I had a bit of an accident where I microwaved a metal bowl and fork, and it sparked within seconds. I stopped the microwave immediately, but I found a small melted area on the inner plastic layer of the microwave's door. The door has three layers: the inner plastic, a middle metal mesh, and an outer layer that seems to be glass. From what I can tell, the metal mesh looks fine, and I believe it's the part that keeps the radiation contained. I'm wondering if the microwave is still safe to use after this incident, if there are other parts I should check for damage, or if it's better to just buy a new one. I'm not very handy with appliances, so any advice or corrections would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
If you plan to use it, just be careful. Nobody wants to cook any body parts unintentionally! Just ensure that the metal parts are intact, and there’s no burning that might lead to fire hazards. If it still heats food properly without issues, it could be okay to keep using.
It should be okay! A quick test you can do is to hold a slice of Kraft cheese near the melted spot and run the microwave. If the cheese gets hot, then the microwave is still functioning properly. That being said, if it’s not a built-in model, you could easily replace it for about $100 if you want to play it safe! Just so you know, microwaves use non-ionizing radiation, so they don't pose a cancer risk or anything. They were invented by Percy Spencer, who first noticed a melted chocolate bar in his pocket while working on a magnetron!
I hear you! This was just a basic microwave to warm up food—not one of those fancy built-ins. I think I'll play it safe and get a replacement.
I think you're in the clear! The metal mesh is still fine, and there’s no visible burning that would catch fire. Unless something else malfunctions, I'd say it's safe to keep using this microwave.
Honestly, you might want to be cautious. Using a microwave that has sustained damage could be risky. It's better to avoid using it if you're unsure about its condition. Microwave radiation can be harmful, especially if there are any leaks or issues. If you have any doubts, seriously consider replacing it.
You won’t be harmed just by being near it unless you have a pacemaker. But I wouldn't recommend using it while it's risky.
Just a heads up, Percy Spencer was quite knowledgeable. He was actually the head of engineering at Raytheon, a major electronics company!