Appliance Repair in 08084 · Haddonfield, Haddon Heights & Barrington

An over-the-range microwave does two jobs: it heats food and it acts as the range hood, with a fan, a light and a grease filter on the underside. It is mounted to a wall bracket and bolted through the cabinet above, so it is heavier and more involved to remove than a countertop model.

Common problems include a microwave that runs but does not heat, a turntable that stops spinning, a keypad that stops responding and a door switch that fails. The vent fan and light are separate circuits and can fail on their own. Grease filters that are never cleaned clog and make the fan loud; a charcoal filter in a recirculating setup needs replacing periodically. Steam and heat from the burners below can damage the control panel over time, especially when tall pots boil for long periods.

Microwaves are not a DIY repair inside the cabinet. They contain a high-voltage capacitor that can hold a dangerous charge even when unplugged, so leave the covers on and call a technician. Our technician can test the magnetron, diode, door switches and controls, and give you a written estimate. With older microwaves, a new unit sometimes makes more sense, and we will say so plainly. If you do replace it, the new model needs a mounting plate that matches the wall studs and an exhaust path, either ducted outside or recirculating, that fits your kitchen.

Clear the range surface and the counter beside it, and put down anything stored on top of the microwave, and remove items from the cabinet above, since mounting bolts may be accessed from inside. Note any error code. Driveways are common for single-family homes; in an apartment or townhouse complex, ask management about contractor parking.