Customer Reviews

Maytag : Over-The-Range Microwave Oven

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this microwave just over a month ago from one of the larger home improvement stores. My condo is smallish, so I decided to go with this less expensive model. It worked fine the first few times I used it, but after running it for more than 4 minutes at a time, it would shut off completely. The display would not even light up. The power would eventually return after about a half hour or so.

As it is still covered under the manufacturer's warranty, I was able to arrange for free service through Maytag's website. The technician just left and told me that the problem was "poor design." Apparently, there isn't enough cooling for some of the internal parts when the microwave is being run for more than a few minutes. To remedy the situation, he suggested that whenever I had the oven on for an "extended" amount of time, I should turn the vent fan on high so that the internal parts can remain cool. The technician said that this was a problem with many brands of over the range microwaves in this price range including LG, Kenmore, etc. He did say that GE was likely the best brand to buy.

As I spent a significant amount of money and effort between the initial purchase and having it installed, I will keep the oven and just remember to run it with the vent fan on. It works fine otherwise.

Update: 1 Year Later

After the initial service call, the original problem of the microwave overheating and shutting off after about 4 minutes of use continued regardless of whether or not the fan was turned on.

Just before the 1 year warranty expired, I decided to try and have it serviced one more time. The service person determined that the problem was improper installation. I helped him pull down the microwave and then he was able to move the fan housing cover into the proper position for external venting, the instructions of which were actually printed on a sticker right next to the housing cover. Go figure!

I'm upgrading my rating on this because the microwave oven has been working perfectly since then. I can recommend it without reservation, but just make sure it's installed correctly.