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Microwave burning smell
Common reasons your microwave burning smell
The most common reasons your microwave has a burning smell are a cracked heating element, malfunctioning electronic control board or a worn fan bearing.
64% of the time it's the Heating Element
13% of the time it's the Electronic Control Board
7% of the time it's the Fan Bearing
16% of the time it's the Something else
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Common microwave repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these microwave parts may fix your problem.
Heating Element Replacement
If the microwave's heating element is cracked, it won't generate heat, leading to improper browning or cooking of food in convection baking mode. Additionally, food splattering on the heating element can create smoke and odors inside the microwave, potentially damaging the element. A shorted element may also emit smoke and odors. When your microwave's heating element stops working, it's advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional inspect and repair the issue.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
If the electronic control board in a microwave isn't working properly, it can cause several problems, like no power or heat, or it might keep the microwave from turning off. This happens because the board is like the brain of the microwave. It controls important parts such as the magnetron (which heats food), cooling fans, lights, turn-table motor, cooking times, power level settings, and the display. When the electronic control board isn't working right, it can mess up communication between lots of different parts. A faulty board might make a chattering or clicking noise, or you might smell something burning. Since it can affect many parts, it's best to have a Sears Home Services professional check the board with diagnostic tests to see if it needs replacing.
Fan Bearing Replacement
If the bearing in a fan is worn, the fan won't spin like it should. Without the fan, parts inside the microwave might get too hot, causing a thermal switch to turn off or a fuse to blow, which shuts down the microwave. The rubbing from the worn bearing on the fan's shaft can create a burning smell. Since microwaves have high-voltage parts like transformers and capacitors that can hold dangerous electricity even when unplugged, it's important to have a Sears Home Services professional check the microwave and handle any needed repairs.
What to expect when you experience a microwave burning smell issue
How to fix the burning smell problem
Addressing most instances of burning smell issues typically entails replacing the heating element, electronic control board, or fan bearing. Nonetheless, given the numerous potential causes, conducting a thorough diagnosis is crucial for resolving the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the extent of the repair required.
Sears Home Services solutions for a microwave burning smell
When your microwave emits a burning smell, there could be various reasons behind it. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we suggest having a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. Our technicians have extensive experience in diagnosing all kinds of microwave problems.
What consider for a microwave burning smell diagnosis
Figuring out what's wrong with modern appliances without the right knowledge and training can be hard. If you don't use the right diagnostic techniques, trying to fix your microwave problem might just mean guessing and changing parts. Appliances, especially newer ones from the past 10 years, have gotten really advanced, with lots of electronic parts that are tricky to check. Doing your own repairs on the latest appliance models is getting harder and harder.
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Michael C offered an excellent service
5 stars!!! Michael was quick and knowledgeable! Very accommodating and professional
Andreina G, Naples, FL
microwave
Mark really went over the microwave trying to fix it, this was his second time here for the same problem. August till ? till we get it replaced. we appreciate him for his knowledge of his job. thank you Mark
H M, Cadiz, OH
Customer
Mr. David is very polite and intelligent gentlemen. He came to replace a part on my microwave and he checked the microwave to make sure it was working properly. Mr. David gave me a courtesy call that he will be arriving in 15mins. He arrived on time for the appointment and took care of his job duties. Thanks Mr. David for all the hard work you do at Sears. Keep up all the good work.
Pamela W, Baltimore, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Microwave Resources
Discover the top causes of microwave malfunctions in 2025 with Sears Home Services.
Find out how magnetrons work in microwave ovens to cook food.
Learn how a convection microwave oven works and how to maintain it.
Is it worth repairing a microwave? Find out the pros and cons of repairing your microwave at Sears Home Services.
Glossary Terms
A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food.
A microwave sensor is a technologically advanced feature in modern microwave ovens that measures vapor (steam) emitted by the food, adjusting the cooking time and power levels automatically for optimal results.
A microwave waveguide cover is a small, often mica or plastic piece inside the microwave that covers the opening where microwaves enter the cooking chamber, protecting the microwave's internal components from food splatter and ensuring efficient distribution of the microwaves.
A microwave magnetron is a component in microwave ovens that generates the microwaves used to cook food.