The History of the Microwave Oven / microwave oven‧LS18

A microwave oven, or a microwave, is a kitchen appliance that cooks or heats food by dielectric heating. This is accomplished by using microwave radiation to heat water and other polarized molecules within the food. This excitation is fairly uniform, leading to food being more evenly heated throughout (except in thick objects) than generally occurs in other cooking techniques.

Basic microwave ovens heat food quickly and efficiently, but do not brown or bake food in the way conventional ovens do. This makes them unsuitable for cooking certain foods, or to achieve certain culinary effects. Additional kinds of heat sources can be added to microwave packaging, or into combination microwave ovens, to add these additional effects

Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from as long as one meter down to as short as one millimeter, or equivalently, with frequencies between 300MHz (0.3 GHz) and 300 GHz. This is an extremely broad definition including both UHF and EHF (millimeter waves).

Microwaves are great machines, and it can be daunting if you’re new to them. Here's a guide on telling you how to work them.

1. Do some research. You buy a microwave oven about as often as you buy other major appliance - which isn’t very often! Before you go to the store, there are some things to consider. It's a good idea to think about these topics, make a list, and take it with you to the store so you easily compare features and make an informed decision.

• If you are a light user, your microwave is used primarily for melting and reheating, or perhaps making popcorn. If you don't think you need advanced features, don't get them!
• If you enjoy experimenting with products and use your microwave to prepare entire meals, look for the latest innovations and more variable features.
• If your children use the microwave, ease of use and safety features become more important.

2. Consider wattage. A higher wattage will cook foods faster. Most microwaves have power that falls between 600 to 1200 watts. Recipes written for the microwave usually specify power of at least 800 watts so the foods cook evenly.

3. Think about how big you need it. The size ranges for microwaves include compact (0.5-0.8 cubic feet), mid size (0.9-1.3 cubic feet), family (1.4-1.6 cubic feet), and full size (1.8-2.0 cubic feet). The larger your family, the larger your microwave should be. Also consider reliability ratings. If you have children, a safety lock should be included. What you cook also has a bearing on the size you choose. If you cook casseroles, for instance, make sure that the dishes you use will fit inside the appliance with room to spare.

4. Compare prices. If you want fancy features, then your microwave will cost more. Ditto with high wattage. Think carefully about your price range. How much are you prepared to spend on a microwave? Do you have enough money to buy that 100$ microwave you so desperately long for?

Using Your Microwave

1. Read the instructions. There's a lot of stuff you need to know in that little booklet. Remember to read it thoroughly. Make sure to read the safety issues as well.
2. Plug your microwave in. Don't plug too many appliances in!

Test it. If it's a dial, twist it round clockwise to the number needed. If it is an electronic timer, press quick defrost and type in the numbers required. If you’re re-heating, make sure it is ok for you to re-heat it. If it's food, read the instructions for the microwave. Follow the instructions and set the timer for required time.