Microwaves are an integral part of any kitchen. They give you a quick and easy cooking solution for meals, snacks, defrosting frozen food, and much more. Particularly smart microwaves available nowadays that provide a host of user friendly options including voice control. But what happens when you can’t even put your food into the microwave? You may be just finished work, and looking forward to relaxing with a nice meal or are trying to make your family dinner, but you can’t get the door open. Don’t worry we’ve got you covered and will let you know how to open a microwave that the door is stuck.
Table of Contents
4 Reasons Your Microwave Door May Be Stuck
Button
The most common problem for a microwave door not opening is an issue with the button. Compared to microwaves that have a handle to pull open the door buttons tend to break a lot easier. If you have had the microwave for a long time and it’s being used a lot, like a microwave in an office kitchen for instance, then there’s a good chance it will break over time.
Press the button as you normally would, does it feel any different? If it feels like the resistance isn’t as much, it most likely means the button has detached from the door mechanism. The click will sound different if this is the case.
If the button sticks when you push it the connection between the button and door may be jammed.
Spring
If it’s an older microwave you have it may be an issue with the door spring. Most microwaves that were built a while back tend to have a spring release. The door won’t open when the lever is released if the spring has detached or broken. You can push the button and open it manually by simply pulling the door lightly.
Latch Lever
Another problem that may have occurred when troubleshooting how to open a microwave that the door is stuck is with the latch lever. This is a small hook that serves as the release mechanism on the door. When you push the button on the microwave the latch lever will release or hook, depending on if you are opening or closing the door of course.
If this has broken or jammed in the mechanism in some way, this may be your problem.
Crumbs
Before you take anything apart it’s always a good idea to look round the edges of the button and door. It may be something simple like a bit of food is stuck and causing the door to stick.
How to Open a Microwave That the Door is Stuck – Solutions
Now that you have identified what the issue is you can hopefully fix it. This should only be undertaken if you have some basic knowledge of appliance repairs.
What you need to get started
- Screwdriver – The screws will most probably be the nano size. Check what head you will need also.
- Needle Nose Pliers – These may only be required if there is a problem with the latch lever.
- Lighting – Make sure you have plenty of lighting, this will make it easier to spot the problem.
Button or Latch Lever Solution
The control panel of the microwave needs to be removed if you have identified the button or latch lever as the problem. Newer microwaves may have a large LED display here.
- Unplug Microwave
- Use the nano screwdriver to remove the casing. The screws should be at the top, bottom, and side of the microwave.
- Carefully remove the control panel and have a look inside.
- You should be able to see the latch lever system. Inspect it to see if there are any issues why it wouldn’t be working properly.
- Remove any crumbs or dust that has built up.
- If the button and latch lever have disconnected, use the needle nose pliers to reattach them.
- Put everything back in place to check if the stuck microwave door now opens.
Spring or Door Issue
- Unplug Microwave.
- The internal part of the microwave door must now be taken out.
- Use the nano screwdriver to do so.
- Inspect the hinges, spring, and any other components to see if you can spot an issue.
- The problem should be easy to spot if it’s something within these components that are not working.
- Put everything back together and try the microwave door again.
- Hopefully, the door is unstuck and you can go back to making some delicious food.
How to Open a Microwave That the Door is Stuck Recap
The above should only be undertaken if you are confident in appliance repair. If the troubleshooting and solution sections haven’t solved your problem it may be best to speak to a professional. You can find appliance service repairs in your area with a quick Google search or on social media. They will be sure to know how to open a microwave that the door is stuck. If your microwave is reasonably new and still under warranty you may be able to return it to wherever you bought it from. We hope this article has helped and our team at Things for Kitchen is always happy to answer any queries.
