Instead of using the timer on my unit, I used the microwave cooking setting. The problem is, I ran it for 30 mins witthout anything in it and now it won't work. Is this dangerous; could it be leaking dangerous rays? I used the the cooking setting by mistake.
You're lucky it didn't catch on fire! Never run an empty microwave. if you need to run it you are suppossed to place a bowl of water in it - never empty.
No more than you should use your cars tailpipe as a hair dryer or your toaster as a bath warmer, your microwave should be used for COOKING when on the cook setting. Try to stick to the intended use of all of your appliances, to be safe. I would bet that all of the dangerous omissions occurred during your 30 minute empty cooking session.
You're lucky that you didn't catch your house on fire!
umm I did this when I was 12! Yes, you will need to replace your microwave. from what I understand about electrical appliances (and it's limited knowledge) if it's not running it's not emitting anything. If that was the case it would be emitting all the time that it's not in use and most certainly when it is. When I did this... I tried to cool the glass spinning thing down with a wet wash clothe ... KABOOM!!!! the thing exploded and shattered everywhere. OHHHH was I in trouble. lol
Sometimes it just needs to cool off and reset. Unplug it for a while, then try it again. Good luck.
from what I know it shouldn't be leaking any dangerous rays b/c it needs the electricity to do anything. I do know that using the microwave as a timer overworks the microwave and can cause it to stop working. So it looks like you need a new one. If the model you get doesn't have a timer (most do but mine does not either) grab an egg timer or digital timer or something so you wont have the same problem. Good Luck!
When you get your new microwave, maybe they will toss in a kitchen timer as well? :):):)All kidding aside, if you really are accoustomed to using that feature as your "timer" be sure to put a microwave safedish in there and fill it about 3/4 with water. That way the microwave will think it is "cooking" something and you won't ruin it. Best of luck to you.
I doubt it's leaking any dangerous rays... you probably damaged the magnetron. Did you her a loud pop? If you did, that's what's wrong... and your microwave will not heat again. It can be fixed, but if it's not under warranty it's not going to be cost effective to have it repaired.
Doesn't sound like a good idea to me, but obviously, it's a little to late for any advise on that end. Most micowaves have timers built in. Yours didn't? As far as it being dangerous, I think you should call the makers of the microwave for that answer. I'm sure they will say it is not a safe thing to do.
