Microwave ovens use a stirrer to evenly distribute microwave energy throughout the cooking area. The primary function of the stirrer is to reduce the formation of "hot spots" or areas with higher energy intensity, which could lead to uneven cooking or heating of food.
The stirrer consists of a fan-like device or a metal panel with specially designed shapes. It is usually located on the ceiling or side of the microwave's cooking cavity. When the microwave is in operation, the stirrer rotates or moves, causing the microwave energy to bounce off its surface and scatter throughout the cooking space. This scattering effect helps ensure that the microwaves reach all parts of the food, promoting more consistent and uniform heating.
Without a stirrer, some portions of the food might receive more microwave energy than others, leading to uneven cooking or potential cold spots. The stirrer's role is essential for achieving more reliable and predictable cooking results in a microwave oven.