Kitchenaid KEMS377GBT0 upper microwave/lower electric oven - Is my microwave okay?

[groston]

Model Number

KEMS377GBT0

Brand

KitchenAid

Age

More than 10 years

We have a Kitchenaid model KEMS377GBT0 upper microwave/lower electric oven unit. It has worked great for 20 years, but...

On the right inside wall of the microwave, there is a small thin plate. Twice over the past few months, the microwave has made noise while running. Today, when it happened, i stopped the microwave and the plate seemed to be on fire and was very hot:

I removed the plate to see if there was anything behind it, but there was just some open space.

Question: Is something wrong with our unit? Note it seems to work properly most of the time. If so, what should we do?

 

[Dan O.]

I removed the plate to see if there was anything behind it, but there was just some open space.

That part is the "wave guide cover". It prevents food, etc. from getting behind it while still allowing the microwaves to pass through it in the other direction unaffected.

These links are pertinent to this topic. They were supplied by this message author. Please read them.

LINK > KEMS377GBT0 Wave Guide Cover, Lower WP4375338

the plate seemed to be on fire and was very hot:

What often happens is splatter gets on or behind that panel and whenever the microwave is used, that splatter heats and heats and heats until something burns. That's why cleaning spills and splatters after each use should be done. Any food residue left inside will continue to cook each time it's used.

Question: Is something wrong with our unit?

Probably not. The area needs to be thoroughly cleaned and the cover replaced. Unfortunately the original cover is discontinued and is NLA. There is a 'universal' wave guide cover that can be cut to size. You can find it available at the following link:

LINK > 'Cut to Size' Universal Wave Guide Cover


Dan O.

 

[groston]

Super helpful reply - thanks!