Cooking safely with microwaves
and OVEN
MICROWAVES
When preparing ready-to-serve food (like TV dinners) always carefully follow the
instructions provided by the food manufacturer on the package and also the tips and
guidelines contained at the end of this manual.
◆ Microwaves are high frequency electromagnetic waves like radio
waves. They create heat by causing the molecules in water, fat and
sugar to vibrate. They only penetrate a certain depth (e.g. approx.
25 mm into meat) and this heat is then conducted to the rest of the
item being cooked.
◆ Tableware must be suitable for use in a microwave oven.
For example, dishes made of temperature resistant glass, ceramics,
porcelain and plastic.
Never place closed metal containers into your microwave oven -
the microwaves are reflected and the food will not get warm.
◆ In the case of TV dinners the food can be left in the aluminium tray
with the top removed.
◆ Microwaves can damage any crockery with gold or silver
decoration.
◆ Never place food in the oven in closed containers - the container
could explode.
◆ Food with a skin or peel can explode. Never place eggs in a
microwave. When cooking items such as potatoes, chicken livers
etc., puncture the skin using e.g. a fork to allow steam to escape.
◆ Never heat spirits (alcoholic drinks) to high temperatures; they may
self-ignite.
◆ When heating small amounts of liquid (e.g. a cup of tea/coffee),
place a spoon in the cup to prevent boiling over.
◆ Food which has been cooked with a microwave continues to
cook after the oven is switched off.
Before allowing others, in particular children or older people, to eat
food or drinks from the microwave oven check that the temperature
of the food is acceptable (danger of burning/scalding).
◆ Help the heat to spread uniformly by stirring and turning,
in particular after only short heating periods.
◆ Never turn the microwave oven on without food in the chamber -
it might overload and get damaged.
◆ Metal items, e.g. dishes, should not touch the walls of the oven,
this can cause sparking and could cause a fire.
◆ If you think there is a fire in the oven (smoke), leave the door
closed, switch the unit off and disconnect from the mains electricity
supply.
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CAUTION: Always set short cooking times and check the food
frequently. If the recommended cooking times are
exceeded the food, especially oil or fat, will be spoiled
and in extreme circumstances could catch fire.
