Microwaves cook food quickly and are safer to use than traditional ovens. They also can save money by reducing energy consumption. However, microwaves are not always as effective as other cooking methods for killing bacteria that can cause food poisoning. In addition, microwaves may sometimes heat food unevenly, leading to cold or wet spots in the finished meal.
Microwave radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that can be transmitted through air and other materials, such as glass. It has a wavelength between 100 and 1,000 meters (328 and 4,060 feet). Its frequency ranges from 0.1 to 100 gigahertz. Natural sources of microwaves include cosmic radiation from the Big Bang and stars. Man-made sources include microwave ovens, radar equipment and masers.
The polarization of water molecules makes them absorb microwaves, which create friction and warmth in food. Microwaves are also used for communications. They travel solely by line-of-sight paths, unlike lower-frequency radio waves that can bounce off the ionosphere. At around 40 GHz, atmospheric gases begin to absorb microwaves, limiting transmission ranges.
Microwave heating causes some proteins to become thermally unstable, resulting in protein denaturation and aggregation. This changes the proteins’ hydrophobic properties, which can affect foaming, gelling and oil absorption capabilities in foods. It can also prevent enzyme-protease interactions, which reduces peptide release. In addition, microwave heating increases the formation of malondialdehyde, a secondary product of lipid oxidation. The amount of malondialdehyde varies according to the temperature, power and duration of microwave treatment.
Farberware 1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave Oven – 1000 Watts Power, Auto Cook Settings, Defrost, Easy Clean and Child Safety Lock - Stainless
$129.99 (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
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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
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FRIGIDAIRE EMW733BLACKAMZ 0.7 Cu. Ft. Microwave, Black
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GE Countertop Microwave Oven, 1,150-watt Capacity, 1.6 Cubic Ft., 8 Auto Setting Cooking Settings, Child-Lock Technology, Kitchen Essentials for the Countertop, Dorm Room or Apartment, Stainless Steel
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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.)
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
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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
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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)
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