Multiple reflections of microwave at pore surfaces increase temperature rise in the outer layers of porous foods during microwave heating. Consequences of reflection may be a function of pore size. Microwave heating tests of leavened breads were conducted to evaluate such effects. Leavened breads of different densities and arrays of agar gel and styrofoam slabs were tested. Rates of heating in the outer slab increased as the styrofoam separator slab thickness increased from zero to 12.5 mm, then levelled off at greater styrofoam thicknesses. Apparently, as the spacer thickness increased, amounts of energy reflected at the interfaces increased and then asymptotically approached an upper limit. The temperature in the outer layer of breads with lower density rose more rapidly than those with higher density.