In the course of researching and writing this article I suffered crippling bouts of gas and added 6 pounds of blubber around my middle. I incurred the derision of my colleagues by using the microwave in the communal kitchen area to nuke a Salisbury steak that made the entire floor stink like a middle-school cafeteria. The stacks of empty Swanson Hungry Man and Healthy Choice boxes on my desk still get funny looks. I have poisoned myself in so many ways. But I ate 36 of those dinners just for you, dear reader, so that you can navigate the frozen dinner aisle in your local supermarket with flair and ease.
Microwave ovens have their limitations.
This is great for heating up leftovers and coffee, not so great for baking a cake. Saucy foods work, bready foods don't. But one great thing microwaves have done is give a new life to an American classic. Here's a list of best and worst by category. The main brands are Stouffer's, Swanson, and Marie Callender's.