Do Microwave Ovens Lose Power With Time?

Microwave ovens have become a staple of kitchens, and most people are so used to being able to heat food in their microwave oven quickly and easily that they don´t stop to think about how well the appliance functions. If you think your old microwave oven has slowed down or lost some of its power, you may be correct. Over time, microwave ovens lose some of their power and cooking ability so you may need to consider replacing your microwave.

A microwave oven's power diminishes over time because its magnetron tube weakens. A magnetron tube is a high-voltage system that uses magnetic and electrical fields to create the oscillating waves that bounce around the oven and heat food. It is the source of a microwave oven's energy and power.

As the magnetron tube becomes weaker and less effective, the microwave oven becomes less powerful. If you notice the door of the microwave does not seal properly than this is a clear sign to replace your microwave oven. Microwaves usually have a safety feature making them unable to function if the door is open, however it is possible for the door to have a break in the seal which is dangerous to your well-being. Regular exposure to the energy emitted from the microwave could lead to health problems, so make sure to inspect your door regularly.

The typical microwave magnetron tube has an average life of 2,000 hours of operation. That means you should be able to cook and heat food in a typical microwave oven for 2,000 hours before the oven loses power. This may not seem like a lot of time until you think about how you use your microwave oven. If you are like most people, you probably use it for a few minutes or seconds at a time. If you used the microwave oven for a total of 15 minutes every day, it would take 22 years for it to reach the 2,000-hours-of-operation point.

Although the average life of a magnetron tube is 22 years, a number of factors can cause that number to diminish and for the microwave oven to lose power more quickly. They include frequently putting too much metal in the microwave oven, consistently powering it through a voltage that is too high or too low, improperly installing the appliance, obstructing the microwave oven's wave-guide and continually using the device at the upper limit of its heat tolerance.

A busy restaurant might need to replace its microwave ovens every year, but you may not. If your microwave oven is several years old and you think it has lost power, then its magnetron tube is probably reaching the end of its life. In that case, it may be time to look into replacing your microwave.

You may need to replace your microwave if you notice any types of sparks, smoke or consistent burning odors when you food is heating. If any of these signs happen then turn off your microwave immediately (unplug if possible) and consider replacing it right away. If your fairly new microwave oven has trouble heating or cooking food, however, then you might want to contact the manufacturer for possible repairs under warranty before you invest in a new microwave oven.