The inside of a microwave oven can become quite hot while it is cooking food. The temperature inside a microwave oven can vary depending on several factors, including the power rating of the microwave, the duration of cooking, and the type of food being heated.
During operation, the magnetron in a microwave oven generates microwave radiation, which excites water molecules in the food, causing them to vibrate and generate heat. This heat is then transferred to the surrounding surfaces within the oven.
While there is no specific temperature range that applies universally to all microwave ovens, it is not uncommon for the interior surfaces, such as the walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave, to reach temperatures ranging from 100 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (38 to 66 degrees Celsius) during cooking. These temperatures can vary, and some parts of the oven may be hotter than others.
It's worth noting that the temperature of the microwave oven itself is not the primary source of cooking in microwave cooking. The food itself absorbs the microwave energy and heats up, while the oven's interior surfaces heat up due to the energy being absorbed by the food and transferred through conduction and radiation.
It's important to exercise caution when handling the interior of a microwave oven during and immediately after cooking, as the surfaces can be hot. Using oven mitts or appropriate protection is recommended to avoid burns.