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frequently asked questions
If a problem does occur, it may often be due to something very minor. The following Q & A may be
able to resolve the issue.
questions
answers
Why doesn’t the food seem to cook?
Check that:
• the cooking time has been set.
• the door is closed.
• the mains socket is not overloaded causing the fuse to blow.
The thermal protective device (fuse) blows.
• Stop using the microwave and unplug.
• Consult a qualified electrician for repair.
Why does the food seem undercooked or
overcooked?
Check that:
• the correct cooking time has been set.
• the correct power setting has been used.
How can I stop eggs from popping?
When you bake or poach eggs in the microwave, the yolk can sometimes pop
as steam builds up inside it. You can stop the egg from popping by piercing the
yolk with a toothpick before cooking.
Never cook eggs that are still in their shells.
Why is it so important that I allow standing
time after cooking?
With microwave cooking, many foods build up enough heat inside them to
continue cooking even after they’ve been taken out of the microwave. For
a short time after cooking the heated product will continue to cook, leaving
products to stand will allow for even cooking and heat distribution.
Why does my microwave sometimes take
longer to cook than it says in the recipe?
First check that the microwave was set just as the recipe said.
Cooking times and heat settings are suggestions to help prevent overcooking
but differences in the weight, size, shape and starting temperature of food will
all affect how long it takes to cook – just as it does with a conventional oven.
Use your judgement along with the recipe to check whether the food has been
cooked properly.
Why do I get condensation on the inside of
the door?
Condensation is perfectly normal, especially when you are cooking food with a
high moisture content such as potatoes.
Does the microwave energy get through
the window on the door?
No. The door has a special metal screen with holes that lets you see inside but
stops microwave energy from getting out.
Steam comes out of the side of the door
and vents. Can microwave energy get out
too?
No. The door and vents are carefully designed to let steam out during cooking
but keep microwave energy in.
What happens if the microwave is switched
on while the microwave is empty?
The microwave will be damaged. Do not switch the microwave on when there’s
nothing inside the microwave. It is a good idea to keep a cup of water in the
microwave just in case someone accidentally starts the microwave.
Why doesn’t the microwave’s light
illuminate?
Open the door. If the light does not illuminate, the bulb has probably blown. Call
a qualified technician – do not try to change the bulb yourself.
There are sparks inside the microwave
when I use the microwave. Will this cause
any damage?
Yes. Make sure that you are not using any metal utensils and that your
containers don’t have a metal trim. You must not use metal in your microwave
when you cook (except aluminium foil).
Light is showing through the vents and
door. Does this mean the microwave
energy can escape?
No. It is normal for the light to be visible and is nothing to be concerned about.
Why do I get interference on my TV and
radio when I use the microwave?
Microwaves use radio waves similar to those received by TVs and radios. You
can lessen the interference by moving your microwave further away from the
TV or radio.
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