The microwave oven is a household appliance that has revolutionized modern home kitchens.

It is designed to cook food quickly by using special electromagnetic radiation that heats objects
from within. It is designed and primarily used to quickly heat foods, and is most convenient for
otherwise time-consuming tasks such as melting butter or heating water. Unlike traditional
ovens, microwaves cook food from the inside rather than from the outside. While it was
originally used in commercial kitchens, it is now most popular in homes and the workplace.
PARTS OF A MICROWAVE OVEN
Magnetron Tube

The magnetron tube produces radio waves that excite the molecules inside the food causing
friction. The friction will cause the food to heat up. There are many different magnetron tubes
and should be ordered by model number.

Diode

The diode is a device that allows electricity to flow in only one direction, converting the
alternating current from your house wiring to direct current.
Fuse

All microwaves have a fuse to protect against fire in the event of a short.

Door Switch

The door switch cuts off the microwave when you open the door. Most microwaves have three
door switches.
Capacitor

A capacitor is a device that stores electricity much like a battery but can be charged and
discharged much quicker.

Transformer

The transformer transforms 120 volts from your house wiring to somewhere around 5000 volts.
This is why repairing microwaves can be dangerous so be sure to unplug it before servicing.
There are many different transformers so order by model number.
Microwave-Safe Plastics
Microwave-safe plastic dishes and containers have been tested and are safe for use in
microwave ovens. However, the plastic in these containers is not intended to be used under
high heat for long periods of time. If these containers or dishes are subjected to such conditions
-- the kind found in a conventional oven -- they can melt. The melted containers or dishes would
ruin the food, the containers themselves and possibly the oven; don't use them in a
conventional oven.

Non-Metallic Oven-Safe Containers

Some oven-safe containers and dishes may be used in both conventional and microwave
ovens. These containers or dishes will explicitly state that they are "microwave-safe" and "oven-
safe." Some examples include Pyrex, ceramic and stoneware pieces.

Oven-Safe but Not Microwave-Safe

Metallic cookware, dishes and containers are usually oven-safe; however, metal objects should
never be placed inside a microwave oven. Because of the microwaves' reflection off the metal,
uneven cooking or oven damage can result.
Benefits of using a microwave oven:
 The greatest advantage of the microwave oven is it is time-saving, it is convenient as we
can cook food in no time and maintain the nutrient and water content of the food.
 Microwave oven helps in heating food without burning, as there is a touch button to set
the time.
 The space consumed is less and easy to use, as it is automatic.
 It will help defrost any frozen items within no time.
 The vitamins are preserved in the food as it is not overcooked.
 The consumption of oil is less in microwave cooking, thus allowing us to prepare a low-
fat diet.
 Microwave oven helps us to bake food without any mess.

Hazards of using a microwave oven

 The first and foremost disadvantage of a microwave oven is; it cannot be used for deep
frying or making roti or chapatti.
 It is dangerous to health as the studies show that using microwave could
cause cancer as it produces cancer-causing agents. It weakens the immune system,
which will lead to abnormal changes in human blood.
 It is not advisable to stand in front of the microwave as it is harmful while cooking. The
radiation it emits is dangerous. Even plastic used in microwave cooking is dangerous as
it emits Bisphenol which is also again very harmful. It is more dangerous for cooking
baby food.
 Though microwave retains the nutrients, the texture of food, color, and taste will change,
compared to cooking in a stove.
 It leads to dehydration, as the water content decreases and food are more prone to
drying, and the cooked food is sometimes unevenly cooked.
Safety Measures when using a microwave oven
1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Directions in the user manual provide
recommended operating procedures and safety precautions. For instance, you should not use
some microwave ovens when they are empty. In addition, you should not heat water or liquids
longer than the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
2. Use microwave-safe containers. Use cookware specially manufactured for use in the
microwave oven. Generally, you should not use metal pans or aluminum foil because
microwaves reflect off them, causing food to cook unevenly and possibly damaging the oven.
And you should not use some plastic containers because heated food can cause them to melt.
The FDA recommends using glass, ceramic, and plastic containers labeled for microwave oven
use.
3. Avoid super-heated water. “Super-heated” means water is heated beyond its boiling
temperature, without signs of boiling. If you use a microwave oven to heat water in a clean cup
beyond the boiling temperature, a slight disturbance or movement may cause the water to
violently explode out of the cup. There have been reports of serious skin burns or scalding
injuries around people’s hands and faces as a result of this phenomenon.
Adding ingredients such as instant coffee or sugar to water before heating greatly reduces the
risk of hot-water eruption. Also remember to follow the manufacturer’s heating instructions.
4. Check for leakage. There should be little cause for concern about excess microwave
radiation leaking from these ovens unless the door hinges, latch, or seals are damaged. The
FDA recommends looking at your oven carefully to see if any of these issues exist. The agency
also recommends that you do not use an oven if the door doesn’t close firmly or is bent, warped,
or otherwise damaged.
5. Don’t use ovens that seem to operate when the door is open. The FDA monitors these
appliances for radiation safety issues and has received increasing reports about microwave
ovens that appear to stay on—and operate—when the door is open. The FDA recommends that
you immediately stop using a microwave oven if this happens.