The heating performance of domestic microwave ovens

This chapter discusses the many factors relating to the design and operation of a domestic microwave oven, and the product being heated, that affect the temperatures reached in the product, their uniformity, and their repeatability when heated in a domestic microwave oven. Knowledge of these factors is vital when designing foods to be cooked or reheated in a microwave oven to ensure that the food is heated to safe temperatures without impacting on quality. Current standard methods of assessing microwave power provide limited information for the food manufacturers developing heating instructions for chilled and frozen foods. Alternative methods have been developed for specific types of food product (e.g., chilled convenience meals) and are discussed, as well as food simulant materials.