Owner’s manual
What light bulb goes under a Samsung microwave?
For the Samsung ME16H702SES microwave/hood combo, the light under the unit (the cooktop/night light) uses a 40-watt incandescent bulb. We recommend following the steps in the ME16H702SES owner's manual so you shut power off and reinstall the light cover correctly.
How to replace the cooktop/night light bulb
- Unplug the microwave or switch off power at the breaker.
- Remove the screw holding the light cover, then lower the cover.
- Replace the bulb with a 40-watt incandescent bulb.
- Reinstall the light cover and screw.
- Restore power and test the light.
Bulb type and what to buy
Most over-the-range microwaves use a small-base appliance bulb; match the base and shape to the original bulb so it fits the cover and socket.
| Item | What to use for ME16H702SES | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Under-microwave cooktop/night light | Illuminates the range surface |
| Wattage | 40 watts | Higher wattage can overheat the light housing |
| Bulb style | Incandescent appliance bulb | Match base and size to the original |
If the light still does not work
- Confirm the bulb is seated fully in the socket.
- Make sure power is restored at the breaker.
- Check for heat-related shutdown; let the unit cool and try again.
- If the lamp is dim, set the lamp brightness to high (if your control settings allow it).
- If the socket or wiring looks damaged, stop and have the unit serviced.
Why it matters
Using the correct 40-watt bulb helps prevent excess heat buildup in the light cover area and keeps the cooktop lighting working reliably during normal microwave and vent fan use.
Last updated: February 2026
How many watts is the Samsung model me16h702ses?
The Samsung ME16H702SES microwave/hood combo is rated at 1000 watts cooking power (power output). In the specifications, you may also see 1580 watts power consumption, which is the electrical draw from the outlet, not the cooking wattage (see the ME16H702SES owner's manual).
Cooking watts vs. power consumption (what you are really asking)
Microwaves list two different watt numbers; they are used for different purposes.
- Cooking watts (output): how much microwave energy heats food (affects cook times)
- Power consumption (input): how much electricity the unit uses while running
- Circuit planning: input watts matter for outlet and breaker load
- Recipe timing: output watts matter for adjusting cook times
| Spec type | What it means | ME16H702SES value |
|---|---|---|
| Power output (cooking watts) | Heating performance | 1000 W |
| Power consumption (input) | Electrical draw while operating | 1580 W |
Why it matters
If you are converting cook times from another microwave, use 1000 W as your baseline. If you are troubleshooting power issues (tripping breaker, dimming lights), the 1580 W input number is the one that relates to what the microwave pulls from your home electrical supply.
Quick tips for adjusting cook times
When moving between different cooking-wattage microwaves, these rules work well:
- If your old microwave was higher wattage, your new cook time may need to be slightly longer.
- If your old microwave was lower wattage, your new cook time may need to be slightly shorter.
- Start with 10% time changes and fine-tune from there.
- Stir, rotate, or let food stand to even out heating.
Last updated: February 2026
How to replace light bulb on Samsung microwave?
On the Samsung ME16H702SES microwave/hood combo, you can replace either the cooktop/night light (under the unit) or the oven light (inside the unit behind the vent grille). We follow the step-by-step procedure in the ME16H702SES owner's manual and use the specified 40-watt bulb type.
Before you start (safety and prep)
- Unplug the microwave or switch off power at the breaker.
- Let the bulb cool; wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Use a stable step stool and good lighting.
- Keep screws in a cup so they do not get lost.
- Do not operate the microwave with damaged door or seals.
Replace the cooktop/night light (bottom light)
This is the light that shines on your range surface.
- Turn off power.
- Remove the screw from the light cover and lower the cover.
- Replace the bulb with a 40-watt incandescent bulb.
- Reinstall the light cover and screw.
- Restore power.
Replace the oven light (interior light)
This is the light that illuminates the cooking cavity.
- Turn off power.
- Open the door.
- Remove the vent cover mounting screws (the 3 middle screws).
- Slide the vent grille to the left, then pull it straight out.
- Remove the charcoal filter (if present).
- Remove the lamp cover by releasing the hook and lifting the lever.
- Turn the bulb gently to remove it.
- Install a 40-watt appliance bulb.
- Reassemble in reverse order; restore power.
Bulb type quick guide
| Light location | Bulb type (per manual) | Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| Cooktop/night light | Incandescent bulb | 40 W |
| Oven (interior) light | Appliance bulb | 40 W |
Why it matters
Using the correct 40-watt bulb helps prevent overheating around the light housing and keeps the microwave/hood combo lighting working as designed for cooking visibility and cooktop safety.
Last updated: February 2026
