Is it safe to use microwave ?

When grilling burgers in my combi microwave oven I obviously cooked them for too long and suddenly the fat caught fire.

I opened the door to extinguish the flames - which was a stupid thing to do as the flames shot out about a foot high.

I immediately closed the door again put a wet towel over the air vents and had to let it burn itself out.

I cleaned it out the next morning and it looks ok but the burning and smokey smell is still very strong.
Can anybody tell me if it is safe to use now.

I have heard the seal is damaged now therefore it is dangerous to use it and I should buy a new one.

Any advice please?

 

Blimey,

I don't trust microwaves at the best of times.

 

Personally I wouldn't risk it JJordie. Especially with a microwave, who know's what damage has been done. Looks like you'll be going shopping!

 

If the flames reached the electrics and caused any damage the microwave would be kaput. Microwave magnetrons (the 'valve' that creates the waves) run at a VERY,VERY high voltage. The control circuitry which is largely based on integrated circuits and printed circuit boards runs at a very low voltage. If it still cooks it's working fine. The smell will linger for a while though as all the smoke will have impregnated the guts of the oven but isn't something to worry about as long as it's not indicative of something still burning which I'd doubt. The internals of microwaves are very well shielded from heat and vapours (they have to be) and the high voltage components are extremely well protected.

The door seal is another matter and if it is definately damaged best to ditch the thing. You can check for radiation leakage but unless you know someone with a UHF (ultra high frequency) radio frequency 'sniffer' the cost of getting a pro to do it would probably be greater than the cost of a new microwave.

 

Thanks all for replies and Dave thanks for good explanation.

I was using the grill only at the time so husband says it must be ok - but then he's no expert :DOH:

I used it to bake a potato today but I am really not happy using it so think I will bin it!

 

I too would get rid, better to get a new one and know its ok than risk that one having any problems.

 

[size=medium]Just to update - I have been shopping and now have a shiny new combi-microwave installed.................................... in my kitchen but I am not grilling any more burgers![/size]


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Always better safe than sorry. Microwave ovens are one thing that I would never take chances with. If in doubt, sling it out.

There's two old sayings in one paragraph I think there's a thread about those somewhere on here