An after-school snack. A bowl of soup. Last night’s leftovers ready in minutes. Microwaves make everyday meals easier, and a newer safety feature helps families enjoy that convenience with added protection.
If you purchased a new microwave recently, you may have noticed that opening the door feels different than it used to. You may have even been a little puzzled when it didn’t open by pushing a single button or pulling the handle.
There’s nothing wrong with your unit. In fact, the two-step opening has a purpose: It helps protect young users by making it more difficult to open the door and reach hot foods or drinks inside.
The feature reflects a shared commitment to improving appliance safety. AHAM and home appliance manufacturers worked with medical researchers, UL Standards & Engagement and other safety experts to advance microwave safety standards. This collaboration helped bring a practical improvement into home kitchens: a two-step door-opening requirement designed to help reduce the risk of childhood burns.
The result is a requirement that it now takes two distinct steps to open a microwave door, microwave door making it more difficult for children to get to the hot food or drinks inside. New microwaves also carry a warning label reminding parents of risk of burns.
Does this mean I have to replace my old microwave?
No. The two-step opening is built into newly manufactured microwaves. If your current microwave works well, there’s no need to replace it.
Will every microwave open the same way?
Manufacturers can meet the standard in different ways, so the two steps that are required to open your microwave may not match the one in your office or at a friend’s house. Your microwave’s use-and-care manual will have more information about your model’s specific mechanism.
Tips for using your new microwave:
- Don’t force it: If the door won’t open, you may have missed a step. Pulling too hard can damage the latch or door seal.
- Pause before opening: You may be used to opening the microwave to stop a cycle. With the new safety feature, cooking must be paused before the door can be opened. Note: If you happen to lose power during a cooking cycle, the door will stay locked until power is restored.
- Think twice before disabling the safety feature: Some models allow you to disable the two-step feature. If you have young children in your home, keep it activated. You are increasing the safety of those around you!
- Never tamper with the door: If the door is difficult to open or isn’t closing properly, contact the manufacturer or a qualified service technician.
- Remember other kitchen safety practices: Make sure children are supervised while cooking is in progress. Use oven mitts to retrieve hot food and let it stand before serving.
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