Microwave ovens use a magnetron to heat food

Microwave ovens use a magnetron to heat food. The magnetron is made up of a cathode cylinder and an anode cylinder. The cathode contains a filament heater. The anode is attached to a powerful magnet. The magnetron is held together by a metal strap, and the entire assembly is protected by a thermal protector. This will prevent damage from overheating.

Magnetrons are deployed in a grid to transfer energy. They are set in a cylindrical copper block with the anode in the center. The cathode is made of a high-emission material. This is heated during operation. A magnetron tube contains eight to twenty resonant cavities. These cavities are separated by narrow slots. The RF energy is then able to be extracted and fed to a waveguide.

Magnetrons are still used in commercial and residential microwave ovens. They can generate several hundred watts at 2.45 GHz. However, it is important to remember that magnetrons require a high-voltage dc supply. This voltage will power the magnetron's anode and filament. Magnetrons are typically priced in the $15-$50 range on eBay.

Magnetrons are vacuum tubes and are susceptible to damage. Fortunately, they can be replaced. As long as you remember to stir the food during the heating cycle, the microwave oven will be working just fine. However, microwave ovens do have their drawbacks.