Gizmo

By Andy Walker, Cyberwalker Media Syndicate

I'm always wary when I encounter an antique microwave that looks like it came from an Eastern Bloc country. You know the ones. They're clunky and chunky and have big silver buttons on them. When you use them they make an unholy whirling sound. Are they safe? Well, there's a gadget that will tell you.

It's the MD-2000 Microwave Leakage Detector. It's a palm-sized device that can report whether or not the amount of radiation coming out of these dinosaurs is unhealthy.

Of course the device is also useful for testing newer microwaves that can also leak radiation when there are defects or problems with door seals.
To test a microwave, you turn it on and point the business end of the MD-2000 within a couple of inches of the oven, along the seam where the door meets the oven's chassis. The device sniffs the oven and gives you a reading from zero to 9.99 miliwatts/cm2.

If it senses levels over 5 mw/cm2 it flashes a light and emits a warning beep. This usually means there is a problem with the door seal. It can be remedied by sending the microwave in for further inspection and repair. Or it can also be used as a reminder to not stand too close to the oven when it's operating.

The device is powered by a nine-volt battery and comes with a wall-mounting bracket and a rather sparse instruction manual.

Price: $39.95. Canadian / $29.95 US
More info: www.comforthouse.com/comfort/micleakdetwi.html
Buy it: In Canada, at Home Outfitters or by calling Crossroads Industries at (905) 836-4859.

Find a Microwave Leakage Detector here