How Hot Does a Microwave Get? Everything You Need to Know

Microwaves are one of the most convenient and versatile appliances in the kitchen. They can heat up food, cook meals, defrost frozen items, and even make popcorn. But have you ever wondered how hot does a microwave get? And how does it work to heat up your food?

In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain how microwaves work, what factors affect their temperature, how to measure their temperature, and what safety precautions you should take when using them. We will also provide a microwave temperature chart for different wattages and foods, and answer some frequently asked questions about microwaves.

How hot does a microwave get? A microwave does not get hot itself, but it heats up the food or object inside it by making its water molecules vibrate and create friction. The maximum temperature of microwaved food is usually around 212°F (100°C), which is the boiling point of water. However, some foods or objects can get hotter or colder than this depending on their moisture content, density, shape, size, and microwave wattage.

How Does a Microwave Work?

A microwave oven is a device that uses electromagnetic waves called microwaves to heat up food or other objects. Microwaves are a type of radio waves that have a wavelength of about 12 centimeters and a frequency of about 2.45 gigahertz.

A microwave oven has three main components: a magnetron, a waveguide, and a cavity. The magnetron is the part that generates the microwaves by converting electricity into electromagnetic energy. The waveguide is the part that directs the microwaves from the magnetron to the cavity. The cavity is the part that contains the food or object to be heated.

The microwaves enter the cavity through a small hole and bounce around inside it until they hit the food or object. The microwaves can pass through some materials like glass, plastic, paper, and ceramic without affecting them. However, they are absorbed by water molecules in the food or object.

The water molecules in the food or object act like tiny magnets that align themselves with the changing electric field of the microwaves. As the microwaves change direction millions of times per second, the water molecules also change direction rapidly. This causes them to vibrate and rub against each other, creating heat by friction.

The heat generated by the water molecules spreads throughout the food or object by conduction and convection. This is how microwaves cook or heat up food or objects from the inside out.

What Factors Affect Microwave Temperature?

The temperature of microwaved food or objects depends on several factors, such as:

• Moisture content: The more water molecules in the food or object, the more heat they can generate by absorbing microwaves. Therefore, foods or objects with high moisture content tend to get hotter than those with low moisture content. For example, a potato has more water than a piece of bread, so it will get hotter in the microwave.
• Density: The denser the food or object, the more heat it can retain by conducting and convecting heat within itself. Therefore, foods or objects with high density tend to stay hotter than those with low density. For example, a steak has more density than a slice of cheese, so it will stay hotter in the microwave.
• Shape: The shape of the food or object affects how evenly it is exposed to microwaves and how well it distributes heat within itself. Therefore, foods or objects with irregular shapes tend to have hot spots and cold spots than those with regular shapes. For example, a chicken nugget has an irregular shape than a chicken breast, so it will have uneven heating in the microwave.
• Size: The size of the food or object affects how quickly it heats up and cools down in the microwave. Therefore, foods or objects with small sizes tend to heat up faster and cool down faster than those with large sizes. For example, a grape has a smaller size than an apple, so it will heat up faster and cool down faster in the microwave.
• Microwave wattage: The wattage of the microwave oven affects how powerful and fast it can generate microwaves and heat up food or objects. Therefore, microwaves with high wattage tend to heat up food or objects faster and hotter than those with low wattage. For example, a 1000-watt microwave oven can heat up food or objects faster and hotter than a 700-watt microwave oven.

How to Measure Microwave Temperature?

Measuring the temperature of a microwave oven or the food or object inside it is not as simple as using a conventional thermometer. Most thermometers are not designed to withstand the high temperatures and electromagnetic fields inside a microwave oven. Moreover, they may interfere with the microwave operation and cause sparks or damage.

Therefore, to measure microwave temperature, you need to use special devices or methods that are compatible with microwaves. Some of these devices or methods are:

• Thermocouples: Thermocouples are devices that measure temperature by measuring the voltage difference between two wires made of different metals. They are usually attached to a digital display or a multimeter that shows the temperature reading. Thermocouples can withstand high temperatures and do not affect microwaves. However, they need to be calibrated and insulated properly to avoid errors.
• Thermistors: Thermistors are devices that measure temperature by measuring the resistance of a material that changes with temperature. They are usually connected to a circuit that converts the resistance into a voltage or a current that can be displayed or recorded. Thermistors can measure temperature accurately and quickly, but they may be affected by microwaves and need to be shielded or placed away from the cavity.
• RTDs: RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) are devices that measure temperature by measuring the resistance of a metal wire that changes with temperature. They are similar to thermistors, but they use metals like platinum or nickel instead of semiconductors. RTDs can measure temperature precisely and stably, but they may also be influenced by microwaves and need to be protected or positioned away from the cavity.
• Current source transducers: Current source transducers are devices that measure temperature by measuring the current output of a bipolar transistor that changes with temperature. They are usually connected to a resistor that converts the current into a voltage that can be displayed or recorded. Current source transducers can measure temperature directly and easily, but they may have limited range and resolution.
• Infrared transducers: Infrared transducers are devices that measure temperature by measuring the infrared radiation emitted by an object that changes with temperature. They are usually handheld devices that point at the object and show the temperature reading on a screen. Infrared transducers can measure temperature remotely and safely, but they may have errors due to emissivity and reflection factors.
• Change-of-state devices: Change-of-state devices are devices that measure temperature by measuring the change of state of a material that occurs at a specific temperature. For example, some materials change color, shape, or phase when they reach a certain temperature. Change-of-state devices can measure temperature visually and simply, but they may have limited accuracy and repeatability.

Microwave Temperature Chart

The following table shows some approximate temperatures for different wattages and foods in a microwave oven. Note that these temperatures are only estimates and may vary depending on the factors mentioned above.

How to Avoid Overheating the Microwave?

Overheating the microwave oven or the food or object inside it can cause serious problems such as burns, fires, explosions, or damage to the appliance. Therefore, you should take some precautions to avoid overheating the microwave, such as:

• Ensure adequate ventilation for your microwave: Make sure your microwave oven has enough space around it for air circulation and cooling. Do not place it near heat sources or flammable materials. Do not cover it with anything or block its vents.
• Adjust the microwave settings to the appropriate level: Use the correct power level and time for your food or object. Do not use the highest power or longest time unless necessary. Follow the instructions on the food package or recipe book. Use the defrost, reheat, or cook modes as appropriate.

• Use microwave-safe containers and covers: Use containers and covers that are made of microwave-safe materials like glass, ceramic, plastic, or paper. Do not use metal, foil, or styrofoam as they can cause sparks or damage. Make sure the containers and covers are not too tight or sealed as they can trap steam and cause pressure buildup. Pierce or vent the containers and covers to allow steam to escape.
• Stir and rotate your food or object: Stir and rotate your food or object halfway through the heating process to ensure even heating and avoid hot spots. Use oven mitts or gloves to handle hot containers and covers. Be careful of steam when opening them.
• Check your food or object for doneness: Check your food or object for doneness by using a thermometer, a fork, a knife, or your senses. Do not overcook or overheat your food or object as it can dry out, burn, or explode. If your food or object is not done, heat it for a few more seconds and check again.
• Clean your microwave regularly: Clean your microwave regularly to remove any spills, splatters, grease, or debris that can cause odors, stains, or fire hazards. Use a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap to wipe the inside and outside of the microwave. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads as they can scratch the surface. Do not spray water or cleaners directly into the vents or controls.

How to Fix an Overheated Microwave?

If your microwave has overheated and shut off, do not panic. It may be a temporary problem that can be fixed easily. Here are some steps you can take to fix an overheated microwave:

• Unplug the microwave from the power source: Unplug the microwave from the power source and wait for at least five minutes for it to cool down. Do not touch any hot parts of the microwave as you may get burned.
• Check the inside of the microwave for any food particles: Check the inside of the microwave for any food particles that may have caused sparks or flames. Remove any burnt or charred food particles with a damp cloth or sponge. Do not use metal utensils as they can damage the microwave.
• Check the air vents near the back of the microwave: Check the air vents near the back of the microwave, making sure they are not blocked by any objects or dust. The air vents are essential for cooling down the microwave and preventing overheating. If they are blocked, use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to clear them.
• Check the microwave fan to make sure it is working properly: Check the microwave fan to make sure it is working properly by listening for any sounds or feeling for any air flow. The microwave fan is responsible for circulating air inside and outside the microwave and preventing overheating. If it is not working properly, it may need to be replaced by a professional.
• Check the door seals for any signs of damage or wear: Check the door seals for any signs of damage or wear that may prevent them from closing properly. The door seals are important for keeping the microwaves inside the cavity and preventing leakage. If they are damaged or worn, they may need to be replaced by a professional.
• Contact a professional if none of these steps work: Contact a professional if none of these steps work or if you notice any other signs of damage or malfunction in your microwave. Do not attempt to repair your microwave yourself as you may cause more harm than good. A professional can diagnose and fix your microwave safely and efficiently.

FAQs About How Hot Does a Microwave Get

Here are some frequently asked questions about how hot does a microwave get:

1. Is it hot inside a microwave? No, it is not hot inside a microwave unless there is something hot inside it. A microwave does not produce heat itself but only heats up what is inside it by making its water molecules vibrate and create friction.
2. Are there specific foods that should not be cooked in a microwave? Yes, there are some foods that should not be cooked in a microwave because they can cause safety hazards or quality issues. Some examples are eggs in shells, whole potatoes, grapes, raisins, popcorn kernels, hot peppers, metal objects, foil wrappers, styrofoam containers, etc.
3. What happens if I put metal in the microwave? If you put metal in the microwave, you may see sparks, flames, or smoke. This is because metal can reflect or conduct microwaves and cause electric arcs or overheating. Metal can also damage the microwave oven or cause a fire. Therefore, you should never put metal in the microwave unless it is specifically designed for microwave use.

4. Why does my microwave make a loud noise? Your microwave may make a loud noise due to several reasons, such as:

• The magnetron: The magnetron is the part that generates the microwaves. It may make a loud humming or buzzing noise when it is working. This is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if the noise is too loud or unusual, it may indicate a problem with the magnetron that needs to be fixed by a professional.
• The turntable: The turntable is the part that rotates the food or object inside the microwave. It may make a loud clicking or grinding noise when it is turning. This may be due to dirt, debris, or wear and tear on the turntable or its motor. You can try to clean the turntable and its parts or replace them if needed.
• The fan: The fan is the part that cools down the microwave and prevents overheating. It may make a loud whirring or blowing noise when it is running. This is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if the noise is too loud or unusual, it may indicate a problem with the fan that needs to be fixed by a professional.

5. How long does a microwave last? A microwave can last for about 10 years on average, depending on how often and how well you use and maintain it. You can extend the lifespan of your microwave by following some tips, such as:

• Use your microwave properly: Follow the instructions on how to use your microwave safely and efficiently. Do not overheat or overcook your food or object. Do not put metal or other unsuitable materials in your microwave. Do not slam or force the door of your microwave.
• Clean your microwave regularly: Clean your microwave regularly to remove any spills, splatters, grease, or debris that can cause odors, stains, or fire hazards. Use a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap to wipe the inside and outside of your microwave. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads as they can scratch the surface. Do not spray water or cleaners directly into the vents or controls.
• Check your microwave for any signs of damage or malfunction: Check your microwave for any signs of damage or malfunction that may affect its performance or safety. Look for any cracks, dents, rust, loose parts, sparks, smoke, flames, or unusual noises. If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional for repair or replacement.

Conclusion

Microwaves are amazing appliances that can heat up food or objects quickly and conveniently. However, they can also get hot themselves and cause problems if not used properly. In this article, we have explained how microwaves work, what factors affect their temperature, how to measure their temperature, how to avoid overheating them, how to fix them if they overheat, and how to answer some common questions about them.

We hope this article has helped you understand how hot does a microwave get and how to use it safely and efficiently. Remember to follow the instructions on how to use your microwave properly and clean it regularly to prevent any issues. If you have any questions or concerns about your microwave, do not hesitate to contact a professional for help.

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Happy microwaving!