In a microwave oven, electric current runs through a coil that creates electromagnetic waves. When the waves hit a food item, they cause water molecules in it to vibrate and heat up. This process is similar to the one that happens in a radio antenna when it receives signals from a transmitter. The radiation that heats your food in the microwave has a wavelength of about 1-10 cm, which is much shorter than the wavelengths of visible light, infrared, and X-rays. This means that the energy from microwaves can’t directly damage your cells or DNA (unless you get blasted with massive amounts, which would cause you to boil).
Microwave radiation is reflected by metal and passes through glass, plastic, paper, and other nonmetallic materials. It’s also absorbed by water and other foods, which makes it ideal for cooking. Microwave radiation doesn’t travel far from its source because the atmosphere absorbs it at a certain frequency (called the “rain fade” frequency). Also, water and other moisture in the air block its transmission. The atmospheric absorption peaks at about 100 GHz, so the Earth’s surface is opaque in the microwave range, although it is transparent in the visible and infrared frequencies.
Microwaves can cause protein denaturation and aggregation, which changes the properties of food. This can affect the taste and appearance of food. For example, as the temperature, power, and duration of microwave heating increase, the hydrophobicity of proteins increases, which enables them to interact more with low polar solvents such as oils and fats. This can help reduce foaming, gelation, and expansion in food products.
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.)
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.)
Breville BMO850BSS Smooth Wave Countertop Microwave Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel
$399.95 (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.)
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 900 Watt with 6 Presets, Eco Mode, Mute Option, Memory Function, Child Safety Lock, Kitchen, Home, Dorm Essentials
$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.)
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 0.7 Cu. Ft., 700 Watts with 10 Power Levels, 6 Cooking Presets with One-Touch Express Cook, Eco Mode, Child Safety Lock, & Mute Button - Black
$68.96 (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 ML-EM45PIT(SS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Inverter Technology, Kitchen Essentials, Smart Sensor, Auto Defrost, 1.6 Cu.ft, 13.6" Removable Turntable, 33lb.&1250W, Stainless Steel
$179.91 (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.)
Farberware 0.7 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 700 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Black
$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 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.)