Microwave repair · Ottawa · Gatineau
Microwave not heating in Ottawa?
It runs, lights up and turns, but the food stays cold? What usually fails, the few checks that are safe to do, and why the rest is a technician’s job.
Diagnostic$89+ tax
Applied toward the approved repair when you go ahead.Residential appliances. Gas, commercial and sealed-system rates below.
Online requests are confirmed by call or text.
- TSSA-certified gas work
- In business since 1995
- Factory-authorized repairs
- 5.0 on Google · 59 reviews (Oct 2026)
OttawaONGatineauQC
Written diagnostic report
- Fault
- Explained on site
- Quote
- Approved first
- Warranty
- 3 months
- Service areaOttawa
- Diagnostic$89 + tax residential
- LanguageEnglish & French
- Warranty3 months on repairs
Short answer
A microwave not heating, even though it runs and lights up, almost always has a failed magnetron, high-voltage diode, high-voltage capacitor or door interlock switch, or a tripped thermal fuse. These are defined, fixable faults, but they sit in the high-voltage section, which stays dangerous even when the unit is unplugged. Do the outside checks below, then book a repair rather than opening the cabinet.
01Before you book
Safe checks first
Five minutes that sometimes save a visit, and always make it faster. Skip anything you are not comfortable doing.
- Water testHeat one cup of water on high for one minute. If it is barely warm, the microwave isn’t heating; never run it empty to test.
- Power level and modeMake sure it isn’t on a low power level, a defrost setting, or a demo mode that runs the display and fan without heating.
- Door latchClose the door and make sure it latches cleanly. A door that has to be pushed or slammed may not be engaging the interlock switches.
- ResetUnplug it, or switch off the breaker for an over-the-range model, for a minute, then try again.
Stop using it if you notice
- Sparks, arcing or flashes inside the cavity
- Smoke or a burning smell from the vents
- Loud humming or buzzing while it runs without heating
- A bent door, broken hinge or damaged door seal
Unplug it and book a repair; never remove the outer cabinet, because the high-voltage capacitor can hold a lethal charge after unplugging. Then call 613-301-0016.
02What fails
Common causes of a microwave that runs but will not heat
- Failed magnetron. The part that produces the microwaves burns out; the most common reason a microwave runs but won’t heat.
- Faulty high-voltage diode. A shorted diode stops the magnetron from getting the voltage it needs, often with a loud hum.
- Failed high-voltage capacitor. A bad capacitor interrupts the high-voltage circuit, and it can still hold a dangerous charge.
- Door interlock switch fault. A failed door switch can let the unit run without powering the magnetron.
- Tripped thermal fuse or control board. A blown fuse or faulty board can stop heating while the display still works.
03Safe repair
How we repair a microwave that won’t heat
The technician first discharges the high-voltage capacitor safely, then tests the magnetron, diode, capacitor and door switches to find the fault and replace it. The quote is in writing before the part goes in.
We have repaired microwaves and other kitchen appliances here since 1995, with factory-authorized repairs and, in Ontario, TSSA-certified gas work.
04Repair or replace
Is a microwave that won’t heat worth repairing?
For over-the-range and built-in models, usually yes: a magnetron or diode repair costs far less than replacing a built-in unit and its trim kit. For an inexpensive countertop model, we will tell you honestly if replacement makes more sense. Full service details are on our microwave repair page.
05Rate card
Clear diagnostic pricing
One fee to find the fault. The repair itself is quoted in writing, and nothing proceeds until you approve it.
- You approve a written quote before any repair work.
- Repairs carry a 3-month warranty — ask for the written terms.
- Travel charges may apply more than 30 km from downtown Ottawa.
Residential diagnostic
Applied toward the approved repair
Gas appliances
Gas ranges, ovens, cooktops and dryers
Commercial equipment
Restaurants, property managers, landlords
Sealed-system diagnostic
Refrigerant, compressor
After-hours visit
Between 9 PM – 7 AM
- Diagnostic visit$89 + tax, residential. The technician finds the fault.
- Written quoteYou see the repair price and approve it first.
- RepairGo ahead and the $89 is applied toward the repair.
06Dispatch, step by step
How a visit works
Four stages, and you always know which one you’re in.
Request sent · not yet booked
Request
Book online or call. Tell us the appliance, brand and what it’s doing.
Next: we call or text you
- Appointment starts here
Booking confirmed
Confirm
We call or text to confirm a time window. Your booking is confirmed only then.
Your confirmed time window
Fault found
Diagnose
The technician tests the appliance and explains the fault. $89 + tax residential.
Written diagnostic report
Quote approved
Repair
You approve the written quote first. Repairs carry a 3-month warranty.
3-month repair warranty
A request is not an appointment. Your visit is booked once we confirm a time window with you by call or text.
08Coverage
Microwave repair on both sides of the river
Two primary markets, one dispatch: Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec.
Also serving
Why does my microwave run but not heat?
Almost always a failed magnetron or high-voltage diode. Both are defined parts we can test and replace.
Is it worth repairing a microwave that will not heat?
For over-the-range and built-in models, usually yes. For a basic countertop unit, the technician gives you the honest comparison with a new one.
Can I fix a microwave myself?
We don’t recommend it. The capacitor stores a lethal high-voltage charge even when the microwave is unplugged; our technicians discharge it and repair the unit safely.
10Ready when you are
Book a microwave repair in Ottawa.
Ottawa and Gatineau. $89 + tax residential diagnostic, applied toward the approved repair. We call or text to confirm your time window.