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How does microwave sensor cooking work?

Microwave sensor cooking is like having a helping hand in your kitchen, allowing you to focus more on your family and less on meal prep. These microwaves use built-in sensors that detect moisture from your food as it heats, then adjust cooking time and power. 

Whether you're warming up a nutritious after-school snack or reheating a family dinner, microwave sensor cooking helps make the process smoother, giving you a convenient way to cook a wide range of family favorites.

Nachos in an open microwave Nachos in an open microwave

What is microwave sensor cooking?

Sensor cooking is a microwave feature that uses built-in sensors to detect moisture released from food during heating. These sensors automatically adjust cooking time and power settings, eliminating guesswork and helping to prevent overcooking or uneven heating of your meals.

How does microwave sensor cooking work?

Microwave sensor cooking works by detecting moisture released from food as it heats. The sensors monitor this moisture level and automatically adjust cooking time and power settings.

As the food cooks, sensors measure the amount of steam or moisture in the microwave cavity. When the sensors detect the food has reached the appropriate level of doneness, the microwave automatically stops cooking. This process helps prevent overcooking and helps avoid cold spots when heating food.

For best results while sensor cooking, it's typically recommended to cover foods with a loose-fitting, microwave-safe lid, making sure there is a gap or opening large enough to allow moisture to escape so that the sensor can accurately determine cook times.

Shop Whirlpool® Microwaves with Sensor Cooking

Whirlpool® Microwaves with Sensor Cooking help take the guesswork out of meal preparation, giving you a convenient way to get a wide variety of dishes on the table with less need for monitoring your food so you can focus on what’s more important.

Does microwave sensor cooking save time?

Microwave sensor cooking can save time by reducing the need to manually check food or input precise cooking times. That’s because sensor cooking automatically tracks the cooking progress of your food and adjusts the cook time as needed.

This feature can also offer other benefits:

  • Prevent overcooking: The microwave adjusts the cook time as needed.

  • Convenience: Less monitoring may be needed, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your food cooks in the microwave.

Whirlpool® appliances in a modern kitchen Whirlpool® appliances in a modern kitchen

What can you cook in a microwave with sensors?

Microwave sensor cooking is versatile and can be used for a wide range of foods. Some common items that may work well with this feature include:

  • Vegetables

  • Potatoes 

  • Fish

  • Popcorn

  • Pizza

  • Soups and stews

A person scanning a pizza box barcode while a person in the background puts items in the cabinet A person scanning a pizza box barcode while a person in the background puts items in the cabinet

Is microwave sensor cooking worth it?

Microwave sensor cooking can be worth it for those who value convenience and want to take some of the uncertainty out of selecting cook times. With this feature, you can spend less time looking up exact cooking times and checking on your food’s progress as it cooks.

Ultimately, the value of sensor cooking depends on your cooking habits and preferences. If you frequently use your microwave for reheating or cooking a variety of foods, the added convenience and improved results may be worth it for you.

Explore Whirlpool® Microwaves

Whirlpool brand offers a range of microwaves with models that include sensor cooking, designed to make meal preparation easier and more efficient. These appliances combine convenience with advanced features to help you streamline dinnertime for your busy family.

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