Reply #21: Appliance Repairman Symarip To The Rescue!

[Symarip]

Ok. First thing to check. In a lot of microwaves, there is a metallic looking paper shield on the right in side the cavity. If grease gets on that puppy, it can cause all kinds of sparks. Most of the time, this little film of metallic paper can be removed, gently, and cleaned.

Second, in the ceiling of the cavity, often, there is a wave stirrer. If it gets stuck, or the motor ceases to work, there is a potential for sparking. Typically, there is a plastic thumb screw that can allow access to this puppy. Open it up, if there is one, and check for debris and grease.

Next, check your turntable plate. If grease and yuck is on there, sometimes it can react with whatever food you've just placed in the microwave. Popcorn grease is usually the culprit here.

Lastly, yes, it can be the food. If there is a good amount of metal in the rinse water of the frozen vegetables, there can be minor sparking. If this is occuring, try and do a rinse off your vegetables and see if fixes the issue or at least, decreases.

I wouldn't necessarily panic if there is sparking. Microwaves have to meet a TON of safety standards set by the FCC in order to be sold. If there was a major major major issue, your microwave would simply shut down.

If you could provide me the make and model. I might be able to drum up some more possibilities.