How long should food cooked in a microwave stand inside the unit before performing temperature checks?

When food is cooked in a microwave, it is important to allow it to stand for a short period before checking the temperature. This resting time is crucial because microwaves heat food unevenly; hot spots and cooler areas can exist simultaneously. By letting the food stand for two minutes, it allows the heat to redistribute throughout, ensuring a more uniform temperature throughout the dish. This step is vital for food safety, as it helps ensure that the food reaches a temperature that is safe for consumption, particularly when reheating leftovers or cooking foods that are dense and may take longer to heat thoroughly.

The other timeframes, while they seem reasonable, do not provide the optimal balance of time for heat distribution and safety. For instance, one minute may not be sufficient for the food to reach an even temperature, and waiting longer than two minutes could unnecessarily delay the serving of food that is already heated properly.