microwave installation

Mary S
by Mary S
I have a Frigidaire Gallery microwave which gets extremely hot when it runs for more than 10 minutes. It is not vented out nor does it appear to be vented from the front. A fan does kick on when it gets hot. The glass door cabinet over it sweats and is beginning to mildew. Have check on line for proper installation but it really doesn't show what I'm looking for. Don't want to have to pay for a service call if it's install correctly. Any suggestions?
  8 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Mar 16, 2012
    My thought is why is a mircowave being used for longer than 10 minutes? In our home 1 to 3 minutes is about all ours sees (melting a stick of butter for brownies, kids warming up a cup of milk for hot cocca..etc. The door above "sweating" is a big clue...from that is sounds like your unit is venting out the top. Is this problem new? or has this always been the case?...how old is this thing?
  • Mary S Mary S on Mar 16, 2012
    It was here when I purchased the home. Home inspector said it was ok. I was skeptical but it wasn't going to be the deal breaker on the house. Looks like it's not that old. I cook a lot in my microwave.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Mar 16, 2012
    The action of a microwave is that it "heats the water" that is present in the food stuff ( polar molecule vibration) ..an empty glass does not get hot. If you are cooking large portions of food then the food will get hot...it then will transfer its "heat" to the surroundings...ie: the oven The longer the cycle the longer this heat transfer will occur. A by product of heating that much "water" in the food is that a certain amount of vapor or steam is generated this will also heat the space..and In your case be released outside the unit and condense on the cabinets above. Based on your use habits (long cooking times) this phenomenon will continue. As a side note there are a number of folks who have sworn off microwave use due to concerns over food safety and general health issues...a lot of this is urban legend but also supported by some actual scientific studies. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/18/microwave-hazards.aspx
  • Mary S Mary S on Mar 20, 2012
    My question isn't about how long I'm using the microwave buy if it's install properly. From the reserve I've done, it doesn't appear so. Have been warned about using it.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Mar 20, 2012
    Any installation that interferes with the devices vent position is bad. Whether this is a microwave, a dishwasher, fridge, toaster oven or coffee maker. Most devices have guidelines when it comes to installation "clearances". You might be able to look up the make and model online via the manufactures website to get a copy of these guidelines. Then armed with this knowledge determine if things are not right.
  • Mary S Mary S on Mar 20, 2012
    I have done these things, even called manufacturer. Home warranty doesn't cover incorrect installation. Have been in touch with previous owners and they tell me they don't remember who installed it. Guess I'll get a new one and have it installed properly. Thank you for your input.
  • Chel Chel on Mar 05, 2015
    Try contacting the manufacturer and asking for an owners' manual for it. They usually have them on hand and could probably send you one.
  • Rachel Rachel on Sep 20, 2015
    usually you can go online and get owners manual downloaded.