Microwave and ceramic hob repair

Most frequent microwave faults

The microwave is probably the simplest appliance and at the same time the one used most every day. Its most frequent faults are three. First, failed magnetron. The magnetron is the component that generates the microwaves cooking the food. When it fails, the microwave looks like it’s working normally (turntable spins, motor sounds, interior light is on) but doesn’t heat anything. It’s the priciest microwave fault but replacement usually pays in premium devices with under 6-7 years of use.

Second, faulty turntable motor. The motor that turns the plate is typically low-cost and, when it jams or burns out, the plate stops turning and food cooks unevenly. Replacement is a quick 30-45 minute job.

Third, failed control electronics. The board coordinating timing, cooking modes and user inputs suffers over time, especially from humidity and surges. When it fails, the microwave may not respond to buttons, show error codes, or reboot randomly. Replacement can approach the price of a mid-range new microwave, so on older units replacement usually wins.

Ceramic hobs: faults and diagnosis

The ceramic hob has three typical fault types. First, non-heating zone. Each zone of the ceramic hob has its own internal heating element that produces heat. When an element burns out, that specific zone stops working while the others stay normal. Full zone replacement (including cover glass and element) costs 140-220 euros and takes 90-120 minutes.

Second, unresponsive digital controls. The modern ceramic hob has capacitive touch controls on the upper surface. Over time, accumulated grease on sensors or scratched glass can affect touch reading. Deep cleaning with a specific product usually fixes it before having to change the electronics.

Third, ceramic glass broken by impact. Ceramic is special tempered glass that resists high temperatures but isn’t indestructible. A heavy pot strike can crack it. Glass replacement is a costly operation but worth it when the rest of the unit works well.

Induction: different tech, different faults

An induction hob doesn’t heat the glass but directly the iron or magnetic-steel base of the pots. Technologically very different from classic ceramic. Its faults are almost exclusively electronic: induction coils rarely fail, but the electronic board controlling them does suffer over time. When a module burns out, a specific cooking zone stops working. Module replacement costs 180-280 euros and usually pays because induction hobs have a real 12-15 year life when the electronics are healthy.

For induction hobs burnt out by full surge (typical with electrical storms and a nearby strike), repair may not pay because several components are damaged at once. Replacement is sensible in those cases. We always recommend installing a surge protector in the main board as a preventive measure, especially in zones with frequent storms like inland Vega Baja.