A susceptor for a microwave hybrid heating system is provided, including a hollow member made of a heat resistant material that does not substantially absorb or reflect microwave energy at room temperature and a substance contained within the hollow member. The substance substantially immediately couples to microwave energy at room temperature to form a plasma that emits radiant energy substantially immediately. A microwave hybrid heating system and a continuous microwave hybrid heating system including at least one susceptor according to the present invention are provided, as well as a method for sintering ceramic members using a microwave hybrid heating system according to the present invention.