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Posted on Oct 29, 2007
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Microwave door handle keeps breaking-

HI - I Have  a GE profile spacesaver over the stove micowave that I have replaced the handle twice in the last six months. The man at the appliance part store indicated I may I have a problem with the tension on the door latches, that is making me pull the handle too hard.  IS this possible? And if so Could I adjust the tension or spend more money for a professional?  Or maybe the first replacement handle was just more quality-  it broke were the bottom screw grips. Thanks!!

  • 13 more comments 
  • Anonymous Nov 05, 2007

    same problem here. keeps breaking off at bottom screw. new handle is $40 but don't want to keep buying them.

  • Anonymous Nov 26, 2007

    This will be the 4th handle we replace. My husband thinks the kids and I just pull to hard and are too rough with the microwave. I keep telling him, it's jus a poor design. I was just happy to hear that other folks are having the sam issue, so I can tell him it's not just us. The cost I saw for the replacement part is $46.65 + $6.46 shipping. For a part that is not designed to last, I think $53 is a bit too steep. Any thoughts on where I can get one cheeper, as we buy them two at a time now, just to have a spare on hand.

  • Anonymous Dec 07, 2007

    The plastic on the bottom of the door breaks, not the handle. This is our second microwave, same brand, same problem. We have a GE space saver over a stove

  • Anonymous Jan 23, 2008

    I also have a GE spacemaker with a handle that is broken where the bottom screw attaches. My model number is JVM B40WW 002. Does GE have a new handle that is stronger. If not, I'm not paying $50 for a stupid plastic handle thats just going to break again. I can get a whole near new microwave on craigslist for about $50 bucks. Another option might be to use some of that new putty like epoxy to glue the old one back in place? Please advise

    Thanks

  • ericaenigma Feb 03, 2008

    We just moved into this house 8 weeks ago, and our microwave (GE Spacemaker XL, Model JVM1340AW 003) handle also broke off. I am writing the company and buying a new microwave today--and it won't be GE! With the amount of complaints about the handle breaking off, this has to be a defect in the manufacturing, or a convenient way for the company to make more money, $50 bucks a handle???!!! Are you kidding me!

  • ThaMusicman Feb 12, 2008

    Hello,  I just got on the net to see if anyone was having a problem with the handles on their microwave breaking.  First hit on Google showed this site.  Looks like their are OTHERS out there.  I don't have a GE but a Whirlpool, and not a cheap one either.  This is all stainless steel model with g2 (speed cook with halogen light).  We just built a new house and this was the latest thing.  The handle broke after a few months.  Took them a few more months to replace it.  It broke 1 month after it was replaced.  I am Pissssssed.  Let me put this in perspective for ya.  I am over 60 years old and have had many microwaves in my life, from cheap to expensive.  This very expensive top of the line microwave is the first one that I have ever had the handle break on it. Shame shame shame Whirlpool.  This really make the public want to save up their money so they can throw it away on what is supposedly a Top of the Line item!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Bill King Feb 23, 2008

    Our GE Profile model #TA952978S handle just broke. It looks like our house's previous owners had glued it on; thus, it's not the first time the handle broke. The tension in the door latches is the highest I've experienced for any microwave so it's no coincidence that GE door handles are breaking left and right. It's either a design flaw or planned obsolescence for GE to get a recurring revenue stream.

  • Anonymous Apr 10, 2008

    I HAVE A GE SPACEMAKER, MODEL JVM230BX, THE DOOR HANDLE KEEPS BREAKING, BOTTOM SCREW, SAME STORY AS OTHERS.

    I THINK I'LL BUY A WOODEN DOWELL ROD, ATTACH TWO BLOCKS OF SPACER BLOCKS UNDER IT, AND FOR UNDER THREE DOLLARS SAY GOODBY TO THIS PROBLEM,

  • Anonymous Jun 03, 2008

    I also have a top of the line GE Profile Spacemaker microwave/vent hood ( model #JMV 1660BB008) that the handle broke at the bottom. I ordered the $80 replacement handle but it came with no instructions on how to install it. GE refuses to supply the instructions but will set up an appt. for a serviceman to come out & repair it. Can anyone tell me how to get into the door to replace it?

  • Anonymous Jun 18, 2008

    I HAVE A GE WITH THS SAME PROBLEM. CALLED THE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS $52.95 PLUS $10.95 SHIPPING/HANDLING AND TAX. I THINK THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT



    AL

  • ahayslip Jul 09, 2008

    My handle just broke.. The bottom attachement broke and I can not pry out the paart that is pressed in the door. I called the GE parts store to order another one. I will pick it up to see if I can reinstall the new one for the broken one. However, I have one screw at the top of the handle. The bottom portion looks to have been pressed in the door. How do I get that portion out and install the new door?



    Aubrey

  • Anonymous Sep 22, 2008

    Yes I do have the same problem. I have GE JVM1340WW002 model. The handle just broke. I also think it is design issue and GE should give us a support on this particuler issue.

  • duckwhacker Nov 28, 2008

    Does anyone know how to actually replace the handle?? I bought a new handle and cannot figure out how to replace.



    Any suggestions, or should I just buy a new microwave and be done with it?

  • Anonymous Dec 29, 2008

    Have GE over range microwave model JVM13408W002 bottom of handle has broke again. This is the second time and at about fifty bucks a pop, maybe someone has a better idea. JB weld is holding it for now, but maybe the latch needs to be adjusted with less tension. Seems like it is harder to open than some other microwaves I have seen. Any ideas will be great.

  • Anonymous Jun 24, 2013

    I have the same spacemaker GE and our we had 3 broken handles. It is a joke in my opinion that they have not redisigned this handle or chosen a different plastic composite after so many reported failures

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Hi - I also have GE profile spacesaver and the handle broke on the bottom only, did not want to spend money on a new handle. Put clear silicone make sure you put enough on and masking tape to hold it overnight has not come off in over a year, any ecess silicone just remove it with hands. Cheap and excellent solution.

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I have now had four handles break in just about 5 Years. You have to pull the interior door cover off, using a screwdriver or a hooked tool. Thten screws to get the old handle parts off and replace this. I am not sure about adjusting the tension but I think this will be the solution. I am getting tired of replacing the handles.

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I know its not the proper approved fix, but ours broke and after I looked at the price for a new one I just took some of the Mighty Putty stuff that you knead together and filled the cavity where it broke.  I pushed the handle back in place and after it set it has held ever since.  I do however have to add that we didn't use it too long before I think the magnatron maybe went out, so we really haven't opened it alot.  My next problem is deciding if a '97 model justifies fixing up or replacing.  

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I have a GE JVM1653BD and I, too, had to replace the handle. I gave them an earful when I called telling them that a plastic handle is NOT worth $50!! After venting, they gave it to me for ~$20 or something and said it was a one-time good-will gesture.
It was made in 2001, and today (Feb 2nd, 2010), while warming my lunch, I heard a loud BBZZZZZZ and then it went dark. So, my point is, if you have one of these older models, don't waste $60 on a new handle -- I'm going to buy a new one, comparable models seem to be about $250-$300.

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  • Microwave Ovens Master 9,179 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 18, 2007
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Where are you getting the door handle?

Locally from an appliance store or online?

Could these be an old version, but GE has released a new and improved version?

Please post your exact model number (JVM14##XXX, etc.) so I can give you the current part number for the handle.

If the part number you bought does not match, you may have been sold an old style handle.

It's not unusual for manufacturers to discover that a part was too weak and then they quietly introduce a better replacement. But if you buy old stock from a part store, you're buying more trouble.

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I have had 4 microwaves and they have all been different models and makes..... It finally dawned on me it was the heat from the oven that stressed the plastic handle with a metal screw in it and made it NOT hold up. It is obviously a design error for something built to be put over heat like that.... I think the industry should pick up the tab. BAD DESIGN AND MANUFACTURERS DEFECT,``````

A

Anonymous

I have a same problem with my GE Spacemaker microwave jvm1650bh05. I set up an appointment and GE gave me a quote of $275 to repair. That is literally as much as buying a new one. Some of the posts are helpful. I will order the door and replace myself.

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MicrowaveSvc:

I have the same problem. I have a GE model number JVM1653BD

Can you please help me find the right handle as well as how to remove the broken parts of the old one to install the new one?

thank you so much
mojo

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http://www.fixya.com/support/r3696942-microwave_oven_door_handle_replacement

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The door handle screws are located behind the inner panel. Simply remove the broken handle and install the new one. Re-insert the inner door panel carefully and gradually work your way around the perimeter of the door glass and make sure it snaps back into place.

This repair can be done with the door in place, or you can remove it for easier access. If you decide the remove the door, simply open it all the way and lift straight up at the hinges. The door will lift off of the hinge pins. Place on a hard flat surface with some towels under it for padding. This protects the door facing from scatches.

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