The Microwave Oven

A microwave oven cooks or warms food in just a few minutes. It uses invisible waves called microwaves instead of fire or hot metal. Almost every kitchen today has one. Microwaves are great for heating leftovers, popping popcorn, and making quick snacks.

How It Works

Inside the oven, a part called a magnetron makes microwaves. The waves bounce around inside the metal box. When they hit the food, they shake the water inside it very fast. This shaking makes the food hot from the inside out.

A Surprise Invention

The microwave oven was invented by accident in 1945. An engineer named Percy Spencer was working with radar machines. He noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. This gave him the idea to use the same waves to cook food.

Fun Facts

• The first microwave ovens were as big and heavy as a refrigerator.
• You should not put metal in a microwave because it can spark.
• Popcorn was one of the first foods cooked in a microwave.

Did You Know?

The very first microwave oven was called the 'Radarange' because it came from radar technology.