Why can heating things in a microwave make them soggy?

Why can heating things in a microwave make them soggy? - Modern kitchen with cabinets and electric stove with oven under hood illuminated by shiny lamp in house

Why does heating something (like pizza) in an oven make it crisp but heating it in the microwave makes it all soggy?



Best Answer

Microwaves specifically heat water molecules in the food. This turns them to steam, and because the air in the microwave is actually cool, the steam then condenses. There is often not proper air circulation to move the steam away from the food. Often times the outside edges of the food will not be soggy, but rather burnt, because they receive more energy and the water can totally vaporize.

For better results when reheating food, do not reheat your food on "high" or the default power. Reheat it at a lower setting for longer time. For pizza specifically, I heat it in the microwave only to room temperature and then finish it in the toaster oven or in a pan.




Pictures about "Why can heating things in a microwave make them soggy?"

Why can heating things in a microwave make them soggy? - Modern kitchen with electric appliances and radiator against table with tasty biscuits and cups illuminated by bright chandelier
Why can heating things in a microwave make them soggy? - Smiling woman making candles in workshop
Why can heating things in a microwave make them soggy? - Positive African American female artisan pouring liquid in pot while making wax for candles in pot on cooker



Quick Answer about "Why can heating things in a microwave make them soggy?"

Microwave ovens heat food by making the water in the food hot,and hot water produces steam,which is why foods heated in the microwave get soggy.

Why does my microwave make my food soggy?

Microwaves specifically heat water molecules in the food. This turns them to steam, and because the air in the microwave is actually cool, the steam then condenses. There is often not proper air circulation to move the steam away from the food.

How do you microwave food without it getting soggy?

To keep foods like sandwiches, french fries, bread rolls, etc. from getting soggy when heating in your microwave, you should wrap them in a dry paper towel to absorb the moisture when they are being heated (see costs and reviews of paper towels).

Why does the microwave make pizza soggy?

Without a cup of water, the pizza absorbs more of the microwaves being emitted, causing it to heat up quickly. This vaporises the water molecules in the pizza, causing them to permeate the crust and make it soggy.

Why does microwave not make food crispy?

Microwaves use steam and can only heat the water in the outer layer of food up to 212 \xb0F (100 \xb0C). It is not hot enough to crisp the outer layer.



Why do microwaves make food soggy?




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Max Vakhtbovych, Max Vakhtbovych, Anna Shvets, Anna Shvets