Cracked Ceramic inside Microwave

shub

I am currently living in a rental.

The owner has a 1985 GE "Dual Wave" Microwave + Oven, stacked combination. A plate of food was set down for re-heating, and I guess it hit with enough force to shatter the bottom plate inside the microwave. I don't mean like a rotating tray like on modern microwaves, I am referring to the entire bottom portion of the microwave that food rests on.

This microwave is so ancient it takes 6 minutes to heat a cup of water, and it absolutely cannot pop a bag of popcorn. The whole incident is really unfortunate because it seems like the owner has seriously stretched the boundaries on putting off a kitchen upgrade, and it would be just my luck if his 25 year wait was finally made worth in the form of garnishing my security deposit

Upon examination, the bottom plate appears to be a 1/4" thick piece of ceramic. There is a bead of caulking surrounding the shattered insert.

I haven't taken dimensions yet, but is it possible to order smooth ceramic tile, cut to size? If I can order a new piece, would the caulking need to be heat resistant?

FYI, I have searched the Internet like a mad man, trying to find a used appliance identical to this one. None on ebay. The two I did find, through doing a nationwide craigslist search, were 500 miles, and 1500 miles away from me. Neither seller was interested in shipping to me.

DangerMouse

Yes, you can find someone willing to cut one, however, some materials would not be a good idea in the microwave, as they may have impurities in them that could spark and do all sorts of strange things. Take a piece of what you have to a tile expert and ask them to duplicate what you have, if possible. Special caulking is also needed, I'm sure, yes. Sounds to me like unit replacement is still the best idea though.

DM

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gregzoll

It is cheaper to purchase a newer unit, then fixing an older one. This unit is over 25 years old, and is beyond its lifespan.

Bud Cline

WOW! Microwaves are cheap, buy a new one and forget it.

DangerMouse

Yes, however, a Microwave + Oven, stacked combination is a bit more expensive......

DM

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Bud Cline

Ah-Ha! Read that and it didn't soak in.
Well then nevermind.

I should get to work.

DangerMouse

If it HAD just been a microwave, sure. I got our last one "new in the box" off Craigslist for $10.00!

DM

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Ron6519

Go online and see if the part is still available. All you need is the make and model # and a few minutes of your time.
Ron

DangerMouse

Ummm.... he said he tried that already....

DM

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shub

Hi all,

I will try to take the piece to a tile expert. That's probably a better idea than what I was imagining: ordering a piece from a website, if someone had recommended a good one.

But yes, as for just getting a new microwave, I'd love to. But because it's a microwave/oven combo, it does make it more expensive than usual.

Here's an example courtesy of the 1500 mile away seller:

http://bellingham.craigslist.org/zip/2288887461.html

DangerMouse

Did the guy say how much he wanted for this unit? Just curious since there was no price listed in the ad.

Photo downloaded and shown here for continuity, since that ad will not remain there long.

DM

Attached Images

 

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shub

The price is in the title: Free!

Thank you for being so prompt in preserving the image on the forum

DangerMouse

D-OH! I didn't even see the first word!

GREAT price, though probably not worth the 1,500 mile drive to pick it up, huh?



DM

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Ron6519

Not a used one, a new one. A long shot at best for something that age, but I've purchased replacement parts for things older then that.
Post the make and model number of the item.
Ron

gregzoll

Actually mouse, you can get a decent counter unit that is 1100 watts for around $135 now, or even cheaper, brand new in the box at the box stores. Why try to fix something that is obvious that the landlord does not care about. If he does not care about the appliances, who knows what else is wrong with the rental that has not been maintained, or does not comply with regulations, local & NEC.