A microwave oven uses microwaves, a type of electromagnetic radiation between radio waves and infrared radiation, to heat foods and drinks. Oils, fats and water in food absorb these microwaves and heat up from the inside out. Microwaves are not absorbed by plastic but they can pass through it. Metal reflects these waves. Jul 25, 2019 · Running a microwave oven at lower power levels gives heat time to disperse away from the surface and toward the center, preventing the exterior from burning or drying out. This can be critical when heating solid foods you can’t stir (such as frozen foods or a block of lasagna); it also reduces the need to stir when heating/reheating liquids. Nov 06, 2014 · Open up your oven and look at the upper heating element. The upper heating element should be bright orange if it is working correctly. If the upper heating element is not bright orange, it needs replaced. If parts of the heating elements are turning orange and other parts are not, the heating element is damaged and needs to be replaced. If your oven is not heating evenly, the element will not heat or there is little to no heat when baking, you may need to replace the element. This genuine OEM bake element comes with an instruction sheet and is intended for use with electric ovens. Please remember to disconnect the power to your range before you start your repair.