Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation. They are not visible to the human eye, but can be detected with a microwave detector. They have a higher frequency than radio waves and lower energy density than infrared radiation. They travel through the air in a straight line of sight, unlike radio waves which can bounce off layers of the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface. This allows microwaves to be transmitted long distances, for example by communications satellites.
They have a very high information-carrying capacity and can be focused into narrow beams, making them ideal for point-to-point telecommunications, such as between mobile phones and landlines or between two satellites. They also have a lower noise floor than radio frequencies, so they are less affected by interference.
Other uses of microwaves include radar technology, such as the police’s radar guns which measure the speed of oncoming vehicles by sending a burst of microwaves that reflect off the vehicle and back at the receiver in the gun. The velocity of the vehicle is then computed from the time it takes for the reflection to return to the gun.
A common household use of microwaves is cooking, and it is certainly one of the most convenient and time-saving techniques available. Microwave heating is very intense, so food cooks very quickly; a pizza can be cooked in under two minutes, and a cup of milk can boil in about sixty seconds. It is important not to over-cook food, however, and to avoid re-heating foods which have already been heated, as this can make them dry. It is also important to use only ceramic or glass dishes in the microwave, as metal plates and aluminum foil reflect microwaves and can cause damage to the oven and anyone using it.
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.)
SHARP Countertop Microwave Oven with Removable 12.4" Carousel Turntable, 1000 Watt, 1.1 Cubic Feet, Stainless Steel
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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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Galanz GLCMKA07BER-07 Retro Microwave Oven, LED Lighting, Pull Handle Design, Child Lock, Bebop Blue, 0.7 cu ft
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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
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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 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.)
COMFEE' EM720CPL-PMB Countertop Microwave Oven with Sound On/Off, ECO Mode and Easy One-Touch Buttons, 0.7cu.ft, 700W, Black
$68.99 (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
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