Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with a frequency between radio waves and infrared radiation. They are used in a variety of applications, including wireless transmissions, radar signals and phones. They are also a great cooking tool, as they cook food faster than traditional ovens and can preserve nutrients found in veggies and fruits.
When microwaves reach your dish, they bounce around until they hit something that absorbs them, such as a water molecule in your food. This creates peaks (with lots of microwaves) and troughs (with few microwaves), which scientists call a standing wave. The peaks and troughs are what make your microwave heat up.
The waves are also reflected by metal and non-metal objects, including glass and plastics. They can, however, penetrate the ozone layer and cause ozone depletion and other environmental problems. The first microwave generator was invented in 1940, and called a magnetron. It was actually used for radar research during World War II. An engineer named Percy Spencer noticed that the microwave radiation melted his candy bar and cooked an egg. The first microwave oven was built in 1945 by Spencer’s employer, Raytheon.
While microwaves are extremely useful in the kitchen, it is important to keep in mind that microwaves aren’t perfect. They can leave cold or hot spots in your food, and they also cause certain foods to lose some of their nutrients. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these issues. For example, by ensuring that your dish is evenly chopped, you can help ensure that the whole meal receives an equal amount of heating. You can also try using different types of containers or changing the type of cooking oil used.
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.)
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.)
Chefman Countertop Microwave Oven 1.1 Cu. Ft. Digital Stainless Steel Microwave 1000 Watts with 6 Auto Menus, 10 Power Levels, Eco Mode, Memory, Mute Function, Child Safety Lock, Easy Clean
$119.99 (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.)
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.)
COMMERCIAL CHEF 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave with 10 Power Levels, Small Microwave with Push Button, 700W Countertop up to 99 Minute Timer and Digital Display, Stainless Steel
$70.76 (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 EM131A5C-BS Countertop Microwave Ovens 1.2 Cu Ft, 12.4" Removable Turntable Smart Humidity Sensor 12 Auto Menus Mute Function ECO Mode Easy Clean Interior Black Color 1000W
$133.98 (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.)
Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven, LED Lighting, Pull Handle Design, Child Lock, Bebop Blue, 0.7 cu ft
$85.00 (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.)