Beyond Microwace Oven - Manual (Page 10)

Microwave Oven Owner’s Manual
8
TABLE 2. Materials to Avoid in a Microwave Oven
How Your Microwave Oven Works
The microwave oven has an electronic tube called a magne-
tron that produces microwaves, very short radio waves. The
microwaves then pass through a wave-guide and into the oven
cavity. The microwaves penetrate the food and cause water
molecules within the food to vibrate extremely rapidly. This
vibration causes considerable friction or heat between the
water molecules resulting in a rapid rise in temperature. This
type of heating is very efficient and the cooking time is there-
fore shorter than in a conventional oven. The rate of heating
depends on the moisture content, shape, volume, and amount
of food present. Metallic materials totally reflect microwaves.
Non-metallic materials such as glass, paper, and plastics are
Cooking Accessories
(not included with
Microwave)
Remarks
Aluminum pan or tray May cause arcing. Transfer food into micro-
wave-safe dish.
Food carton with metal
handle May cause arcing. Transfer food into micro-
wave-safe dish.
Metal or metal-trimmed
utensils Metal shields the food from microwave
energy and may cause arcing.
Metal twist ties May cause arcing and could cause a fire in
the oven.
Plastic foam Plastic foam may melt or contaminate the
liquid inside when exposed to high
temperature.
Wood Wood will dry out and may split. Avoid
using wooden containers or utensils in the
oven.