Operating modes
Microwave Mode
h
When using the microwave mode, food
is cooked, reheated or defrosted in a
short time.
Functional description
This oven is equipped with two magne-
trons
b
, which convert electrical en-
ergy into microwaves.
There are two stirrer fans
c
, one above
the oven ceiling and the other under
the oven floor. These two interior sur-
faces can be penetrated by micro-
waves. The fans distribute the micro-
waves evenly throughout the oven
interior, rebounding off the walls to
reach and enter the food.
An advantage of this system is that
food can be cooked on two levels sim-
ultaneously, (e.g. on the oven floor and
the first runner level).
In order for microwaves to reach the
food, they must be able to penetrate
the cooking utensil being used.
Round or oval dishes appear to give
the most even result.
Microwaves can penetrate porcelain,
glass, cardboard and plastics but not
metal. Do not, therefore, use utensils
made of metal, or which contain metal,
for example in the form of gold or silver
trim. The metal reflects the microwaves
and this could lead to the creation of
sparks. The microwaves cannot be ab-
sorbed.
Microwaves pass through a suitable
container and find their way directly
into the foodstuff.
All foodstuffs contain moisture mole-
cules which, when subjected to micro-
wave energy, start to oscillate 2.5 thou-
sand million times a second. The
friction caused by this vibration creates
heat, which first starts developing
around the outside of the foodstuff and
then slowly penetrates towards the
centre. The moisture, fat and sugar con-
tent of food will affect the speed at
which it is cooked.
As heat is produced directly in the food,
– food can generally be cooked with-
out adding much liquid or cooking oil
– cooking, reheating and defrosting in
a microwave oven is quicker than
using normal oven methods
– nutrients, such as vitamins and mine-
rals, are retained
– colour, texture and taste of food are
not impaired
– the surface temperature stays cool
enough to avoid browning.
Operating modes
16
