Gizmodo Australia » microwave

Heinz Beanzawave USB Desktop Microwave In Action

Jason Chen — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:30:00 +0000

We already knew Heinz was developing a USB-powered and possibly portable mini microwave, but now we actually get to see how it works. You guessed it, just like a microwave.

It’s supposedly going to be battery-powered upon release, letting you take it outdoors for a quick bean injection no matter where you are. And having a microwave on your desk? That’s living, my friends. [TechEBlog]

Is Nuking Consoles Still Cool?

Mark Wilson — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:40:00 +0000

I remember back when one guy microwaved an Xbox 360. It was the coolest! Now someone has done the same thing to a PS3 to even the score, and it just feels awkward. [via Joystiq]

How To Safely Microwave a Turkey

Mark Wilson — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:40:00 +0000

Don’t look at me that way. You know that you’ve at least considered it. This Thanksgiving, why slave away all day over a hot oven baking a turkey when you have space age microwave technology right in your own kitchen? According to the USDA, “Turkeys can be successfully cooked in a microwave oven–whole or in parts.” And they’ve kindly included a complete set of useful tips on their site.

Instructions:

Turkey parts can be cooked in a dish with a lid, or cover the dish with plastic wrap and vent the top. Timing can vary because of wattage differences, so follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual.A 5.5- to 6.5 kg turkey is the maximum size most microwaves can accommodate… Allow 7.5cm oven clearance on top and 5- to 7.5cm of space around the bird. The time for cooking a turkey in the microwave is 9 to 10 minutes per pound on medium (50%) power. Rotate the bird during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Warnings:

Microwaves sometimes cook a whole turkey unevenly, so microwaving it in an oven cooking bag aids in even heat distribution. Microwaving a stuffed turkey is not recommended.

To those who are taking this post too seriously, remember: Just because something is edible doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily want to eat it. Though if you do partake in a microwaved turkey this Thanksgiving, be sure to send us a photo…and maybe try stuffing the bird with Pop Secret after cooking. [USDA]

Xbox 360: Will it Microwave?

Haroon Malik — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:15:00 +0000

It’s Sunday, and it just wouldn’t be right if a group of destructive loons were not prepared to put their faulty, plausibly repairable Xbox 360 into a microwave. Naturally, the mob breathed in the ensuing toxic fumes happily, all in the name of ~~science~~ comedy and cheap thrills. That kind of devotion we must salute, but for the tortured Xbox 360, our heart melts, much like its innards did. Oh, the humanity. Check out the video then hit the link for a slew of shots of the despicable carnage. [Microwave Science]

Mini Microwave is Nearly Useless…Unless You are a big Fan of Ramen

Sean Fallon — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:30:31 +0000

Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of a mini microwave. But looking at this thing, I find it hard to justify spending $150 just so I can conveniently heat up some crappy instant coffee or some Ramen noodles at my desk. However, if the manufacturer decides to make a USB powered version, we will talk. Measures 10.5″x12″x10.” [Product Page via Random Good Stuff]

Microwave Beam Contraption Cooks Cars Until They Stop

Sean Fallon — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:20:27 +0000

Just yesterday in my hometown a police chase ended up killing two innocent motorists when the suspect’s car plowed into their vehicle. The debate has always been whether or not police should put the public at risk by engaging in these types of pursuits, or back down until the suspect can be safely picked up later. There are several gadgets out there that are designed to aid police in these situations, but a device that shoots a microwave beam at a car to disable it is definitely one of the most interesting.The device, designed by Eureka Aerospace, works by frying the car’s electrical system using the same kind of energy found in microwave ovens (at a different frequency). A generator amplifies the energy and directs it toward an offender via a narrow beam fired using a specially designed antenna. The higher the frequency, the more directed the beam – making it possible to aim it at vulnerable areas of a vehicle. Tests have proven that the device can disable vehicles from 3 -4.5 metres away with “no biological effects,” although current prototypes are about 150 centimetres long and 30 centermetres thick – so portability is definitely an issue. However, it may be possible to mount the device on the top of a building or a helicopter in its current form. The developers hope to make a 23 kilogram model that can disable cars from 180 metres away in the near future. [Discovery via InventorSpot]