Unless you want to damage your microwave beyond repair or start a fire in your home, trust us on this—and take care of these issues ASAP.
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When your small appliance has big problems
Whether you use it every day or a few times a week, your microwave is easily one of the most convenient appliances you own. And the minute it stops being convenient and starts acting funky is the minute you ought to address the problem—not just because you need to pop that popcorn or heat up your leftovers, but because it might be a sign of a serious issue that could irreparably damage your unit or even lead to a fire. These are the problems you shouldn’t ignore, according to experts. If you do find yourself in the market for a new microwave, make sure you know which home-appliance brands are the most (and least) reliable.
These 13 appliances will last 10 years or more.
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A burning smell
“A burning smell (and smoke) is a sign something is amiss with your microwave and you should immediately turn off and unplug it,” says Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company. This could be as minor (for example, caked-on food burning to a crisp), or it could be a more serious wiring or electrical issue. Either way, ignoring this issue can ultimately result in a fire. For that reason, Shimek says that you should “definitely call an appliance repair technician right away, as they can help to diagnose the problem.” Don’t miss these other hidden things in your home that may be a fire hazard.