All About Microwaves

  How Microwaves Work

    Surprisingly, microwaves don't cook food the way most people believe they do. Unlike the conventional oven that use elements to turn electricity into heat, microwaves use magnetrons that send out waves that actual penetrate into the food. These waves cause the fat and water molecules in the food to move around and this motion is then converted into heat. In essence, microwaves cook food from the inside out.

A Brief History

    Oddly enough, the technology that microwaves use was not originally designed for cooking. It was actually discovered by accident during an experiment. In 1946, Dr. Percy Spencer was working with radar technology in his lab when he noticed a chocolate bar in his pocket began to melt. After realizing the radar was cooking the chocolate bar with microwaves, Dr. Spencer continued to experiment with this new technology, finally patenting the first microwave in 1947.

The Dangers Of Home Microwaves

    Despite numerous myths regarding the dangers of microwaves, they are actually quite harmless. The radiation used in microwaves to cook food is electromagnetic radiation, which is a scientific way of saying light. Not only is the radiation used relatively harmless, but the only way for it to have any possible adverse affect on a person is if they received direct contact. This means a person would have to find a microwave large enough to fit inside and then cook themselves. To this point, microwaves should be properly maintained and repaired by a professional so that there are no accidental leaks of radiation through holes or gaps. For more debunked appliance myths, read 5 Appliance Myths Busted.

Environmentally Friendly Microwaves

   In a time where most homeowners are concerned about the environment and how much energy home appliances and electronics use, it comes as a relief that microwave ovens use considerably less energy than conventional ovens. Since microwaves direct heat to just the food and not surrounding areas, microwaves are able to cook much faster. The magnetron in the microwave also works in cycles, so that the waves have time to penetrate the food. The turntable allows the food to be rotated to cook more efficiently and any waves that don't hit the food directly, are bounced off the metal lining and directed back at the food.

For more information regarding microwaves, check out the resources below.

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