Is it safe to use the microwave if the glass on the bottom is broken?
@shaggin (74987)
United States
January 1, 2012 12:19pm CST
My mother has an old microwave from when my sister and I were little so probably around 30 years old now. Its still working. There is a glass dish thing that fits the shape of the microwave (there are turntables inside them now with round pieces of glass). My sister dropped that piece of glass and since it is so old there is no where to get a new one to put in there to replace it with. I'm wondering what others think of this since I cant find any information about it online. I'm wondering if its safe to heat food up on a plate on the bottom of the microwave without the glass being in there? My mother said when it was new that it said never to use it without the glass being on the bottom of the microwave but I dont know why and if she is right or not. What is everyone elses experiences with this? It kind of sucks to have to get rid of a big working microwave just because the glass broke.
2 people like this
6 responses
@inertia4 (27978)
• United States
4 Jan 12
I had a microwave that had to be at least 15 years old and the glass dish broke. So, what I did was use a regular dish. Not those heavy dishes, I have some of those correlle dishes and they seem to be light weight and fit perfectly inside and does the job well. I don't think it would harm the machine at all. Just make sure it is a microwave safe dish, thats all.
@shaggin (74987)
• United States
5 Jan 12
The shape of her microwave is square... a large square. It fit to all edges of the microwave. All the plates I have seen now are circular and I dont think they even sell microwaves as large as the one she has so it would really be impossible to replace the glass dish. Imagine that glass plate lasting 30 years though lol I've already been through 2 I think in the past 8 years. I'm pretty clumsy though.
1 person likes this
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
6 Jan 12
I've taken the turntable out of my microwave before and I will use it without the turntable in it, so I would think that is you were to remove the glass that you are talking about in the microwave, there wouldn't be any kind of harm at all in continuing to use the microwave.
However, I would really suggest that she get a new microwave because of the fact that the newer microwaves are a lot more energy efficient than the older microwaves.
1 person likes this
@Fishmomma (11658)
• United States
6 Jan 12
I would be concerned about somebody being injured. Microwaves are low in cost, so I would buy a new one. Hope you are able to get a new glass on the bottom of the microwave, if you are not able to afford a new microwave now.
@roberten (3128)
• United States
3 Jan 12
Sorry to hear of your mom's trouble with her microwave plate, shaggin; I feel her pain because we have similiar problems here at the inn. It has been our experience that if the plates are defective, they can be potentially dangerous to use. We do replace original microwave plates with trays or plates when the damaged or missing plates are obsolete; the incomplete units are replaced as soon as possible. Following manufacturer's instructions is important for safe operation of any appliance. If you cannot order a replacement part of find one in a thrift store or yard sale, etc., I suggest you purchase a new one. Good luck finding a solution that works for you and your mother.
1 person likes this
@Tina30219 (82978)
• Onaway, Michigan
1 Jan 12
I am not sure on this one never had it happen. If you find out please share with us all.
@Orson_Kart (8259)
• United Kingdom
3 Jan 12
30 years?
It's probably about time she bought a new one as the old ones aren't as safe as the new ones and I wouldn't feel safe in the vicinity! They are cheap as chips now too and much more efficient.
@shaggin (74987)
• United States
5 Jan 12
The last time I had to buy one I think mine was around $80 or so. Not to expensive but not as cheap as chips to me with my income lol. I remember my mother always telling me when I was a kid not to stand in front of the microwave because of the radiation. I wonder if that was really a worry about the old ones compared to the new ones.
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (8259)
• United Kingdom
5 Jan 12
I suppose if money is tight and it stills works, why replace it? Standing in front is safer than standing inside it, I know that much! You would think the modern ones were safer and more efficient, wouldn't you?
Alls I knows is, I have been using them for as long as I can remember and they have never affected me!...*twitch* 
1 person likes this
