Microwaves will pass through certain materials, such
as glass and plastic, to heat the food. (See 'Suitable
Cookware' on page ID-19).
Water, sugar and fat in food absorb microwaves which
cause them to vibrate. This creates heat by friction,
in the same way your hands get warm when you rub
them together.
The outer areas of the food are heated by the micro-
wave energy, then the heat moves to the centre by
conduction, as it does in conventional cooking. It is
important to turn, rearrange or stir food to ensure
even heating.
Once cooking is complete, the oven automatically
stops producing microwaves.
Standing time is necessary after cooking, as it enables
the heat to disperse equally throughout the food.
Microwaves are energy waves, similar to those used
for TV and radio signals.
Electrical energy is converted into microwave energy,
which is directed into the oven cavity via a waveguide.
To prevent food and grease entering the wave guide it
is protected by the waveguide cover.
Microwaves cannot pass through metal, because of
this the oven cavity is made of metal and there is a
fine metal mesh on the door. During cooking the
microwaves bounce o
ff
the sides of the oven cavity at
random.
HOW YOUR OVEN WORKS
GB-3
