Microwave (also called radio frequency) is a type of electromagnetic radiation, which has magnetic and electric energy. It is a form of non-ionizing radiation (it moves atoms in molecules but doesn’t remove electrons), and is the main part of what makes a microwave oven work. It is also used in motion detectors and telecommunications devices.
The word’microwave’ refers to the relatively small wavelength of these electromagnetic waves, which are only a few inches long or less. The microwaves are emitted by the magnetron inside a microwave oven, where they interact with water molecules in foods to generate heat.
These microwaves are absorbed by matter, including human tissues, and can heat them up or disrupt their molecular structure. Microwaves are also used in cancer treatments, to hyperthermia tumor masses that do not have a good blood supply and cannot be reached with traditional surgery or cytotoxic drugs.
Microwaves can cause eye damage if they come into direct contact with the eyes. This is usually caused by dielectric heating induced in the outer layers of the eye, especially the lens and cornea. This can lead to cataracts and other vision problems. People can prevent this by not allowing microwaves to reach the eyes, and using glass instead of plastic containers when cooking in a microwave. The Health Physics Society has a webpage with information about electromagnetic radiation and microwave exposure. They provide a variety of standards for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and offer fact sheets and reports to educate the public.
BLACK+DECKER EM720CB7 Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, 700W, Stainless Steel, 0.7 Cu.ft
$79.99 (as of January 14, 2026 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
GE Countertop Microwave Oven,1, 200-watt Capacity, 2.0 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
$259.99 (as of January 14, 2026 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Nostalgia Retro Microwave Oven - 0.7 Cu Ft, 700-Watt Countertop Size with Glass Turntable, Child Safety Lock, 8 Auto-Cook Programs, Digital Clock - Pink
$89.99 (as of January 14, 2026 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6" Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Black, ML-EC42P(BS)
$229.99 (as of January 14, 2026 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PM Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7 Cu Ft/700W, Pearl White
$69.99 (as of January 14, 2026 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven, 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watts with LED Digital Display, Child Lock, Easy Clean Interior, Black
$89.99 (as of January 14, 2026 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Emerson MW7302B Compact Countertop Microwave Oven with Touch Control, LED Display, 700W, 10 Power Levels, 6 Auto Menus, Glass Turntable and Child Safe Lock, 0.7 Cu., Ft. Black
$69.49 (as of January 14, 2026 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
FRIGIDAIRE EMW788RETRO 0.7 cu. ft. Retro Microwave, Black-Gold
$74.98 (as of January 14, 2026 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven, 1050W Countertop Air Fry Microwave with Broil & Crisper Pan, Compact Stainless Steel Design
$199.99 (as of January 14, 2026 19:13 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)