Pros and cons of microwaves

The kitchen gadgets are convenient but one chef called them ‘world’s worst invention’

A hand touching a microwave oven's controls
Social stigma still surrounds microwaves
(Image credit: Ricardo Rubio/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Since their launch in the 1980s, when Dire Straits sang about having to “install microwave ovens”, the speedy cookers have become a staple in modern kitchens.

A survey has revealed microwaves to be the “nation’s number one must-have kitchen gadget”, owned by up to 95% of households, said Xanthe Clay in The Telegraph. Yet they continue to be disparaged because of their association with ready meals and other ultra-processed food.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us