If putting metal in the microwave is so bad, then why do they make them... out of metal?

I await the Microwave that is made out of lincoln logs.

I hear in Soviet Russia, microwave cooks YOU!

... then ...

I thought the Russian mail order brides did that.

< That is a Microwave Generator.


So how many of these guys does it take to cook a hot dog?

This made me chuckle.

What I looked up and copied from Scientific American:

Despite common wisdom, metal does not necessarily cause sparking inside a microwave; indeed, the cooking chamber walls are metal. Shape matters. Sparks are caused by a buildup of charged particles that suddenly arc when they are pushed by a voltage that changes dramatically over a short distance. A flat, round, metal platter will spread charge around it, preventing buildup; the “crisper” tray that lies underneath some microwaveable pizzas and the sleeve that envelops certain foods (such as Hot Pockets sandwiches) have a metal coating that gets very hot and browns the food yet does not spark. But sharper points, such as fork tines or the many tiny edges in aluminum foil, concentrate charge and also cause localized drops in voltage, which together create corona discharge—a spark.

Simply put, because the inner walls (if metal) are grounded. Newer microwave ovens are less likely to (arc out) When the microwave is on, the magnetron is producing waves of magnetism, at a certain frequency. Metal containers can cause the oven to arc, burning a hole in the side of the oven. Most makers will caution against metal containers. This gives them an out on the warranty issue.

How do i know this? I've worked on them for years. That being said, if you have a low end microwave, and it goes out, it's cheaper to buy a new one, than it is to replace the magnetron.

What is a magnetron? It is an electrical device, consisting of a transformer, and a super high density diode. The line voltage of 120 volts is stepped up, and the voltage is now DC (direct current) These powerful waves alternate, though, causing molecules in food to "rub" against each other, creating friction, and thus, heat.

* a note here, never attempt to work on a microwave, unless you understand how they work. Most magnetrons will put out about 8,500 to 10,000 volts. The capacitor in that oven can store that charge, (even unplugged) for a good while. People have been killed attempting to repair them. Unless you are experienced in the use of strapping resistors, and fully capable, never attempt to work on a microwave.

Ok smarty pants then why do I always burn my freaking popcorn?....

A guy can dream can't he?

This is even more interesting. I'm glad I don't tamper with microwaves just to see how they work. I'll just keep to its useful use...heating up my food. Nommie!

TVs are the same thing. If you don't "drain the capacitor" it will light your azz up! I seen first hand what grabbing a 35 pharad capacitor will do to some one. CPR! That dude put his hand on this capacitors terminals to pick it up off of a shelf in a industrial liquidators and after this shocked look on his face he fell over. After resuscitation he came back but he was tweaked bad afterwords. Damn thing looked like a square Canned Ham with two screw terminals at the top. I never EVER handle any capacitor by its terminals no matter where I find them. They may have a charge from previous use. That is typical at an industrial liquidator. Now you get these self taught D-I-Yers who were on the internet one night and suddenly the next morning they have a microwave or a TV apart and ZAP! All just becasue someone didn't attach the jumper to the + terminal of the capacitor and the other end to ground to drain off the capacitor's charge. If you do it without a resistor in line you get a vicious flash and an arc weld mark damaging your jumper and electronics. That is why service professionals are the ones to play with HV electronics. Grab a running cars spark plug wires while it is running. Hair raising at least! GM HEI produces 60K volts as well and will screw up your day. I have had my surprises with an engine running badly and looking it over to see what is wrong and suddenly I am getting the hell shocked out of me. When the wires leak voltage like that it explains a lot of performance problems. Professional mechanics have gotten that surprise once or twice in their lifetimes.

Now I thought Microwaves make certain molecules (water, oil, etc) polarize while some materials are transparent to Microwaves, others absorbent, and like metals reflective and reactive. I thought it was the forced polarization that made the molecules heat up.

Jeff, work with me here.... lol

It's because you nuked the popcorn at about 2500 Megahertz for a time longer than recommended by the popcorn maker

So I cooked it too long? Hmmmmmmm. That's why it got burnt. I never made the connection. Thanks Mr. Obvious. Your a life saver......

Just tryin to help a brother out...

lol

This is why I use a stove, I can keep the burning to a minimum and I don't shock the hell out of myself.