Microwave exterior (especially top or side panels) becomes very hot to the touch during normal use.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: If the exterior is too hot to touch comfortably, unplug the microwave and allow it to cool. Risk of internal damage or fire increases with overheating.
User checks:
- Verify that the microwave has the minimum clearances specified in the SMEG installation manual on all sides, top, and rear.
- Clean all external vents with a soft brush and vacuum.
- Avoid placing items on top of the microwave that block airflow.
- Reduce continuous high-power cooking times and allow rest periods between long cycles.
If overheating persists despite proper ventilation, the internal cooling fan or thermal management system may be faulty and should be inspected by a technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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