave may need to be replaced.
6. Inadequate heating
Check the temperature of the food if you have a food thermometer. The highest temperature your LG microwave should reach is around 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check the temperature of your food before and after you’ve cooked it in your microwave. If it’s too hot, there may be a problem with your microwave’s magnetron.
One way to check if your microwave is even cooking at all is to microwave a cup of water. Microwave on high for about 3 minutes.
After 3 minutes, the water in the cup should be visibly boiling.
7. Malfunctioning keypad
If you can’t enter a temperature or cooking time, or if the keypad is not working at all, it’s time to replace your microwave.
8. Excessive noise
If your LG microwave is making an excessive amount of noise, especially when it’s heating up or cooling down, this is usually due to a failing fan.
The good news is that fans are inexpensive and easy to replace. Just make sure to buy a part that works with your LG microwave model and follow the steps in our module on replacing kitchen appliances.
In order to avoid a squeaking sound once your microwave has been newly fitted, make sure the tape covering the shaft at the bottom has been removed.
If you’ve done all this and the noise continues, then there may be more serious problems with either the magnetron, turntable, or other electrical parts within the device itself.
If this is the case, I recommend contacting an appliance repair person rather than attempting repairs yourself, as they could pose a risk of electric shock if improperly handled or installed incorrectly.
9. A broken door and seal
If you notice that the door is leaking and has a few cracks, it may be time for a new one. If the door doesn’t close properly or if it’s hard to open, this could mean your seal is damaged and needs replacement.
A microwave door should be sealed up to keep microwave radiation from getting out. If it won’t close properly, this may even become a health hazard.
If your microwave has been dropped at all (especially on its top corner), then this could lead to damage to its parts as well as possibly breaking off pieces of plastic from around its edges and the door.
You should always make sure to handle your microwave carefully and secure it so it can’t fall over while it is in use or be accidentally bumped into by children or pets!
If you notice that your door seal is missing or damaged (you can tell by looking closely at where the glass meets the frame), then it’s time for a replacement.
10. Failed door interlocking mechanism
The door interlock mechanism is the part of the microwave that senses when the door is closed and locked. It’s a safety feature, so if it fails, you can’t and shouldn’t be using your microwave.
You also won’t be able to fix it yourself. Again, it’s just too dangerous. If you try to take off the door panel yourself, you risk electrocuting yourself.
And even if you do manage to replace something on the inside of your oven without getting hurt, there’s no guarantee that this will solve the problem
11. Unusual odor
You may notice a strange odor coming from your microwave, and this could be a sign of something wrong.
If the smell is acrid or smells like burning plastic, which can also have a fishy smell, it could be caused by an electrical fire.
If the odor is milder, it could be caused by food buildup in the microwave (this is particularly likely if you haven’t cleaned your microwave recently).
If you’ve noticed either of these unusual odors, get in touch with an LG repair service immediately.
12. Turntable not working
If your microwave has a turntable and the switch inside is still functional but it won’t rotate when you turn on the microwave, then it’s probably time to replace it.
If the motor is working but nothing happens when you press the switch on your LG microwave oven, then it’s likely that there are other problems at play. Here are some things to check if you’re brave enough to open up your microwave.
- The belt connecting the motor and turntable can be broken or otherwise damaged. You can find replacement belts on eBay or Amazon for less than $10 (or even less if you’re lucky), so replacing this part should cost very little money.
- If everything looks good with regard to belts and motors, then look into replacing bearings or gears inside of your microwave oven—these parts tend not to last forever, particularly if they’ve been used heavily over time!
- Check for any turntable obstructions. Look at the gears and check to see if anything is blocking it. Remove any dust or debris that could have fallen into the turntable hole.
- If any other parts need to be replaced as well (such as a drive gear), those should also be fairly inexpensive as well.
13. Overheating or broken fan
If you notice that your microwave has started to overheat, it’s time to get a new one.
This can be caused by a bad fan. If the fan isn’t working properly, it should be replaced or cleaned; if neither of these solutions works, you should test the fan.
If the fan on your LG microwave isn’t freely spinning, then it may need to be replaced. This wouldn’t be an expensive job if you were to do it yourself.
Even replacing the fan motor is a fairly easy task. However, if overheating is continuing to occur, that may not be the fan at all. It may be something much deeper.
14. Excessive power consumption
If you notice that your LG microwave is consuming more power than it should, there’s a chance that it’s time to replace it.
The first thing we’ll look at is the amount of heat given off by the device. If your microwave is heating up to unsafe levels, this could be an indication that something isn’t working correctly in its insides.
In addition, if your microwave has been in use for a long time and hasn’t been serviced recently, there may be some issues with how well insulated it is.
A microwave with poor insulation can lead to overheating and even fire hazards.
Another common issue with microwaves is when they don’t have enough accessories attached—either because they’re faulty or just because they’ve fallen off over time!
This can cause overheating as well because there isn’t enough room for all of those components inside the unit without it overheating.
If you want to know if your microwave is really using too much power, watch to see if it trips the circuit breaker.
Check the manual to see how many amps there are and compare it to the outlet in your house.
15. Damaged electrical cord
If the electrical cord is damaged, I need to replace the entire microwave.
If you notice that the power cord on your microwave has exposed wires or looks like it has been eaten by some type of animal, it might not be safe to use at all.
Avoid using a power strip, and keep your microwave plugged into its dedicated wall plug. This will reduce the risk of overheating and damage to your microwave while also extending its life by reducing wear on its components.
If your microwave has a 3-prong outlet and you want to plug it into a 2-prong outlet (which is only possible if that particular outlet is grounded), add an adapter or install a new outlet with all three prongs before using it again.
If there’s no indication of whether or not your appliance is grounded or not—or even if there are multiple outlets all over—go ahead and plug it in as usual!
Just make sure that any extension cords are also grounded; otherwise, consider getting rid of them altogether until they can be replaced with safer alternatives like those listed above.
16. Internal circuit failure
Even the most reliable appliances will eventually break down, which is a sad fact of life.
The internal circuit board, or “brain,” of your LG microwave is especially prone to wear and tear.
If it breaks down, you’ll start noticing symptoms like:
- The microwave won’t turn on
- Your microwave may turn on but then it turns off again
- It heats food but doesn’t cook it all the way through
If these symptoms sound familiar, then it might be time for you to replace your LG microwave!
17. It’s over 10 years old
If your microwave is over 10 years old, you may want to consider replacing it.
LG microwaves have a lifespan of between five and 10 years. The average number of years you’ll get out of your LG microwave is likely to be closer to seven.
Right around the age of six years, you should experience more and more issues with your microwave, including it, not heating fast enough, overheating, and physical damage mostly found on the door and handle.
The older the unit, the more likely it will malfunction and be less efficient. If you are unsure of when your microwave was manufactured, check the sticker on the back of your unit. The manufacture date will be listed there in month-day-year format (ex: 4/10/05).
Should you buy another LG microwave?
Microwaves can be expensive, but LG is a great, reliable brand that is going to work for you.
There are microwaves in all price ranges and sizes, so you can find the microwave that fits your budget and that also fits the microwave that you need.
How long should an LG microwave last?
An LG microwave is going to last you 8 to 10 years. This is the average lifespan of an LG microwave and is a great investment if you want a microwave that is going to last.
Your LG microwave can last longer if you take good care of it, and if you do, take the time to make sure you are repairing it as parts go bad.
Should you buy the extended warranty for the LG microwave?
Most appliances do come with a basic warranty as part of the purchase price.
This means that if you are not using your microwave in any way that might damage it, this might be enough of a warranty for you.
The average warranty is usually for 5 years and is going to cover replacement parts, basic repairs, and other services to keep the machine working well.
These basic warranties do not cover things like major damage due to misuse of the machine.
In most cases, the basic warranty is going to be enough, and you are not going to need to get an extended warranty for your microwave.
Should you get your microwave fixed?
When it comes to the repair of your microwave, it does depend on the type of repair that you are dealing with.
Something simple like the LCD screen can be fixed for less than the cost of the machine, which is a great thing.
If you have a more complicated repair, like the magnetron has gone bad, this is likely going to be a repair that costs more than the actual machine or more than a new machine might cost.
So, when it comes to repairing, it is dependent on the type of repair that is required. If you have a microwave that needs repair, you do need to talk to a repair professional to see what the cost of the repair is and to see if a replacement would be a better option.
Is it worth it to repair your LG microwave?
Again, this depends on the price of the repair and the overall cost of the microwave.
If you have a 20-year-old microwave, it is going to be better to just replace it. If you have a relatively new microwave and it is expensive, it might be a better value to repair the microwave than it would be to replace it with the same machine.
You can always talk to your repair technician to find out how much the repair will cost and whether it will be a much better value than a replacement.
When should you repair it, and when should you replace it?
- Extent of damage: Assess the severity of the damage to your LG monitor. If the issue is minor and can be easily fixed by replacing a specific component or part, such as a cable or power adapter, repair might be a cost-effective option. However, if the damage is significant, such as a cracked screen or a malfunctioning mainboard, the cost of repair may be close to or even exceed the cost of a new monitor. In such cases, it’s usually more practical to replace the monitor.
- Age and warranty: Consider the age of your LG monitor and whether it is still covered by warranty. If your monitor is relatively new and still under warranty, it’s recommended to contact LG or the authorized service center to inquire about repair options. The warranty may cover the cost of repairs or provide a replacement unit. However, if the monitor is older and the warranty has expired, you’ll likely have to bear the repair costs yourself, which might make replacement a more viable option.
- Future requirements and technology: Think about your current and future needs. If your broken LG monitor no longer meets your requirements or if you anticipate needing a monitor with advanced features or technologies, it might be a good time to upgrade and replace it with a newer model. Technological advancements can provide improved image quality, higher resolutions, faster response times, and additional functionalities that may enhance your overall experience.
- Cost comparison: Compare the cost of repairing the LG monitor with the price of a new one. Consider the repair estimate provided by a professional technician or LG’s authorized service center. If the repair costs are significantly lower than the price of a new monitor and the repair will restore the monitor to a satisfactory condition, repairing it might be a reasonable choice. However, if the repair costs are close to or exceed the cost of a new monitor, it’s generally more practical to invest in a replacement.
The best time to buy a new microwave
- Holiday sales and promotional periods: Many retailers offer discounts and promotions during holiday periods such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or major events like Christmas or New Year’s sales. Keep an eye out for these occasions as they can often provide opportunities to find microwaves at discounted prices.
- Seasonal sales: Certain times of the year, such as the end of summer or back-to-school season, may feature sales on home appliances, including microwaves. Retailers may offer discounts to clear out inventory or attract customers during these periods. Consider checking for deals during these times.
- New model releases: Manufacturers often introduce new models and technology upgrades at specific times of the year. When a new model is released, the previous generation or older models may be discounted to make room for the new stock. Stay informed about new releases and consider purchasing the previous generation or older models if they meet your needs, as they can be available at reduced prices.
- Online shopping platforms: Online retailers frequently offer competitive pricing and deals throughout the year. Check websites like Amazon, Best Buy, or other online appliance retailers for sales, discounts, and customer reviews. Online platforms may also provide a wider range of options to choose from.
- Local retailer promotions: Keep an eye on local appliance retailers or department stores in your area. They may have periodic sales, clearance events, or special promotions that can offer competitive prices on microwaves.
The best time to buy a new microwave, aside from when you need it, is during black Friday sales or during sales when appliance stores are trying to get rid of their stock.
In most cases, during tax time around the first quarter of the year, companies will have sales to get rid of last year’s models to make room for the new models for the new year.
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