Are Kenmore microwaves good?
Kenmore microwaves are a solid choice for most kitchens because they typically deliver dependable everyday performance and practical features at a good value. For the Kenmore 72180599402 microwave/hood combo, the included care, safety, and troubleshooting guidance in the 72180599402 owner's manual supports long-term reliability when the unit is installed correctly and maintained regularly.
What “good” means for a microwave/hood combo
A microwave/hood combo has to do two jobs: heat food consistently and vent cooking smoke and odors. In our experience, “good” usually comes down to these factors:
- Consistent heating results across common cook settings
- Reliable door operation and safety interlocks
- Effective exhaust fan performance for your cooktop
- Easy-to-clean interior and filters
- Parts availability for normal wear items (filters, lights, switches)
Model-specific tips that help this Kenmore last
The Kenmore 72180599402 manual emphasizes routine care and safe operation, which directly impacts performance over time.
- Clean interior surfaces with warm, sudsy water and a soft cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners
- Keep the door and frame contact areas clean so the door seals properly
- Use steam cleaning for stubborn soil (heat a cup of water for a few minutes)
- Deodorize by heating water with lemon juice or vinegar
- Follow the manual’s guidance for caring for the filters and replacing lights
Common “good vs. not so good” ownership outcomes
| What you notice | Most common cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave runs but food is not heating | High-voltage circuit issue | Use the troubleshooting section; see why is my microwave not heating |
| Unit goes dead or won’t start | Blown fuse, door switch issue | Check door closure and interlocks; see how to replace a microwave fuse |
| Poor venting over the range | Grease filter clogged | Clean or replace the grease filter 5230W1A012E |
Why it matters
A “good” microwave is one you can count on daily without nuisance problems. With over-the-range models like the Kenmore 72180599402, simple maintenance (especially filter care and keeping the door sealing surfaces clean) prevents many of the issues that make owners unhappy.
Last updated: February 2026
How big is a Kenmore microwave model 72180599402 in inches?
The Kenmore microwave/hood combo model 72180599402 measures 29-15/16 inches wide, 16-7/16 inches high, and 15-3/8 inches deep. These are the cabinet dimensions used for installation planning; confirm your clearances in the 72180599402 installation guide.
Dimensions at a glance
| Measurement | Size (inches) |
|---|---|
| Width | 29-15/16 |
| Height | 16-7/16 |
| Depth | 15-3/8 |
What to measure in your kitchen (so it fits the first time)
- Cabinet opening width: allow room for the full 29-15/16 inch body.
- Vertical clearance: confirm space for 16-7/16 inch height plus any trim or cabinet lip.
- Depth and door swing: plan for 15-3/8 inch depth and comfortable door opening.
- Mounting and venting space: verify room for the mounting plate and duct path (if vented).
- Power location: confirm the outlet location in the cabinet above matches the install layout.
Why it matters
Over-the-range microwaves like the Kenmore 72180599402 must align with upper cabinets, the wall mounting plate, and (if used) the vent duct. Using the installation dimensions helps prevent misaligned mounting holes, cabinet interference, and poor vent fit.
Related model details from the installation specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 52 lb |
| Electrical rating | 120V, 60Hz |
| Recommended circuit | 15A or 20A dedicated |
Last updated: February 2026
How to reset Kenmore Elite microwave?
To reset a Kenmore microwave like model 72180599402, we clear the current program and restore normal operation by using the STOP/Clear key; if the control is locked, we unlock it first. This resolves most “stuck keypad,” “won’t start,” and display issues.
Quick reset steps (most common)
- Press STOP/Clear once to cancel cooking or a running program.
- Press STOP/Clear again to clear the display.
- Close the door firmly, then press START to confirm the microwave responds.
- If the microwave was set as a timer, press STOP/Clear to cancel the Kitchen Timer.
- If the keypad is locked, turn off Child Lock (see the 72180599402 owner's manual).
If the display is frozen or the microwave won’t respond
- Unplug the microwave (or switch off the breaker) for 1 minute.
- Restore power.
- Set the Clock again if needed.
What to check before you reset
- Door is fully closed and latched (a slightly open door prevents operation).
- You pressed START after entering a cook time.
- The exhaust fan may run automatically if the cooktop below is hot; that is normal.
Control panel keys involved
| What you want to do | Key to use | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel a function | STOP/Clear | Stops cooking and cancels a program |
| Clear the display | STOP/Clear | Erases an incorrect command |
| Start cooking | START | Starts the selected function |
| Unlock controls | Child Lock | Restores keypad operation |
Why it matters
A “reset” on this Kenmore microwave/hood combo is usually just clearing an active cycle, timer, or lockout. That prevents unnecessary parts replacement and gets the control panel responding again.
Last updated: February 2026


