To address a basic physics issue in the growing field of dielectric heating by microwaves,we present the theory and experimental observation on the effect of polarization-charge shielding. Non-spherical samples are irradiated by a uniform traveling wave in an anechoic chamber. The polarization-charge shielded heating rate is shown to be highly dependent on the sample’s shape and orientation relative to the wave electric field,which may become a major cause for an excessive temperature spread. This is a significant effect studied comprehensively for the first time,along with a demonstrated remedy.