How A Microwave Oven Works - Electrolux MCD3880EM User Manual

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Before first use
5. Easy to clean.

How a microwave oven works

In a microwave oven there is a high tension valve called a magnetron which converts
electrical energy into microwave energy. These electromagnetic waves are channelled to
the interior of the oven through a wave guide and distributed by a metallic spreader or
through a turntable.
Inside the oven the microwaves propagate in all directions and are reflected by the metal
walls, uniformly penetrating the food.
Why food heats up
Most foods contain water and water molecules vibrate when subjected to microwaves.
The friction between molecules produces heat which raises the temperature of the food,
defrosting it, cooking it or keeping it hot.
Since the heat arises inside the food:
• This can be cooked with little or no liquid or fats/oils;
• Defrosting, heating or cooking in a microwave oven is quicker than in a conventional
oven;
• The vitamins, minerals and nutritional substances in the food are conserved;
• The natural colour and aroma of the food are unchanged.
Microwaves pass through china, glass, cardboard or plastic but do not go through metal.
For this reason, metal containers or ones with metal parts must not be used in a microwave
oven.
Microwaves are reflected by metal ...