9
MICROWAVING
MICROWAVE POWER LEVELS
Power level:
The microwave power level is varied
by the microwave energy switching on and off.
When using power levels other than 100% you will
be able to hear the microwave energy pulsing on
and off as the food cooks or defrosts.
IMPORTANT:
The microwave power level will default
to 100% unless you select another power level.
Your oven has 5 power levels. To choose the power
level for cooking, follow the advice given in the
recipe section. Generally the following
recommendations apply:
100%
(output = 900W) - used for fast cooking or
reheating e.g. for casseroles, hot beverages,
vegetables etc.
70%
(output = 630W) - used for longer cooking of
dense foods such as roast joints, meat loaf and plated
meals, also for sensitive dishes such as cheese sauce
and sponge cakes.
50%
(output = 450W) - for dense foods which
require a long cooking time when cooked
conventionally, eg. beef dishes, it is advisable to use
this power setting to ensure the meat will be tender.
30%
(output = 270W Defrost setting) - to defrost,
select this power setting, to ensure that the dish
defrosts evenly. This setting is also ideal for
simmering rice, pasta, dumplings and cooking egg
custard.
10%
(output = 90W) - For gentle defrosting, eg.
cream gateaux or pastry.
Water, sugar and fat in food absorbs the microwaves
and causes them to vibrate. This creates heat by friction,
in the same way your hands get warm when you rub
them together.
The outer areas of food are heated by microwave
energy and the remaining portions by conduction. It is
important to
turn
,
rearrange
or
stir
food to ensure
even heating. Where recommended, allow food to
stand, this is not optional but is
necessary
to ensure
thorough cooking. It is particularly important for dense
food, such as joints of meat.
NOTES:
• Microwaves pass through non-metallic dishes and
utensils and heat the food inside the dishes.
• Microwaves are reflected by metal.
• The oven is lined with metal and has a fine metallic
mesh in the door to prevent microwave leakage.
• Metallic dishes are not suitable for microwaving.
• See SUITABLE COOKWARE, page 31-32.
R-393M O/M & C/B 08/06/2000 16:04 Page 9
