Which is cheaper - Buy a new magnetron tube or buy a new unit? What is the life expectancy of the magnetron tube in this unit? What is the warranty period?
(Model: JVM3161DFWW SKU: 1624523)

Question

GoldenCadillac · Accepted Answer

Magnetron priced at time my 11 yr old unit expired was $168.00. BestBuy GE unit was $200.00.

NANCY4110 · Answer

you might want to consider another unit, unless this one is really new. We discovered that our new under counter GE that was modestly priced is the best purchase we have ever made. The new updates are hard to beat.

Answered by NANCY4110 11 years ago

Love2toCook2 · Answer

I did some shopping around and the magnetron is about as expensive as buying a new microwave. It is best to get an entirely new unit in my opinion, at least for my 13 year old unit.

GE Answers · Answer

Hi-this is Sue from GE. I am happy to assist you. We appreciate your interest in our GE 1.6 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave Oven JVM3160DFWW. The Convenience Cooking Controls make operating quick and easy.

Product failure rate or life of a product or particular part is not possible to determine. Frequency of use, environment, use and care, etc. all determine the life of a product. Model JVM3160DFWW features a one year warranty from the date of the original purchase. If your current microwave is older and out of warranty, it may be more cost effective to replace the unit.

Thanks for checking with us.

FancyNancy · Answer

Buy new unit is best choice. This is why we bought a new microwave.

JoJo · Answer

New unit.

Bill · Answer

If you can do it yourself, there are distinct advantages to doing the repair. New built in models have different mounting hole spacing and so changing to a new unit is not clean and simple. I found a new magnetron cost about $90, a used one only $21 on Ebay, w/ free shipping, certified as tested & good. Be sure to get the correct part number, and be aware there is a lot of dis-assembly required to change the part. I got my 25 year old GE over the range micro working like new and couldn't be happier. Sure it was a lot of work to repair, but it is also a lot of work to just swap out the micro with a new one.

Answered by Bill 1 year ago

Biomac · Answer

Are you sure it’s the magnetron? I have had a GE microwave for over thirty years, ti thought the magnetron was burned out, after troubleshooting it I found a cold solder connection on the transformer! The first time it happened, I called a service tech. to repair it, the second time a few years later, same problem I fixed it myself and it has lasted 30 years.
Hope you can fix yours. 
I have all GE appliances , they are very dependable. Miciwave, old icebox30+yrs. new ice box five yrs. dishwasher.

Redferrari5 · Answer

I have a GE microwave JVM1530SM4SS 11 years old. The door does not make contact thus it does not work. Should I replace it or order parts. What parts will I need. Thank you. M

llwo · Answer

I have no idea what the life expectancy is . As inexpensive as microwaves are now, a buying new microwave is more cost effective than trying to find someone to fix an old one. First off they will charge you $50 and up just for coming to look at it, plus a magnetron tube will cost you anywhere from $75 to $200. I have the Model: JVM3161DFWW and am very happy with it.

Answered by llwo 9 years ago

“Which is cheaper - Buy a new magnetron tube or buy a new unit? What is the life expectancy of the magnetron tube in this unit? What is the warranty period? (Model: JVM3161DFWW SKU: 1624523)”

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