From the first day of buying a microwave oven, the user feels its benefits: with modest dimensions, it does an excellent job of heating, defrosting and cooking. How long will she last? If it is in your interest to extend the life of the microwave oven, you should not only follow the rules prescribed in the operating instructions, but also ensure proper care.
On average, manufacturers promise about 6 years of trouble-free operation.
Microwave resource
How many years can I use a microwave oven? It all depends on the maintenance and care of the equipment. It doesn’t matter what kind of microwave you have: solo or multifunctional (with grill and convection), small or roomy, built-in or stationary – the rules are the same for any technique.
With regular observance of all manufacturer’s instructions, the service life is significantly increased. Many companies claim that the stove will work without failure for at least 6 years. But even this small figure is not the limit of possibilities, if you devote a little time to your “assistant”.
Fact! The brand also plays a role. Choosing a quality microwave LG, Bosch or Samsung, you can count on a significant “shelf life”, unlike the products of cheap Asian brands.
The duration of the use of an electrical appliance is closely related to the quality, which you should pay attention to even at the acquisition stage. It is important to choose the most durable camera coating: choose ceramics or BIO-ceramics, such coating is unpretentious in maintenance. Restoring scratched inner walls is troublesome and expensive – you will learn more about this on the page “How to paint a microwave inside if the coating is peeling off.”
Important! Grease stains and plaque are easier to wash in the “Steam Cleaning” mode. It is worth overpaying for such a function in order to keep the camera intact longer.
If you are in doubt about ceramics, choose a different type of coating by reading the review “Which microwave coating to choose”.
Installation subtleties
Much depends on the location of the appliance in the kitchen. An unfavorable “neighborhood” can significantly shorten his age. Experts do not recommend placing such devices next to a microwave oven, from below or above: a refrigerator, a washing machine and a dishwasher, tiles and heating radiators.
Read more about the joint installation of some appliances in the kitchen on the pages: “Can I put a microwave on the refrigerator”, “Is it possible to put a TV on the microwave”.
Another undesirable position is right next to the kitchen set. There is a risk of blocking the ventilation holes in the microwave oven body, which can damage it. The minimum distance from the furnace body to the furniture walls is 10 cm.
If heating appliances or household appliances with a high degree of heating are installed near the microwave oven, this may lead to overheating of important parts of the equipment. Read more about the nuances of the location on the page “Where to put the microwave in the kitchen.”
Useful tips for the user
The correctness of using a microwave device is directly proportional to the average duration of its operation. Adhere to simple recommendations to avoid premature failures and breakdowns, to extend the performance of equipment:
- Warm food in specially designed containers, such as heat-resistant glassware. Metal products or plates with a gold border are taboo. Negligence or inattention of the user can lead not only to damage to the device, but also to fire. What other dishes can not be heated, read in a separate review.
- Using plastic, check if it has an permission icon on it. Some products are so unstable that they will easily melt even in low mode.
- Do not run an empty microwave so that the magnetron does not break. It costs a little less than the stove itself, so repairs will not help.
- Keep an eye on the oven while it is in operation. Some foods may catch fire if overheated.
- No steam mode? Then avoid high humidity in the chamber: cook broths and soups on a regular stove or in a slow cooker.
- Choose the size of the dishes so as not to scratch the inner coating. This will lead to further damage, at best, the products will simply warm up unevenly. Square dishes should only be used in ovens without a turntable.
- The microwave oven door is not a railing! Do not lean on it, otherwise it will sag, and the waves will seep into the environment. This does not threaten you, and the quality of the microwave will noticeably decrease.
How to cook
We will not teach you how to properly cook pilaf or make meatballs, but we will give you tips that will help extend the performance of the microwave:
- Do not heat the dish longer than necessary. Keep in mind that at the end of the mode, cooking lasts for another 5-10 minutes.
- Watch the weight of the food: each model has its own instructions for defrosting or cooking. It is also not worth warming too small portions – for example, one sandwich. If you really need to heat one pie, put a container of water next to it.
- Do not heat eggs, tomatoes – any food in a shell filled with liquid. Or wait for a spectacular explosion and prepare a sponge with camera cleaner.
- Plastic containers with tightly closed lids are a direct way to “BOOM!”. The lid will definitely come off.
- Before cooking, it is better to pierce the vegetables with a toothpick or cut with a knife so that the steam can escape and the skin does not burst.
- Do you heat sausages or sausage? Don’t forget to get rid of the peel.
- Drying vegetables, fruits and herbs in the chamber is prohibited!
A few care tips
Forgot to wash the camera on time, did the fat stick tightly to the walls? Do not rub it with a brush: put a glass of water in the chamber for 5 minutes and start the most powerful mode.
A drop of lemon juice added to the same glass of water will help get rid of the “aromas”.
It is recommended to wash the turntable with ordinary soapy water. Nothing can be scraped and rubbed with abrasive agents – neither the camera nor the case.
Read more about care on the pages: “How to clean a microwave”, “How to clean with vinegar”.
By following simple rules, choosing the right dishes, paying attention to the appliance from time to time, you can safely use it for more than 6 years. If you have any problems, on our website you will find a lot of useful articles on repairing microwave ovens.