A method for processing articles, the method comprising: accessing an operating profile (302a-n) for heating a type of article using a microwave heating system , the operating profile (302a-n) including a first group of set point values for operating the microwave heating system to heat the type of article according to a first heating process and a second group of set point values for operating the microwave heating system to heat the type of article according to a second heating process different than the first heating process; and using a control system operatively coupled to the microwave heating system , operating the microwave heating system according to the first group of set point values, the first group of set point values including a target value for a control parameter of the microwave heating system , wherein operating the microwave heating system includes: passing a carrier loaded with a plurality of articles of the type of article corresponding to the operating profile (302a-n) through a liquid-filled microwave heating chamber along a convey line such that the plurality of articles is submerged in a liquid medium within the microwave heating chamber ; and while passing the carrier through the microwave heating chamber , discharging microwave energy into the microwave heating chamber , the microwave energy used to heat the plurality of articles; measuring the control parameter to provide a measured value; calculating a difference between the measured value and the target value; and responsive to determining the difference exceeds a predetermine allowable difference, operating the microwave heating system according to the second group of set point values. accessing an operating profile (302a-n) for heating a type of article using a microwave heating system , the operating profile (302a-n) including a first group of set point values for operating the microwave heating system to heat the type of article according to a first heating process and a second group of set point values for operating the microwave heating system to heat the type of article according to a second heating process different than the first heating process; and using a control system operatively coupled to the microwave heating system , operating the microwave heating system according to the first group of set point values, the first group of set point values including a target value for a control parameter of the microwave heating system , wherein operating the microwave heating system includes: passing a carrier loaded with a plurality of articles of the type of article corresponding to the operating profile (302a-n) through a liquid-filled microwave heating chamber along a convey line such that the plurality of articles is submerged in a liquid medium within the microwave heating chamber ; and while passing the carrier through the microwave heating chamber , discharging microwave energy into the microwave heating chamber , the microwave energy used to heat the plurality of articles; passing a carrier loaded with a plurality of articles of the type of article corresponding to the operating profile (302a-n) through a liquid-filled microwave heating chamber along a convey line such that the plurality of articles is submerged in a liquid medium within the microwave heating chamber ; and while passing the carrier through the microwave heating chamber , discharging microwave energy into the microwave heating chamber , the microwave energy used to heat the plurality of articles; measuring the control parameter to provide a measured value; calculating a difference between the measured value and the target value; and responsive to determining the difference exceeds a predetermine allowable difference, operating the microwave heating system according to the second group of set point values. <EOS>