I have a GE microwave that died, should I replace it or try to have it fixed?

Question

The microwave is only 2 years old and matches the rest of our kitchen appliances (the Amana series) and it "works" when you turn it on. But it doesn't make the usual sound, it's a really low sound and heats everything very poorly. To replace it is about $500.

(We thought we had bought the extended warrenty on it, but it turns out that Home Depot screwed us and only put them on the other 3 appliances and not the microwave like we thought they did.)

I checked the recall, it is on ones that are older (2000-2003), mine was made in 2005.

It is a stainless steel above the stove microwave, part of a matching set (microwave, range, dishwasher, refrigerator) that's why it is $500 to replace (we bought it on sale for $300, but there isn't a sale now).

Answer 1

There is a recall on GE microwaves that just came out but its primarily on oven-microwave combos. If the lights still come on it sounds by your description that the magnetron and or diode may be going bad. The normal repair cost is around $200-250. You can call local service companies to see if you can bring it in to their shop. We have a $20.00 shop fee to tell customers what is wrong with it and go from there. good luck...

Answer 2

$500! I have a brand new (purchased August 07) stainless steel OTR GE microwave and it only cost $260.

Extended warranty protection costs a decent amount so most people don't get it on their microwaves since they are cheaper in relation to the other appliances. Apparently yours is the exception to that rule.

When we bought all the appliances for our kitchen (range, fridge, dishwasher, microwave) we bought the warranty for all but the micro.

Answer 3

I would start by calling GE. There may have been a problem with that model. 2 years is not a very long life for a $500 microwave. My $40 one is about 12 years olds. We buy cheap ones for our office and they last 3-4 years. And that's with lots of use every day.
As for service, price the charges for service. Usually you will automatically have a service charge, just for looking. If it's going to be several hundred to repair, you may want to replace.

Answer 4

Check to see if the circuit breaker in the panel tripped off. Probably you have too many appliances running on the same circuit. If not, the GFI plug probably protected the electrical appliance and the electrical wires from starting on fire. Make sure that you have the unit plugged into a three prong outlet. Do not use an extension cord with microwaves. Also it could be that someone put metal or foil in the microwave and damaged it beyond repair. They are very cheap to buy these days. The actual waves from the microwave oven are dangerous. Take it to your local recycle station.

Answer 5

I would have the repair company help you make that decision. They can pinpoint the problem and maybe it's a cheap repair.

Did you hold on to the box, I ALWAYS have the boxes for everything in the attic. My husband hates it but when our $160 microwave died after only 6-7 months of having it he sure was happy I had the box (and the receipt but after 2 yrs you don't even WANT to show them the receipt, they'll say it's too old to return).

Answer 6

I would check to see what it would cost to repair and make my decision from there. You also have to consider the warrenty, if you get it fixed, they will give u what, 3 months? And if you decided to replace it, you get to choose which warrenty package you want. I'd shop around and I've learned to love to buy from places that are commissioned! - lol

Answer 7

There is a recall on GE microwaves you might want to check to se if yours is on that list. If it is they may replace it for you.

Answer 8

i would just it fixed that would be much smarter because its just needs a new light bulb and also match your supplies