Merrychef High-Speed Oven Error Code E101: Magnetron Failed
E101 means the oven asked for microwave power, but the primary current on one or both magnetrons was under 5 A. The manual uses visual view to test each magnetron separately and then checks the voltage, connections, fuse F2, door switches and the high-voltage parts. This is a technician job because of the high voltage.
High: the microwave function is lost and the circuit involved carries lethal voltage.
- Code
- E101
- Maker
- Merrychef
- Equipment
- High-speed ovens
- Applies to
- All Merrychef eikon speed ovens (e2s, e3, e4, e4s, e5, e6)
What does Merrychef error code E101 mean?
When a cook calls for microwave energy, the SRB relay board measures the current in the primary circuit of each magnetron. If it is under 5 A on either or both, the oven records E101: MAGNETRON FAILED (magnetron failed on request). The manual's method is to use visual view and test one magnetron at a time. A reading of 0 A points to a problem in the primary circuit. A reading under 5 A points to the secondary circuit. The manual lists voltage more than 10 percent below nominal, loose low-voltage or high-voltage connections, and a failed transformer, diode, capacitor or magnetron as the possible causes. It also tells the technician to check the mains voltage in the error log, the LV connections, fuse F2, the door switches, the SRB and the HV transformer mounting before isolating power and testing the high-voltage parts.
Affected models and control systems
Merrychef eikon e2s, a twin-magnetron oven with the QTS touch screen and SRB relay board controller. Confirmed in the e2s service manual.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- E101 MAGNETRON FAILED on the screen
- Food stays cold or heats only by convection
- Cook cycles that run but give no microwave heating
Possible causes
Listed in Merrychef's documentation
- Supply voltage more than 10 percent below nominal
- Loose low-voltage or high-voltage connections
- Failed high-voltage transformer, diode, capacitor or magnetron
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind error code E101 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Open or blown fuse F2 on the microwave supply
- A door switch that does not close the microwave circuit
- An SRB output that does not drive the magnetron relay
Safe checks before calling for service
- Check that the door closes fully against the latch.
- Switch the oven off and on once and try a short microwave cook.
- Check that the breaker is on and other equipment on the circuit works normally.
- Write down whether the oven heats at all and give the model for the call.
How a technician diagnoses error code E101
- Read the error log and note the mains voltage when E101 occurred.
- Use visual view to run one magnetron at a time and record the current for each.
- If 0 A, check fuse F2, door switches, LV connections and the SRB.
- If under 5 A, isolate and discharge the oven, then test the HV transformer, diode, capacitor and magnetron.
- Check the HV transformer mounting and connections.
- Replace only the part that fails its test.
- The high-voltage section keeps a dangerous charge after the oven is switched off.
- Measuring magnetron current and isolating the primary from the secondary circuit takes training and instruments.
How error code E101 differs from similar codes
E101 is for current too low when microwave is requested; E113 is the reverse, over 1 A detected when the microwave circuit is switched off.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Merrychef owner support
- Edition
- Feb 2021/v1; 50Hz & 60Hz, English
- Models / control
- All Merrychef eikon speed ovens (e2s, e3, e4, e4s, e5, e6)
- Section
- Section 5 Service information, Error codes & fault finding tips
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Merrychef high-speed oven error codes
Does E101 always mean a bad magnetron?
No. The manual lists low voltage, loose connections and the transformer, diode and capacitor as well. The test sorts out which.
Can the oven still cook?
It may still heat by convection, but it will not give full microwave performance until repaired.
What do 0 A and under 5 A mean?
In the manual, 0 A points to the primary circuit and a reading under 5 A points to the secondary circuit.
Need help with Merrychef error code E101?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.