This paper is devoted to the modelling of microwave heating applicators using time domain vector finite elements. To reduce the discretisation error due to the dielectric losses of the materials analyzed, first and second order interpolatory and non-interpolatory vector finite element bases are studied. The modes of a resonant applicator used for microwave heating are numerically computed and compared with analytical solutions. The movement of a dielectric load in 45-degree intervals in a multimode applicator is numerically simulated and the results compared experimentally through measuring the return loss using a network analyzer. This paper reveals the relative merits of first and second order bases and shows the effectiveness of finite elements for simulating microwave heating processes.