Fun Links

We’ve moved our microwave oven into a little corner in the kitchen recently. It makes it a little difficult to open the left-hinged door. So, I’ve been searching the Internet for alternative microwave ovens with either reversible doors (like our fridge) or a left-handed door with a right hinge.

So far, nothing. Do they not exist? One expert site asked that question, and the majority response was that 100% of microwave ovens have left-hinged doors. I feel bad for all you Southpaws (I know quite a few).

In my quest, I did discover some interesting (if not useless) microwave oven facts:

• Electromagnetic microwaves cannot produce the “Maillard reaction” (a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars) in food, which is what browns toast and caramelizes milk and honey. That is why your microwaved food tastes so bland and has a “steamed” appearance.
• New microwave ovens are being manufactured with high-powered halogen heat lamps to create that Maillard reaction with infared energy while the microwave energy cooks the food.
• Microwave ovens generate radio waves at 2.45Ghz, which is annoyingly close to the 2.4Ghz block of frequencies set aside for 802.11b/g WiFi. Also, some cordless phones operate on this frequency.
• Spoons are safe to microwave, however, forks are not. This is because the tines of the fork cause an electrical concentration which results in sparks. From experience, I know that the pointy edges of ketchup packages are affected by this property.
• Along with metal, some foods can produce electrical arcing, such as grapes. See the video below.