Microwave Ovens: Their Operation and Cooking Limitations

The effect of variations in the input voltage and in the temperature of electrical components of a domestic microwave oven are discussed. The methods used to achieve uniform heating in a microwave oven are described. This is followed by a discussion on the dielectric and microwave heating properties of a special category of high loss materials which are either being used or considered for use food packages for microwave heating. The paper concludes with a discussion of safety and the regulations governing maximum allowed leakage from a microwave oven.