AEG MC2660E-B, MC2660E-D, MC2660E-W User Manual
PERFEKT IN FORM UND FUNKTION
Microwave oven
Operating instructions
MC2660E
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B
Dear Customer,
Thank you for buying an AEG-Electrolux microwave oven and putting your
trust in the AEG-Electrolux brand name.
Before using your AEG-Electrolux microwave oven for the first time, please
read the instruction book thoroughly. This will enable you to take advantage
of all the features that the appliance offers. It will also ensure trouble-free
operation and minimize unnecessary service calls.
Important information concerning your safety or the operation of your
appliance is noted by this symbol and/or mentions words such as «Warning»,
«Take care». Be sure to follow all instructions carefully.
Throughout the manual, this symbol guides you step by step when operating
the appliance.
This symbol indicates further information concerning the use of the
appliance.
The clover indicates energy-saving tips and hints for environmentally friendly
use of your appliance.
In the event of malfunctioning, please follow the instructions given in the
section «What to do if...»
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Contents
Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 3
Oven & accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Before operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
What are microwaves? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Suitable ovenware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 - 8
Tips & advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 -12
Microwave power levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Microwave cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Other convenient functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 - 15
Auto cook, cook from frozen & auto defrost operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 - 17
Auto cook, cook from frozen & auto defrost charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 - 21
Recipes for auto cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 - 22
Cooking charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 - 24
Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 - 28
Care & cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
What to do if... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Service & spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Customer service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Guarantee conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 - 34
The symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product may not be treated as household
waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and
electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative
consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste
handling of this product. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your
local city office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
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Important safety instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
To avoid the possibility of injury
WARNING:
Do not operate the oven if it is damaged or
malfunctioning. Check the following before use:
a) The door; make sure the door closes properly and
ensure it is not misaligned or warped.
b) The hinges and safety door latches; check to make
sure they are not broken or loose.
c) The door seals and sealing surfaces; ensure that
they have not been damaged.
d) Inside the oven cavity or on the door; make sure
there are no dents.
e) The power supply cord and plug; ensure that they
are not damaged.
Never adjust , repair or modify the oven yourself.
It is hazardous for anyone other than a competent
person to carry out any service or repair operation
which involves the removal of a cover which gives
protection against exposure to microwave energy.
Do not operate the oven with the door open or alter
the door safety latches in any way.
Do not operate the oven if there is an object between
the door seals and sealing surfaces.
Do not allow grease or dirt to build up on the door
seals and adjacent parts. Follow instructions for
“Care & Cleaning”, Page 29. Failure to maintain
the oven in a clean condition could lead to a
deterioration of the surface that could adversely
affect the life of the appliance and possibly result
in a hazardous situation.
Individuals with PACEMAKERS should check with their
doctor or the manufacturer of the pacemaker for
precautions regarding microwave ovens.
To avoid the possibility of electric shock
Under no circumstances should you remove the outer
cabinet.
Never spill or insert any objects into the door lock
openings or ventilation openings. In the event of a spill,
turn off and unplug the oven immediately and call your
local Service Force Centre.
Do not immerse the power supply cord or plug in water or
any other liquid.
Do not allow the power supply cord to run over any hot
or sharp surfaces, such as the hot air vent area at the
top rear of the oven.
Do not attempt to replace the oven lamp yourself or
allow anyone who is not authorised by Service Force to
do so. If the oven lamp fails, please consult your dealer
or contact your local Service Force Centre.
If the power supply cord of this appliance is damaged,
it must be replaced with a special cord. The exchange
must be made by an authorised Service Force
technician.
To avoid the danger of fire.
The microwave oven should not be left unattended
during operation. Power levels that are too high,
or cooking times that are too long, may overheat
foods resulting in a fire.
The electrical outlet must be readily accessible so that
the unit can be unplugged easily in an emergency.
Do not store or use the oven outdoors.
If food being heated begins to smoke, DO NOT
OPEN THE DOOR. Turn off and unplug the oven
and wait until the food has stopped smoking.
Opening the door while food is smoking may cause
a fire.
Only use microwave-safe containers and utensils.
See Pages 7 - 8.
Do not leave the oven unattended when using
disposable plastic, paper or other combustible food
containers.
Clean the waveguide cover, the oven cavity, the
turntable and turntable support after use. These
must be dry and free from grease. Built-up grease
may overheat and begin to smoke or catch fire.
Do not place flammable materials near the oven or
ventilation openings. Do not block the ventilation
openings.
Remove all metallic seals, wire twists, etc., from food
and food packages. Arcing on metallic surfaces may
cause a fire.
Do not use the microwave oven to heat oil for deep
frying. The temperature cannot be controlled and the
oil may catch fire.
To make popcorn, only use special microwave popcorn
makers.
Do not store food or any other items inside the oven.
Check the settings after you start the oven to ensure
the oven is operating as desired.
See the corresponding hints in this operation manual.
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Important safety instructions
To avoid the possibility of explosion and sudden
boiling:
WARNING: Liquids and other foods must not be
heated in sealed containers since they are liable to
explode.
Never use sealed containers. Remove seals and lids
before use. Sealed containers can explode due to a
build up of pressure even after the oven has been
turned off.
Take care when microwaving liquids. Use a widemouthed container to allow bubbles to escape.
Microwave heating of beverages can result in
delayed eruptive boiling, therefore care has to be
taken when handling the container.
To prevent sudden eruption of boiling liquid and
possible scalding:
1. Stir liquid prior to heating/reheating.
2. It is advisable to insert a glass rod or similar utensil
into the liquid whilst reheating.
3. Let liquid stand for at least 20 seconds in the oven
at the end of cooking time to prevent delayed
eruptive boiling.
Do not cook eggs in their shells, and whole hard
boiled eggs should not be heated in microwave
ovens since they may explode even after
microwave cooking has ended. To cook or reheat
eggs which have not been scrambled or mixed,
pierce the yolks and the whites, or the eggs may
explode. Shell and slice hard boiled eggs before
reheating them in the microwave oven.
Pierce the skin of such foods as potatoes, sausages and
fruit before cooking, or they may explode.
To avoid the possibility of burns
Use pot holders or oven gloves when removing food
from the oven to prevent burns.
Always open containers, popcorn makers, oven cooking
bags, etc., away from the face and hands to avoid
steam burns.
To avoid burns, always test food temperature and
stir before serving and pay special attention to the
temperature of food and drink given to babies,
children or the elderly.
Temperature of the container is not a true indication of
the temperature of the food or drink; always check the
food temperature.
Always stand back from the oven door when opening it
to avoid burns from escaping steam and heat.
Slice stuffed baked foods after heating to release steam
and avoid burns.
Keep children away from the door to prevent them
burning themselves.
To avoid misuse by children
Warning: Only allow children to use the oven
without supervision when adequate instructions
have been given so that the child is able to use the
oven in a safe way and understands the hazards of
improper use.
Do not lean or swing on the oven door. Do not play
with the oven or use it as a toy.
Children should be taught all important safety
instructions: use of pot holders, careful removal of food
coverings; paying special attention to packaging (e.g.
self-heating materials) designed to make food crisp, as
they may be extra hot.
Other warnings
Never modify the oven in any way.
This oven is for home food preparation only and may
only be used for cooking food. It is not suitable for
commercial or laboratory use.
To promote trouble-free use of your oven and avoid
damage.
Never operate the oven when it is empty.
When using a browning dish or self-heating material,
always place a heat-resistant insulator such as a
porcelain plate under it to prevent damage to the
turntable and turntable support due to heat stress. The
preheating time specified in the dishes instructions
must not be exceeded.
Do not use metal utensils, which reflect microwaves and
may cause electrical arcing. Do not put cans in the oven.
Only use the turntable and the turntable support
designed for this oven. Do not operate the oven
without the turntable.
To prevent the turntable from breaking:
(a) Before cleaning the turntable with water, leave the
turntable to cool.
(b) Do not put hot foods or hot utensils on a cold
turntable.
(c) Do not put cold foods or cold utensils on a hot
turntable.
Do not place anything on the outer cabinet during
operation.
NOTE:
If you are unsure how to connect your oven, please
consult an authorised, qualified electrician.
Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer can accept
any liability for damage to the oven or personal injury
resulting from failure to observe the correct electrical
connection procedure.
Water vapour or drops may occasionally form on the
oven walls or around the door seals and sealing
surfaces. This is a normal occurrence and is not an
indication of microwave leakage or a malfunction.
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Oven & accessories
ACCESSORIES:
Check to make sure the following accessories are
provided:
(15) Turntable (16) Turntable support
(17) 4 fixing screws (not shown).
• Place the turntable support in the seal packing on
the floor of the cavity.
• Then place the turntable on the turntable support.
• To avoid turntable damage, ensure dishes or
containers are lifted clear of the turntable rim when
removing them from the oven.
NOTE: When you order accessories, please mention two
items: part name and model name to your dealer or
local Service Force Centre.
1 Front trim
2 Oven lamp
3 Control panel
4 Door opening button
5 Waveguide cover
6 Oven cavity
7 Seal packing
8 Door seals and sealing surfaces
9 Fixing points (4 points)
10 Ventilation openings
11 Outer cover
12 Rear cabinet
13 Power supply cord support clip
14 Power supply cord
10
11
14
12
13
15
16
1
2
3
56
78
9
4
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Control panel
1 Digital Display
2 Indicators
The appropriate indicator will flash or light up, just
above each symbol according to the instruction.
When an indicator is flashing, press the appropriate
button (having the same symbol) or carry out the
necessary operation.
Stir
Turn over
Weight
Portion
Microwave power level
Cooking in progress
3 TIMER/WEIGHT/PORTION knob
4 AUTO COOK 1 button
Press to select one of the 2 automatic programmes.
5 AUTO COOK 2 button
Press to select one of the 2 automatic programmes.
6 COOK FROM FROZEN button
Press to select one of the 3 automatic programmes.
7 AUTO DEFROST button
Press to select one of the 5 automatic programmes.
8 MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button
9 START/QUICK button
10 STOP button
11 DOOR OPENING button
1
2
3
7
9
11
10
6
5
4
8
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Before operation
Setting the clock
Plug in the oven.
1. The oven display will flash:
2. Touch the STOP button the display will show:
To set the clock, see below.
Using the Stop button
Use the STOP button to:
1. Erase a mistake during programming.
2. Stop the oven temporarily during cooking.
3. Cancel a programme during cooking, touch twice.
x1
Example: To set the 24 hour clock to 23:35
Choose the 24 hour
clock.
1. Choose the clock
function. (12 hour
clock)
2. Set the hours. Rotate the
TIMER/WEIGHT/PORTION
knob until the correct hour is
displayed (23).
Check the display.
4. Set the minutes. Rotate the TIMER/
WEIGHT/PORTION knob until the
correct minute is displayed. (35).
5. Press the MICROWAVE
POWER LEVEL button to
start the clock.
NOTE:
1. You can rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT/PORTION knob
clockwise or counter-clockwise.
2. Press the STOP button if you make a mistake during
programming.
3. If the electrical power supply to your microwave
oven is interrupted, the display will intermittently
show after the power is reinstated.
If this occurs during cooking, the programme will be
erased. The time of day will also be erased.
4. When you want to reset the time of day, follow the
above example again.
There are two setting modes: 12 hour clock and 24 hour clock.
1. To set the 12 hour clock, hold the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button down
for 3 seconds. will appear in the display.
2. To set the 24 hour clock, press the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button once
more after Step 1, in the example below will appear in the display.
x1 and hold for
3 secs.
To set the clock, follow the example below.
3. Press the MICROWAVE
POWER LEVEL button
to change from hours
to minutes.
x1 and hold
for 3 secs.
x1
x1
x1
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What are microwaves?
Glass & ceramic glass
Heat-resistant glass utensils are very suitable. The
cooking process can be observed from all sides. They
must not, however, contain any metal (e.g. lead crystal),
nor have a metallic overlay (e.g. gold edge, cobalt blue
finish).
Ceramics
Generally very suitable. Ceramics must be glazed, since
with unglazed ceramics moisture can get into the
ceramic. Moisture causes the material to heat up and
may make it shatter. If you are not certain whether your
utensil is suitable for the microwave, carry out the utensil
suitability test.
Porcelain
Very suitable. Ensure that the porcelain does not have a
gold or silver overlay and that it does not contain any
metal.
Plastic & paper utensils
Heat resistant plastic utensils which are suitable for use in
the microwave can be used to thaw, heat and cook food.
Follow the manufacturers recommendations.
Heat-resistant paper made for use in a microwave oven is
also suitable. Follow the manufacturers recommendations.
Kitchen paper
Can be used to absorb any moisture which occurs in short
heating methods, e.g. of bread or products in bread
crumbs. Insert the paper between the food and the
revolving plate. The surface of the food will stay crispy
and dry. Covering greasy food with kitchen paper will
catch splashes.
What are microwaves?
Like radio and television waves, microwaves are
electromagnetic waves.
Microwaves are produced by a magnetron inside the
microwave oven, and these vibrate the molecules of water
present in the food. The friction this causes produces heat,
which ensures that the food is defrosted, heated, or
cooked through.
The secret of the reduced cooking times is the fact that the
microwaves penetrate the food from every direction.
Energy is used to the full. In comparison, the energy from a
conventional hob passes from the burner through the pan
and so to the food. This method wastes a great deal of
energy.
The characteristics of microwaves.
Microwaves penetrate all non-metal objects made of glass,
china, earthenware, plastic, wood or paper. This is why the
microwaves never make these materials hot. Dishes
become hot only because the food inside them is hot.
The food absorbs the microwaves and is heated.
Microwaves cannot pass through objects made of metal
and so they are deflected. For this reason metal objects are
not normally suitable for microwave cookery. There are
exceptions where you can actually make use of the fact
that the microwaves cannot pass through metal. If you
cover food with aluminium foil at specific points while it is
defrosting or cooking, you can prevent those parts from
getting too warm, too hot, or overcooked. Please check
out the advice given in the guide.
Microwave cling film
This, or heat-resistant film, is very suitable for covering or
wrapping. Please follow the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Roasting bags
Can be used in a microwave oven. Metal clips are not
suitable for fastening them since the roasting bag foil
might melt. Fasten the roasting bag with string and
pierce it several times with a fork. Non heat-resistant
food wraps are not recommended for use in a microwave
oven.
Browning dish
A special microwave dish made from ceramic glass with a
metal alloy base, which allows food to be browned.
When using the browning dish a suitable insulator, e.g. a
porcelain plate, must be placed between the turntable
and the browning dish. Be careful to adhere exactly to
the pre-heating time given in the manufacturer's
instructions. Excessive pre-heating can damage the
turntable and the turntable stand or can trigger the
safety-device which will switch off the oven.
Metal
Generally speaking, metal should not be used, since
microwaves do not pass through metal and therefore
cannot reach the food. There are, however, exceptions:
small strips of aluminium foil may be used to cover
certain parts of the food, so that these do not thaw too
quickly or begin to cook (e.g. chicken wings). Small metal
skewers and aluminium containers (e.g. of ready- cooked
meals) can be used.
Suitable ovenware
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Suitable ovenware
They must, however, be small in relation to the food, e.g.
aluminium containers must be at least 2/3 to 3/4 filled
with food. It is recommended that you transfer the food
into a dish suitable for use in the microwave.
When using aluminium containers or other metal utensils
there must be a gap of approx. 2 cm between them and
the walls of the cooking area, otherwise the walls could
be damaged by possible arcing.
No utensil should have a metal overlay metal parts
such as screws, bands or handles.
UTENSIL SUITABILITY TEST
If you are not sure whether your utensil is suitable for
use in your microwave oven, carry out the following test:
Place the utensil into the oven. Place a glass container
filled with 150 ml of water on or next to the utensil.
Switch on the oven at 900 W power for 1 to 2 minutes.
If the utensil stays cool or just warm to the touch, it is
suitable. Do not use this test on a plastic utensil. It could
melt.
Do not heat sealed containers such as jars or tins. The
pressure inside the container could cause the container
to explode. (The exception is when you are making
preserves).
All indicated cooking times...
Are guidelines only. Cooking times may vary depending
on starting temperature, the weight and composition
(water, fat content, etc) of the food.
Salt, herbs and spices
Food cooked in the microwave oven retains its taste
better than with conventional cooking methods. Use
salt sparingly and as a rule only add salt after the food
has cooked. Salt binds liquids and dries out the surface
of food. Herbs and spices can be used as normal.
Testing the food
You can test whether food is cooked in the same way
as conventional cookery.
• Using a food thermometer. After cooking or reheating all foods have a certain internal
temperature. You can use a food thermometer to
test whether the food is hot enough, or ‘done’.
• Using a fork. Test fish with a fork. If the flesh is not
transparent and comes off the bone easily, it is
done. If it is overcooked, it will be brittle and dry.
• Wooden skewer. Test cakes and bread by sticking in
a wooden skewer. If the skewer comes out clean and
dry, the food is ready.
Tips & advice
Before you start...
To make it as easy as possible to use the microwave
oven, we have put together a few hints and tips for you.
Only switch on the oven when the food is already inside.
Setting the cooking time
Defrosting, re-heating and cooking times are generally
much shorter than in a conventional oven or hob. So
you will need to consult this book for the
recommended cooking times. It is better to set shorter
rather than longer cooking times. Always test the food
after the cooking time has elapsed. It is better to then
continue cooking it for a little longer, than to have
overcooked food.
Starting temperature
Defrosting, re-heating and cooking times depend on
the temperature of the food when you start. For
example, deep-frozen and refrigerated food will need
longer than food that is at room temperature.
Standard storage temperatures of food are assumed for
re-heating and cooking times (refrigerator temperature
of 5°C, room temperature of approximately 20°C). For
defrosting food a starting temperature of
approximately -18°C is assumed.
Cook popcorn only in special microwave safe
containers. Refer exactly to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Do not use a normal paper or glass
container.
Do not cook eggs in their unbroken shells. Pressure
builds up inside the shell and this may result in the egg
exploding. Prick the yolk before you cook it.
Do not heat oil or fat for deep-frying inside the
microwave oven. It is impossible to control the
temperature of the oil and it may suddenly splash out
of the pan.
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Tips & advice
Working out cooking times using the
food thermometer
After it has cooked, every drink or item of food has a
certain internal temperature. When it is reached the
cooking can be stopped, and the result will be good.
You can test the internal temperature with a food
thermometer. The temperature chart below gives most
of the important temperatures.
Heating drinks (coffee,
water, tea, etc)
Heating milk
Heating soup
Heating stews
Poultry
Lamb
Rare
Well roasted
Roast beef
Rare
Medium done
Well done
Pork, veal
Drink/food items Internal Internal
temperature at temperature after
the end of 10-15 mins
cooking time standing time
65-75oC
60-65oC
75-80oC
75-80oC
80-85oC
70oC
75-80oC
50-55oC
60-65oC
75-80oC
80-85oC
85-90
o
C
70-75oC
80-85oC
55-60oC
65-70oC
80-85oC
80-85oC
CHART: USING A FOOD THERMOMETER
TO DEFINE COOKING TIMES
Blanching vegetables
Before they are frozen vegetables should be blanched.
This is the best way of retaining the quality and
flavour.
How to blanch vegetables:
Wash and chop the vegetable, place 250g of the
vegetable in a bowl with 275ml of water, cover and
heat for 3-5 minutes.
Plunge into cold water immediately after the
blanching process to prevent further cooking, and then
allow it to drain. Pack and freeze the vegetable in
airtight containers.
Preserving fruit & vegetables
Preserving fruit and vegetables using the microwave is
a quick and easy process. You can buy preserving jars,
seals and preserving jar clamps specially designed for
microwave use. Precise instructions are provided by the
manufacturers of these items.
Samll & large quantities
Microwave cooking times depend directly upon the
amount of food you want to defrost, re-heat or cook,
i.e. small portions cook faster than big ones.
The rule of thumb is:
TWICE AS MUCH = ALMOST TWICE AS LONG
HALF AS MUCH = HALF AS LONG
Tall containers, flat dishes
Both types of container have the same capacity but
cooking times are longer for tall containers than for
flat ones. Therefore it is preferable to use dishes that
are as flat as possible, with the largest possible flat
surface.
Only use tall containers for foods that are likely to boil
over, e.g. noodles, rice, milk etc.
Round & oval dishes
Food cooks more evenly in round and oval dishes than
in rectangular ones, because the microwave energy
concentrates into the corners of rectangular dishes and
the food there may get overcooked.
Covering the food
By covering the food as it cooks moisture is retained
and cooking time is reduced. Use a lid, microwave film,
or cover. Do not cover food that should have a crispy
surface, such as roast meat or chicken. As a rule if you
would cover it in a conventional oven, cover it in the
microwave. If you would cook it in a conventional oven
without a cover, you can cook it without a cover in the
microwave.
Adding water
Vegetables and other foods containing a lot of water
can be cooked in their own juices or by adding just a
small amount of water. This will retain many vitamins
and minerals in the food.
Food with skin or peel
Pierce foods such as sausages, chickens, chicken legs,
potatoes in their skins, tomatoes, egg yolk, etc with a
wooden skewer. This allows the steam to escape and the
food won’t explode.
Fatty foods
Food ‘marbled’ with fat or with layers of fat cook faster
than lean meat. You should therefore cover these parts
with some aluminium foil, and place the food fatty side
downward.
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• Ready-prepared meals in aluminium containers
should be removed from the aluminium container
and heated on a plate or in a dish.
• Remove the lids from firmly closed containers.
• Food should be covered with microwave cling film, a
plate or cover (obtainable from stores), so that the
surface does not dry out. Drinks need not be covered.
• When boiling liquids such as water, coffee, tea or
milk, place a glass stirrer in the container.
• If possible, stir large quantities from time to time, to
ensure that the temperature is evenly distributed.
• The times are for food at a room temperature of 20°C.
The heating time for food stored in a refrigerator
should be increased slightly.
• After heating allow the food to stand for 1-2
minutes, so that the temperature inside the food
can be evenly distributed (standing time).
• The times given are guidelines which can be varied
according to the initial temperature, weight, water
content, fat content or the result which you want to
achieve.
10
Tips & advice
Melted butter and dried paprika
Dried paprika
Soya sauce
Barbecue and Worcestershire sauce, Gravy
Rendered down bacon fat or dried onions
Cocoa, chocolate flakes, brown icing, honey and
marmalade
Poultry
Oven baked dishes - Cheese toasties
Meat and poultry
Roasts, Rissoles, Small roasted items
Oven baked dishes, toasted items,
soups, stews
Cakes and desserts
Coat the poultry with the
butter/paprika mixture
Dust with paprika
Coat with the sauce
Coat with the sauce
Sprinkle pieces of bacon or dried
onions on top
Sprinkle pieces on top of cakes &
desserts or use to glaze
BROWNING AGENT
DISH
METHOD
Irregular shaped food
Place the thicker, more compacted end of the food
pointing towards the outside. Place vegetables (such as
broccoli) with the stalks pointing outward.
Stirring
You need to stir the food because the microwaves heat
the outer areas first. Stirring the food balances the
temperature and the food heats evenly.
Arranging
Arrange individual portions (pudding moulds, cups or
baked potatoes) in a circle on the turntable. Leave
space between the portions for the microwave energy
to penetrate from all sides.
Turning
Turn medium sized portions, such as burgers and
steaks, once during cooking, to reduce cooking time.
Large items such as roasts and chickens must be turned
because they receive more microwave energy on the
uppermost side and could dry out if not turned.
Standing time
One of the most important rules of microwave cooking
is standing time. Almost all foods that are defrosted,
heated or cooked in a microwave oven require standing
time. This may be fairly short or quite long. During this
time the temperature is balanced and the liquids inside
the food are evenly distributed.
Browning agents
After more than 15 minutes cooking time food
acquires a brownness, although this is not comparable
to the deep brownness and crispness obtained through
conventional cooking. In order to obtain an appetising
brown colour you can use browning agents. For the
most part they simultaneously act as seasoning agents.
In the following table you will find some suggestions
for substances you can use as browning agents and
some of the uses to which you might put them.
Heating
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