The Parts of Microwave Oven

High-Voltage Transformer

Microwaves contain a very powerful transformer of high voltage. A transformer is a device that transfers electricity from one circuit to another. As the current alternates, the voltage rises and power is transmitted to the microwave oven. Microwave oven transformers put out a high wattage, usually around 1000 watts. A lightbulb has 50 to 100 watts. If you are planning on working with a microwave oven transformer, be very careful. The high voltage is extremely dangerous.

A cavity magnetron is a vacuum tube, and it is the source of the microwaves that give the oven its name. When the oven is operated, the microwaves are absorbed into the food. The energy in the microwaves causes the food molecules to move and collide, creating friction. The friction creates heat, which cooks the food. It is very important that here is food in the microwave when it operates. If nothing is there to absorb the waves, it can create electrical arcing, which is very dangerous.

The magnetron control circuit controls the emission of microwaves by the magnetron. The magnetron control circuit usually has a microcontroller, which is a tiny computer. The microcontroller is what controls the amount of power. When you press "high" or "low" power, or set your microwave to a specific setting, such as reheat, the microcontroller is what adjusts the power to the appropriate setting. The microcontroller also controls the amount of time the microwave runs when you set the timer.

The waveguide is the device that conducts the microwaves from the magnetron to the cooking chamber. The waveguide helps guide the waves with minimum loss of power so that cooking is as effective as possible and full power is achieved. Microwaves contain hollow-pipe waveguides, which are metal tubes. Be very cautious is working with the waveguide. Your microwave is capable of shocking you even if it is unplugged.

The cooking chamber is the main compartment of the microwave where the food is placed. Some cooking chambers have a rotating tray to help ensure that the food heat evenly. If your microwave doesn't have a rotating tray, it is a good idea to stop the cooking partway through and rotate the food so that it cooks evenly. The cooking chamber is made of metal. This keeps all of the microwaves inside, as they are harmful if one is exposed to them. There is no danger from eating foods cooked by microwaves, however.

In recent microwave models, many manufacturers have added a high power quartz halogen bulb. These bulbs help the food cook more rapidly and provide browning similar to an oven. This occurs because in addition to the microwaves, the halogen light radiates infrared heat to the food. The microwaves heat the food internally, while the infrared heats the food externally.

The other optional part is a browning tray. The browning tray is usually made of glass or porcelain, and it crisps the food.