Microwave repair costs an average of $150
Fixing a microwave costs an average of $150 with parts and labor included, though some fixes could be as little as $50 or as much as $500. Most homeowners pay an average range of $100 and $200.
The cost of microwave repair depends on the component that’s faulty—replacing a magnetron is much more expensive than fixing a broken handle, for instance.
Microwave repair also varies depending on whether you have a built-in, over-the-range appliance, or a standalone countertop unit.
You can lower microwave repair costs by keeping your microwave clean, ruling out simple issues before calling a professional, and combining a microwave repair with another appliance repair job.
Hiring a professional to repair your microwave ensures a safe fix and proper installation.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Most microwaves need a little TLC every seven to 10 years. The average range for microwave repairs is between $100 and $200. You can spend as little as $50 or as much as $500, but the average cost of a microwave repair is $150.
Your final bill depends on the type of issue, the nature of the problem, and the parts that need to be replaced. Hiring a professional to fix your microwave ensures an accurate diagnosis of the problem and a safe, effective repair.
Your microwave repair total depends on several factors, including parts and labor. Here’s a closer look at the cost drivers that influence your final price.
Because a microwave is packed with moving parts, the exact repair—and its price—hinges on which component has stopped working
Part | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Magnetron | $100–$200 |
Diode | $55–$130 |
Control board | $100–$300 |
Turntable | $50–$230 |
Turntable motor | $50–$100 |
Door assembly | $200–$500 |
Touchpad | $100–$300 |
Door switch | $50–$100 |
Fuse | $75–$200 |
Fan | $75–$200 |
Transformer | $100–$200 |
The magnetron is the heart of your microwave. Swapping it out for a replacement costs an average of $100 to $200.
Replacing a diode runs $55 to $130, parts and labor included. This semiconductor can fail over time, leading to sparks, loud hums, or a burning smell. If you’re already swapping the magnetron, ask your appliance repair professional to change the diode while the unit is open.
When the microwave runs but won’t heat, keeps humming with the door shut, or quits seconds after you press Start, the control board is usually the culprit. Swapping it out costs $100 to $300.
A replacement glass tray costs $50 to $230 and is a true plug‑and‑play fix—just match the size to your model and set it in place.
Expect $50 to $100 for a new motor. If the plate won’t spin and the door switch checks out, the motor is likely toast. First, make sure the glass tray and roller guide aren’t damaged—those quick fixes cost less.
A cracked glass door or a latch that refuses to budge means you’ll need a full door assembly, which costs between $200 and $500, depending on brand.
A finicky touchpad costs $100 to $300 to fix. Clues include a microwave that won’t start, keeps humming after time’s up, or shuts down mid‑cycle. Sometimes a quick control‑board tweak solves it; other times you’ll need a brand‑new panel.
A bad door switch costs between $50 and $100. Sometimes a quick adjustment does the trick; if not, a new switch is an easy and low-cost installation.
Plan on spending an average of $75 to $200 for a pro to swap a blown fuse, a common problem as electronics age.
Loud rattles or a grimy, sluggish vent point to a worn‑out exhaust fan motor. Replacing it costs $75 to $200.
Running but not heating, sparking, or even smoking can signal a failing transformer. A new one costs an average of $100 to $200.
Not sure what’s wrong? Start with the symptom you’re seeing and work backward.
A microwave that runs with the door open almost always has a bad door switch. This is an urgent fix and you’ll spend an average of $50 to $100 for the repair. Unplug the unit and call a pro before you use it again.
See sparks? Hit Stop, unplug the microwave, and make sure no stray metal or foil was left inside.
If there’s no metal inside, then you likely need to replace a faulty diode. This will cost an average of $55 to $130, including both the part and the cost to hire an electrician or appliance repair pro.
If the plate refuses to spin, expect $50 to $230 for either a motor, roller guide, or tray swap.
Built‑in and over‑the‑range units usually cost more to fix than easy‑to‑reach countertop models. Accessibility is the primary driver—countertop units are quicker and cheaper for technicians to reach and service.
Microwave Type | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Built-in/over-the-range | $50–$500 |
Countertop | $50–$350 |
Pros charge $50 to $150 an hour for appliance work. Because most microwave fixes are quick, you’ll likely pay the minimum one‑hour fee and be done.
Whether you should repair or replace your microwave will depend on several factors. One is the severity of the repair that's required. If you have a hunch that it's an easier fix—like a diode replacement, door switch repair, a new handle or turntable, or the like—then it'll likely be more cost-effective to fix your microwave than to buy a new one.
Deciding between a repair and a replacement comes down to the size of the fix. Quick jobs—diodes, door switches, handles, or trays—almost always cost less than shopping for a new unit.
Think about what you paid for the unit. Luxury or built‑in models are often worth fixing, while a bargain countertop microwave might be cheaper to replace, especially if the magnetron or touchpad goes out.
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to hire a pro to get a diagnosis of the issue.
Looking to trim your repair bill? Try these budget‑friendly moves:
Rule out easy fixes first—a clogged filter, blown fuse, or tripped outlet—before you book a service call.
While the tech is there, ask for maintenance tips that help prevent future breakdowns.
Wipe down the interior regularly so grease and food splatter don’t clog vents or fans.
If a pro is already fixing another appliance, have them inspect the microwave, too; combining jobs usually costs less than a separate visit.
Microwave repairs are best left to professional appliance technicians due to the complex systems and electrical components. It can be hard to properly diagnose the part that needs repair on your own, and attempting to replace electrical parts without proper training is dangerous. For efficient and safe repairs, hire a local appliance repair professional to fix your microwave.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Magnetrons burn out when their magnets crack, terminals overheat, or internal connections loosen. Excess heat does most of the damage, so make sure the vents stay clear and the unit has breathing room on all sides. Good airflow and routine cleaning go a long way toward keeping the magnetron alive.
Microwave diodes wear out after years of electrical stress or a sudden short. Telltale signs of a failed microwave diode include a loud hum or a sharp burning odor during a cycle. Catching those symptoms early and calling an appliance repair pro for replacement keeps the rest of the circuitry safe and the microwave heating properly.
Warning signs include no heat, sluggish cook times, sparks, odd noises, burning smells, or a unit that keeps running with the door open. A glitchy touchpad or a door that won’t latch also signals trouble. If the microwave is past its 10-year mark, those symptoms usually mean it’s time to repair or replace it.
It makes sense to fix a microwave if the repair costs less than a new unit and the appliance isn’t past its prime. Built-in or high-end models are good candidates for repair, while a budget countertop unit over 10 years old is usually cheaper to replace. Compare repair quotes with new‑purchase prices before you decide.
Wiping down the cavity weekly keeps grease from clogging vents and trapping heat around key parts. A quick steam‑clean with lemon, vinegar, or baking soda loosens stuck‑on food without harsh chemicals.
Sticking to a simple schedule reduces overheating, extends the microwave's lifespan, and helps it reach its full potential. Seeking advice from an appliance repair technician on maintenance tips can help you prolong the useful life of your microwave.