KitchenAid KMHS120ESS — Microwave

General Microwave Guide

Quick maintenance guide

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Quick Specs

Typical Capacity	1.6–2.2 cu. ft.
Wattage	900–1,200 W
Voltage	120 V
Amperage	10–15 A

Maintenance Schedule

Task	How Often	Difficulty	Est. Time
Wipe down interior after spills	After each use as needed	Easy	2 minutes
Deep clean interior with steam (microwave a bowl of water and vinegar)	Weekly	Easy	10 minutes
Clean or replace grease filter (over-the-range models)	Every 1–3 months	Easy	10 minutes
Clean or replace charcoal filter (over-the-range models)	Every 6–12 months	Easy	10 minutes
Clean exterior and control panel	Weekly	Easy	5 minutes

Troubleshooting

May require a professional

Microwave not heating food

Cause: Faulty magnetron, diode, or capacitor

Solution: If the microwave runs but does not heat, the magnetron or high-voltage components may have failed. This requires professional repair.

Turntable not spinning

Cause: Misaligned turntable ring, dirty roller track, or worn drive motor

Solution: Remove the turntable and roller ring, clean the tracks, and re-seat the turntable. If it still won't spin, the drive motor may need replacement.

Sparking inside the microwave

Cause: Metal in the microwave, damaged waveguide cover, or arcing from food splatter buildup

Solution: Stop the microwave immediately. Remove any metal objects. Check the waveguide cover (interior wall panel) for damage or food buildup.

Display or buttons not responding

Cause: Control panel lock activated or electronic control failure

Solution: Check if the child lock feature is enabled (consult your manual). Try a reset. If the issue persists, the control board may need replacement.

Reset Procedures

General Reset

Open and close the microwave door.
Press the Cancel/Stop button.
If unresponsive, unplug the microwave or turn off its circuit breaker for 1 minute.
Restore power. Reset the clock if prompted.

Safety Warnings

Never attempt to repair the magnetron, capacitor, or any high-voltage components yourself. Microwave capacitors can retain a lethal charge even when unplugged.

Call a professional

Do not operate the microwave empty — this can damage the magnetron.

Never microwave metal, aluminum foil, or containers with metallic trim.

Videos

Quick Tip: Installing Over-the-Range Microwave

Daddy DIY Grilling

7 Best Over-the-Range Microwave 2025! Tested & Tried

Homely Bites

Microwave double beeps and will not start cooking; messages

JustAnswer-Q&A

New KitchenAid Major Appliances | KitchenAid Kitchen Appliances | KitchenAid Appliances | KitchenAid

Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center

This guide contains general maintenance information for Microwave appliances. For model-specific instructions, consult your owner's manual.

This guide is provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your official owner's manual before performing maintenance. HomeBase is not responsible for any damage resulting from the use of this information.

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