Whirlpool® Microwave set in brown cabinetry

Discover how microwave sensor cooking works

Microwave sensor cooking is more than a technology. It’s practically like having an extra set of hands in the kitchen, so you can focus more on your family or guests and less on meal prep. These microwaves employ built-in sensors designed to detect moisture from food as it heats. It then adjusts the cooking time and power as needed.

 

It doesn’t matter if you’re warming an after-school snack for your kids and their friends or reheating leftovers for dinner, microwave sensor cooking helps simplify the process.

Nachos in an open microwave

What is microwave sensor cooking?

Sensor cooking is a microwave feature that leverages built-in sensors, which detect moisture released from food during the heating process. The impressive part is that these sensors automatically adjust cooking time and power settings, eliminating the opportunity for food to be overcooked or experience uneven heating.

How does microwave sensor cooking work?

Microwave sensor cooking detects moisture released from food as it heats. The sensors monitor the food’s moisture level and automatically adjust cooking time and power settings as needed to prevent overcooking or uneven heating.

 

As food cooks in the microwave, sensors measure how much steam or moisture is present in the microwave cavity. Once the sensors detect that food has reached the appropriate level of doneness, the microwave automatically stops cooking, helping ensure that the food is cooked correctly.

 

To achieve optimal results with sensor cooking, it's often recommended to use a loose-fitting, microwave-safe lid to cover the food, ensuring there is an opening or gap large enough to let moisture escape, allowing the sensor to accurately determine cook times.

A stainless steel Whirlpool® Microwave and Whirlpool® Range in a kitchen

Learn about different types of microwaves

 

Read Article

An over-the-range Whirlpool® Microwave above a Whirlpool® Range

Looking for your next microwave?

 

Read Article

Shop Whirlpool® Microwaves with Sensor Cooking

Whirlpool® Microwaves with Sensor Cooking help remove the guesswork from meal preparation, providing a convenient way to serve a variety of dishes without close monitoring, freeing you up to focus on what’s more important.

Does microwave sensor cooking help you save time?

Microwave sensor cooking can help you save time by minimizing the need to set precise cooking times or constantly and manually checking food as it cooks. This is possible because sensor cooking automatically tracks the cooking progress and adjusts the cook time when necessary.

 

Some other benefits of this feature include:

  • Convenience: You can monitor your food less often, allowing you to focus on other tasks.

  • Avoid overcooking: The microwave automatically adjusts the cook time based on what the sensors indicate.

Whirlpool® appliances in a modern kitchen

What can be cooked in a microwave with sensors?

Microwave sensor cooking can cook a versatile range of foods. Some foods that may work well with this feature include:

  • Fish

  • Soups

  • Stews

  • Popcorn

  • Pizza

  • Vegetables

  • Potatoes 

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

Should you get a microwave with sensor cooking?

Microwave sensor cooking can be a worthwhile investment for anyone who values convenience and wants to remove some of the uncertainty that comes with cook times. This feature lets you spend less time worrying about exact cooking times and monitoring your food’s progress.

 

Ultimately, the value of sensor cooking depends on your habits and preferences in the kitchen. If you frequently reheat or cook a wide range of food with your microwave, the added convenience and improved results of this type of microwave may be beneficial to you.

Whirlpool® Flush Built-In Microwave

Whirlpool® Flush Built-In Design

Elevate your kitchen with streamlined style

Upgrade your kitchen with a microwave that fits right in with these Whirlpool® Microwaves with Flush Built-In Design*

Shop Now

*When installed in standard cabinet depth 12-3/4-in.

Explore Whirlpool® Microwaves

Whirlpool brand offers a suite of microwaves, including select models with sensor cooking, designed to make meal preparation simpler and more efficient. These units combine convenience with advanced features to help streamline meal prep and cooking for your busy household.

Discover more from Whirlpool brand