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Products and appliances

Microwave ovens

Microwave ovens usage and safety

A microwave oven is one of the most popular items in a modern kitchen. But it's important to choose carefully and use and maintain it properly to prevent fire risk. 

There are several different types of microwave oven, but the main categories are solo, grill, and convection with options to have them on the countertop or built in.

Solo microwaves offer simple heating and reheating functions. Grill microwaves have a heating element added to allow for grilling and toasting.

Convection microwaves incorporate a fan and heating element for baking, roasting, and browning.

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Key points

  • Countertop microwave ovens must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug with a fuse. 

  • These are heating appliances, they tend to use a lot of power and may overload an extension lead if used with other high-power appliances which can cause a fire.     

  • Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks. 

  • Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them. 

Buying a microwave oven

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 
  • You will find lots of online reviews of microwave ovens but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
  • Register your appliance so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a microwave oven safely

  • The risk of injury from microwave radiation is effectively non-existent. The main danger a microwave poses is fire resulting from misuse or malfunction. 
  • Fires can start very quickly in a microwave oven so never leave food cooking unattended, even if you’re just popping out for a minute. 
  • Don’t power your microwave using an extension lead and turn it off when not in use.
  • Don’t use the microwave oven as an extra cupboard as someone might forget and turn it on.
  • Never put metal objects in the microwave as, unlike plastics and ceramics, metals reflect microwaves (which means they can’t pass through). A microwave meal in a metal dish won’t heat up correctly. Thinner pieces of metal such as foil or cutlery can act as an antenna and create sparks which could cause a fire.
  • Only microwave items which clearly state they are microwave safe. Do not use any containers, foam trays or any plastic storage bags not specifically designed for microwave use. They could melt and cause damage to you and your appliance. 
  • Some microwavable containers specify a maximum continuous exposure time, so always check the label before using or contact the manufacturer for clarification.
  • Regularly clean your microwave and turntable according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent a build-up of grease, crumbs, and food splatters.
  • Keep vents clear and don’t store objects on top of the microwave as it can block ventilation.
  • Microwave ovens have a life span of about ten years but, if yours is still operating properly after that amount of time, it’s fine to continue using it. But replace or repair it if there are any defects in the door or in the seal around the door.

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying. 
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
  • Register your appliance with the manufacturer.
  • Use a competent installer to fit a built-in microwave oven.
  • Clean the appliance regularly. 

AVOID

  • Buying from third-party sellers online.

  • Installing or repairing a built-in oven yourself. 

  • Putting any metal objects in the microwave oven. 

  • Blocking any air vents in the appliance. 

  • Using the microwave oven as extra cupboard storage. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Although some microwave ovens do leak radiation, there are strict limits on the amount that can leak throughout its lifetime, and the level of leaked radiation is far below the amount known to harm people. 

The level of exposure also dramatically reduces as you move away from a microwave oven so you can simply stand away from it while it’s on if you prefer.  

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Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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