The Inside of a Microwave

Microwaves use electromagnetic radiation (or waves) to cook, reheat and defrost food. They’re a staple kitchen appliance in homes all over the world. But many of us don’t know exactly how a microwave works, or even what it looks like inside. In this article, we’ll take a look at the inside of a microwave to get a better understanding of how it works and what to consider when shopping for one.

The inside of a microwave contains a magnetron, a device that generates the microwaves we cook with. Electrons in a magnetron are pulled by two ring-shaped magnets, and their motion creates waves of microwaves that radiate from the metal plates around it. These microwaves then get directed towards the food we place in the oven.

When we turn on our microwave, the magnetron rotates and the glass cooking platform moves. It’s usually perforated with a metal mesh that lets visible light through, but it blocks the microwaves. These microwaves travel through the food we cook and heat it from all sides.

Microwaves have a range of preset functions that let you choose how long to cook something, like pizza, potatoes, or popcorn, by the press of a button. They’re also available with a “keep warm” setting that uses the magnetron to keep your meal hot and ready to eat without overcooking it. These features can be helpful, but remember that the most important thing is to find a microwave that fits your needs. Size matters; we’ve tested microwaves ranging from about 0.5 to 2 cubic feet. Smaller models can suit a smaller kitchen, dorm room, or any place you want to save counter space. But they may not be big enough for all your meals, and they tend to have slower heating than bigger ones.