Microwave ovens have been soaring in popularity these days, allowing you to reheat leftovers and make quick meals effortlessly.
While you enjoy all the convenience they bring to your daily life, you may wonder how safe microwave radiation is, and if there are low radiation microwaves or even microwaves without radiation on the market.
In this article, we’ll break down each of these widely held doubts, and explain if the known safety issues concerning microwaves are real. Read on to learn more!
Low EMF Microwaves Recommendation:
Jump to:
- How do microwaves work?
- Is microwave EMFs or microwave radiation harmful?
- Does a low radiation microwave exist?
- Best low radiation microwaves recommendations
How do microwave ovens work?
When cooking with microwaves, the microwave oven converts electrical energy into microwave radiation through a magnetron.
The frequency of microwave radiation is extremely high, reaching a frequency of 2450MHz, which can drive water molecules within the food to rotate.
The process will produce thermal energy, thus foods will be heated up and cooked.
Now you may wonder if such a high frequency of microwave radiation is a safety hazard. Will microwave radiation cause cancer? This leads us to the question – Are microwave EMFs harmful?
Is Microwave Radiation Harmful?
What is Microwave EMF radiation?
The microwave radiation generated by a microwave oven is an electromagnetic wave. The wavelength of this kind of electromagnetic wave is quite long, reaching up to 122mm.
Microwave radiation can penetrate glasses, ceramics, plastics, and other utensils, but can’t pass through metals.
When microwave EMF radiation encounters metals, it will be reflected back by the surface of the metal object.
Knowing the characteristics of microwave EMFs, microwave oven manufacturers weld and seal the microwave with metal materials on all five sides.
When the microwave oven is operating, the microwave radiation will be reflected by the metal plates and trapped inside the microwave oven, until the energy is completely consumed.
Will Microwave EMFS Pose Health Risks?
The FDA has set strict standards for microwave ovens that go on sale. They limit the amount of microwaves that can leak from an oven throughout its lifetime to 5 milliwatts (mW) of microwave radiation per square centimeter at approximately 2 inches from the oven surface.
In other words, a qualified microwave only leaks 5 milliwatts of microwave radiation at 2 inches, and the microwave radiation will be reduced to 1/100 milliwatts at a distance of 20 inches from the microwave oven.
This level of EMF radiation is far below the level known to pose health risks to people.
Moreover, the microwave radiation drops significantly as you move away from the source of microwave EMFs.
That is to say, if your microwave oven meets the standard and it’s intact, the microwave radiation will not pose health risks to you or your family.
Does a low radiation microwave exist?
Are there microwaves without radiation on the market? Does a low EMF microwave exist?
Unfortunately, NOPE. There aren’t such things as low radiation microwaves or radiation-free microwaves out there. Don’t freak out already!
As we’ve explained above, some microwave radiation may leak from the microwave while it’s operating. However, when your microwave oven is intact and well sealed, the level of leaked microwave EMFs is far from causing health problems.
Therefore, all standard-compliant microwave ovens will serve you well and post no threat to your health.
And that explains why there won’t be a low EMF radiation microwave available to buy.
Still, we have some quick pro tips to help you choose a safe microwave and lower your microwave radiation exposure.
- Check for safety certificates.
The FDA requires that all microwave ovens have a label on its body stating that the product meets the safety standard.
To make sure the microwave oven meets the safety standard before they go on sale, the FDA also tests microwaves for its radiation leakage and quality in its own lab.
- Opt for microwave ovens by well-known brands.
When it comes to appliances, it’s safe to say that you’d have a better chance of finding high-quality microwaves from big brands.
And microwaves by well-known brands tend to stay in good shape and intact after years’ usage, which ensures less leakage of the microwave radiation.
- Stay away from the microwave oven while it’s operating.
Though some models may leak a small amount of microwave EMFs while operating, the microwave energy will decrease dramatically as you stay further from the microwave oven.
Therefore, we’d recommend you stay away from the source of the microwave radiation while it’s running.
- Check if the microwave can be shut properly from time to time.
If the door of the microwave oven bends and can’t be shut properly, chances are you’ll be facing microwave radiation leakage.
Check the appliance thoroughly and make sure it’s well sealed and remains in good shape from time to time.
If the door won’t close properly or broke off, don’t run the microwave oven.
Best Low Radiation Microwaves Recommendations
As we have mentioned above, we would opt for microwave ovens made by well-known brands.
And it is quite pointless looking for low EMF microwaves specifically, because basically all these options on the market won’t pose a radiation hazard to your health.
Looking at the online stores for a safe microwave oven, you can find quality options from Toshiba, Panasonic, AmazonBasics, GE, Whirlpool, and more.
Whether you’re searching for a safe microwave for office, apartment studio, or for your family, these models will be solid options.
Here are our top picks for safe microwave ovens:
1. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
REASONS TO BUY:
- Smart sensor cooking
- 1100 watts with 10 power settings
- Sound on/off mode
- Easy-to-clean cavity
This microwave oven by Toshiba is a top choice for people looking for a safe, low EMF microwave to handle daily cooking requirements.
Toshiba has been well-known for providing high-quality microwave ovens for decades, so you can expect them to remain in good shape for years to come.
With a power output of 1100 watts and 10 power settings, the microwave oven can cope with all your cooking needs and have meals ready in a flash.
Featuring a smart sensor, the microwave allows for easy cooking. The 6 sensor menus help to cook or reheat popular foods for optimal results, without any guesswork.
Another selling point of the safe microwave oven is its easy-to-clean coating which is featured with hard-wearing material.
It ensures it’s scratch and stain resistant, and makes the microwave interior super easy and convenient to clean.
Panasonic NN-SB458S Compact Microwave Oven
REASONS TO BUY:
- Compact in size
- 7 preset auto cook menus
- 10. 6 inches turntable for even cooking results
- Popcorn button with 3 cooking levels
Another brand you should consider for safe microwave ovens is Panasonic. Panasonic offers you durable microwave ovens with rich features.
If you’re looking for a microwave for relatively small spaces, the Panasonic NN-SB458S compact microwave oven will be your best bet.
Having a small countertop footprint, the microwave frees up considerable countertop spaces, but still fits a regular-sized dinner plate.
Pre-programmed with 7 preset auto cook menus, you can have your favorite foods on the table without the frustration of guessing cooking settings.
Moreover, there are a bunch of well-thought-out features to make your cooking experience more enjoyable and safer, including a child safety lock, quick 30sec, and a popcorn button with 3 cooking levels.
Thank you. I posted the safety and myths about microwave cooking on my EMF sensitivity FB group. Ooohhh – I am the devil. Not surprised, of course but I tested my own microwave and it was bad.
So searching for a safer one.
Thank you for this rational discussion and recommendations. (PHEW)