Microwave Usage Guide

General tips for getting the best from your microwave and avoiding common faults, from Braintree Appliance Repairs.

Getting the best from your microwave

1. Never run your microwave empty — without food or liquid to absorb the energy, it can damage the magnetron (the microwave's main working part).
2. Only use microwave-safe containers — metal, foil, and some decorative crockery can cause sparking and damage.
3. Clean up spills and splatters after every use — built-up food residue can absorb energy unevenly and eventually cause scorching or damage to the cavity.
4. Cover food when heating to avoid splatters and help food heat more evenly.
5. If your microwave has a turntable, make sure it's seated correctly and turning freely — a jammed turntable causes uneven heating that can look like a power fault.
6. Don't slam the door — the door seal and safety interlocks are precision components and rough handling is a common cause of faults.

If a fault persists after checking the above, it's usually down to a worn part rather than something you can fix at home — see Microwave Repairs.