Microwave measurements and the dielectric properties of materials are finding increasing application, as new
electro-technology is adapted for use in agriculture and food processing industries. The interest in dielectric
properties of materials has historically been associated with the design of electrical equipment, where various
dielectrics are used for insulating conductors and other components of electric equipment. Although direct
heating by microwaves can offer advantages over conventional heat transfer, the different mechanism of
energy transfer in microwave heating has led to new processing challenges. This paper is the outcome of an
extensive and comprehensive literature review in the area and mainly summarises several microwave
processing aspects and its usefulness in understanding the microwave–material interaction and the role of
dielectric properties.