The charcoal filter is an important part of a microwave. As the time passes, the charcoal filter becomes dirty, so you have to replace it with a brand new microwave charcoal filter to make your microwave work properly again.
Here, I will suggest some microwave charcoal filters and also explain things to consider when replacing a charcoal filter in a microwave oven.
You should know your microwave brand and model to find a microwave charcoal filter replacement that is suitable for it. You can also measure the charcoal filter of your microwave to get a compatible charcoal filter in correct size.
The charcoal filter absorbs odors coming from the food during the cooking process. It means that the charcoal filter removes odors and pass only fresh air out of the microwave to keep your kitchen air fresh and odor-free. But the charcoal filter works for 3 to 6 months, thereafter you have to replace it.
When Do I Need to Replace My Microwave Charcoal Filter?
You need to replace your microwave charcoal filter when it gets dirty. The ideal period for replacement of a microwave charcoal filter is 6 months but it also depends upon other factors. The heavy usage of a microwave can make the charcoal filter dirty before the average time of 6 months.
The people who cook Asian food in the microwave, may need to replace the charcoal filter every 2 to 3 months. So, the ideal period of time to replace a microwave charcoal filter is different for different users.
Expert’s Advice:
You know that nobody can tell you the exact time period for replacing your microwave charcoal filter. So, I suggest you to check the charcoal filter condition once a month. If it’s a little dirty, you can use it for one more month. In case it’s too dirty then it’s time to replace it.
Things to Consider When Replacing a Microwave Charcoal Filter
A charcoal filter is a soft carbon net that allows the air to pass through it. In a microwave, the charcoal filter absorbs unpleasant odors so that it doesn’t ruin your kitchen atmosphere. If the charcoal filter doesn’t work properly, you will experience unlikely smells when the microwave is running to cook the food.
You have to replace your microwave charcoal filter every six months or when it gets dirty, whichever is earlier. Here I provide some important things that you should consider when you replace a microwave charcoal filter at home.
Material Quality:
The first thing to check in a microwave charcoal filter is its material quality. Before you decide to buy it, make sure that it is made of high quality materials that can work properly and last for several months.
Original or Compatible:
You should also check if you are buying an original charcoal filter or a compatible one. Both work fine but you should not invest your valuable money in a cheap charcoal filter. You can get an original or compatible charcoal filter for your microwave but it must be good quality and designed for your microwave model.
Filter Size:
The size of a charcoal filter can be same or different between two microwave models. So, it is very important to measure your microwave charcoal filter properly and find a replacement for it in the right size.
Kindly note that a wrong size charcoal filter won’t work with your microwave oven. So, I strongly recommend you to check the filter size and find a replacement charcoal filter for your microwave in correct size.
Non-Toxic:
The charcoal filter contains charcoal pores to absorb odors and pass fresh air out of the microwave. So, you must choose a non-toxic microwave charcoal filter otherwise it will release toxins when hot air will pass through it.
Before you select a microwave charcoal filter replacement, make sure that it is made of 100% non-toxic materials.
Affordable, Not Cheap:
A microwave charcoal filter does not cost much, it is available to buy at an affordable price of $4 to $8 per piece. If you find a charcoal filter under $4 then double-check its quality because you need not to waste your money for a cheap charcoal filter when you get a high quality filter at an affordable price.
After consider 5 things mentioned above, you can find a perfect charcoal filter for your microwave oven.
Top 10 Non-Toxic Microwave Charcoal Filter Replacement
You must find a replacement charcoal filter for your microwave oven. To help you buy the right size microwave charcoal filter replacement, I have found 10 non-toxic charcoal filters that are compatible with all popular microwave brands and models.
Here I provide the top 10 microwave charcoal filters that you can consider for your purchase for replacing the charcoal filter of your microwave.
| Sr.
No. |
Replacement Charcoal Filter | Charcoal Filter Dimensions | Compatible Microwave Brands and Models |
| [1] | Omaeon GE Microwave Recirculating Charcoal Filter | 8.62″L x 4″W x 0.37″Th | GE: JX81H
Zenith, LG, Hotpoint |
| [2] | Omaeon GE Microwave Charcoal Filter Replacement | 6-1/8″L X 3-7/8″ W X 3/8″Th | GE: JX81J
Electrolux, Frigidaire, Samsung, HD Supply |
| [3] | Bagean Microwave Charcoal Filter Replacement for GE and Samsung | 8.69”L x 3.94”W x 0.2”Th | GE: JX81H
Samsung: DE63-00367D,DE63-00367H,DE63-30016D |
| [4] | LG Electronics Microwave Oven Charcoal Air Filter | 11.25”L x 2.5”W x 0.5”Th | LG: LMV2053SB, LMV2053ST and others |
| [5] | Bagean Microwave Charcoal Filter Replacement for GE JX81J | 6.15”L x 3.95”W x 0.1”Th | GE: JX81J
Kenmore, Maytag |
| [6] | BlueStars Microwave Charcoal Filter Replacement | 6.14”L x 5.98”W x 1.22”Th | Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Estate, Roper) |
| [7] | AMI PARTS Microwave Recirculating Charcoal Filter | 8-3/4″L x 4″W x 3/8″Th | GE: JX81H
Samsung |
| [8] | Bagean Microwave Charcoal Filter Replacement for GE JX81D | 11”L x 2.49”W x 0.2”Th | GE: JX81D |
| [9] | Bagean Microwave Charcoal Filter Replacement for GE, LG and Kenmore | 7.68”L x 4.85”W x 0.37”Th | GE: JX81C |
| [10] | BIODEFENSOR Microwave Charcoal Replacement Filter | 14.2”L x 17.2”W x 0.40”Th | All Microwave Brands
(Universal Size: Cut & Fit) |
What Happens If I Don’t Replace My Microwave Charcoal Filter?
If you don’t replace your microwave charcoal filter time to time, it won’t do its work. The charcoal filter absorbs bad smells (odors) generated by the food when getting cooked inside the microwave. The filter absorbs these smells to prevent them from entering your kitchen.
If you don’t replace your microwave charcoal filter, the odors will spread in your kitchen. So, you will experience unpleasant odors every time you cook or reheat some food in your microwave oven.
The primary job of a charcoal filter is to filter the air and prevent the food odor from coming out of the microwave. When the charcoal filter is dirty, it cannot do its work properly. As a result, you will experience odor problem, so you must replace the charcoal filter in your microwave when needed.
Can I Clean My Microwave Charcoal Filter Instead of Replacing It?
Yes, you can clean your microwave charcoal filter but not completely and the cleaning process will also damage the filter. So, you will end up damaging the filter if you try to clean it properly.
The damaged charcoal filter is not useful for your microwave as it won’t work like before. A replacement charcoal filter for a microwave is available at a low price of $4-$5, so you should replace it rather than wasting your time in cleaning it.
The manufacturers of all microwave brands recommend not to clean the charcoal filter but simply replace it with a new one. They explain that the grease filter of a microwave can be cleaned but the charcoal filter cannot be cleaned, it has to be replaced time to time.
DIY: Step-by-Step Process to Replace a Microwave Charcoal Filter
After buying a replacement charcoal filter for your microwave, you need to replace it. The process of replacing a microwave charcoal filter is very simple, you don’t need any electrical or technical knowledge/skills to do it.
You can change the existing charcoal filter with a new one by yourself. You should have a screwdriver and a pair of hand gloves to do it. Here I provide the DIY steps for replacement of a microwave charcoal filter as under.
- Remove the power plug of your microwave from wall outlet for safety purposes.
- Find the location of the charcoal filter on your microwave, refer its user manual if required.
- Wear the hand gloves and use the screwdriver to open screws fixed on the vent grille.
- Open all screws and put the screws & vent grille at a safe place.
- Now, slide the charcoal filter left or right as applicable to remove it from the microwave.
- Keep the dirty filter away from screws & vent grille.
- Clean the vent grille and the area around the charcoal filter slot with a damp cloth.
- Get the new charcoal filter in hands and slide it reverse of what you did for removing the old filter. This trick should fix the new charcoal filter in the slot.
- After installing the new filter, place the vent grille back on its place and tighten all screws using the screwdriver.
By following the 9 DIY steps shared above, you can easily replace your microwave charcoal filter without taking anyone’s help.
FAQs about Microwave Charcoal Filter Replacement
Your microwave has a grease filter and a charcoal filter, both filters require cleaning and maintenance. You can wash & clean the grease filter but the charcoal filter must be replaced. Here I provide some necessary questions about charcoal filter replacement in a microwave to help you understand its importance and procedure.
Q.1 How important is a charcoal filter in a microwave?
A charcoal filter is very important in a microwave because it prevents the food odors from coming out of microwave and entering your kitchen.
Q.2 Can bacteria grow in a microwave charcoal filter?
Yes, bacteria can grow in a microwave charcoal filter if it is dirty and you don’t replace it on time. The only way to prevent bacterial growth in a microwave charcoal filter is to replace it regularly.
Q.3 Are microwave charcoal filters universal?
No, microwave charcoal filters are not universal, they are made in different sizes for different microwave brands and models. So, my microwave and your microwave may have different size charcoal filters. The Universal Microwave Charcoal Replacement Filter from BIODEFENSOR is an exception.
Q.4 How do I know what size charcoal filter I need?
You can refer the user manual to know the model number of your microwave to know the size of the charcoal filter you need for replacement. You can also remove the charcoal filter and measure it manually to find the charcoal filter size/dimensions for your microwave oven.
Q.5 Can you wash and reuse microwave charcoal filters?
No, you cannot wash and reuse microwave charcoal filters as the water & soap/detergent will damage the charcoal pores on the filter. So, you have to replace the microwave charcoal filters every 6 months or when they get affected by too much mold, mildew and debris.
Wrapping Up: Get the Right Size Replacement Charcoal Filter for Your Microwave
When your microwave charcoal filter gets dirty, you can replace it yourself. You just need to find the right size charcoal filter that fits perfectly on your microwave. For that, you need to know your microwave brand, model number and the filter size.
I have explained DIY steps for how to replace a microwave charcoal filter and suggested some high quality charcoal filters for you. You can check my recommended top 10 replacement charcoal filters for a microwave and buy the one that is compatible with your microwave oven.
