In this work a comprehensive set of experimental results are used as an excellent means to understand the coupling that exists between the material and die electromagnetic fields in a specific industrial microwave applicator. The analysis of the infrared images allows an accurate map of the power and temperature distributions within the wood sample to be determined. This map, together with the simulation results of a previously developed computational electromagnetic model, can provide a detailed understanding of the design features of the microwave applicator. In particular, it is possible to locate the occurrence of localised hot spots and to examine the uniformity of the heat distribution throughout the sample. The simulation results provide the evolution of the electromagnetic fields inside the entire applicator and the sample. The coupling of theory and practice is the best way to proceed in optimising the design and for proposing new applicator geometry that can heat the material more effectively.