Chaos theory and my friend's new microwave

[Nearly Sane]

Friend has just got a new microwave and it has a Chaos Defrost option which apparently uses chaos theory.

[jeremyp]

Yeah that’s bollocks.

[Dicky Underpants]

Friend has just got a new microwave and it has a Chaos Defrost option which apparently uses chaos theory.

Sounds over-complicated for what is the least important function of a microwave, I'd have thought. I just bought a combination one, with convection oven and grill functions as well. There is no mention of chaos theory in the instructions, which are complicated enough without that. But now I've got the hang of it, I find it a very useful item indeed.

[Nearly Sane]

Sounds over-complicated for what is the least important function of a microwave, I'd have thought. I just bought a combination one, with convection oven and grill functions as well. There is no mention of chaos theory in the instructions, which are complicated enough without that. But now I've got the hang of it, I find it a very useful item indeed.

Would appear to have been about for 20 years

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/chaos-theory-serves-up-solution-to-speedy-defrosting-in-microwaves-102308.html

[Udayana]

I doubt the idea actually arose out of chaos theory - most likely they were just trying to improve the efficiency of the machines, recognising that microwaves of fixed wavelengths could leave (small) unheated areas. Introducing irregular bursts improves defrosting speed and evenness.
 
Maybe someone should apply chaos theory to analyse pour over vs drip coffee brewing?