Repairing Microwave

I_Ronny

A microwave/oven combo (Neff) acting up.
When microwaving there is a ticking noise, that I thought was something to do with a fan but I can't see anything that might explain this.
The other thing is that the grill element becomes hot when microwaving. At first I thought that there may be an issue with the microwave heating the metal of the element. The other thought is that there is a circuit board issue.
Anyone any thoughts? Worth investing more time/money or is it time to look for a new appliance?

matelodave

TBH by the time you've got a man in and paid exhorbitant prices for any spares it may well be cheaper and easier to replace it.

I've now got to the stage that If I can get the spares and fix summat myself then I will but if it involves getting a man to press the doorbell then you can probably add £50-£100 to the repair bill.

Cisco001

There are a lot of options at £50 - 80.
By the time you find someone to get it fix, it probably cost you £40 - 50?

By the way, I personally don't use grill function on microwave often. It create a lot of smoke when I first use it. So, I use the proper oven instead.
My microwave are for re-heat purpose only. 

Ibrahim5

I remember mending a microwave with a new wave guide cover. Very cheap repair. Basically a piece of cardboard. I nearly threw that microwave out but it went on for years afterwards.

Neil_Jones

I_Ronny said:

A microwave/oven combo (Neff) acting up.
When microwaving there is a ticking noise, that I thought was something to do with a fan but I can't see anything that might explain this.
The other thing is that the grill element becomes hot when microwaving. At first I thought that there may be an issue with the microwave heating the metal of the element. The other thought is that there is a circuit board issue.
Anyone any thoughts? Worth investing more time/money or is it time to look for a new appliance?

Microwaves you can pick up for £40.  You'll pay as much in labour alone.

Introduce it to the electrical recycling section of the local refuse collection facility and purchase a new one.

flaneurs_lobster

@I_Ronny is this one of Neff's built-in combi numbers? If so then a like-for-like replacement will run to North of a grand.  Might put a different spin on spending a few quid to fix it. 

[Deleted User]

A clicking noise could be the classic signs of the magnetron tube failing, problem is that diagnosis is difficult and not something I'd recommend or describe on a public forum when there is upwards of 2,000 volts applied to said component.

On the other hand, Neff say it is normal:

https://www.neff-home.com/uk/service/support/microwaves/repair/making-noise

Heedtheadvice

Take note of @[Deleted User] .

There are serious risks to working on a microwave both high voltage and radiation burns. Whilst there are a few basic things that can be done such aschecking the plug fuse etc. most work will involve these risks outlined above.

If it is worth repairing leave it to an expert! Better that than stopping your heart or burning your eyes!

I_Ronny

Thanks for the replies.
Found the source of the clicking - small fan hidden under some gubbings.
However, still can't fathom why the grill element heats up when using the microwave function.
I'm aware these things can store up huge charges so won't be going any further into the workings. 
As it is nearly 15 years old I think we've done well so it is off to the recycling centre and a search for something with the same dimensions to fit the space it will leave.

Belenus

I_Ronny said:

Thanks for the replies.
Found the source of the clicking - small fan hidden under some gubbings.
However, still can't fathom why the grill element heats up when using the microwave function.
I'm aware these things can store up huge charges so won't be going any further into the workings. 
As it is nearly 15 years old I think we've done well so it is off to the recycling centre and a search for something with the same dimensions to fit the space it will leave.

That is a decent life but you might get a few more years out of it if you can live with the grill element heating up.

If you do decide to replace it I can recommend the Sharp R959 range of 40 litre combination ovens at under £300.  We have had two over the years and they were excellent. 

They are stand alone units but you can get a built in kit for them if that is what you want.. 

When we refitted out kitchen four years ago we chose AEG ovens including an integrated AEG KM8403101M Combo that we are happy with.