Few of us could cope for long without our handy microwaves, and it’s completely normal for them to generate at least a little heat.
It’s not common, however, for them to get excessively hot. It should never be uncomfortable to touch the outside of your Panasonic microwave, and you should take action if it ever happens.
In this article, I’ll help you understand what a normal level of heat should feel like.
I’ll explain some of the possible reasons for excessive overheating, and the steps you can take to cool down your Panasonic microwave.
After that, you’ll find some precautions you can take to prevent it from overheating in the future.
What’s a normal level of heat for a microwave?
Like all appliances in your kitchen, it’s completely normal for your microwave to generate at least some heat during and after use.
When it’s working properly, your Panasonic microwave should feel warm to the touch, but not be so hot that it’s uncomfortable, or poses any risk of burning.
It should also feel as though any heat that’s present is distributed evenly across the surface of the microwave. That extra heat should dissipate quickly too once the cooking cycle has ended.
Possible Causes of Excessive Heat
There are quite a few reasons why the outside of your Panasonic microwave might feel excessively hot:
Blocked Vents
The vents on the sides of your microwave are essential for releasing heat that’s generated by the appliance’s magnetron, as well as the other internal components.
If these vents are blocked in any way, that heat will remain trapped inside the microwave. That in turn will cause the exterior surface to get hotter and hotter!
Damaged Insulation
Your Panasonic microwave features insulation materials that are designed to keep all that heat inside the appliance.
If this insulation is damaged or deteriorated in any way, the heat can leak out and make the exterior much hotter than it should be.
Malfunctioning Components
If your Panasonic microwave’s magnetron stops working properly, it can create excess heat.
Similarly, if the cooling fan isn’t working as it should then it won’t be able to dissipate the heat properly. That will also lead to a hotter surface on your microwave.
How to cool down a hot Panasonic microwave
Here are the steps you should take to give your Panasonic microwave some essential down-time!
Unplug the microwave: Disconnect the appliance from the power supply. This will stop the heat problem getting worse, and help the microwave cool down naturally.
Check those vents: Take a really close look at the vents on your microwave. If you can see any debris or obstructions, clear them out with a soft brush or cloth. This will help the microwave achieve the airflow it needs.
Let it cool off: Before firing it back up, give your Panasonic microwave plenty of time to cool off properly. Allow at least 15-30 minutes for it to get back to a normal temperature. How long it takes will depend largely on how hot it was in the first place!
Inspect the appliance: If you think the insulation is damaged or any other component isn’t working properly, get in touch with a qualified professional. They’ll be able to work out what’s wrong, source the correct replacement parts, and fit them for you safely.
How to stop your Panasonic microwave from overheating
Following on from the advice above, there are a few things you can do to prevent this problem from happening in the future.
Clean the vents regularly: Ensure the vents are clean and clear of any dust or debris, as this can block airflow and cause overheating. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Position it properly: Make sure your microwave is placed in a well-ventilated area, with adequate space all around it. This assists with airflow, and prevents heat from building up.
Don’t over-do it: If you add too much food to your microwave, it will have to work harder. If it works harder, it will have to generate more heat. Consider upgrading to a new microwave if your current model can’t keep up with your demands!
Should the outside of a microwave get hot?
It’s normal for the outside of a microwave to get a little warm while it’s operating, but it should never become excessively hot.
If the exterior surfaces are uncomfortable to touch, there may be a major issue with your appliance that needs to be addressed by a qualified professional.
What are the signs that a microwave is going bad?
Here are some tell-tale signs that your microwave is going bad. You can read more about this in a separate Viva Flavor article that’s dedicated to this subject!
1) Inconsistent heating: Food is unevenly cooked or takes longer than usual to heat up.
2) Strange noises: Unusual humming, buzzing, or clicking sounds during operation.
3) Foul odors: Burning or electrical smells coming from the microwave.
4) Excessive heat: The exterior or interior of the microwave becomes excessively hot during use.
5) Sparks or arcing: Visible electrical sparks or arcing inside the microwave cavity.
6) Faulty controls: Buttons or controls become unresponsive or malfunction.
7) Tripping circuit breakers: Microwave repeatedly trips the circuit breaker when in use.
What is the average life expectancy of a microwave?
You can expect your microwave to have a life expectancy of around 7-10 years. This does depend on how much you use it, how well you care for it, and the quality of the appliance.
In all cases though, a bit of TLC and a regular cleaning schedule will always extend its lifespan! Have a look at my microwave life expectancy guide for more information.
Wrapping Up
I think it’s important to make sure you deal with any major heat issues with your Panasonic microwave as soon as they start cropping up. It’s important we all make sure our appliances are both safe and operating efficiently!
Follow the steps I’ve outlined in this article, take those preventative measures I’ve suggested, and your Panasonic microwave should stay in great working condition for years to come.
Just remember: If you have any reason to believe there’s something seriously wrong with your microwave, get in touch with a professional repair service who can isolate the problem – and fix it properly.
Mark’s a lifelong food fanatic and spent ten years working as an entertainment journalist. He now combines his love of food, drink and writing as the founder and editor of Viva Flavor. Read more