Book 1, Question 138 · Video
Microwave or Oven? How Do They Heat Food Differently?
Microwaves and ovens both heat food, but in different ways. An oven heats the air around the food, while a microwave wiggles water molecules inside it. That is why leftovers heat f
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Today's question is, microwave or oven? How are these two kitchen heaters different?
The Big Idea
Microwaves and ovens both make food hot, but they do it in totally different ways. One heats the air around your food. The other makes the water inside your food wiggle! Let's compare them.
Oven
Step one: an oven heats the air around the food. Heaters make the air and walls inside very hot. That heat soaks into the food from the outside in, slowly cooking it all the way through.
Microwave
Step two: a microwave wiggles water molecules inside the food. Invisible waves make tiny water molecules jiggle super fast, and all that jiggling makes heat! The outer part heats first, then the heat spreads inward. That's why we stir!
Best Jobs
Step three: that's why leftovers heat fast, but toast browns better in an oven. Microwaved food heats quickly, but it stays wet, and not much hotter than boiling water. The oven's dry heat gets food's surface much hotter, so it turns golden, brown, and crispy!
A Closer Look
Let's look at them side by side! The oven uses hot, dry air, so food turns brown and crispy. The microwave wiggles water molecules, so food heats fast, but stays soft and moist.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Metal and microwaves do not mix! Metal can make sparks, so never put forks or foil inside. The microwave oven was invented after a candy bar melted in a scientist's pocket, near a radar machine! The spinning plate helps food heat more evenly. Always let microwaved food rest, and check for hot spots!
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Which tool would you pick for a crispy cookie, versus last night's soup? The cookie needs dry heat to turn golden, so pick the oven. The soup is full of water, so the microwave warms it fast!
Outro
So an oven heats the air around your food, and a microwave wiggles the water inside it. Each one has its best job! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!