Is my microwave toast?

Question

After it runs for a couple of minutes, there is a slight " hot electrical" smell coming out of the side vents. I unplugged it and haven't used it for risk of an electrical fire. Should I start shopping for a new one or is it fixable?
p.s. I love this microwave.

Answer 1

It costs less to buy a new one.
Get one with more features or less, if you now know what you really use it for.

Get one that doubles as a convection oven, if you'd like to try that.

Get one in a different size than the one you previously had, either bigger or smaller.

I think my micros live for, at least, 15 years. This latest one began to smoke through the inside vent. Smoking is not good for a microwave's health, or for mine either. For about 6 months, it was finicky. It stopped on its own and sometimes started up on its own. It didn't know what it was supposed to be doing. It had Microheimer's.

"If you can't love the one you have, then , love the one you 're with!"
Sorry for your loss. Been there; done that.
Its a great world! You'll always have your memories.

Answer 2

You can get it serviced but they're expensive to fix. We live in a disposable world. A hot electrical smell could indicate a short, like insulation burning off a wire, or an arc, which smells like ozone. Either way, it doesn't sound too good.

Answer 3

Pitch it. I wouldn't bother fixing it if it smells burnt. Figuring its either a circuit board or wiring insulation.

I've had an Amana Radar Range for 35+ years - still worked but was big and ugly so we replaced it. Have an old Jefferson Ward model that is 28 years and still going.

I've fixed them for other people, but again, nothing that was burning. I'd never trust it again.

Answer 4

Yes. The element is burning out and is expen$ive. New nukers are inexpensive. You will just have to get used to a new unit.