An accidental by-product of radar technology developed during World War II, the microwave has changed our lives since 1946. Here are some of the more surprising things it’s capable of.

Alternatively, take chips to the next level by making them yourself! Slice to around an eighth of an inch then microwave on decreasing power for three minutes, flipping the chips as you go. While the slicing may take some time if you don’t have a mandolin handy, the satisfaction of eating homemade chips, seasoned as you like, will be worth it.

Fancy showing off a little at your next dinner party? Make your own parmesan cheese bowls with this simple hack. Simply grate a circle of parmesan on parchment paper, ‘cook’ until golden brown in the microwave then, as quickly as you can, flip the cheese over an upturned bowl, placing another bowl on top. Once cool, peel back the parchment to reveal perfectly formed cheese bowls. You show-off!

Dread cutting onions for fear of the seemingly unavoidable flood of tears it triggers? Avoid no more. Simply trim the ends and place the onion in the microwave on full power for around 30 seconds and voila! No more stinging eyes.

Is your sweet tooth craving some Dulce de leche but your schedule can't fit the usual three to four hours it takes to make? This is for you. Start by pouring condensed milk into a microwavable bowl and heating on 50% for two minutes at a time, whisking at every interval. At around the 10-minute mark, it will look like it’s curdled; that’s when you know it’s done. Whisk until smooth and try to resist scoffing the whole bowl with a spoon.

Raise your loaf from the dead by placing any stale pieces in the microwave for 10 seconds to return to them to their former glory. This tip also works wonders for pastries, donuts and any dough-based foods.

Bad red wine can be revived, so get rid of that bitter aftertaste via your microwave by pouring half the bottle in a heat proof jug and heating for 30 seconds. Aftertaste be gone!

Juicing can be an expensive way of staying healthy, so make sure you get all you can from your fruit by blitzing your oranges and lemons in the microwave for 30 seconds before use. You’ll find there’s double the amount of juice to be enjoyed!

Some veggies can be tricky to peel when raw, so save yourself time and effort with a quick 30 seconds in the microwave. The heat makes fiddly skins like those on tomatoes and peppers come away with ease.

Make tasty lemonade in half the time with your microwave. Simply heat together a cup of water, a large piece of lemon peel, and 1-2 teaspoons of sugar on high power for two minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the water is steaming. Stir in the juice of your lemon and you’re done! Now enjoy either hot or loaded with ice for a refreshing summer cooler.

Cheat your way to aromatic snacks by zapping your nuts and seeds with whole spices for just 15 seconds.

Forget to seal the bag of chips you opened the night before and they’ve lost their crunch? Don’t fret; just put the remaining chips on a paper towel and heat briefly. The moisture will be absorbed by the paper towel and your chips will get back their crunchy texture!

If you’re short on time in the mornings and still fancy a nutritious breakfast, scrambling your eggs in the microwave is the answer. Add two eggs to a microwavable cup with salt, pepper and a dash of milk before zapping for a minute and a half, pausing to stir halfway.

If your recipe calls for soaking your beans or lentils overnight, you can cheat your way in under an hour. All you’ll need to do is place the beans in a bowl with a pinch of bicarbonate of soda, cover with water until completely submerged and microwave for 10 minutes on high power. Leave the beans to rest for 30-40 minutes then follow your recipe as normal.

Garlic can be tricky to peel, with the skin flaking everywhere. Save yourself some time and hassle and microwave for 15 seconds on full power. The heat will draw out any extra moisture out of the clove and in turn loosen up the skin.

Fancy a barista-style coffee in the comfort of your own home? While this tip still requires a little elbow grease, it’s a great hack to elevate the humblest of cappuccinos. All you need to do is fill a jar halfway with milk and shake. Once frothy, remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds. Watch as your froth doubles in size and provides the perfect topping to your latte.

In need of a hot compress – fast? Place a wet hand towel in your microwave and heat for about one minute on high power and just like that you have a soothing hot press.

Restore your honey to its former runny glory by removing the lid and heating the jar on 50% power for two minutes. It will be trickling down your favorite treats in no time.

If you’re looking to build a stash of dry herbs or have some fresh that you don’t want to waste, get to your microwave! Parsley and other herbs dry beautifully by just adding a cupped heap onto a paper towel and heating on high for 2-4 minutes. Once dry, simply crumble in the paper towel and store.

If you’ve discovered your brown sugar has morphed into one, impenetrable lump, your microwave is the answer. Put a dampened towel in the box and seal tightly before putting the whole thing in the microwave for 20 seconds on full power. A gentle stir and your sugar is restored.

There is simply no end to the number of mug cakes you can make with your microwave. Whether brownies are your thing or even apple crumble, the internet is flooded with quick, easy recipes just asking to be tried out. The best bit? Minimal clean up and it's ready to be devoured in MINUTES!

With all these new tips, you’re sure to be making some mess in your microwave. The easiest way to clean it? Place some damp paper towels in it before heating on full power for 3-5 minutes. All the moisture will evaporate, softening the dirt inside. Once you’re done, re-use the paper towels inside to mop the mess. For a fresh smell to boot, add half a lemon with your paper towels. Mm, zesty!