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[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Our Samsung combi microwave seems to have gone tits up. The grill element heats up exactly as it should, but the microwave part does not defrost or heat up the food.

There are no nasty niffs and it switches on and off as it should. Any ideas chaps?

[Andy B]

Knowing nothing about microwaves if it was mine, I'd open the back, look for any fuses that might have popped. It worked for me once many years ago   

[feeutfo]

I had this, the things broken. The thing that does the microwaving bit. What the hells it called...?

Anyway, but another one it's fubar, iirc. By the time you've bought the part and fitted it, or had it fitted, could ave paid for a new one. I believe. 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Knowing nothing about microwaves if it was mine, I'd open the back, look for any fuses that might have popped. It worked for me once many years ago   

Yep. I reckon it could be something as simple as that, Andy. I'll test it out on the poodle next door, just to make absolutely sure that it's Donald Ducked.... .

[feeutfo]

Magnetron. Yes that's it. That's broke!

...no really.

[aaronjb]

I had this, the things broken. The thing that does the microwaving bit. What the hells it called...?

A magnetron

That'd be my bet too - although; Opti, is it an 'Inverter' microwave or a regular old fashioned microwave?

(D'oh, beaten to the magnetron bit)

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Magnetron. Yes that's it. That's broke!

...no really.

Expensive, Chris?.....The microwave is about a decade old.

[aaronjb]

Just a random page I found, but might give you an idea of prices: http://www.signalsuk.com/signalsuk.nsf/ViewSC?OpenForm&cat=Magnetron

And how to test a Magnetron (far too scary for me): http://www.gallawa.com/microtech/mag_test.html

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I had this, the things broken. The thing that does the microwaving bit. What the hells it called...?

A magnetron

That'd be my bet too - although; Opti, is it an 'Inverter' microwave or a regular old fashioned microwave?

(D'oh, beaten to the magnetron bit)

No idea, Aaron. It's a Samsung C109ST, if that helps.

[aaronjb]

I just saw you say it's 10 years old, which would rule out 'inverter' models (they seem to be a very recent thing)

With the age and fact that you'd be replacing parts 'blind' .. it's probably less hassle to just replace the whole oven..
[edit] And I can't find anyone listing replacement magnetrons, though that generic list might have one - if you take it apart to find the model number (without blowing yourself up )

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

I just saw you say it's 10 years old, which would rule out 'inverter' models (they seem to be a very recent thing)

With the age and fact that you'd be replacing parts 'blind' .. it's probably less hassle to just replace the whole oven..
[edit] And I can't find anyone listing replacement magnetrons, though that generic list might have one - if you take it apart to find the model number (without blowing yourself up )

Will do. I've nothing much to lose. I might just get lucky....

[Marks DTM Calib]

Its rare for the magnetrons to go, much more common failure is the high voltage cap which takes out either the high voltage fuse (if fitted) or the high voltage rectifier diode.

Either way, there is many KV of DC around that bit so watch your fingers!

[Kevin Wood]

Also not unknown for one of the (several) interlock switches that prevent operation with the door open to go out of adjustment or fail, ditto a thermal cutout switch. Sometimes there's a fuse or two. (If the fuse is on the HT side of the transformer, replace it with a suitable type of high voltage fuse).

But, often, as said, the diode and capacitor are a bit marginally rated or poor quality and they go pop.

Parts are readily available on Ebay, just be careful, as said. They can thoroughly ruin your day.

[aaronjb]

Either way, there is many KV of DC around that bit so watch your fingers!

That's why I said it was far too scary for me, earlier I've had quite enough (relatively harmless) belts off the HT systems in CRTs.. and cars.. and.. well, anywhere you can find an HT system, really.. enough to put me off playing with things like microwaves!

So a fair warning to Opti

[Debs.]

"Magnetron"

Anyone else thinking of Woody Allen`s: Sleeper?

......much hilarity and giggles here!