Microwaves, 'stand'...

[tiggertan]

Why do you have to let ready meals 'stand' for a minute or so halfway through and after zapping?

[chazza]

I dont know about halfway through, but microwaved food continues to "cook" for a while after the microwave has "pinged" to say it is finished.

The standing time afterwards is generally just to compensate for this

[heathfield]

Parts of the food can become overheated if 'zapped' continuously. Letting it stand halfway through allows some of this heat to dissipate to cooler areas.
For the effects of overheating, scroll down to the first question and answer here.

[tiggertan]

Thank you both! :o)