How many degrees in the microwave?

Microwave ovens have already entered our lives and now it is difficult to imagine an ordinary day without heating food in this box. The device has existed for more than half a century. And all this time his work has been accompanied by legends. You can still hear fears that microwaves are harmful. Stories of dangerous waves and high temperatures are retold. Allegedly, they not only kill vitamins, but also provoke cancer. Let's figure out how a microwave oven actually works. But first of all, let’s find out what the temperature is and how many degrees in its inner chamber.

The myth of extreme temperatures

Hot food in cold dishes

A microwave is not a regular oven. It heats up food in minutes. This ability formed the basis for an incorrect assessment of her capabilities. Some people are convinced that very high temperatures make food hot.

But it's not quite like that. To make sure of this, you need to remember about the dishes in the microwave. Glass or plastic containers do not heat up in most cases. But if the temperature inside the microwave chamber was very high, the containers would also heat up. Consequently, conditions for this are not created inside the furnace.

Why do foods heat up?

For this purpose they are used ultra-high frequency waves (abbreviated as microwave). Their properties are similar to radio waves.Their source in the microwave is the magnetron. The device is a vacuum tube with compartments at two ends. Strong magnets are attached to them. When turned on, the device receives high voltage. Under the influence of magnets, electrons (particles that form an electric current) begin to move in circles at great speed. This causes strong radiation.

This phenomenon was first noticed by an engineer working on radar, Percy Spencer. According to one legend, while working in 1942, chocolate melted in his pocket. But according to another, he got burned, and later it was hidden so as not to spoil the opinion of buyers. Already in 1946, the American received a patent for the invention. After this, the first mass-produced bulky devices began to appear.

Maximum microwave temperature

Electromagnetic waves pass through food and cause molecules to vibrate faster, causing heat.

Water particles in food heat up. From the school course in physics and chemistry, we remember its boiling point. This means that the maximum temperature that will occur in the microwave is 100℃.

Different substances react differently when exposed to waves. So, ceramic and glass dishes are microwave-proof, but an iron container can get seriously hot.

Reference. If an incandescent light bulb hits the stove, it will light up because the temperature of the tungsten filament will rise to 2000℃.

Relationship between temperature and microwave operating mode

Microwaves have a huge frequency, but a short length - about 6.5 cm. This means that the food will heat unevenly. Where there was a peak, it is hotter. Many people have encountered this when using household appliances.

The creators of the unit took care of the various functions of the microwave. Each mode specified by the program requires a different degree of radiation. Its intensity is affected by the temperature that the food acquires.

Reference. In terms of temperature, cooking food in a microwave oven is equivalent to cooking (100-110°).

Most household microwaves have a power of about one kW. In practice, this means that you will boil a glass of water in a minute at the maximum setting.

The operating modes of the furnace are regulated by the percentage of the highest data. That is you can change the speed of your device, but not the temperature. This is the main difference from the oven. It is worth considering if you cook in the microwave.

You should know that the microwave magnetron does not operate continuously, but intermittently for a few seconds to prevent overload and failure. The magnetron itself is equipped with metal plates for cooling.

There are ovens with grill and convection functions. Such devices are called a hybrid of a microwave and an oven. This happens because These microwave ovens have a traditional heating element or blow hot air over the food. The presence of such an element allows us to talk about a temperature that is above 100℃.

Tips for choosing temperature conditions

• Most powerful level Suitable for the largest volumes of products. As a rule, these are drinks or liquid dishes. At 100° heat milk/water/soup, cook porridge.
• Above average power is about 75% from maximum. 75° is ideal for small volume and medium density dishes. It could be an omelette, processed cheese. In addition, such heating will allow you to make small cutlets or a cupcake in a mug.
• Average power - half of maximum. 50° is suitable for heating already prepared dishes.They are also used in recipes that do not require constant simmering. Ideal for roasting meat.
• Below average, 25% (up to 25°) from maximum power. Mode for defrosting food or ready meals. Used to bring butter to room temperature, defrost berries/vegetables/meat.
• Lowest power level (below 25°) may be useful for maintaining the condition of already prepared dishes and products. It is on it that you can dry herbs and finely chopped fruits.

A microwave oven is one of the favorite household appliances of any housewife. It allows you to heat ready-made food. This makes it possible to stock up for future use or buy semi-finished products, which makes our life easier.