The microwave might be one of the trustiest appliances at home because it warms leftovers, defrosts frozen food, and heat convenience meals when it is necessary.
Although the microwave typically lasts for up to 9 years, some of them are not built to last that long and will have to be replaced, unfortunately.
If you are one of the people who can not decide when it is time to let your microwave go, here are six things you might want to consider to tell if you need a replacement:
1. It Smells Of Smokes and Funky Odor
If your microwave smokes and has sparks shooting out of it, that is not a good sign as it may indicate that the appliance has internal damage.
According to Real Living, if you are heating something and the microwave smells like burning, you have to turn it off immediately because that is not a good indicator that it is safe to use.
A bad smelling microwave might be a microwave that is on its deathbed.
2. The Keypads Are Malfunctioning
The keypad is integral to the microwave as it determines the function the appliance will execute on your command.
If the keypad on your microwave is getting hard to use and it takes a push and a repush to get them to work, that may mean that your buttons are giving out, CNet writes.
A simple deep clean with a damp washcloth or oil may fix the problem, but if they can not do the work, maybe it is time to trade your microwave in for a new one.
3. Food Is Not Cooking Right
All Area Appliance says that the microwave is designed to cook food quickly, which is why if cooking takes longer than expected and the food is not even heating up, consider replacing it.
If you think that your microwave's power is starting to wear out, you can give it a test by cooking up a cup of water and if it dies not come out piping hot, it's time for a little microwave change.
Read More: Microwave, Air Fryer, Oven - Which One Should You Buy?
4. It Makes Weird Loud Noises
Microwaves usually work relatively quietly with a gentle hum, which is why if yours is making a grating, grinding, or rattling noise, something is definitely not right.
The Kitchn believes that this problem can be addressed by checking if there are any leftover food stuck in the turntable and fan blades.
However, if the problem seems to be bigger than that, it's time to throw your good old microwave out to make space for a new one.
5. The Doors Are Worn And Will Not Seal
The microwave door should always be completely sealed when it is closed, or mishaps may happen while you are heating your food up.
Additionally, Real Living says that unsealed doors expose you to radiation leakage, which is dangerous for your health.
If the gaskets on your doors are worn out, cracked, or broken, this warrants for a new microwave.
6. It Is Older Than A Child
Most microwaves last up to a decade at most, and if yours have been there for longer than ten years, it is just time that problems arise.
The Kitchn suggests that you get a microwave update if you want to get an improved and more energy efficient one.
It is undeniable that microwaves have grown to be staples in the kitchen, which is why it is always a good idea to consider a more economical and practical approach to your cooking experience.
Related Article: Did You Know That the Microwave Oven Was Invented by Accident?
