Safety tips for operation of microwave ovens

Microwave ovens are comparatively safe.

Microwave oven is a kitchen appliance that uses microwaves to rapidly cook food or heat food. A special electron tube in it called a magnetron produces the microwaves usually at a frequency of 2.45 GHz and a wavelength of 12.24 cm. The microwaves cause water molecules in the food to vibrate, producing heat. Typically, microwaves penetrate at most only about 2.5 to 5 cms into food. But this creates enough heat for the rest of the food to be cooked by conduction, as in a conventional oven. But once the water has vaporized, fats and proteins absorb the energy and heat beyond water’s boiling point.

Microwave cooking can be more energy efficient than conventional cooking because foods cook faster and the energy heats only the food, not the oven compartment. Microwave cooking does not reduce the nutritional value of foods any more than conventional cooking. In fact, foods cooked in a microwave oven may keep more of their vitamins and minerals, because microwave ovens can cook more quickly and without adding water.Glass, paper, ceramic, or plastic containers are used in microwave cooking because the microwaves pass through them. Although such containers cannot be heated by microwaves, they can become hot from the heat of the food cooking inside.

Typical output power for consumer devices ranges from 650 to 1200 watts.

Look for products that have a strong after-sales support system. This guarantees that you will not be left in lurch if the appliance stops working.

Safety tips for operation of microwave ovens:

1. Do not operate oven when empty.
2. Be cautious when removing food covers to avoid scalds from escaping steam. After the oven is switched off, food will begin to cool immediately. Let it stand for few minutes so the outer and inner temperatures even up and food may continue cooking as this happens.
3. Check to see that door seal and inside surfaces of door and oven cavity are clean after each use.
4. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not permit young children to operate the oven.
5. Do not put face close to door window when oven is operating.
6. Plastic containers should not be used in a microwave oven, as they can be melted by the heat of the food inside.
7. If your oven is very old, get the seals checked by a qualified microwave engineer.
8. Radiation from a microwave oven directly on a human is not carcinogenic. However, with the oven door open, the radiation may cause damage by heating.
9. Exercise extreme caution if you have a pacemaker implant.