Microwave wave guide cover

meadowcat

Just to let anyone know who is looking for a wave guide cover. You can get a universal one here

http://www.domesticspares.co.uk/sub-all.asp?suball=Waveguides (universal)&subcat=Microwave&userid=200622013585756

It measures over 22 cm x 22 cm. You cut it to size and it would probably be big enough to make four covers for most microwaves. It costs £7.95 plus postage.

I thought I was going to have to throw my microwave out because it is not one of the big names - got it from Makro - and I couldn't find anywhere to get a wave cover for it.

Hope this helps someone.

ffym

Thanks for the tip, needed one of these years ago but couldn't find a supplier. Found something else I was after on this site though!

lolly5648

May I ask what a wave guard cover is? I've never heard of this and I have had a microwave for about 10 years

ffym

lolly5648 wrote:

May I ask what a wave guard cover is? I've never heard of this and I have had a microwave for about 10 years

The Microwaves are generated by a magnetron which has a small ducted output into the main body of the oven. Metal reflects the waves, so they are bounced around in the oven and absorbed by whatever you put in it (the food etc). This duct from the magnetron guides the "micro" waves into the oven. To stop anything getting back up into the magnetron it has a cover made from mica or similar heatproof material (not metal) that will allow the waves to pass - a wave guide cover! Have a look in the oven, there is probably a small rectangular thin piece of mica held on by a screw, that's the wave guide cover.

dianasnan

this site has just saved me a lot of money. My microwave started arking? and seemed to have a burnt patch on the side removeable panel. Thanks to the tips on here I now know that I just need a new wave guard cover. i cleaned the old one and tried to heat a small quantity of water which worked. Will order a new one today.

thanks very much.

densil

I have just purchased a Universal Wave Guard Cover sheet at the Baumatic Experience Centre in Reading for £5.
I just need to cut it to size and fit it back on to my microwave.

P-J-D_2

When do you know you need a new Wave Guard Cover?? Is it only if you detect a problem or...?? My microwave is in a pretty disgusting state internally, I am about to tackle it, but I thought that was cardboard. Will it wipe clean? Should I be buying a new wave guard cover instead?

ka7e

They do wipe clean, after a fashion! But they are not particularly robust and dried-on food particles seem to be what starts the arcing.
Clean it and see. If there is no arcing, assume it's OK, they are not expensive to replace.

ormus

it may have been a bargain 4 yrs ago.
with microwaves costing 29 quid now, i doubt id be repairing one.

P-J-D_2

Thanks for the comments ka7e. I cleaned my microwave thoroughly inside, have used it since and can see no arcing anywhere.. unfortunately there is a little rust, or maybe, loss of protective paint, in a small patch at the rear back inside.. but as I say I can see no sparks/arcing whilst using it.. so would you say ok (probably) ?? ormus i see what you're saying, but this was an expensive microwave when purchased (around £200 iirc), ok it's an older model, but not a throwaway job, it is solid durable build quality and has looks to match.. wasn't made in china by slave labour either.. also I don't like throwing away stuff that works, or the idea of 'disposable appliances' in general, so i dont see the point in buying a throwawy replacement for 29 quid that is of lesser quality, when the wave guide thing is only £5.99..??? Unless there's a good reason to dump it.... doesn't make sense. I will look into that rust patch, but it cooks food as good as when new, isn't plasticy, looks great, feels great etc..