Why is a magnetron so costly

The part is available because the manufacturer is required to make it available in case of a warranty claim. Tha part is so expensive because the manufacturer wants you to buy a new unit, not repair the old one.

Don't know about that model but generic magnetrons are available for many, about 1/3rd the price.

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I thought they were klystrons not magnetrons. It's just like a television. The main board in a TV costs more than the whole TV costs. Some day cars will be like that.

The magnetron is the the most expensive part in the whole oven, stocking, catalogging, distributing and shipping the thing costs almost as much as building a whole oven. You might be able to find a slightly less expensive generic replacement though. If your oven is in nice shape otherwise I'd encourage you to fix it if only to keep it out of the landfill, that and you'll save $40.

I think cars are already like that Nog - buying all the bits for a car results in a total which is something like 10 or 20 times the cost of the car bought as a whole IIRC

Eg new cigarette lighter socket for my Toyota cost $170, though that did include installation - new socket complete with lighter was only $98 or so

David - who did not get that lighter socket replaced

What suppliers have you checked? MCM Electronics, Electronic Parts Supply, and some others list magnatrons for as little as $35.

Best price I found was $55 for a magnetron which looked very similiar - will have to call the distributor - MCM and see if it is compatible - looks like form factor and power level is the biggest "fit or work" issue.