Microwave Misconceptions

Microwaves do not cook from the inside out, despite the popular claim. They penetrate roughly 1-2 centimeters into food and heat that outer layer. The interior warms through conduction from the outside in, exactly like a conventional oven — just faster.

The rotating turntable exists because microwave ovens have hot spots and dead zones. The magnetron creates standing waves with fixed peaks and troughs of energy. Without rotation, parts of your food would scorch while others stayed cold. Microwave-safe ceramic and glass mostly let microwaves pass through, though dishes can still warm from hot food or from materials that absorb some microwave energy.