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• Strips of aluminium foil can be used to cover the thinner pieces of food to stop them
overcooking before the thicker parts of the food have had a chance to cook. Use the
aluminium foil sparingly and wrap around the food or container carefully to stop it touching
the inside of the microwave which could cause sparks.
• Microwaves cook food using microwave energy that is similar to naturally occurring radio
waves.
Normally, these “waves” would fade as they disappear into the atmosphere but in a
microwave they are concentrated on the food causing it to heat up.
• Microwave energy cannot pass through metal – so it can not escape from inside your
microwave – but it can pass through materials like glass, porcelain, plastic, and paper.
These are the things used to make microwave-safe cooking
equipment.
• Microwave-safe cooking equipment will still get hot as the
food it contains heats up.
• The microwave energy focuses on the moisture in the food
causing lots of tiny vibrations. The vibrations get so great that
the moisture – and the food – heat up.
Introducing microwave cooking
Always remember the basic safeguards you would follow when using any cooking equipment or
handling hot food.
This page gives some of the basic guidelines for microwave cooking. If you are unfamiliar with
using a microwave, there is more information at the back of this instruction manual.
Cooking with a microwave
• Microwave energy can heat unevenly so stirring to distribute heat is very important. Always
stir from the outside, inwards.
• If you are cooking a number of individual foods at the same time, such as baked potatoes or
small cakes, arrange them evenly on the turntable plate so that they cook evenly. Never stack
food in the microwave.
• Turn larger foods such as meat roasts and poultry during cooking so that the top and
bottom cook evenly. It is also recommended to turn pieces of meat or poultry, especially if
they have not been deboned.
• Meat and poultry which is cooked for 15 minutes or more will brown lightly in its own
fat. Anything cooked for a shorter time can be brushed with a browning sauce to give an
appetising colour.
Cooking with a microwave is much faster than conventional cooking and, whilst you should make
sure that food is fully cooked, you should be careful not to overcook it.
If you are unsure how long the food should cook for, begin cooking at the lowest recommended
time, then add more time if necessary. The moisture content of food can vary. Ensure food is
thoroughly cooked all the way to the centre before serving.
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