ABSTRACT
Microwave heating equipment now plays an important and ever-expanding role in the preparation, processing, and consumption of foods. In this chapter we try to describe the available equipment which ranges from the common consumer microwave oven, the more rugged and designated commercial variety, and finally the much-higher-power equipment used for the industrial processing of foodstuffs. In this chapter we first review the historical development of these devices and systems and then the basic elements of a microwave heating system: the magnetron power source, followed by cavities and applicators. Then we scan the type of systems available today from various manufacturers with information on their features from size, weight, and power to accessories, controls, and price. Then we discuss the serious objectives of power, efficiency, and uniformity and the state of the art in seeking these goals. We survey the available controls and sensors and finish with our opinions on where this technology is headed.
