If there is a non-functional stove or evidence of the prior installation of a stove, can a microwave be a primary cooking source?

• A. Yes
• B. Not allowed
• C. Only if no stove present
• D. Not recommended

Answer: (B)

A primary cooking source must be a functioning, permanently installed cooking appliance capable of normal cooking. A microwave, while useful, is considered a secondary appliance and cannot count as the main cooking facility. If the stove is non-functional or there’s evidence a stove was previously installed, the dwelling does not have a working primary cooking source and cannot rely on a microwave as the main method of cooking. The remedy is to repair or replace the stove to restore a functioning primary cooking source. Even if no stove is present, a microwave cannot fulfill the requirement; a proper primary cooking appliance must be installed.