Microwave Oven Repair & Installation
The Microwave, King of the Quick Meal
Just like vulcanized rubber, the microwave oven was an accidental laboratory invention.
During WWII, Percy LeBaron Spencer, a self-taught engineer who worked for Raytheon, tested a magnetron used in advanced radar arrays. He noticed that a peanut butter candy bar in his pocket had melted.
He experimented with other foods, like popcorn and eggs (wisely placing them on a table and not in his pocket), and lo and behold — the seeds for the first microwave oven had been sown.
Like all new technology at the time, the first microwave ovens were more novelty than practical kitchen appliances. They cost more than a car — more than several cars! And they didn’t even have a radio, cool hood ornament, or fins.
They didn’t make their way into the American home in earnest until the mid-70s or become an indispensable kitchen appliance until the 80s, with the explosion of fast and processed food in American culture.
Fast forward to the present day, where entire swaths of Americans don’t cook. They merely “microwave.” The microwave is ubiquitous, a fixture in more than 90% of American residences. Even hotel rooms have them!
Chief’s Microwave Repair & Installation Services
Now, with that wiki-like introduction out of the way, let’s get to the reason why you’re here.
Yes, we can fix your microwave oven (if it’s worth fixing, and we’ll discuss that later).
And yes, we’d be happy to install that new over-the-counter microwave you just purchased.
Say the word, and we’ll be there.
Chief Specializes in Appliances
At West Coast Chief, appliances and HVAC systems are our specialty, not a side gig.
- We know appliances inside and out, including microwave ovens.
- We repair, replace, and install microwave ovens. Any brand, any type.
- We get the job done faster.
- We get the job done right.
- We guarantee every job we do.
- We honor all manufacturer warranties and insurance plans that cover appliances.
Signs Your Microwave Needs Repair
- The oven doesn’t heat food as it used to.
- The door seal is broken or damaged.
- The turntable isn’t rotating.
- The oven makes strange noises.
- The display is dim or hard to read.
- The oven leaks water, steam, or smoke.
- The oven won’t power up or maintain consistent power.
- The oven sparks during operation
Call us at West Coast Chief if you’re experiencing any of these problems.
We’ll diagnose the trouble and explain your options — repair or replacement. Repair isn’t always your best option, especially with a relatively inexpensive appliance like a microwave.
And if it’s time for a new microwave, we’ll take care of that too. We’ll remove your old appliance and recycle it. Then we’ll install a new microwave and make sure it’s working to spec.
Why a Broken Microwave Oven Door Is Dangerous
A microwave door that doesn’t close tight can allow harmful radiation to leak out.
Radiation from a microwave oven can cause severe burns and health problems, so it’s critical to have any door problems repaired as soon as possible.
If you suspect your microwave door isn’t closing as designed, DO NOT use the oven until a qualified technician can inspect it.
How Often Should You Have Your Microwave Serviced?
We recommend having your microwave oven serviced every year or two, depending on the frequency of use.
Service includes cleaning the interior and exterior of the oven and checking all the components and replacing any that are damaged.
The best and cheapest way to handle microwave maintenance is to include it in a general service call, where we inspect all your kitchen appliances, including the microwave oven. A packaged deal to keep your packages running longer and better!
Microwave Repair vs. Replacement
A microwave oven’s repair cost depends on the problem and the age and make of the appliance.
Maybe your older microwave oven is starting to act up. The door doesn’t close as snugly as it used to. Or maybe it doesn’t heat as evenly. So you’re thinking about replacing it, but you’re not sure if it’s worth repairing first.
- As a rule of thumb, if the repair cost is more than half the cost of a new microwave, it’s time for an upgrade.
- For example, you have a 10-year-old microwave that needs a new $100 door switch. A new, comparable model would cost $200. In this case, it makes more sense to replace the microwave.
- On the other hand, repairing a 5-year-old microwave with a broken $50 door switch is a good option.
- Of course, these are general guidelines. Call us at West Coast Chief if you’re not sure what to do. We’ll give our honest two cents’ worth, and we won’t try to sell you anything.
Types of Microwave Ovens We Repair, Replace & Install
Over-the-Range Microwaves
As the name suggests, over-the-range microwaves are installed above your stove. They free up counter space and can be vented to the outside, which is helpful if you do a lot of cooking that creates steam and smoke.
Most over-the-range microwaves have built-in exhaust fans, light fixtures, and sensors that activate the fan when they detect heat or steam. These features make over-the-range microwaves more expensive than countertop models, but they’re also more convenient.
We install and replace over-the-range microwaves from all the major brands, including GE, LG, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Maytag, and Samsung.
Countertop Microwaves
A countertop microwave is a good choice if you don’t have much space above your stove, or if you want to use the area for something else, like a range hood.
Countertop microwaves are less expensive than over-the-range models, but they don’t have all the bells and whistles. They also take up valuable counter space, which can be an issue in small kitchens.
Countertop microwave ovens don’t need professional installation, although we repair them. Since they tend to be cheaper than other microwaves, most customers replace them with a newer model.
Built-In Microwaves
Built-in microwaves are installed in a cabinet or shelf, so they’re out of the way and can save you precious counter space. They come in various styles and colors to match your kitchen’s décor.
Most built-in microwaves need to be hardwired by an electrician, although some models plug into a standard outlet.
Drawer Microwaves
Drawer microwaves are a great choice if you have limited counter space or want to keep your microwave out of reach of small children. They open and close like a drawer, so they’re easy to use.
Drawer microwaves can be installed in an existing cabinet or shelf, or built into new kitchen cabinetry.
Convection Microwaves
Convection microwaves are a combination microwave and convection oven. They have all the features of a regular microwave, plus baking, roasting, and browning capability.
Some convection microwaves can serve as a second oven, which comes in handy when entertaining or cooking for a large family.
Grill Microwaves
Grill microwaves are just like standard microwaves, but they have an electric heating element above the turntable to speed things up and brown the top of the food.
Microwaves can’t produce the high temperatures to brown food. Grill microwaves solve the problem with a browning element to create a grilled effect.
Speed Cook Ovens
Speed cook ovens are a type of convection microwave. They use special sensors for cooking food more evenly and quickly than regular microwaves.
Speed cook ovens also have a built-in exhaust fan that vents to the outside for cooking tasks that create smoke and steam.
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Why the Microwave Oven Deserves Your Respect
A microwave dramatically shortens cooking and heating times.
DUH! You already knew that.
But did you know of these other astounding benefits that only the humble microwave oven provides?
- Since microwaves cook food directly and don’t need water or oil to transfer heat, they use substantially less energy over time.
- A microwave’s rapid cooking action is less destructive to the nutrients in food than other cooking methods.
- Since frozen food can go directly into a microwave and doesn’t need to be thawed on the counter, there’s less exposure to harmful microorganisms.
- A microwave cooks food thoroughly, all the way through, reducing exposure to foodborne pathogens like Campylobacter and Salmonella.
Maybe now you’ll show a little more love for that hard-working, unassuming microwave oven above your range. It’s not just a gadget for reheated coffee and popcorn. It’s an energy-saving, time-efficient, disease-busting ninja machine looking out for you and your family!
Why West Coast Chief Repair?
West Coast Chief has served metro Los Angeles and Orange County with superior appliance repair since 1995.
That’s a long time — much longer than most appliances last — though admittedly not as long as the microwave oven has been in existence.
We’re family-owned and operated, so you’ll get personal service from us, not some faceless corporation.
We back every job with some of the best industry guarantees in greater Los Angeles.
When you call us for microwave oven repair, we’ll send a licensed, certified, and insured technician to your home to diagnose and repair the problem fast. We’ll even clean up after ourselves.