The Microwave Wants Some Respect.

This article is focused on the microwave oven. It is noted that the number of meals prepared at home in the U.S. increased by 9.5 percent in 2009 as compared to the year prior, to 47 billion meals. Microwave manufacturers including Sharp Corp. and Whirlpool Co. are attempting to attract consumers through product innovations, such as steam-based microwaves.