A microwave is perfect for reheating coffee and leftover takeaways, but if you think that's all it can do you are seriously underestimating the kitchen appliance's ability. 

While some remain anti-microwave, among other things, the microwave is actually a healthy, convenient way to cook. Stuff.co.nz offers these ways to use a microwave:

Cooks dinner in 10 minutes flat

The microwave's sole purpose isn't just to reheat, it can cook too. A healthy salmon and veggie dinner can be made using fresh ingredients, and be ready in less than 10 minutes.

Real Simple said to subtract about three-quarters of the recommended cooking time but as a rule of thumb fish should take about eight to 10 minutes. To cook your vegetables, simply rinse with water, place in a microwave safe dish, cover and zap in the microwave for roughly five minutes, but it depends on your microwave.  

Disinfects plastic cutting boards

Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli breed on your chopping board, even after giving them a good scrub.

A 1996 report based on microbiologist at the University of Wisconsin Dr Dean O. Cliver's research and advised microwaving chopping boards for five minutes to remove bacteria.

Bringing honey back to life and proofing yeast for dough

The perception that crystallised honey has gone bad is false. When in fact, Wired said it's actually a sign of good-quality honey.

If your honey has hardened in the jar, take the lid off and pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

The heat will bring the honey back to a delicious, gooey consistency.

Place your dough in the middle of the microwave, along with a cup of water at the back and heat for three minutes on the lowest setting possible.

Let the dough rest for three minutes before heating it again for another three minutes. This time let it rest for six minutes.

Kills bacteria in sponges

To remove the colony of bacteria growing in your sponge, put it in the microwave.

Real Simple said soak the cloth or sponge in water; add some vinegar with lemon juice and microwave on high for one minute.

Revives old makeup

Before throwing out your dried and chunky mascara, pop it in the microwave.