How to Fix a Microwave Handle

The best microwave should be well-made and hold up to hours of use. That said, even premium microwaves break from time to time, and you’ll need to know how to fix a microwave handle. A broken handle is one of the most common microwave repairs because you use it every time you cook. Read our guide below, and we’ll walk you through the steps to repair your broken microwave handle.

Tools: Rubber gloves, handle screws, putty knife, flat head screwdriver,

Luckily, you shouldn’t need an appliance repair technician for this repair. It is much less demanding than learning how to repair microwave interior paint. Keep in mind, though, that this appliance repair guide can apply to either a range microwave or a counter-top microwave. You also have the option of keeping your original handle if it hasn’t snapped.

STEP 1 Unplug Your Microwave From Power

Before doing any appliance repairs, make sure to disconnect the unit from power and wear rubber gloves while you work. This saves you from getting shocked, and it is a common step in testing a microwave for issues.

STEP 2Assess Damage

Look at your broken microwave handle and see how bad the damage is. On most cheaper microwave models, the microwave door handle is made of plastic. Unfortunately, plastic snaps, requiring a total replacement. Reach out to your microwave manufacturer for a replacement handle, so you’re sure to get the correct part.

STEP 3 Open Microwave and Check the Door

Open your microwave door and make sure you can access the inner door panel. Sometimes crosshead screws are holding the panel in place. If so, remove them, but remember that you may need to remove the door altogether to access the screws.

STEP 4Remove the Inner Panel

Remove the screws, if any, holding the inner panel in place. Then, use your putty knife or flathead screwdriver to pry the inner and outer door panel apart. Be careful not to damage the microwave door’s glass or chip the microwave housing while you work.

STEP 5 Remove the Broken Handle

Now that you have access to your microwave handle’s mounting hardware, find the crosshead screws holding your handle in place. Use your screwdriver to remove these. Depending on your microwave model, it will have four to six screws.

STEP 6Install the New Handle

Now that the broken handle is free, it’s time to install the new one. You can reuse the screws you just removed, or you can use new screws for a fresh start. First, make sure your handle is level and tighten it in place.

STEP 7 Reinstall the Microwave Door Panel

Be careful not to cause control panel damage, or it may malfunction. At the same time, press the inner and outer door panels back together. Take your time and try not to force the door together. Find the screw holes and reinstall any mounting hardware back into the microwave door.

STEP 8 Check Your Work

Here, we’re just checking the stability of our handle. Try opening and closing the microwave door a few times to see if the handle is loose. If you don’t notice any play or wiggle, your work is done, and your microwave handle is repaired.

F.A.Q.S