Microwave heats unevenly: How to troubleshoot & fix it

If your microwave is heating unevenly, don’t throw it in the trash just yet! This is a common problem that you can troubleshoot and fix yourself without the need for an expensive service technician.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your microwave while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Read more: How to Clean a Microwave  

Safety precautions

Microwaves contain high-voltage parts and have the capacity to store voltage even when they’re disconnected from a power source. Please be very careful while working on a microwave’s internal parts to avoid electrocution, which has the potential to cause serious injuries or death.

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• Discharge the high-voltage capacitor before working on high-voltage parts to eliminate the risk of electric shock. Don’t continue if you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with this process.
• Never attempt to run the microwave while its casing is open or when internal parts are exposed. Always completely reassemble the microwave before testing or using it.
• Never attempt to bypass any microwave safety features.
• Never run the microwave empty. Use a glass of water or a bowl of food for testing.
• Removing a microwave from over the range is a two-person job due to the weight and potential for damage. Always follow manufacturer installation instructions to reinstall the unit over the range after repairs have been made.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: How to Install and Replace a Microwave

How to troubleshoot a microwave that’s not heating evenly

Get your microwave back up and running correctly by following these steps.

Step 1: Check the turntable

1. Watch the turntable while the microwave is running. It should spin smoothly and evenly. If the turntable isn’t spinning or moves erratically, then you may need to replace the turntable motor.
2. Inspect the turntable tray for any cracks, chips, or other damage. A damaged tray can cause uneven heating and should be replaced.
3. Check the rotating ring underneath the turntable. Make sure it’s positioned properly and not damaged or deformed. Adjust or replace the ring if necessary.

Step 2: Inspect the waveguide cover

Find the waveguide cover, which is on the top or side of the microwave’s interior. Make sure the cover is securely in place and not loose or damaged. Tighten or replace the cover if needed.

Step 3: Clean the microwave cavity

Accumulated food and grease inside the microwave can cause hot spots and uneven heating.

Wipe down the interior of the unit with a damp cloth to remove any food splatter or buildup.

Read more: 10 reasons why a microwave won’t heat  

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your microwave working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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