Abstract: A microwave oven mainly comprises a heating chamber (3) where food (2) is placed, a magnetron (8) for supplying microwaves to the heating chamber, a humidity sensor (11) for detecting an absolute humidity in the heating chamber, and a microcomputer (12) for controlling operation of the magnetron. The microcomputer (12) determines whether the food is covered with clear-plastic wrap or not, based on a humidity change rate at an early stage of heating. Further, the microcomputer determines the quantity of the food based on the detection of a humidity change rate at a later stage. The microcomputer determines a heating pattern suited for the state of the food, based on the two determinations.

Abstract: An electronically controlled cooking apparatus including a heating source for heating an article to be heated, an infrared sensor for detecting temperature of the article and a control member for controlling drive of the heating source. The control member further includes a first memory for storing a predetermined heating temperature of the article and a second memory for storing a predetermined minimum heating time period for heating the article.