Opening the door of a microwave oven mid-cycle without pressing the stop button can be harmful to the microwave's motor for several reasons:
Safety: Microwaves emit microwave radiation to cook food. When the door is open, this radiation can leak out, potentially causing harm to anyone nearby. Microwaves are designed with safety mechanisms that automatically turn off the magnetron (the component that generates microwaves) when the door is opened. However, interrupting the cycle without using the stop button can bypass these safety features and lead to unintended exposure to radiation.
Arcing: When microwaving, the electromagnetic waves excite the water molecules within the food, causing them to vibrate and generate heat. If the microwave continues to operate while the door is open, the microwaves can interact with other metal objects inside, such as the turntable or the interior metal walls, causing electrical arcing. Arcing can damage the microwave's components, including the motor.
Motor Strain: The motor in a microwave is responsible for driving the turntable, which helps ensure even cooking by rotating the food. Abruptly stopping the motor mid-cycle can put unnecessary strain on its mechanical components. Repeatedly doing so may lead to premature wear and tear, reducing the motor's lifespan.
Control Circuitry: Microwave ovens have sophisticated control circuitry that manages the cooking process. Opening the door without stopping the cycle through the appropriate buttons may confuse the control system and potentially cause malfunctions or errors in the microwave's operation.
Reduced Efficiency: Interrupting the cooking cycle frequently can disrupt the microwave's ability to cook food evenly and efficiently. The microwave relies on a specific timing and power setting to cook the food properly. Stopping and restarting the cycle can result in uneven cooking and potentially undercooked or overcooked food.
To ensure the safe and proper operation of your microwave and to prolong its lifespan, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid opening the door during the cooking cycle without stopping it using the designated button. If you need to check on the food or make adjustments, it is best to pause or stop the microwave first, and then open the door.