• Microwave: operating principle, structure, interesting facts. How does a microwave oven work?

    October 8th marks 65 years since microwave oven technology was patented.

    A microwave oven (microwave oven, microwave oven) is one of the most popular household electrical appliances and is designed for quick cooking, heating food and defrosting food. Its creator, Massachusetts resident Percy Spencer, patented his invention on October 8, 1945.

    According to legend, the idea of ​​​​creating a microwave oven came to his mind after he stood near a magnetron (an electron tube that generates microwave electromagnetic radiation) and discovered that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. According to another version, he noticed that a sandwich placed on the switched-on magnetron became hot.

    The first microwave ovens, intended for army canteens and large restaurants, were cabinets 175 cm high and weighing 340 kg. More compact home stoves began to be produced in 1955.

    The first mass-produced household microwave oven was released by the Japanese company Sharp in 1962. Initially, the demand for the new product was low. In the USSR, microwave ovens were produced by the ZIL plant.

    The operating principle of a microwave oven is based on the processing of a product placed inside the device with microwaves (microwave radiation). These waves heat the food.

    Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic energy, just like light waves or radio waves. These are very short electromagnetic waves that travel at the speed of light (299.79 km/s).

    Food contains many substances: mineral salts, fats, sugar, water. To heat food using microwaves, it must contain dipole molecules, that is, those that have a positive electrical charge at one end and a negative one at the other. There are plenty of similar molecules in food - these are molecules of both fats and sugars, but the main thing is that the dipole is a molecule of water - the most common substance in nature. Every piece of vegetables, meat, fish, and fruit contains millions of dipole molecules.

    In the absence of an electric field, the molecules are arranged randomly. In an electric field, they line up strictly in the direction of the field lines, “plus” in one direction, “minus” in the other. As soon as the field changes direction to the opposite, the molecules immediately turn over 180 degrees.

    The magnetron that every microwave oven contains converts electrical energy into an ultra-high-frequency electric field of 2,450 megahertz (MHz) or 2.45 gigahertz (GHz), which interacts with water molecules in food.

    Microwaves bomb water molecules in food, causing them to spin millions of times per second, creating molecular friction that heats the food.

    This friction causes significant damage to food molecules, breaking or deforming them. Simply put, microwaves cause breakdown and changes in the molecular structure of food through the process of radiation.

    Microwaves work only in a relatively small surface layer of food, without penetrating deeper than 1-3 cm. Therefore, heating of products occurs due to two physical mechanisms - heating of the surface layer by microwaves and subsequent penetration of heat into the depth of the product due to thermal conductivity.

    When choosing a microwave oven, you should focus on its main characteristics, including chamber volume, type of control, presence of a grill, power and some others. The volume of the chamber is determined by the number of products that fit into the microwave oven.

    There are three types of controls in microwave ovens - mechanical (the simplest type of control), push-button and touch.

    Depending on the functions they perform, microwave ovens are divided into three types: microwave ovens, grill ovens, and grill and convection microwave ovens.

    As for the additional functions of microwave ovens, the most common ones include the functions of double radiation (for uniform cooking of the product by volume) and auto-weight, which means that electronic sensors will weigh the product and select the cooking time.

    Some models of microwave ovens have an interactive mode, when recommendations are displayed on the display while cooking a dish.

    There may also be a microwave oven with built-in cooking recipes. To start the cooking process, you need to specify the type of product, quantity, and recipe. Ready-made programs make it possible to choose the optimal mode and exact cooking time.

    Some models are equipped with a communication port for Internet access. This makes it possible to download new recipes and receive information about its calorie content.

    Microwave oven accessories may include a multi-level plate rack, which allows you to heat several dishes at the same time, and a grill rack.

    The material was prepared based on information from open sources

    How a Microwave Oven Works: 6 Basic Elements

    Thanks to the microwave oven, you can easily and quickly reheat any dish The microwave oven is currently very popular and is the most popular kitchen appliance. Using a microwave oven, you can not only heat or cook food, but also defrost food and even disinfect some kitchen utensils that do not contain metal. This device has become completely commonplace today.

    Microwave oven design: basic design elements

    A microwave oven is a household electrical appliance that is primarily designed for cooking or heating food quickly. Microwaves are also used in some industries where necessary materials need to be heated.

    A microwave oven, despite its small size, consists of many parts

    Unlike conventional ovens, heating of various products in this device occurs quite quickly, since radio waves are able to penetrate deep inside the products. This radically reduces the heating of any product and helps preserve all the nutrients in it.

    The design of all microwave ovens consists, as a rule, of the same components. The design of microwave ovens has main and auxiliary elements. The appearance of these devices can be very diverse. Sizes, colors and functions may vary for each individual oven, they may be different.

    Structure of a microwave oven:

    • A chamber equipped with a rotating stage;
    • The magnetron is the main element - a microwave emitter;
    • Transformer;
    • Metal case with a door that is locked when the device is operating;
    • Management and communications scheme;
    • Waveguide.

    The microwave must also be equipped with a fan inside. Its purpose is very great, since without it the device itself will not work. This device ensures excellent operation of the magnetron and cools the electronic circuits.

    How a microwave oven works: its types

    The operation of a microwave oven is very simple, it is based on microwave radiation. The heart of every microwave oven is an element called a magnetron. It is the source of radiation. The frequency of microwaves is approximately 2450 MHz, and the power of modern microwave ovens can be 700 - 1000 W. This stove runs on electricity.

    The microwave heats the dish evenly on all sides

    To ensure that the magnetron works well and does not overheat, a fan is installed next to it. It also circulates air inside the oven itself and promotes uniform heating of food or products.

    Microwaves enter the oven through a waveguide, and then the walls, which are made of metal, reflect the magnetic radiation itself. Radiation, penetrating deep into products, causes their molecules to move very quickly. These actions promote friction, as a result of which heat is released (physics is present). This is warm and will warm up the food.

    Types of electrical appliances:

    • With grill;
    • Convection oven;
    • Inverter controlled device;
    • A device with microwaves that are distributed evenly;
    • Mini microwave.

    The main advantage of all microwave ovens is their design. The market provides a huge selection of devices; you can choose both a stylish and an ergonomic model. The description of these models will allow you to choose the model you like, which will become not just a decoration for the kitchen, but also its highlight. An example would be a Samsung microwave oven.

    Control unit: microwave operating principle

    Every microwave oven has such an important element as a control unit. It, in turn, performs two main functions: maintains the set power and turns off the device when the set time has expired. Today, technology has developed a new type of this element - electronic.

    Today, an electronic unit can support not only its basic functions, but also some additional ones. Some of them are necessary, while others are not needed at all. Many modern models have a grill, which is also controlled by a control unit.

    Among the advantages of a microwave oven, it is worth noting the low price and long service life

    Today, the command block is equipped with various microprocessors, which, in turn, support the functionality of other programs. Therefore, the power supply can be responsible for the operation of additional functions.

    Additional service functions:

    • Built-in clock;
    • Power indicator;
    • Automatic defrost;
    • An audible signal that indicates a completed operation.

    The electronic unit is closely connected with the indicator panel and keyboard. The most important part of such a block is the relay block. It is responsible for the operation of the fan, convector, built-in lamp and even magnetron.

    Microwave frequency: magnetron and its components

    The principle of operation of a microwave oven is that when the microwave oven is turned on, the magnetron begins to release energy, and then it is converted into heat. This heat is used to heat food. Magnetron is translated as an electric vacuum diode, which consists of a copper anode. This is the most expensive part of the stove.

    Heating of food that is inside the microwave occurs under the influence of electromagnetic radiation, that is, ultrahigh frequency radio waves. Due to the fact that radio waves penetrate deeply into the heated product, it is heated very quickly and efficiently.

    If the magnetron breaks down, it is quite difficult to repair it yourself without the appropriate experience.

    Magnetron is a device that produces a huge amount of heat due to the frequency of radiation. The radiation frequency is 2.4 GHz. The efficiency of the magnetron is 80%, and the power consumption of this type of furnace during radiation can be 1100 W.

    The magnetron device consists of the following parts:

    • The cylindrical anode is its base, consisting of 10 sectors, each of them made of copper;
    • In the center is a cathode with an incandescent filament;
    • The end parts are occupied by magnets, they create the magnetic field necessary for radiation;
    • A wire loop connected to the antenna, which emits energy.

    With the help of an emitter antenna, the energy first enters the waveguide and then into the furnace chamber. The voltage supplied to the anode is 4 thousand W, the filament is 3 thousand W. The magnetron housing is located in a plastic radiator, where a built-in fan blows air over it, and a special fuse is responsible for its overheating.

    Design and principle of operation of a microwave oven (video)

    In English, this statement Microwave oven can be deciphered as a microwave oven. This design is a household appliance that runs on electricity and is distinguished by the fact that it defrosts or heats food very quickly. This happens due to microwave radiation.

    The first to discover the possibility of microwave radiation to heat food was US engineer Percy Spencer. It was he who patented a microwave oven.

    Judging by eyewitness accounts, the idea of ​​its creation came to him when he I stood near the magnetron for several hours and found a piece of chocolate melted in my pocket.

    The device is capable of heating food without heat energy and is thus more like a radio transmitter than a familiar stove. The main active element is Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic energy, like light and radiomagnetic waves.

    At the speed of light they propagate towards the object in the form of ultra-high frequency waves, the length of which ranges from 0.01 to 1 m.

    REFERENCE! Microwave microwaves are also used in civil radar, radio navigation, satellite television, mobile communications, etc. Microwaves are naturally emitted by the sun and are measured by certain instruments.

    Microwave oven device

    How does a microwave oven work? An oven with a control panel, a waveguide, a rotating stand, a transformer, a capacitor and a magnetron are the main elements of building a microwave oven.

    The operating diagram of a microwave oven is as follows: from the control panel, electric current enters the transformer, then into the capacitor, where the power is increased and transferred to the magnetron.

    IMPORTANT! High voltage is applied to the filament(about 3-4 kW) so that its antenna can emit fairly strong microwave waves.

    Interacts with water molecules in food an electromagnetic field with a frequency of 2450 MHz is transformed by a waveguide contained in any microwave oven.

    Thermal fuses or thermal relays serve to ensure the safety of the device and prevent it from overheating.

    The principle of operation of the fuse is very simple. In the place where it is necessary to control the temperature, its aluminum body is attached using a special flange connection. This ensures maximum thermal contact. The metal plate located inside the thermostat is fundamentally set to a specific temperature.

    Microwave ovens also equipped with fans, which suck in air from the outside, and then distribute it inside the housing through a blower with a ventilation system. The fan motor is a conventional single-phase AC asynchronous motor.

    IMPORTANT! To avoid turning on an open microwave, a system of three microswitches is provided. One of them turns off the magnetron. The next one turns on the backlight. And the third is designed to notify the control unit about the door opening.

    To the main functions of the control unit can be attributed:

    • regulation of device power;
    • automatic shutdown after the programmed period.

    How does a microwave oven work?

    Since the microwaves produced by the oven act specifically on water molecules. In other words, all that is needed is a small amount of water in the food placed in the chamber.

    Increasing food temperature in the oven under the influence of microwaves, it resembles the process when our hands warm up if we rub them hard. The similarity is also that when one palm rubs against the surface of the other, heat seeps into the soft tissue. Microwaves work on the same principle, namely on a small surface (1–3 cm), without penetrating deep into the object.

    The emitted microwaves come into contact with water molecules, causing them to move faster and warm up the food. There are millions of molecules in a drop of water, and when a microbeam hits them, it penetrates the food to a depth of 2.5 cm, causing them to wobble under the influence of an electromagnetic field. During this friction, heat is released.

    Thus, Foods with a high liquid content heat up faster.

    IMPORTANT! Scientists are still arguing about how harmful a microwave is and how it affects the quality of food. However World Health Organization states that Microwave ovens do not harm anyone, nor on the food consumed.

    How additional microwave functions work

    Almost all modern ovens have grill mode. When not only the chamber is heated inside, but also heat is supplied using a special awning - a curved metal device located at the top of the chamber. They are called heating elements - from “thermal electric heater”.

    In modern ovens, in addition to the grill mode, there is convection mode. When the chamber is effectively blown from the grill heating element to the food. The system is a circulator. Convective heat transfer, as applied to a furnace, is the transfer of heat using air molecules. Using a fan is usually called convection mode.

    Modern models have a number of recipes and cooking methods built into the computer.

    12 636

    In order to understand whether a microwave oven is harmful, you need to have an idea of ​​what microwaves are. To do this, let us turn not to rumors, but to the scientific data of physics, which explains the nature and properties of all physical phenomena.

    What are microwaves and their place in the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.
    Microwave is a type of electromagnetic radiation. And, as you know, electromagnetic radiation from the Sun is the main source of energy for life on Earth. It consists of visible and invisible radiation.

    All the colors we see are the visible part of radiation. Invisible is radio waves, infrared (thermal), ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma radiation. All these waves are manifestations of the same phenomenon - electromagnetic radiation, but they differ in wavelength and oscillation frequency. The longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency of their oscillations. These parameters determine the properties of a particular type of radiation.

    The entire spectrum of electromagnetic waves can be sequentially arranged as the wavelength decreases (and, accordingly, the oscillation frequency increases) in the following order:

    1. Radio waves— electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of more than 1 mm. They include: a) Long waves - wavelength from 10 km to 1 km (frequency 30 kHz - 300 kHz);
      b) Medium waves - wavelength from 1 km to 100 m (frequency 300 kHz -3 MHz);
      c) Short waves - wavelength from 100 m to 10 m (frequency 3 - 30 MHz);
      d) Ultrashort waves with a wavelength less than 10 m (frequency 30 MHz - 300 GHz). Ultrashort waves, in turn, are divided into:
      meter, centimeter (including microwaves), millimeter waves.
      Microwave is a type of electromagnetic energy that falls on the frequency scale between radio waves and infrared radiation. Therefore, they share some of the properties of their neighbors. Microwave or ultra-high frequency waves (microwaves) are short electromagnetic radio waves with a wavelength of 1 mm - 1 m (frequency less than 300 MHz). It is called ultra-high frequency (microwave) radiation because it has the highest frequency in the radio range. The physical nature of microwave radiation is the same as that of radio waves. They are used for telephone communications, Internet operation, transmission of television programs, and in microwave ovens.
    2. Infrared radiation- electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 1 mm - 780 nm (frequency 300 GHz - 429 THz). It is also called “thermal” radiation, since it is perceived by human skin as a feeling of warmth.
    3. Visible radiation— electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 780-380 nm (frequency 429 THz - 750 THz).
    4. Ultraviolet radiation e - electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 380 - 10 nm (frequency 7.5 1014 Hz - 3 1016 Hz).
    5. X-ray radiation- electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 10 nm - 5 pm (frequency 3 1016 - 6 1019 Hz).
    6. Gamma rays— electromagnetic waves with a wavelength less than 5 pm (frequency more than 6 1019 Hz).

    The amount of energy it carries depends on the wavelength and frequency. Waves with long wavelengths and low frequencies carry little energy. There are many waves with short wavelength and high frequency. The more energy the radiation has, the more destructive effect it has on a person.

    Based on their ability to cause an effect such as ionization of a substance, all of the above types of electromagnetic radiation are divided into 2 categories: ionizing And non-ionizing.
    These 2 types of radiation differ in the amount of energy they carry.

    1. Ionizing radiation otherwise called radioactive. This includes x-rays, gamma radiation, and in some cases ultraviolet.
    Ionizing radiation It is characterized by high energy, capable of ionizing substances, and causes changes in cells that disrupt the course of biological reactions in the body and pose a health hazard.
    The maximum energy is inherent in gamma radiation. As a result of its exposure, food becomes radioactive, and a person develops radiation sickness. That is why exposure to all ionizing radiation is very dangerous for a living organism.

    2. Non-ionizing radiation - radio waves, infrared, visible radiation.
    These types of radiation do not have enough energy to ionize matter, so they cannot change the structure of atoms and molecules. The boundary between non-ionizing and ionizing radiation is usually considered to be a wavelength of approximately 100 nanometers.
    The energy of long radio waves is not even enough to heat anything - they will simply pass right through any food. The energy of infrared radiation (thermal) is absorbed by all objects, including food, therefore it is successfully used, for example, in toasters. Microwaves occupy a middle position and therefore also have low energy.

    Microwaves used in microwave ovens.
    Household microwave ovens use microwaves with a radiation frequency of 2450 MHz (2.45 GHz) and a wavelength of approximately 12 cm. These indicators are significantly lower than the frequencies of x-rays and gamma rays, which cause an ionizing effect and are dangerous to humans. Microwaves are located between radio and infrared waves, i.e. they have insufficient energy to ionize atoms and molecules.
    In working microwave ovens, microwaves do not directly affect humans. They are absorbed by food, causing a heat-generating effect.
    Microwave ovens do not create ionizing radiation and do not emit radioactive particles, therefore they do not have a radioactive effect on living organisms and food. They generate radio waves, which, according to all the laws of physics, cannot change the atomic-molecular structure of a substance; they can only heat it.
    So, microwaves are a type of radio waves. Being on the frequency scale between radio waves and infrared radiation, they share properties with them.
    However, neither heat nor the radio waves that surround us have any effect on food, and therefore there is little reason to expect microwaves to do the same.

    On the same topic:


    A microwave oven, or microwave, is an almost indispensable attribute of any Russian kitchen. Why is this household appliance so common? The point is its speed - heating time in a microwave oven is measured in seconds, whereas on the stove it will take much longer. Convenience also plays an important role - the microwave is small in size and will fit even in the smallest Khrushchev apartment. What if there is no stove and there is no way to install it? A microwave can replace it in many ways!

    How the microwave came into being

    The American physicist Percy Spencer is rightfully considered the “father” of the microwave oven. He developed ultrahigh frequency emitters, and during his experiments he noticed that organic matter heats up under the influence of microwaves. How exactly this happened, history is silent, but there are two most common versions: according to one of them, he absent-mindedly forgot a sandwich on the device that was turned on, and when he remembered it, it was already very hot. The second version claims that Spencer carried a chocolate bar in his pocket, which naturally melted under the influence of ultrahigh frequencies.

    Household use

    One way or another, having discovered the “food” properties of microwave radiation in 1942, already at 45 the physicist received a patent for his invention. And just two years later, in 1947, the American military warmed up their breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the microwave. Whatever the microwave did, the military did not care about the operating principle of its mechanism - the main thing was that it gave quick results. True, the microwave oven in the 40s was still “not the same” - the weight of the device exceeded 300 kilograms!

    Then the Sharp company got down to business - already in 1962 it released the first model of a consumer microwave oven to the people. It did not cause a particular surge of interest, because buyers were scared off by the use of microwave radiation. Later, the same company invented the “rotating plate”, and in 1979, an electronic control system.

    What does a microwave oven consist of?

    A microwave oven consists of several required parts:

    1. Transformer.
    2. The magnetron in the microwave is actually an emitter
    3. A waveguide through which radiation is transmitted to an isolated chamber.
    4. The metallized chamber is the place where the food is heated.

    Additional elements of the microwave are: for more uniform heating of food, electronics for controlling various modes, a timer, and a fan.

    How does a microwave heat food?

    Despite the apparent “magic” that a microwave oven has, the principle of operation is absolutely scientific and logical. Almost any food contains molecules of water and other elements that have both positive and negative charges. In the absence of a magnetic field, the charges in the molecules are arranged arbitrarily, chaotically. A strong magnetic field instantly organizes electric charges - they become directed strictly in accordance with the course of the magnetic field lines.

    The peculiarity of microwave radiation is that it “turns over” dipole molecules not just quickly, but unimaginably - almost 5 billion times per second! The molecules move in accordance with the changing magnetic field, and the high speed of “switching” literally creates a friction effect. This is why food is heated in a microwave oven in a few seconds.

    Types of Microwave Ovens

    What types of microwave ovens are there and how they differ from each other:

    1. Solo oven, or ordinary microwave. It is one of the most budget models and is intended only for defrosting and heating food. As a rule, such microwave ovens are mechanically controlled and are quite reliable, since there is nothing special to break.
    2. Microwave with grill and convection. These microwave functions can be used both together and separately. The grill consists of an additional heating element, which is most often located under the ceiling of the chamber, and a rotating spit. Convection is the circulation of hot air inside the chamber, which provides additional and more uniform heating of food. Such microwaves, as a rule, belong to the middle price category and operate with both mechanical and electronic controls.
    3. Multifunctional microwave ovens. Many modes, of course, convection and grill, a double boiler function, as well as a whole range of culinary solutions for your kitchen. Of course, such serious household appliances are classified as expensive and controlled using sophisticated electronics.

    Despite the differences in details, a microwave oven for 20 dollars and one for 200 are still the same microwave. The operating principle is the same.

    How else do microwave ovens differ from each other?

    1. Volume. Household microwave ovens differ from each other, but not too much. But industrial microwaves are completely different - they can heat several dozen portions at once.
    2. Grill type. It can be ceramic, quartz or PETN. With the same semantic load, they differ in details: for example, a quartz grill heats up more evenly and spends less electricity, but a heating element can work more intensely and is also easier to clean.
    3. Method of covering internal walls. There are also several of them - enamel paint, durable enamel and special coatings (bioceramics and antibacterial). Painting is the cheapest and short-lived; enamel is already better, although prolonged and intensive use also renders it unusable. Special coatings can be called eternal. Disadvantages include high price and fragility in relation to shock loads. And yes, there is also stainless steel - a great option for those who are not ready to fork out too much for a microwave. Durable, reliable, great-looking coating can easily withstand prolonged and intense heat. The disadvantages of stainless steel include difficulty in washing - several cleanings with abrasive agents create a network of micro-scratches on its surface, into which burnt fat “clings” with all its molecules.
    4. Types of management. There are only three of them - mechanics, buttons. The mechanics are cheap, easy to use, reliable, the disadvantage is the accuracy of timing. The buttons break a little more often, but the time can be set second per second. Disadvantages include dirt accumulating on the controls, which requires additional time for wiping. The sensor is beautiful, stylish, dirt does not accumulate, you can program the cooking process. Disadvantages - it breaks more often than others, it costs significantly more. Repairing microwave ovens, especially expensive ones, is not a cheap service, so it’s worth thinking about: is it worth getting one with a sensor?
    5. Microwave oven operating modes. There can be from 3-4 of them in cheap models, to 10-12 in the most expensive ones. The main modes include the following: full mode - frying meat, baking vegetables. Medium-high, 3/4 power - quickly heats undemanding foods. Medium - cooking soups, cooking fish. Medium-low, 1/4 power - defrosting food, “soft” heating of food. The smallest, about 10% power, is intended for defrosting “capricious” foods like tomatoes, and keeping already hot foods warm.

    Additional functions of microwave ovens

    One of the most interesting additional features for a microwave oven is the supply of hot steam. This addition prevents the food from drying out, and it also cooks much faster. Here you can also add ventilation of the chamber - despite its apparent insignificance, for many housewives this function has become a life-saver - now their vegetables do not smell like fish, and fish do not smell like apples.

    Chamber dividers. Different grates allow you to cook several portions at the same time. The disadvantages of this function include the lack of rotation, which makes heating of food less uniform.

    “Crisp” is a special plate for the microwave that allows you to cook in it the same way as in a frying pan. Made from it “holds” temperatures up to 200 degrees.

    Mica. Why is mica in the microwave? It protects the waveguide from various contaminants and increases the service life of the device.

    Dual emission function. How does this microwave work? The design and operating principle of such a microwave oven differ only in the presence of two sources of high-frequency radiation. This allows for better and more uniform heating of food.

    Built-in cookbook. It’s not a cheap feature, but for those who like to eat delicious food without spending a lot of time and money on it, this is it.

    Necessary safety rules when using a microwave oven

    Quite often, ordinary people are concerned about the question of whether a microwave oven is hazardous to health. Its operating principle, of course, is based on microwave radiation. But there is no need to be afraid of this.

    A fully functional microwave oven poses no more danger to the consumer than a computer or TV. Contrary to persistent myths, radiation from a microwave oven is not radioactive or carcinogenic, and a microwave oven does not begin to “fog” after a couple of months of operation.

    Microwave radiation can indeed cause serious burns, but to achieve this from your home microwave, you will have to work hard - even the cheapest models are equipped with multi-level protection. And, for example, you won’t be able to put your hand into a switched-on device - the automation will immediately turn off the power.

    What dishes should you use in your microwave oven?

    It is best if the microwave plate that you are going to use in the microwave oven is specialized, with appropriate markings. This includes, for example, sets of cookware made of heat-resistant glass. If you don’t have one at hand, then pay attention to the following recommendations:

    1. Glass. Excellent material for the microwave, as long as it is not too thin and there are no cracks or chips.
    2. Porcelain and faience. Suitable materials are provided that they are completely glazed and not painted with metallic paint. Again, porcelain or should not have mechanical damage.
    3. Paper. Suitable material, but with assumptions - the paper must be thick, not colored, and it is better not to use it for a long time.
    4. Plastic. Yes, but only specialized ones. Today, many companies produce entire lines of plastic containers for heating in microwave ovens. An ideal option for an office worker who does not want to splurge on business lunches and trips to cafes.

    The most unsuitable plate for the microwave is a metal one. High-frequency radiation causes it to spark, which will soon send you looking for a place where microwave ovens are repaired.

    How to care?

    The microwave instructions will help you with this. It indicates which special detergents should be used to clean it. There is no shortage of them, and it’s worth buying them right away, with a microwave. Do not delay cleaning - you will have to scrub off the repeatedly heated and compressed fat on the walls of the chamber for a painfully long time, cursing everything in the world, and daily cleaning will come down to a few light movements with a rag. If you still achieve the formation of “ancient deposits,” then before washing, put a glass of water in the oven for a minute and turn on the maximum mode. Grease and dirt will accumulate and wash off much easier.

    A little humor...

    One lady in the US won a lawsuit after she “dried” her cat in the microwave. In the statement of claim, she indicated that she did not know that “you cannot dry cats in the microwave.”

    Despite the well-known fact that raw chicken eggs explode in the microwave, enthusiasts around the world are trying to come up with a way to get around this problem - pierce a hole in the shell and wrap it in a special film. But despite all their efforts, the eggs still explode.

    Recently, the Internet exploded with a fake message that the new iPhone model can be recharged from a microwave. It is unknown how many smartphone owners fell for this prank, but dozens of photos with damaged iPhones speak for themselves.