This paper presents the numerical and experimental analysis of microwave heating in a saturated packed bed by using a rectangular waveguide (TE10 mode). A complete mathematical model is proposed, which uses comprehensive two-dimensional energy and momentum equations to describe unsteady temperature and flow fields, coupled with a complete solution of the transient Maxwell's equations in time domain. The influences of particle size, sample dimension, placement inside the guide, and frequency on heat transfer and flow patter are studied. The simulation results are in good agreement with experimental data. Flow pattern strongly depends on the bead size and thermal efficiency of the sample changes with sample size and frequency. Furthermore, the middle placed inside the guide aids in uniform heating. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.