Microwave Repair Help
Microwave faults — no heat, sparking, turntable and door switch problems.
Microwaves are sealed appliances, but a few common faults turn up again and again. The problems we see most are a microwave not heating food (it runs but stays cold), the turntable not turning, sparking or arcing inside, the microwave not turning on at all, or a door or latch fault that stops it starting.
Whatever brand you own — Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Russell Hobbs, Bosch and more — our community can help you decide if it is a safe, cheap fix or one to replace. Browse the questions below or ask your own; answers come from fellow owners, real engineers, and our WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. Note: microwaves can store a dangerous high voltage even when unplugged, so never open the casing yourself.
Recent Questions
Statesman microwave turntable not turning
I've got a Statesman microwave (SKMS0820) that's nearly 2 years old and the glass plate has stopped rotating. Has anyone had the same and managed to sort…
Panasonic microwave sparking inside, any ideas?
Bought a Panasonic microwave (NN-E27JWMBPQ) two years ago and there are sparks/flashes inside even with no metal in there. Is it worth repairing or should…
Swan microwave humming but not heating?
Hoping someone can help with my Swan microwave (SM22070BN) — loud hum and no heat, which I've read points to the magnetron. Grateful for any pointers,…
Samsung microwave keeps blowing the fuse
I've got a Samsung microwave (MC28M6055CK) that's around a year old and it trips the plug fuse / RCD as soon as I start it. Really hoping it's a cheap fix.
Toshiba microwave keeps blowing the fuse
Bought a Toshiba microwave (ML-EM23P(BS)) 6 months ago and it trips the plug fuse / RCD as soon as I start it. Is it worth repairing or should I just…
Toshiba microwave turntable plate has cracked
I've got a Toshiba microwave that's just over a year old and the glass turntable plate has cracked. Would really appreciate any advice before I fork out…
Sharp microwave turntable not turning?
My Sharp microwave (YC-MG01U-S), just over a year old — the glass plate has stopped rotating. Has anyone had the same and managed to sort it?
Statesman microwave making a loud buzzing noise
My Statesman microwave (SKMS0820), 2 years old — it makes a really loud buzzing/humming whenever it's running. Grateful for any pointers, thanks.
Russell Hobbs microwave sparking inside
Bought a Russell Hobbs microwave 6 months ago and there are sparks/flashes inside even with no metal in there. Any idea what's causing this?
Russell Hobbs microwave keeps blowing the fuse
My Russell Hobbs microwave, just over a year old — it trips the plug fuse / RCD as soon as I start it. Is this something I can fix myself or do I need an…
Hisense microwave grill function not working
I've got a Hisense microwave that's around a year old and (combi) the microwave works but the grill element won't heat. Really hoping it's a cheap fix.
Tower microwave buttons not responding?
I've got a Tower microwave (T24042) that's about 6 months old and the keypad doesn't respond when I press the buttons. Any idea what's causing this?
Tower microwave not heating the food
My Tower microwave, about 18 months old — it runs, lights up and the plate turns, but the food stays cold. Really hoping it's a cheap fix.
Panasonic microwave burning smell when running
Hoping someone can help with my Panasonic microwave — there is a burning smell whenever it's on. Would really appreciate any advice before I fork out for…
Daewoo microwave keeps blowing the fuse
My Daewoo microwave, nearly 2 years old — it trips the plug fuse / RCD as soon as I start it. What should I check first?
Samsung microwave turntable plate has cracked
Hoping someone can help with my Samsung microwave (MC28M6055CK) — the glass turntable plate has cracked. Is it worth repairing or should I just replace it?
Panasonic microwave starts then stops, any ideas?
I've got a Panasonic microwave (NN-E27JWMBPQ) that's around a year old and it runs for a few seconds then cuts out. Is this something I can fix myself or…
Morphy Richards microwave keeps blowing the fuse
My Morphy Richards microwave, a couple of years old — it trips the plug fuse / RCD as soon as I start it. Grateful for any pointers, thanks.
Breville microwave keeps blowing the fuse, any ideas?
My Breville microwave (VMW171), about 18 months old — it trips the plug fuse / RCD as soon as I start it. Would really appreciate any advice before I fork…
Hisense microwave turntable not turning
Hoping someone can help with my Hisense microwave (H20MOMS11) — the glass plate has stopped rotating. Is it worth repairing or should I just replace it?
Common microwave problems
Why is my microwave not heating?
If it runs and the turntable spins but food stays cold, the magnetron, high-voltage diode, or capacitor has usually failed. These carry dangerous voltages, so this is generally a replace-or-engineer job rather than DIY. Tell us the model and age and we can give you an honest steer.
Why is my microwave turntable not turning?
A turntable that will not rotate is normally a failed turntable motor, a worn coupler or roller ring, or food debris jamming it. Lift the plate and check the coupler and ring first. Let us know your model.
Why is my microwave sparking inside?
Arcing is often caused by metal or foil in the cavity, a worn waveguide cover (the small mica panel on the wall), or burnt-on food residue. Stop using it, check the waveguide cover, and tell us what you see — it is often a cheap fix.
Why won't my microwave turn on or start?
No power can be a blown internal fuse (often after a hard door slam), a faulty door interlock switch, or a control fault. All the door switches must close for it to start. Tell us the brand and model and exactly what happens when you press start.
