How do microwaves cook food?

From making a bucket of popcorn to reheating leftovers for a quick dinner, microwaves are an essential kitchen appliance that helps you stay on top of your day and get meals to the table. 

This article will help you understand how microwaves use electromagnetic waves to heat food and various methods to prepare food in a microwave. It will also introduce you to some important information about microwave safety.

How do microwaves work?

Microwaves vibrate the molecules in food to generate heat. Each part of a microwave serves a purpose and combines its functions and abilities to cook food properly. 

There are 3 factors to the microwave cooking process:

1. The main component is a magnetron, which produces electromagnetic waves inside the microwave.

2. The waves pulse throughout the microwave’s interior.

3. The waves bounce off the interior's metal walls to penetrate food and eventually heat it.

How do microwaves cook food vs. traditional ovens?

Microwaves cook food via electromagnetic waves. These waves are absorbed into the molecules of water, fat and sugar in food. This causes the molecules to vibrate, producing the heat needed to cook food, from the inside out. 

Convection microwaves work the same way but with an additional function that lets you similarly use your microwave to a small oven. With a microwave convection oven combo, a fan and an additional heating element combine to circulate hot air around the microwave’s interior, allowing you to bake casseroles or roast a whole chicken. 

Read this guide to learn the basics of convection microwave cooking.

Conventional ovens, on the other hand, use hot, dry air to cook food through conduction. Heat travels from the outside of food to the centre, helping create a crispy exterior while maintaining food’s internal moisture.  

How to clean and safely cook with a microwave

Every Whirlpool brand microwave is certified and meets safety performance standards. You should use your model according to its owner's manual. Your owner’s manual has important information about your model’s safety, operating, care and cleaning instructions. While Whirlpool brand microwaves are safe, following the specific instructions in their owner’s manual is always recommended.

When microwave cooking, you should use microwave-safe containers exclusively as certain materials present safety issues when microwaved. 

Familiarize yourself with the materials that can be microwaved safely and those that can't be. 

Cleaning up messes like splatters and grease smudges on your microwave doesn’t have to be a challenging process and can help keep your microwave and kitchen looking their best. Use this step-by-step guide to clean a microwave filter.

Shop for the Right Microwave for Your Kitchen

There are various microwave types, so you’re sure to find the right one for your kitchen and cooking needs. Opt for flexibility with countertop models that sit on the counter or can be installed into a cabinet with a trim kit. Over-the-range microwaves offer two distinct benefits: they free up valuable counter space and also provide venting and lighting for your cooktop surface. Low Profile Microwave Hood Combinations are a two-in-one solution that fits and vents like a hood1 while freeing up counter space. Learn more about buying the ideal microwave for your household.

Find the right fit for your kitchen