A microwave oven is an electric kitchen appliance that uses electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range to heat food. It works by molecules absorbing the energy, causing them to rotate and vibrate, thus creating heat. It is generally used to heat pre-cooked foods quickly, although some units can also be used for cooking from raw ingredients. Some common features of microwaves include digital display, child lock, auto cook/defrost, timer, and delay start. They’re a popular choice in households, as they require less energy to operate and are often less expensive than traditional ovens.