A detailed theoretical analysis has been carried out on enhanced microwave heating of one-dimensional emulsion samples confined within ceramic and ceramic/metallic or composite plates. A preliminary study has been carried out via average power vs emulsion thickness diagram to estimate microwave power absorption within emulsion samples (o/w and w/o) for various plate assemblies. Two maxima in average power or resonances (R-1 and R-2 modes) have been considered corresponding to specific emulsion thicknesses for efficient processing of samples. It is observed that, microwave power absorption is enhanced for both o/w and w/o emulsions in presence of metallic (single/composite) plates during both R-1 and R-2 modes. However, efficient heating strategies are characterized by 'large heating rates' with 'minimal thermal runaway effects' within the sample. Therefore, based on a number of case studies for detailed distributions of power and temperature, suitable heating strategies have been recommended for various compositions of o/w and w/o emulsion samples. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.