Countertop Microwave - Child Resistant Oven Door Feature

Starting April 1st, all countertop microwave ovens come equipped with a Child Resistant Oven Door. Opening the microwave door now requires a two-step process for enhanced child safety. The use of child-resistant oven door latches by all manufacturers of microwave ovens helps to reduce the likelihood of young children handling hot foods and beverages items.

 

Any countertop microwave manufactured after March 2024 will have the child resistant door. If you want to know when your microwave was manufactured, visit How to Determine the Age or Manufacture Date of your Appliance for help.

 

This is different than the Control Lock feature that is sometimes referred to as a Child Lock. Control Lock/Child Lock is also a safety feature that locks out the control panel pads so the microwave is not accidentally turned on when not in use. For more about locking out the control, visit: Microwave - Child Lockout Feature.

About the Child Resistant Oven Door

Countertop microwaves now have a two-step child lock safety feature for opening the door while the microwave is running.  The door automatically locks during a cooking cycle. This means you'll need to pause the cycle before opening the door to check for doneness or to stir your food. After the cooking cycle is complete and you have opened the door, the door stays unlocked until the next cooking cycle. 

 

This is a safety feature to minimize accidental door openings while foods and liquids are being heated. You can turn off the two-step safety feature, like in households without young children or where users may have physical limitations that make it difficult to operate the child resistant door.

 

Opening the Child Resistant Door

Follow the 2-step process below to open the door while cooking. 

 
    • Step 1: Press either Start/Pause or Cancel/Off. Models with a Lock pad, press and hold Lock instead.
    • Step 2: Press the door latch release "push" button to open the door.
 

Note: The door will stay unlocked until the next cooking cycle. 

 

Disabling the Child Resistant Door Safety Feature

There are two ways to disable this safety feature, depending on your model. Your microwave's Owner's Manual will provide instructions specific to your microwave.

 

Additional Support

Find the microwave that's right for you at our Built-In, Over-the-Range, and Countertop Microwaves page.

 

From a simple question to concern about your microwave, we are here to support you with any appliance need. Please reach out whenever you need us.