Can You Replace Just The Microwave In A Microwave Combo?
Microwaves have been around for decades, and over the years the microwave has been improved and updated in a variety of ways. These days, there are microwave combinations, and these appliances combine two great appliances in one: a microwave and an oven.
There are many reasons why individuals purchase these combinations, but for all their good qualities, they’re not invincible. Eventually, these appliances break down just like all other appliances do.
But since these appliances combine two appliances in one, a lot of owners and potential owners wonder if one of the appliances can be replaced without the other one being affected. In other words, can the microwave in a microwave combo be replaced without the oven being replaced as well? Such is the main question this article answers.
No, the microwave part of a microwave combo cannot be replaced by itself. Doing this would render the whole system inoperable. In a microwave combo, the microwave and the oven share components both electrical and structural. Therefore, if you were to remove one system, the system left behind would not be able to function.
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Can the Microwave Be Removed From a Microwave Combo?
A microwave cannot be independently removed from a microwave combination, just as an oven cannot be removed without the microwave being removed as well. This is because the systems share components, both electrical and structural.
If you were to remove one system from the overall appliance, such would render the overall appliance inoperable. So if your purpose is to replace one system and still keep the other one in good working order—forget it. Once one system goes, the whole appliance will need to be replaced, regardless of how well the other system is working.
What Can Cause a Microwave Combo to Stop Working?
A variety of things can cause a microwave to malfunction. Moreover, the microwaves in microwave combinations usually experience the same problems that stand-alone microwaves experience.
The only things that are different with combinations is that they can have more electrical-related problems, as well as heating-related problems, and that’s because these systems require more electricity and tend to get hotter than normal microwaves do.
It’s not that a combination’s microwave gets hotter on its own. If you’re using a microwave and the oven at the same time, then the oven being on could make the microwave hotter. This, however, is a rare occurrence, and most often one that’s indicative of a larger problem. Below are more problems that may warrant microwave combination replacement.
Problem With the Main Fuse
If your microwave has stopped working unexpectedly, it may be because the main fuse has blown. If there’s too much electricity going to the microwave, the main fuse will cut off the flow of electricity to ensure the system doesn’t get damaged or create a safety hazard.
Once a fuse is blown, it’ll need to be replaced with a new one in order for the microwave to start working properly again. But the main fuse isn’t the only fuse in a microwave, as there are also thermal fuses and cavity fuses. If you need to test any of these fuses, you can use a multimeter to do so.
Diode & Magnetron Issues
Your microwave may run but not heat, and a microwave that can’t heat is pretty much useless. If a microwave isn’t heating properly, this could be because there’s a problem with the high-voltage diode. There may also be a problem with the unit’s magnetron.
The magnetron plays a major roll in producing heat, and it’s powered by the high-voltage diode. If either of these crucial components fail, the microwave won’t be able to produce heat, even if it’s working in other respects. You’ll need a professional to repair these parts, as removing them is difficult work for the inexperienced.
Problem With the Main Control Board
If the microwave’s main control board goes down, it’s almost certain that the unit will need to be replaced. This is why you should always be gentle when using your microwave’s main control board. This simple yet integral component will render an expensive microwave combo inoperable if it stops working.
What to Do if the Microwave in a Microwave Combo Stops Working
If your microwave has stopped working properly, the first thing you should do is unplug it and then plug it back in to see if this resolves the issue. Next, you should see if the door switch and door latch are both working properly. If the system refuses to start, this problem could be related to these door components.
If the system isn’t heating, there’s likely a problem with a component that you won’t be able to get at on your own. In this instance, you should get in touch with a microwave repair expert. The problem may be fixable without you having to replace the entire microwave combo.
How Long Does a Microwave Combo Last?
If properly maintained, a microwave combo can last a little more than seven years. If a microwave is used often and not treated well, it’ll probably only last around five years.
The thing about microwave combos is that the microwave isn’t the only appliance you have to worry about; there’s also the oven. However, most ovens can last over 13 years, and generally speaking an oven will last longer than a microwave. Regardless, if your microwave goes down before the oven does, the whole combo will need to be replaced.
Can a Microwave Combo Be Replaced With a Double Oven?
If the double oven is similar in size to the microwave combo, you should be able to replace the combo with the double oven. But as far as replacing individual systems is concerned, you can’t replace the microwave in a microwave combo with an oven.
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Related Questions
Why are microwave combos better than regular microwaves?
A microwave combo does all the things a regular microwave can do and more. The biggest draw of this appliance is that it’s space-saving. Moreover, owning one of these is more convenient than owning a stand-alone oven and a countertop microwave.
Matt loves everything DIY. He has been learning and practicing different trades since he was a kid, and he's often the first one called when a friend or family member needs a helping hand at home. Matt loves to work with wood and stone, and landscaping is by far his most favorite pastime.
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