Have you ever been heating some leftovers, only to hear crackling noises and see sparks in your microwave? It can certainly give you a fright! Thankfully, most causes of a sparking microwave are pretty easy to avoid or fix. We break down the most common causes and what you can do about them.
If your microwave is sparking or arcing, it is mostly likely due to the presence of metal inside the microwave, chipped interior paint, or a damaged waveguide cover.
Microwaving Something Small
We all know not to run a microwave with nothing in it. This is not only pointless, but it can also lead to sparking and arcing in your microwave, as the microwaves have nowhere to go and end up being absorbed by the microwave’s components, which can cause damage and sparking.
The same issue can occur if you’re trying to heat something very small. If there’s not enough matter to absorb the microwave’s energy effectively, the excess energy will go back into the microwave’s components.
Microwaving something very small, like a grape, can even lead to a fireball, as the gases inside the grape ionize, leading to a visible spark.
Wire Mesh in Glass
This is very uncommon but can sometimes crop up in vintage cookware. If you’re using glass in your microwave and it seems to be sparking, check whether or not it has a wire mesh frame inside the glass. If it does, it is most definitely not microwave safe!
How To Fix Microwave Sparking for $3 – Broken Microwave
FAQ
Can I use my microwave after it sparks?
What would cause a microwave to spark?
Can I eat food that sparked in the microwave?
Why does a microwave spark?
Sparks can occur when microwaves encounter metal, which reflects the electromagnetic radiation instead of absorbing it like food does. This generates electrical arcing that appears like sparking.
Why is my microwave sparking and arcing?
One of the most preventable causes of microwave sparking is putting metal objects or aluminum foil inside the microwave chamber. Utensils, foil, plates with metallic paint or trim, twist ties, and other metal items can all lead to sparking and arcing when subjected to microwave energy.
Can a metal spoon cause a spark in a microwave?
If you have accidentally left a metal spoon or fork inside your microwave, then sparks will happen. Sometimes even a small piece of steel wool after cleaning or a heating dish with steel cutlery is enough to cause sparks. Well, microwaves work by creating electromagnetic waves which heat your food.
Are sparking microwaves dangerous?
Sparks will damage the inside of your microwave permanently. So, while sparking microwaves aren’t dangerous to you, they are dangerous to themselves. There is one situation when a sparking microwave is dangerous. If it’s sparking because of broken electronics, then the microwave can pose a risk of electrocution.