Recently, I came across an article in the British newspaper Daily Express that mentioned a microwave function I had never heard of before.

What’s interesting is that this function has nothing to do with heating food, yet it can make using the microwave much more convenient.

A “hidden” microwave function

Microwaves are a fantastic appliance for any kitchen thanks to their speed and cost-effective cooking abilities. However, one major downside of this essential kitchen device is the annoying beeping sound that goes off repeatedly every time it’s used.

According to Daily Express, some high-tech microwave models come with a silent mode, usually indicated by a sound or speaker icon, which allows users to turn off the irritating beeps. But for models without this feature, many people assume that the sound cannot be disabled.

Recently, experts at the American magazine Taste of Home revealed a secret method to silence a microwave. They shared:
“The most annoying sound in your kitchen probably comes from your microwave timer. If today is the day you can’t stand that beeping anymore, here’s how to turn off your microwave’s sound.”

Reading this, I realized this was exactly the solution I needed. When cooking at home with a young child, I really need the microwave to be quiet—especially when my child is asleep. Yet for the past 30 years, I had no idea that it was even possible to mute a microwave.

Like many others, I thought the number buttons on a microwave were only used for reheating. However, experts say you can mute your microwave by pressing and holding the 0, 1, or Stop button.

“These buttons may be pre-programmed by manufacturers with hidden functions that allow you to disable the microwave’s beeping sound,” the experts at Taste of Home explained.

That said, it’s important to note that no two microwaves are exactly the same, so this method may not work for every appliance.

An American TikTok content creator, Matty McTech, also claims that homeowners should try pressing and holding the number 2 to mute their microwave.

If none of these methods work, it’s best to check your microwave’s user manual. Experts advise:
“There’s a good chance there’s a simple way to turn off the sound associated with your microwave timer. You just need to read the instructions carefully or look it up online to find the solution.”

This is just one of many useful kitchen tips you can apply in your own home. For me, these tips always help in one way or another—sometimes they make food taste better, other times they make cooking faster. However, this is the first time I’ve learned a trick that makes cooking quieter. It’s truly a lifesaver for a mom like me!