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How to Disassemble a Microwave

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Updated February 13, 2023

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Difficulty Medium

Steps 4

Time Required 30 minutes

Sections

Things to Know

Table of Contents_

Why Disassemble a Microwave?
How to Disseemble a Microwave
STEP 1 Gather Your Tools
STEP 2 Remove Screws and Casing
STEP 3Remove the Transformer
STEP 4 Strip the Rest

If you have been having maintenance issues with one of your kitchen appliances, you may wonder how to disassemble a microwave. Even the best microwaves, after all, can wear down over time, necessitating an inspection of their internal components. Keep reading to learn more about disassembling microwave ovens.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

You will need a Philips head screwdriver, pliers, and insulated work gloves to complete this project.
Be very careful as you disassemble a microwave and always make sure it is not plugged in, as a safety precaution.
You should also exercise caution around the magnetron, as it can include dangerous chemicals.

Why Disassemble a Microwave?

If you are fairly handy and your microwave runs into some issues, you may want to disassemble it yourself instead of hiring a professional for microwave repair. Learning how to disassemble a microwave oven can be helpful when looking for what to do if your microwave’s light doesn’t work, in addition to other issues. Taking a microwave apart likely will not solve problems if you are wondering how to mute a microwave. To be honest, you’ll want to disassemble your microwave if you’re replacing the capacitor, repairing the magnetron, or replacing a microwave diode.

Insider Tip

If you are unsure of how to proceed with the process, be sure to check a Youtube tutorial or hand the project off to a professional.

How to Disseemble a Microwave

Tools Needed: Phillips screwdriver with insulated handle, pliers with insulated handles, heavy-duty insulated working gloves

Taking a microwave apart is not too difficult but there are some big-time safety considerations, which will be detailed below.

STEP 1 Gather Your Tools

Once gathering your tools, make sure the microwave is not plugged into a power outlet. Microwaves are high-voltage appliances and could be a danger if connected to a power source.
Microwaves also can store energy even after being unplugged. It is for that reason you should make sure your tools and gloves are insulated.

STEP 2 Remove Screws and Casing

Use the screwdriver to remove any screws you see around the outer shell of the microwave cabinet.
Remove the outer casing, which should give you a clear view of the unit’s internal components.

STEP 3Remove the Transformer

Next, find the transformer and look for any screws holding it in place.
If the magnetron is connected to the transformer, unscrew the magnetron carefully before moving on to the transformer.
Do not open up the magnetron or interact with it in any way (other than unscrewing it) as it could contain dangerous particles.

STEP 4 Strip the Rest

Use the screwdriver and pliers to carefully strip the remaining components of the microwave.
These components include an AC pole motor, a fan, a light bulb, voltage capacitors, capacitor terminals, a turntable motor, and various electronics. Though this will depend on various microwave designs.

F.A.Q.S

How can I identify a microwave oven problem?

It will depend on the problem, and some can be difficult to diagnose. Take a look at the internal electronics, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

What can go wrong with a microwave oven?

When it comes to microwave oven repair, a lot can go wrong. The turntable motor can fail, the magnetron can wear down, and the electronics can go haywire.

How does a microwave oven work?

A microwave uses a magnetron to release heated radio waves, also called microwaves, to cook food. Modern microwaves may also include vacuum tubes, ceramic magnets, and other components.

STAT: The exploitation of high-frequency radio waves for heating substances was made possible by the development of vacuum tube radio transmitters around 1920. (source)

REFERENCES:

Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.