Microwave Repair Cost

Many of us would be lost without the convenience of a microwave. They provide a quick and energy-efficient way of cooking and reheating food.

However, as one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen, microwaves can be subject to a lot of wear and tear. So, it’s not uncommon for them to develop faults over time.

Although the easiest solution might be to replace a microwave when it breaks, it’s not the most sustainable option. Plus, if you have a new, high-end or built-in model, this isn’t necessarily the most cost-effective option either. That’s why it can be better to get your microwave repaired.

Keen to find out how much your microwave will cost to repair before you start asking for quotes? No problem! This guide explores all you need to know, including the typical price range for different repairs and their expected timescales. Let’s get stuck in.

How Much is Microwave Repair?

You’ll find the average cost to repair a microwave falls somewhere between £30 and £120. The type and brand of microwave you own, the problem you’ve encountered, and the parts needed to fix it will determine whether the repair cost is at the top or bottom of this range.

A common fault, such as the door not closing properly or the turntable not rotating, is easier to diagnose than a more unusual problem, such as a faulty control panel or transformer. So, labour costs do vary, depending on the type of problem.

The replacement parts needed for the repair are another cost factor. For instance, magnetrons, transformers and control panels do tend to cost more than simple components such as fuses, door latches and diodes. Complex components or genuine replacement parts may be required to fix some microwaves, such as premium-brand combination microwave ovens, which can be expensive.

You also need to factor in access. Built-in microwaves and those with parts that are difficult to access internally will take longer to repair. This, too, can push labour costs up. Therefore, in some cases, the total price for labour and parts can be higher than average.

Microwave Repair Prices

So, what are the typical repair costs and timescales for common microwave faults? Here’s what to expect:

Small faults, such as blown fuses and broken door switches, are often worthwhile fixing as the repair typically costs less than buying a new microwave. This also helps to keep home appliances from ending up in the landfill.

With more complex faults, the decision to repair or replace your microwave can be trickier. For instance, a simple control panel module on a freestanding microwave may cost as little as £55 to replace. But repairing a digital display panel on an integrated microwave can cost between £120 and £400, depending on the model and the parts needed.

This could work out more expensive than buying a brand-new microwave. However, if you have a high-end combination microwave that’s less than five years old, it may still be more cost-effective to repair it than pay between £500 and £2,500 to replace it.

If you’re struggling to work out whether it’s cheaper to repair or replace your microwave, it might be worth getting an accurate diagnosis of the fault from a local repair engineer first.

Microwave Repair Supply Costs

Replacement parts for microwaves can cost as little as £2 for a standard, low-voltage fuse, but can go much higher if you need to buy a specific part from the manufacturer, such as a magnetron or transformer. Parts that are hard to get hold of or need to be ordered can also cost more.

Sometimes, compatible parts can be sourced for a slightly lower cost. But it’s essential that all the specifications, such as the voltage, current and terminal connectors, match those of the original component.

Here are the typical supply costs for individual replacement parts:

Improper preparation can prevent the wrapping from sealing to the units or worktops properly, leading to bubbling, ripping or lifting in the short or long term.

Although you can buy some replacement parts quite cheaply, you should think twice before trying to fit them yourself without the correct tools, equipment and knowledge.

It’s possible to get an electric shock from your microwave, even if it’s unplugged. To work on your appliance safely, you’ll need a set of insulated screwdrivers and a multimeter to help test for faults and ensure the capacitor is not holding a charge. Because of this, DIY appliance repairs can be more costly than professional repairs.

Additional Costs

Aside from the cost to replace a faulty part, such as a turntable motor, what else might you need to factor in? Here’s what to budget for when getting your microwave repaired:

• Callout Fee: This is typically a flat fee between £35 and £60. The fee usually covers diagnostics and the first 30 minutes or hour of the engineer’s time, but you should always check this beforehand.
• Emergency Callouts: Need your microwave repairing asap? Out-of-hours repairs can incur a callout fee between £60 and £120.
• Additional Travel Charges: If you live in a particularly remote area, your engineer may charge you a fee for their mileage.
• Tracing Spare Parts: It takes time to search for and order spare parts. So, you may need to pay a small fee to cover labour and delivery charges.
• Disposal: If there are old parts that need to be disposed of or the microwave is deemed irreparable, and you want it taken away, this may cost an extra £20 - £30.
• Professional Clean: If you think your microwave could benefit from a deep clean, to help prolong its lifespan further, this may cost between £30 and £50.

Labour Costs and Timescales for Microwave Repair

Now we’ve looked at the supply costs and additional costs you need to factor in, you may be keen to know more about the labour costs and timescales.

How Long Does a Microwave Repair Take

As we’ve already explored, you can expect a microwave repair to be sorted within one to two hours. However, if the repair is more technical and requires extensive diagnostics and testing, or more than one component needs to be replaced, then it could take longer.

Built-in (integrated) microwaves can also take a little longer to repair as there will be some initial disassembly needed in order to access the base, interior and rear of the appliance. If it’s wired in, it will also need to be disconnected.

Timescales can also be affected when replacement parts aren’t readily available and need to be ordered from the manufacturer or a specialist supplier to complete the repair. This can be the case with more unusual faults, older microwaves and niche models.

Labour Costs

Appliance repair engineers typically charge a callout fee between £35 and £60, which covers the first 30 to 60 minutes of their time.

However, if you’re taking your microwave in for repair or your repair takes longer than expected, it’s worth knowing how much an appliance repair engineer is likely to charge per hour.

On average, repair engineers and appliance specialists charge an hourly rate between £20 and £80. Independent engineers and companies are likely to charge at the lower end of this scale, while appliance technicians in London are likely to charge nearer the top end.

Cost Factors for Microwave Repair

You’ll now be aware that there are multiple factors that can affect the price of a microwave repair. So, it’s worth bearing in mind the following:

Type and Brand of Microwave

Whether or not your microwave is quick and easy to repair can depend on the type you have. For instance, some integrated models need to be disconnected and removed from their housing first. Furthermore, some cheap models are poorly designed with casings and panels that are hard to open. This makes it trickier to access the faulty part.

The Age of Your Microwave

It can be hard to source parts for old and obsolete microwave models. Older models are often in a more delicate condition, so more care may be needed during the repair. The repair of an old microwave could also cost more in labour if parts, such as rusty connectors, need to be cleaned up before they can be inspected or repaired.

The Type of Repair and Parts Needed

Complex repairs, such as electronic repairs to PCBs, and diagnosing and repairing faulty transformers, typically take longer and need pricier parts than a simple fuse change or latch repair. This means you’ll pay more in labour and material costs. The same is also true if your microwave has more than one fault and needs more than one replacement part.

Your Location

Those living in London and the South East will find that callout fees and hourly rates are higher. In addition, those in remote areas, such as the Scottish Highlands, may incur a higher charge to cover the extra mileage.

If you are looking to have appliances and worktops included in the wrapping, you will need to factor these into the price also.

If your existing units and tops require some maintenance to bring them back to their best before installation, you will have to consider this too. Finally, choosing whether to employ a trained installer or complete the project as a DIY job will be a crucial consideration in the overall costing of the job.

Building Regulations Related to Microwave Repair

You’ll be pleased to hear that microwave repairs don’t usually fall under Building Regulations. So, this isn’t something that a homeowner typically needs to worry about when getting their appliance fixed.

However, there are a few instances where you might need to consider building regulations and safety standards:

• Should you discover the fault is with your kitchen’s electrical circuit rather than with the microwave, you should hire a qualified electrician to carry out the repair work.
• If changes are needed to your home’s wiring, such as the installation of a new electrical circuit in your kitchen, this will fall under Part P of Building Regulations. To ensure you meet these regulations and get the work carried out safely, you must use a qualified electrician who’s registered with a competent person scheme (Part P registered) and get a completion certificate for the work.
• It’s worth checking that integrated microwaves are professionally fitted, to ensure they’re at a safe height, have the correct ventilation spaces for that model and are properly secured within the kitchen unit for safety. If you’re unsure, a professional kitchen fitter can advise you on this.

Types of Microwave Repairs

Numerous faults can affect microwaves. To help you understand more about microwave repairs, here’s a list of some of the most common and more unusual faults you might encounter and how they’re typically fixed:

• Microwave is on but not heating food – This is most likely to be a magnetron, capacitor or diode failure. To fix this, the technician will diagnose which part is faulty and replace it.
• The turntable is not rotating – It could be as simple as a roller guide issue. The roller guide sits underneath the glass plate and is easy to replace. However, the problem typically lies with the turntable motor. This can stop working after a while due to wear and tear. A technician will usually replace this rather than try to repair it, as it’s quicker and more cost-effective.
• You can see sparks – A common reason for sparking inside your microwave is damage to the waveguide cover. This is usually quick and easy to replace. However, electrical faults can also cause sparks and arcing, so a few electrical tests may be required to fix your appliance.
• You can hear buzzing – Buzzing noises could signal a number of issues. It may be a loose component, such as a motor, or a sign that the magnetron or high-voltage diode is faulty. Because of this, it’s most likely that the repair engineer or technician will run some diagnostic tests to find the exact cause of the issue.
• There’s a burning smell and buzzing noises – If you can hear buzzing noises and smell burning, or your microwave has tripped a fuse or circuit breaker, this issue is more likely to be a transformer fault. It’s possible to repair a transformer, but it’s usually more feasible to replace it.
• Control panel not working – If the digital display isn’t lit up or the buttons or control knobs don’t appear to work, there could be a loose connection or burnt-out component inside the module. Or moisture may have found its way inside the panel. Often, it’s easier and more cost-effective to replace this module than try to find and repair the fault.

Alternative Types of Microwave Solutions

When you’re weighing up whether or not it’s worth getting your microwave repaired, you may wish to consider the following questions:

• How old is your microwave? It may not be cost-effective to repair an old appliance, as replacement parts can be harder to source, and other components are more likely to fail through wear and tear.
• How much would it cost to replace your microwave? A budget microwave may cost more to repair than replace.
• How well does your old microwave perform? Is it energy efficient, and does it meet all your needs?

So, what if your microwave is irreparable or too expensive to repair? Here are the alternative solutions to consider:

• Like-for-like replacement – The most obvious option is to replace your microwave with a similar model. However, before you buy the same type of microwave, it might be worth considering whether your old one was a good value. Did it last for as long as expected? Was it easy to use, and did it have enough functionality?
• Upgrade – If the answer to the above question was no, it might be better to spend a little more money and buy a multifunctional microwave. Combination microwave ovens go beyond the usual heating and defrosting functions and are able to grill, roast and bake.
• Switch to a different appliance – If you don’t get much use out of your microwave and have alternative appliances, such as an air fryer to cook with, it may not make financial sense to replace your microwave.
• Short-term rental – If you fancy upgrading your microwave but don’t yet have the budget available to buy one, you could consider renting a microwave in the short term.

Hiring Contractors Checklist for Microwave Repair

Thinking of getting your microwave repaired? It’s wise to do the following before you hire an engineer or technician:

• Check they have a relevant appliance repair qualification, such as an electrotechnical or electrical engineering diploma.
• Ask them whether they’ve repaired many microwaves before and worked on models similar to yours
• Look at reviews from previous customers. Are they happy with the repairs carried out? Were they completed as promised?
• Make sure you have a clear, written quote that includes all the costs, including the callout fee and replacement parts.
• Ask how long they expect the repair to take. Will they be able to do it straight away, or will they need to order parts?
• Check whether the repair work and parts come with a guarantee, and if so, how long they’re valid for.
• Consider asking for references, just to be sure.

Removing a Microwave

What happens if your microwave is beyond repair? Not to worry, you can safely dispose of it in the following ways:

• Arrange for your local authority to take it away for you.
• Take it to your local authority recycling centre.
• Opt for the retailer to collect it when you purchase a new microwave.
• Use a licensed waste disposal service. This can be advantageous if you have other household items you’d like to get rid of at the same time.

Removing a freestanding microwave is usually as simple as unplugging it. But for built-in and wired-in appliances, there are a few extra steps to take:

• First, ask a qualified electrician to safely disconnect the microwave.
• If the microwave is built-in, you may need to dismantle some of the unit’s panelling or trim. To avoid unnecessary damage to your kitchen units, you may prefer to use some help from a handyman or kitchen fitter.
• If you decide not to replace your microwave, you may wish to remove the unit or convert it into storage space. Again, a handyman or kitchen fitter can help you with this.

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