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Magic Chef Microwave producing a burning smell

When your Magic Chef microwave smells like burning, stop using it until you identify the source. The most likely cause is a damaged or loose waveguide cover, which can arc, burn, or fail to stay in place. Next, inspect the power supply board for burn marks or a shorted component. A failing high-voltage capacitor or capacitor can overheat and create a microwave burning smell, while a damaged thermostat may also show scorching or other heat damage. Food debris left inside the cavity can continue cooking and cause a burning smell from the microwave, including a smell like burning plastic, so clean the interior thoroughly and wipe up spills. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement waveguide cover, power supply board, high-voltage capacitor, capacitor, or thermostat for your Magic Chef microwave. Any repair that requires opening the outer cabinet demands caution: the high-voltage capacitor can store a lethal charge even after the microwave is unplugged and must be properly discharged before interior work. If you are not familiar with capacitor discharge procedures, have a qualified technician handle repairs involving the capacitor or other high-voltage components.

01 - Magic Chef Microwave Waveguide Cover

The waveguide cover might be damaged and arcing or burning. If this is the case or if the cover will not stay in place, replace it with a new one.
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02 - Magic Chef Microwave Power Supply Board

If you've confirmed the oven cavity has been cleaned of all food debris and the waveguide cover is in good condition, a defective power supply board could be one of the components producing a burning smell. You should inspect the board for any burn marks or a shorted component and replace if necessary.
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03 - Magic Chef Microwave High Voltage Capacitor

The high voltage capacitor works with the high voltage diode to convert the output of the transformer to DC voltage and to double the output voltage. A defective capacitor may overheat and produce a burning smell. Inspect the capacitor for visible damage or burn marks and replace if necessary.
Highly Likely

04 - Magic Chef Microwave Capacitor

The capacitor works with the high voltage diode to convert the output of the transformer to DC voltage and to double the output voltage. A defective capacitor may overheat and produce a burning smell. Inspect the capacitor for visible damage or burn marks and replace if necessary.
Highly Likely

05 - Magic Chef Microwave Thermostat

If you've confirmed the oven cavity has been cleaned of all food debris and the waveguide cover is in good condition, a defective thermostat could be one of the components producing a burning smell. You should inspect the component for any burn marks or damage and replace if necessary.
Highly Likely

06 - Interior Cavity not Clean

Food that is left on the interior of the microwave can continue to cook each time the microwave is used, resulting in a burning smell. Always cover food when cooking to avoid splatter and wipe up any spills after use.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Magic Chef microwave smell like burning?
Can a damaged waveguide cover cause a burning smell or sparking in my Magic Chef microwave?
Is it safe to use a Magic Chef microwave that smells like burning plastic or wires?
How do I check the high-voltage capacitor or power supply board for a burning smell?
How do I find the correct Magic Chef microwave replacement part?

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