Microwave issues: possible to fix, or do I need to replace?

[Adam]

My microwave isn't too old, probably mid-90s and is still available at major home retailers. Lately it's been working less and less. Nowadays I think I can get about 45 seconds of heat out of it per day. It will run for the full set duration, and everything sounds and looks like it's warming, but when it's only heating the item for a matter of seconds. Is this something that is common with microwaves? Is it something that can be repaired cheaply? I'd rather not buy a replacement, because I'd want a different model, which would lead to a domino effect for all my kitchen appliances... Let me know if you have any questions to help with mine! Thanks, Adam

[Adam]

My microwave isn't too old, probably mid-90s and is still available at major home retailers. Lately it's been working less and less. Nowadays I think I can get about 45 seconds of heat out of it per day. It will run for the full set duration, and everything sounds and looks like it's warming, but when it's only heating the item for a matter of seconds. Is this something that is common with microwaves? Is it something that can be repaired cheaply? I'd rather not buy a replacement, because I'd want a different model, which would lead to a domino effect for all my kitchen appliances... Let me know if you have any questions to help with mine! Thanks, Adam

[Adam]

My microwave isn't too old, probably mid-90s and is still available at major home retailers. Lately it's been working less and less. Nowadays I think I can get about 45 seconds of heat out of it per day. It will run for the full set duration, and everything sounds and looks like it's warming, but when it's only heating the item for a matter of seconds. Is this something that is common with microwaves? Is it something that can be repaired cheaply? I'd rather not buy a replacement, because I'd want a different model, which would lead to a domino effect for all my kitchen appliances... Let me know if you have any questions to help with mine! Thanks, Adam

[m Ransley]

New go for as little as 35$, its just not worth fixing some things anymore or wasting any time with them. Its probably the magnatron, cost more than a new unit.

[Adam]

Ugh, looks like the magnatron is a common problem in this microwave:

it looks like a new one (to fit the space & match the stove) would be $267-$377 ( Ugh, any one have any ideas?

[Edwin Pawlowski]

That brand may be, but the models surely has changed. At 6 or 8 years it will be cheaper to buy a new one.

[scott21230]

If it's clean and doing that replace it. If it's dirty then clean it and see if that makes any difference.

[JoeA]

If this is one of the GE Spacemakers, the mag may still be under warranty. Some models had a 10 year part warranty on the mag. If so, it would be cheaper than buying a new one.