Abstract: A hot pad for absorbing energy in a microwave oven and heating articles in thermally conductive contact with the pad, comprises a flexible and conformable pad defining a plurality of individual flexible and conformable closed pockets. Each of the pockets is formed of a microwave-transmissive heat-resistant material and at least partially filled with microwave-absorbing particulate matter. The microwave-heated hot pad is used by being disposed in thermally conductive contact with an essentially microwave-transmissive article to be heated (e.g., a non-comestible).