Microwaves have become a staple in the modern kitchen and are used by almost everyone. They are quick, easy to use and don’t waste energy on heating up the air in your house like a conventional oven or stove does. Microwaves also help preserve the nutrients in food since they don’t heat it for long periods of time like boiling or frying. But they aren’t without their problems. They can be prone to uneven heating, cause burns and even lead to food poisoning.
This article will look at the pros and cons of microwaves, so you can decide if they are right for your household. We will also take a closer look at how microwaves work so you can understand better why they sometimes produce different results than older methods of cooking and what to do about them.
Microwaves are a form of electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than radio waves and infrared radiation, which is why they can pass through glass and plastic. They are absorbed by water and fat molecules in food, so they reduce cooking times significantly. They can also be reflected off metal surfaces, so microwave ovens have a shiny reflective interior that is easy to clean. Microwaves can also be transmitted through the atmosphere, and this is how they are used for satellite communications. Various types of microwave generators have been developed, including vacuum-tube devices such as the klystron and magnetron, as well as solid-state technology such as the Gunn diode and tunnel diode.
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.)
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.)
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 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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
BLACK+DECKER Countertop Microwave Oven 0.9 Cu Ft, 6 Auto Menus, Child Lock, Memory Function, 10 Power Levels, Easy One-Touch Start, Digital Panel, 900W
$199.00 (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.)