Microwave Stopped Working in the Middle of Cooking? Fix It Now!

Have you ever started heating up your food and your microwave just turned off all of a sudden? It happened to me too, while warming up my leftover pizza! One minute it was working fine, and the next it went completely silent. No lights, no sound, nothing. If your microwave stopped working in the middle of cooking, you’re not alone. In this article, I will share with you the exact steps I took to fix my microwave and what you can do too.

Check the Power Source First

The very first thing to do when your microwave stops working in the middle of cooking is to check if it’s getting power. This may sound simple, but many people forget to check this. A microwave needs a steady flow of electricity to work. If it stops suddenly, something might have gone wrong with the power supply.

Start by looking at the microwave’s plug. Is it still plugged into the wall properly? Sometimes, the plug can get loose or pulled out a little. Push it in tightly and see if anything changes. If the microwave still does not work, try plugging it into a different outlet. Maybe the outlet is bad, not the microwave.

Next, look at the breaker box in your home. Sometimes, too many devices running at the same time can cause the circuit breaker to trip. This cuts off the power to that outlet. Open your breaker box and see if any switches have flipped to the ‘off’ position. If you find one, flip it back to ‘on’ and try the microwave again.

If everything seems fine with the power and outlets, try plugging another device like a lamp into the same outlet. If the lamp works, then the outlet is okay, and the problem is likely with the microwave itself. If the lamp doesn’t work, the outlet could be the problem. You may need an electrician to fix that.

You can also use a surge protector or extension cord with a built-in reset button. These can also trip sometimes. If the microwave is plugged into one of these, try pressing the reset button on it.

Another important thing to check is if the microwave feels hot on the outside. If it overheated, it might have shut off by itself for safety. In this case, leave it unplugged for about 30 minutes to cool down. After that, plug it back in and see if it works.

• Make sure the plug is fully inside the wall socket
• Try using a different power outlet
• Check if your home’s breaker switch is off
• Test the outlet with another working device
• Unplug and let the microwave cool down if it’s hot
• Use a surge protector with a reset button if available

Look for a Blown Fuse or Tripped Safety Switch

If your microwave still won’t work after checking the power source, the next thing to check is inside the microwave. Sometimes, a fuse inside the microwave can blow, especially if there was a power surge or if it overheated. Microwaves are made with safety in mind, so when something goes wrong, a fuse may blow to stop further damage.

Before you open anything, always make sure the microwave is unplugged. Never work on a plugged-in appliance. Safety first. Now, depending on your model, the fuse could be easy or hard to find. If you feel comfortable, you can remove the back cover of the microwave using a screwdriver.

Inside, you will see a glass tube fuse or a ceramic fuse. It looks like a small cylinder. If the fuse looks black or the wire inside it is broken, then it’s blown. You will need to replace it. You can buy a new fuse at most hardware stores or online. Make sure you get the same type and size of fuse as the old one. If you’re not sure, take the blown fuse with you to the store.

Also, some microwaves have a thermal fuse or a thermostat switch that can trip if the microwave gets too hot. These are made to protect the microwave from overheating. If you find one of these and it’s tripped, it may need to be replaced too.

You might also want to look for signs of burned wires or smells. If you smell burnt plastic, the issue might be bigger and it’s better to take the microwave to a repair shop.

Sometimes, you may also find a reset button inside some microwaves. Pressing that might bring it back to life.

If all this feels too tricky, it’s always okay to call an appliance repair expert. But for many people, changing a blown fuse is easy and solves the problem.

• Always unplug the microwave before opening it
• Look for a small glass or ceramic fuse inside
• If the fuse is black or broken, replace it with a matching one
• Check for a tripped thermostat switch or thermal fuse
• Never touch wires with bare hands inside
• Smell for burning or look for black marks

Test the Door Switch Function

Microwaves are made to not work unless the door is completely closed and the door switch is working right. If the door switch is broken, even if the microwave is getting power, it will not turn on. This is another common reason why your microwave stopped working in the middle of cooking.

When you close the door, you might hear a small click. That click is the sound of the door switch being pressed. If the switch is stuck, dirty, or broken, the microwave will think the door is still open and will shut off or not start at all.

First, check if the door is closing all the way. Is there anything stuck in the door like food or crumbs? Clean the edges of the door and the place where it clicks shut. Try opening and closing the door a few times to see if the microwave responds.

Next, try gently pressing the door when it’s closed and then hit the start button. Sometimes, a loose door switch will work when pressure is added. If it works when you press, then the switch is likely the problem.

If you feel safe opening the microwave cover, you can see the small door switches near the latch area. Most microwaves have 2 or 3 of these. They are small buttons that get pushed when the door closes. If one of them is broken or not clicking right, the microwave will stop working.

You can test the switches with a small tool called a multimeter. If you touch the multimeter to the switch and it doesn’t give a signal, then that switch is bad and needs to be replaced.

Door switches are cheap and easy to buy online or at appliance repair stores. You will need a screwdriver to take the old one out and put the new one in.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, it’s better to let a repair shop handle it. But many people can replace the switch by following easy steps online.

• Make sure the door is clean and fully closed
• Listen for the click sound when closing the door
• Press the door gently while starting the microwave
• Check the latch area for loose or broken switches
• Use a multimeter to test switch function
• Replace broken switches with new ones

Examine the Control Panel and Settings

Sometimes the microwave stops working because of the control panel. If it froze, glitched, or got stuck, it might turn off while cooking or stop responding at all. This happens a lot with digital touch microwaves. Even though the microwave looks fine from outside, the inside controls may not be working right.

First, try resetting the microwave. Unplug it from the wall, wait about 2 to 5 minutes, and plug it back in. This can clear out small errors in the control board. It’s just like restarting your phone or computer when they freeze.

When you plug it back in, watch for the display screen. If it stays blank or shows weird numbers, then the control board may have a problem. If it lights up normal, try using the microwave again.

Check all the buttons on the panel. Are any of them stuck? Are they not making a beep when you press them? Sometimes, food or moisture can get behind the buttons and cause problems. Wipe the panel gently with a damp cloth. Do not spray water directly.

You can also try running the microwave on a short 30-second timer to see if anything happens. If it beeps but doesn’t heat, it might be the board.

If none of the buttons work, the control panel may need to be replaced. These parts are not too expensive but might need a technician to change them if you’re not used to doing it yourself.

Some microwaves also have a child lock or safety lock. This can be turned on by pressing a certain button combination. Check your microwave manual to make sure it’s not in child lock mode.

• Try unplugging and plugging back in to reset the panel
• Look at the screen for strange symbols or no lights
• Test each button to see if they respond
• Clean the panel gently with a soft cloth
• Make sure child lock mode is not active
• Replace control board if it shows no response

Think About Overheating or Overuse

Sometimes, a microwave will stop working in the middle of cooking because it’s been running for too long. Microwaves have small fans inside to keep them cool. If those fans stop working or if the microwave is used non-stop, it can get too hot. When this happens, most microwaves shut off by themselves to prevent damage.

If you were cooking for a long time or heating something very big, the microwave might have overheated. The best thing to do is to unplug it and let it sit for about 30 to 60 minutes. Then plug it back in and try again.

Overheating can also happen if the microwave vents are blocked. Look at the back and sides of your microwave. Is there enough space for air to flow? Make sure there’s nothing sitting right next to it. The microwave needs space to breathe.

You should also check the inside of the microwave. If it’s very dirty, food splashes can block airflow or heat sensors. Clean it out using a bowl of water and lemon juice. Heat it up for a minute and then wipe the inside clean.

Also, if the fan inside is not spinning or making noise, that could be the issue. You may need a repair person to look at that.

If this happens often, your microwave may be getting old and having trouble staying cool.

• Let the microwave cool off for 30 to 60 minutes
• Clear space around it for air to flow
• Clean the inside with steam and wipe it dry
• Don’t use the microwave for too long at once
• Check if the cooling fan is working
• Avoid blocking vents or putting it in tight spaces

Decide Between Repair or Replacement

If your microwave has stopped working in the middle of cooking and none of the above steps fix it, you’ll need to decide whether to fix it or buy a new one. This depends on many things like how old it is, how much the repair costs, and how often you use it.

Most microwaves last around 7 to 10 years. If yours is older than that, it may be time for a new one. Also, if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new microwave, it might be better to replace it.

Check the brand and model. Some brands offer longer warranties or cheaper parts. If your microwave is still under warranty, contact the company and ask for repair or replacement.

Also think about how important the microwave is for you. If you use it every day and it suddenly stops, it can be very frustrating. If it’s something you rely on, getting a new one might save time and stress.

You should also think about safety. If your microwave smells burnt, made popping sounds, or shows signs of electric issues, it’s safer to replace it than fix it.

Take the microwave to a trusted repair shop and ask for a quote. Compare that with the cost of a new one. Some small problems are cheap to fix, like changing a fuse or a switch. Others like fixing the control board may cost a lot more.

• Check the age of your microwave (7+ years is old)
• Look at the repair cost vs. new one cost
• See if it’s under warranty still
• Think about how often you use it
• Replace it if there are signs of electric damage
• Ask a repair shop for a price before deciding

Final Thoughts

When your microwave stops working in the middle of cooking, it feels frustrating. But don’t worry, it doesn’t always mean you need a new one. Many times, it’s a small issue like a blown fuse, a door problem, or just overheating. Always check power first, then go step by step. If nothing works, it might be time to replace it. Trust your gut and choose what feels right.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to open the back of my microwave?

Opening the back of your microwave is not always safe, especially if you are not used to working with electrical items. Even when unplugged, a microwave can hold electric charge inside parts like the capacitor. This can give a strong shock if touched by mistake. If you choose to open it, wear rubber gloves and never touch wires or metal parts with your hands. If you’re unsure, it’s better to ask a repair expert. Replacing simple parts like the fuse can be safe if you follow steps carefully and stay cautious.

Is it okay to use a microwave after it shuts off?

If your microwave shuts off suddenly while cooking, it’s best to wait and check for the reason before using it again. It may have overheated or had a fuse blow. Using it again without fixing the issue can cause more damage or even be dangerous. Let it cool down, unplug it, and try basic checks. If everything looks fine and it works again after resting, it might be okay to use. But if it keeps shutting off again and again, then it’s time to repair or replace it.

Can a microwave stop working from old age?

Yes, like any other machine, a microwave can stop working when it gets old. Most microwaves work well for around 7 to 10 years. After that, parts inside can wear out, wires can get loose, or sensors may stop working properly. If your microwave is old and suddenly stops in the middle of cooking, it might just be reaching the end of its life. If it’s been showing other signs like slow heating or strange sounds, it’s probably time for a new one.

Can a dirty microwave cause it to stop?

Yes, a very dirty microwave can lead to problems. Food spills and grease can build up inside and block vents or sensors. If the microwave gets too hot inside, it can shut down suddenly. Dirt can also block buttons or door switches. Keeping your microwave clean helps it last longer and work better. Use a wet cloth and steam from lemon water to clean the inside. Try to clean it at least once a week if you use it often.

Is it expensive to fix a microwave?

The cost to fix a microwave depends on the problem. Replacing a fuse or a switch might cost just a few dollars if you do it yourself. But fixing the control board or the fan might be more expensive. If you take it to a repair shop, they will usually charge for parts and labor. For older microwaves, it may cost more to fix than to buy a new one. It’s a good idea to ask for a repair quote before deciding.

Do I need tools to check my microwave?

Yes, if you plan to open your microwave and check inside, you will need basic tools. A screwdriver is the most common tool you’ll need to remove the cover. If you want to test the fuse or door switch, you will need a multimeter. But if you just want to check the power outlet or see if it’s overheating, you may not need any tools. Always unplug it first before touching anything inside.

Is it possible that the outlet is the real problem?

Yes, sometimes the microwave is fine, but the power outlet is bad. Outlets can stop working because of loose wires or a tripped breaker. Try plugging another working item like a phone charger or lamp into the same outlet. If that doesn’t work either, the outlet is the problem, not the microwave. You may need an electrician to fix it. Also, check if the microwave is plugged into a power strip with a reset button.

Do I need a new microwave if it stopped once?

Not always. Just because it stopped once doesn’t mean you need a new one. Sometimes it just overheated or the fuse popped. Try unplugging it, wait a while, and plug it back in. If it works again, then it was likely a small problem. But if it stops again and again, or shows other signs like smoke, smell, or strange sounds, then it might be better to replace it.