The microwave is one of the most widely used appliances in our kitchens. It saves time, money and energy compared to the oven. This is because it is fast and efficient, and has the ability to keep food hot at the same time. However, what are the secrets of its superpowers? How does it work exactly, and what are the risks involved?
Microwaves are electromagnetic waves that can be reflected or transmitted through materials such as metal and glass. They are also absorbed by foods and other substances such as water, sugar and fat. This absorption causes the molecules to vibrate, which creates heat that cooks food.
The prefix “microwave” refers to the wavelength or frequency of the waves, which is very short compared to the long wavelengths of radio waves used in older radio technology. At higher frequencies, such as those used by satellites, the atmosphere of Earth absorbs microwaves and limits their transmission range to a few kilometers at most.
The electromagnetic field from the magnetron in your microwave changes the polarity of the water molecules in your food every millionth of a second. This creates friction between the molecules and generates heat, making your food cook quickly and evenly from the inside out. This is how microwaves cook food faster than ovens. However, the heat generated by microwaves can also cause problems if the microwave is not used correctly. In addition to the common problem of cold and hot spots, microwaves can cause sparks that could result in fire and smoke.
BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven with Turntable Push-Button Door, Child Safety Lock, Stainless Steel, 0.9 Cu Ft
$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.)
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 BMO650SIL Compact Wave Soft Close Countertop Microwave Oven, Silver
$249.95 (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.)
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.)
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.)
TOSHIBA ML-EM45P(BS) Countertop Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor and 13.6" Removable Position Memory Turntable, Sound On/Off Function, 1200W, 1.6 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel
$172.99 (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.)
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.)
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.)