Abstract: The oven cavity (1) of a microwave oven includes an apertured launch wall (3) on the external side of which a launch box (5) is mounted so as to cover the aperture. Two three or four magnetrons supply microwave energy to the launch box (5), and hence into the oven cavity, via corresponding waveguides (10a, 10b, 10c) each in communication with a respective side of the launch box (5). In another aspect of the invention, a microwave oven cavity (1) includes an apertured launch wall (3), means for supplying microwave energy to the cavity (1) through the aperture and a match plate (26) mounted in the cavity so as to be spaced a small distance from the launch wall (3) and in registration with the aperture. The match plate and the launch wall (3), define a slot for coupling microwave energy into the cavity (1), and at least one hole (27) in the match plate (26), in use, enables microwave energy to be coupled to resonant modes in the centre of the cavity.

Abstract: A microwave oven comprises a magnetron for delivering microwave power to a cavity of the oven, a rotatable phase modular (19) an electrical resistance heating element (12) and a rotatable fan (20) for forcing air over the resistance heating element (12) and through the cavity. The phase modulator (19) and the fan (20) are mounted on a common driveshaft (18). A matchplate (9) is mounted in the cavity.