I can understand that. At one of my offices the lunch room was right near the desks, so if someone's meal had a particularly strong odor, it would linger for most of the rest of the day.

At my current office, though, the microwaves are on different floors, so it doesn't really bother anyone. I think people try to be respectful, though, in case there are meetings going on on those floors.

Re: The dumbest office email ever
 

That is dumb!

I think your CEO needs to worry about more important issues...

Okay. I can't use the microwave during normal business hours? I'll just nuke my tuna noodle casserole at 8:59 am and get everyone as they arrive in the morning. :p

At my office, the microwave (along with the coffee machine and water dispenser) is in a small room near one of the entrances onto the floor. If someone microwaves something stinky, and you use that entrance or you want coffee or water, you'll get hit, but smells don't waft out onto the floor. A lot of folks on my floor like Indian food, so there are always a few people heating up curries in the microwave, and I never smell it out on the floor (which makes me :( as I like Indian too).