Does baking a potato for 45 minutes produce the same result as microwaving it for 3 minutes? Different heating methods transfer energy at very different rates. That changes the flavor and texture and weight of the finished food. You cook uniform potatoes by baking and pressure cooking and microwaving at several time intervals. You also cook sliced carrots using four methods including steaming and boiling. After each method you weigh the food and evaluate its taste and texture. The side-by-side comparison shows how cooking speed and method shape the final product.