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Microwave function
Warning
– always read the safety precautions before using the microwave.
Always follow these recommendations when cooking with a microwave oven:
•
Always prick foods with a peel or skin (baking potatoes, sausages, etc.) to prevent
them bursting.
•
Only use containers or dishes which are suitable for microwave cooking (e.g.
heatproof glass).
•
Microwave cooking works by making water molecules in food vibrate against each
other to create heat. Therefore foods which contain little water (like bread or
popcorn) may cease cooking and start burning very quickly which the risk of fire
and damage to the appliance. You should, therefore, not exceed recommended
cooking times and should monitor the cooking process closely.
•
Do not heat oil in the microwave.
•
If cooking in several containers at once, space the containers out evenly on the
turntable.
•
Do not use metal wire twist tags; use plastic clips if required for closing cooking
bags. Prick cooking bags to allow steam and pressure to escape.
•
Foods will require turning and stirring to ensure even heating.
•
It is normal for steam to condense to water on the oven door glass, especially when
the kitchen is cold. This will not affect the cooking results. Simply wipe the water
away after cooking when the appliance has cooled.
•
When heating liquids, bear in mind that using a wider container can help steam to
evaporate more easily. Bubbles can form unevenly when liquids are microwaved,
resulting in delayed eruptive boiling. This means that the cup or container could
suddenly boil over when removed from the oven with the associated risk of
scalding. Placing a plastic boiling rod (available from kitchenware stores) in the cup
or container during microwaving will help to reduce this risk, but you should still
exercise caution when removing the cup or container from the oven.
•
The greater the amount of food, the longer the cooking time will be. As a general
rule: double the quantity = double the time; half the quantity = half the time.
•
The lower the temperature of the food, or the lower the microwave power level, the
longer the cooking time will be.
•
Foods containing a lot of liquid (water) will heat up more quickly.
•
Always distribute food evenly on the turntable; denser foods should be placed on
the outer part of the turntable and less dense foods on the inner part of the
turntable.
•
When you need to stir or turn the food, simply open the door and the microwave
function will pause automatically. The microwave function will start again when the
door is closed and ‘start’ is touched.
•
Covering foods with a plastic cover or microwave-safe cling film will reduce cooking
times and retain moisture and flavours, but the cover or cling film must have vents
to allow steam and pressure to escape.
•
The following table gives guidance on cooking vegetables in the microwave.
•
Please bear in mind that these figures are only for guidance, and actual required
cooking times may vary depending on the initial temperature, moisture content and
