Guide To Microwave Ovens

Microwave Ovens are a staple in the kitchens of most American homes today and you probably even have one yourself. These appliances heat water as well as cook entrees in a fraction of the time it takes to do them with other conventional means.

Microwave ovens consist of several different parts; among these parts include a cooking chamber, wave guide, cavity magnetron, a high voltage transformer, which passes energy to the magnetron and a magnetron control circuit. These ovens use certain radio waves, called microwaves to heat food. The frequency of the waves that is used for microwave ovens is usually around 2.5 gigahertz (or 2,500 megahertz). Fats, sugars and water absorb the waves at this frequency range, causing the molecules to vibrate, and thus producing heat. However these waves are not absorbed by ceramics, glass or most plastics. Metal pans do not work in microwave ovens because metals often reflect microwaves.

The first microwave oven was built in 1947 by a company called Raytheon, a company specializing in defense, homeland security, and other government markets throughout the world. This oven, known as the Radarange, stood almost 6 feet tall, weighed 750 pounds, consumed 3000 watts and required plumbing installation because the appliance was water cooled. This early microwave also came with a heavy price tag of around $5000 each. In 1954 a commercial model of the invention that consumed 1600 watts with a price tag of $2,000 to $3,000 was introduced. By the mid 1950s, the home microwave made its first attempt to market to the public. It was a 200 volt wall unit that sold for $1,295. Unfortunately this appliance did not sell well. In 1965, a corporation by the name of Amana was acquired by Raytheon. Amana introduced a countertop version of the Radarange in 1967 which became the first popular home model at the more affordable price of $495.

Since it's early invention, microwave ovens underwent several changes and today consist of various styles and sizes. Consumers now have a choice of two different types of microwave ovens. These types consist of the wall mount (which are built into the cabinetry) and the table top version (which are designed to sit on a table or countertop). Microwave ovens also come in several size options to suit many needs of individuals. These sizes include:

  • The small, portable or compact microwave that typically measures no more than 18 inches wide, 12 inches (or less) tall and 14 inches or less deep. The compact microwave oven measures less than one cubic foot in capacity with a power the measures between 500 and 1000 watts. Used mostly for making popcorn, heating microwave meals and reheating food, these ovens have become very popular with the public and can be placed ,anywhere from a kitchen to a break room and even a college dorm room. Larger compact models are also capable of light cooking and holding 2 quart round casserole dish. A compact microwave also carries a very affordable price tag of under $100.
  • Larger than compact microwave ovens, medium capacity microwaves are 20 inches wide or more and have interior capacaties of 1.0 and 1.5 cubic feet with a power of 1000-1500 watts. These ovens also have a few more "auto-cook" features built in to them. Known as the standard family sized microwave, the medium capacity microwave cooks slightly faster and can accommodate large bowls, large round casseroles and small square casseroles. They are also suitable for cooking frozen entrees, vegetables and small pieces of meat.
  • Equipped with a large number of "auto-cook" and precise temperature control measures, the large capacity microwave is designed to cook entire meals. With a width of over 20 inches, a depth as much as 20 inches and a height of 12 inches or more, these large ovens have a capacity of over 2 cubic feet and use over 2000 watts of power. Large capacity microwave ovens are suitable for items such as roasts, turkey breasts and large casserole dishes.

Additional features that you can find on microwave ovens, include heating elements that will brown food as well as rotisseries and even convection cooking.

The microwave oven has gone though many changes since it's first construction in 1947. With it's wide variety of styles, sizes and even colors, they have become a very affordable asset to many people.


© 2007 Tim Sousa - All rights reserved