Multicomponent foods in particular heat unevenly, causing
problems with both sensory and microbiological quality. It is difficult to quantify the influence of factors
affecting microwave heating uniformity of foods. This is due, at least partly, to the problems in
measuring temperature distribution and the interaction between oven and the food. The objective of this
study was to improve the quality of microwave heated multicomponent foods by better understanding of
the factors controlling heating uniformity and the consumer perception thereof.