Omelet wrote:
> In article
> >,
>
> " > wrote:
> > Is it safe to open a microwave without pressing the stop button
> > first? �In my office there is a microwave 15 feet away from me, and 2
> > of my co-workers are always using the microwave, and they always open
> > it without hitting the stop button.
>
> It shuts off as soon as you open the door so it does not matter.


It does indeed matter. The Off button is the same as the Clear
button... it's a touch pad on most modern units, when pressed/touched
will stop the microwaves but will also clear whatever was programmed;
time/level. Opening the door stops the microwave generation but does
not clear the programmed info, only pauses the unit, which permits the
unit to continue the present program by just closing the door and
pressing Start. Most times the unit stops on its own because the time
elapsed, the user does nothing but remove the contents. Hardly anyone
stops the unit mid program by pressing the Stop pad, unless they wish
to reprogram the unit. Most folks open the door to stop the unit
because they want to check the contents, maybe stir, and then continue
the program. So as anyone who has ever used a microwave oven should
realize there is indeed a difference, a big difference.