8
- Poultry thigh joints move easily.
- Meat and poultry show no pinkness.
- Fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
ABOUT UTENSILS AND COVERINGS
It is not necessary to buy all new cookware. Many pieces already
in your kitchen can be used successfully in your new Microwave
Drawer. Make sure the utensil does not touch the interior walls
during cooking.
Use these utensils for safe microwave cooking and reheating:
• glass ceramic (Pyroceram
®
), such as Corningware
®
• heat-resistant glass (Pyrex
®
)
• microwave safe plastics
• microwave safe paper plates
• microwave safe pottery, stoneware and porcelain
• browning dish (Do not exceed recommended preheating
time. Follow manufacturer’s directions.)
These items can be used for short time reheating of foods that
have little fat or sugar in them:
• wood, straw, wicker
DO NOT USE
• metal pans and bakeware
• dishes with metallic trim
• non-heat-resistant glass
• non-microwave safe plastics (margarine tubs)
• recycled paper products
• brown paper bags
• food storage bags
• metal twist-ties
• aluminum foil
Should you wish to check if a dish is safe for microwaving,
place the empty dish in the oven and microwave on HIGH for
30 seconds. A dish which becomes very hot should not be used.
The following coverings are ideal:
• Paper towels are good for covering foods for reheating and
absorbing fat while cooking bacon.
• Wax paper can be used for cooking and reheating.
• Plastic wrap that is specially marked for microwave use can
be used for cooking and reheating. DO NOT allow plastic
wrap to touch food. Vent so steam can escape.
• Lids that are microwave safe are a good choice because heat
is kept near the food to hasten cooking.
• Oven cooking bags are good for large meats or foods that
need tenderizing. DO NOT use metal twist-ties. Remember
to slit bag so steam can escape.
ACCESSORIES
There are many microwave accessories
available for purchase. Evaluate carefully before you purchase
so that they meet your needs. A microwave safe thermometer
will assist you in determining correct doneness and assure you
that foods have been cooked to safe temperatures. Sharp is not
responsible for any damage to the Microwave Drawer when
accessories are used.
ABOUT CHILDREN AND THE
MICROWAVE
Children below the age of 7 should use the Microwave Drawer
with a supervising person very near to them. Between the ages of
7 and 12, the supervising person should be in the same room. The
child must be able to reach the Microwave Drawer comfortably.
At no time should anyone be allowed to lean or swing on the
Microwave Drawer.
Children should be taught all safety precautions: use potholders,
remove coverings carefully, pay special attention to packages
that crisp food because they may be extra hot.
Donʼt assume that because a child has mastered one cooking
skill he/she can cook everything.
Children need to learn that the Microwave Drawer is not a toy.
See page 21 for Control Lock feature.
ABOUT SAFETY
• Check foods to see that they are cooked to the United States
Department of Agricultureʼs recommended temperatures.
145˚F - Fish.
160˚F - Pork, ground beef/veal/lamb, egg dishes
165˚F - For leftover, ready-to-reheat refrigerated, and deli
and carry-out “fresh” food. Whole, pieces and
ground turkey/chicken/duck.
To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer in a thick
or dense area away from fat or bone. NEVER leave the
thermometer in the food during cooking, unless it is approved
for microwave use.
• ALWAYS use potholders to prevent burns when handling
utensils that are in contact with hot food. Enough heat from
the food can transfer through utensils to cause skin burns.
• Avoid steam burns by directing steam away from the face and
hands. Slowly lift the farthest edge of a dish’s covering and
carefully open popcorn and oven cooking bags away from
the face.
• Stay near the Microwave Drawer while it’s in use and check
cooking progress frequently so that there is no chance of
overcooking food.
• NEVER use the Microwave Drawer for storing cookbooks
or other items.
• Select, store and handle food carefully to preserve its high
quality and minimize the spread of foodborne bacteria.
• Keep waveguide cover clean. Food residue can cause arcing
and/or fires. See page 22.
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
