Microwave Repair Cost Breakdown
If you’re trying to determine how much you’ll pay to fix this handy kitchen appliance, you’ve come to the right place. Microwave repair costs depend on the labor and materials required to complete the repair. It costs an average of about $175 to repair a microwave, with a range of about $50 to $500. Most homeowners will pay $100 to $200, including labor and parts, depending on the brand, model, and broken parts.
| Cost Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $5 – $300 |
| Labor | $50 – $150 per hour |
Materials
In some cases, your microwave may need a replacement part on top of whatever labor costs are necessary to complete the repair. Materials costs can range from $5 for a new lightbulb to $300 for a new microwave door.
Labor
Most local appliance repair technicians charge $50 and $150 per hour. If you take the appliance to a repair company, you should pay significantly less, although you'll often wait longer for service. Your machine will fall in line with others in the queue, and it could take several days or a week for a complete repair.
Repair Cost by Type of Microwave
The type of microwave you have greatly affects how much your repair will cost. On average, countertop models are the easiest and most cost-friendly to fix, while over-the-range and built-in microwaves fall toward the higher end of the price range.
| Microwave Type | Cost to Repair |
|---|---|
| Countertop | $50 – $350 |
| Built-in | $50 – $500 |
| Over-the-range | $50 – $500 |
Countertop
A countertop microwave costs anywhere from $50 to $350 to fix. These types of microwaves are often simpler, more accessible, and more common, making it easier for a repair person to come in and save the day.
Built-In
A built-in microwave typically costs between $50 and $500 to repair. It may cost considerably more to repair a built-in microwave due to its custom design and limited access points. Plus the longer it takes for a pro to fix the microwave, the more you can expect to pay in hourly fees.
Over-the-Range
Over-the-range (or range hood) microwaves also cost between $50 and $500 to fix. Like built-in microwaves, the repair person will need to work around cabinets and range tops to access the microwave, increasing the time it takes to repair it.
Microwave Repair Cost by Type of Repair
Common repairs include minor ones like replacing the light bulb to more significant ones like replacing or repairing the microwave door. Here are a few common microwave repairs and their respective costs. Keep in mind most electricians will charge an hourly rate if the repair job is small.
Magnetron Replacement
The magnetron is the heating technology that powers your microwave. Without it, your food is as good as cold. Replacing a microwave magnetron costs between $100 and $200 on average. Labor for replacing the magnetron makes up half of the cost, so if you want to save money, consider installing this replacement part yourself.
Diode Replacement
The average cost to replace a microwave diode falls between $55 and $130. Although this essential piece of your microwave is relatively inexpensive, a faulty diode can cause sparks and its installation requires the expertise of a licensed electrician near you. Hiring a qualified electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour.
Microwave Fuse Replacement
Replacing a microwave fuse costs between $10 and $15. This repair issue is often a simple fix, but if you plan on using an appliance repair person, your costs could increase to $50 to $100.
Microwave Fan Repair
If your microwave fan is on the fritz, you’ll pay around $75 to $200 to fix it. This microwave component circulates the air inside your appliance out through a ventilation system. It often costs more to repair in a built-in or over-the-range microwave due to a lack of accessibility to this part of the appliance.
Touch Panel Repair or Replacement
Replacing a malfunctioning touch panel can cost between $100 and $300. If the repair is simple and requires minimal tweaks to the control board, you may spend toward the lower end of the price range, but if you need to invest in a new touch panel, expect to spend toward the higher end of the price range.
Transformer Repair
Repairing a transformer costs between $100 and $200 on average. The cost of the repair will fall on the lower end of this range if it’s a simple issue, but if you need to replace the entire transformer, anticipate paying closer to the high end of the price range. Similarly, appliances that are harder to access may take longer to repair or replace, increasing the total cost of your microwave’s transformer repair.
Door Switch Repair
The cost to repair a faulty door switch ranges from $50 to $100. If the switch only needs adjusting, you may not need to spend a penny. However, if you need to replace the door switch, the majority of the cost will go toward the materials. However, replacing a malfunctioning door switch is a simple DIY project.
Microwave Filter Replacement
Repairing your microwave’s filter costs between $50 and $125 on average, depending on the filter type and the extent of the repair. Sometimes, simply cleaning a dirty filter is enough to fix it. Other times, you’ll need to completely replace your microwave filter. You can anticipate spending more on larger, over-the-range filters and less on countertop microwave filters.
The model of your microwave also impacts the cost of the filter replacement, as some name-brand appliance companies sell replacement filters for a higher price than a generic brand.
Microwave Door Glass Replacement
The cost to repair the glass door of a microwave is between $150 and $400 on average. The glass itself costs anywhere from $100 to $300 and accounts for the majority of the price tag. Models with larger glass doors or high-quality glass may cost more than smaller or lower quality glass doors.
Glass Plate Replacement
Replacing a microwave plate or its accompanying motor costs around $50 to $230. The cause of your glass plate problem can boil down to two issues: the glass turntable itself or the turntable motor. If the plate won’t turn, you probably have an issue with the turntable motor. If the glass itself is broken, however, you’ll need to replace the glass turntable and might not need to replace the motor. The glass turntable costs anywhere from $25 to $130 to replace, while the turntable motor costs between $15 and $100.
Door Replacement
This type of replacement has the highest price point out of all the repair types. Replacing a microwave door costs between $200 to $500 on average. While the door itself isn’t typically challenging to install, the cost of the doors makes up the majority of the price for this repair type.
Additional Cost Factors
On top of the type of microwave, labor, materials, and types of repairs, several other factors may affect the cost of repairing your microwave.
Accessibility
How easy is it to access the broken or worn-out part of your microwave? The accessibility needed to repair the problem can impact the cost if you’re hiring a professional. The microwave must be disassembled and undergo a complex troubleshooting process, so if it’s blocked by cabinets or other obstacles it can prove to be a pricier repair.
Service Fees
In some cases, your appliance repair technician may charge an additional service fee ranging from $50 to $100. This fee generally covers the pro’s travel cost, so ask about the expense beforehand to ensure you don’t overlook it.
Warranties
If your microwave is still under warranty, you may be in luck. Some microwave warranties cover the cost of your repairs completely or partially. Check your warranty to see if you’re eligible for coverage.
DIY Microwave Repair vs. Hiring a Professional
Depending on what’s wrong with your microwave, you may be able to repair it yourself with minimal costs. There are several simple fixes you can try to get your microwave started again.
Check your breaker panel in case your microwave is tripping circuits.
Unplug the cord and examine it for chewed, frayed, or exposed wiring.
Inspect the touchpad keys for dirty buttons or loose connectors.
Ensure the turntable is in the proper position and free of obstructions.
For more complicated microwave issues, you’ll likely need to enlist the help of an electrician or appliance repair pro. If your microwave’s still under warranty, hiring a microwave repair company may be the right choice. You can hire a small appliance technician to visit your home or take your microwave to an appliance repair shop.
At a rate of $50 to $100 per hour, plus parts, hiring a professional to repair your microwave may or may not be necessary for small repairs like replacing a tray or light bulb. By comparison, you’ll want to find a pro for services such as:
Replacing a magnetron
Putting in a new turntable motor
Wiring a power cord
Repair vs. Replace a Microwave
Microwaves fall on the lower end of appliance costs, so you may be wondering if it’s more cost effective to just buy a new one. The cost to install a new microwave ranges from $110 to $190, plus $100 to $700 for the cost of the microwave itself. appliance. Depending on the purchase price of your microwave and the cost of repairs, you may decide to replace it. As a general rule, you should consider a replacement if:
The microwave is more than 10 years old.
You’ll pay at least half the cost of replacement for repairs.
You can’t find replacement parts that fit the brand and model.
Consider a replacement if you have a basic model that costs $60 or less. On the other hand, an expensive model with special features or a mounted microwave might be worth repairing. High-end microwave models can run from $500 to $1,000, so repairing these devices is often cheaper than replacing them.
Ways to Save on Microwave Repair Costs
Photo: Vasyl / Adobe Stock
If you’re a DIYer who enjoys rolling up your sleeves to tackle simple projects, check out these tips on how to save money on repairing a microwave:
Rule out simple fixes to your microwave issues—like a dirty filter, blown fuse, or faulty electrical outlet—before calling in the pros.
Discuss with your pro ongoing maintenance to keep your microwave running smoothly.
Clean your microwave regularly, ideally at least once a month, to keep parts running.
Ask your repair technician if there are additional services or other appliances they can check in the same visit.
