AEG MCD1751EM, MCD1761E-W User Manual
PERFEKT IN FORM UND FUNKTION
Microwave oven with grill
Operating instructions
MCD1751E / MCD1761E
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Dear Customer,
Thank you for buying an AEG microwave oven and putting your trust in the
AEG brand name.
Before using your AEG 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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1
Contents
Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 - 4
Oven & accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Before operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
What are microwaves? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Suitable ovenware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Tips & advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 - 12
Microwave power levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Microwave cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Grill & dual grill cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Other convenient functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 - 17
Automatic operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Automatic charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 - 21
Recipes for automatic AC-7 & AC-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 - 22
Cooking charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 - 26
Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 - 37
Care & cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
What to do if... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Service & spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Customer care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Guarantee conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 - 44
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Important safety instructions
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 Page 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.
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 and Cleaning”, Page 38. 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.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
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Important safety instructions
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 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 and accessible parts
that may become hot when the grill is in use. Children
should be kept away to prevent them burning
themselves.
Do not touch the oven door, outer cabinet, rear cabinet,
oven cavity, ventilation openings, accessories and dishes
during GRILL mode, DUAL GRILL mode and
AUTOMATIC operation as they will become hot. Before
cleaning make sure they are not hot.
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 except where
recommended in the operation manual, see page 15
note 2. Doing so may damage the oven.
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 dish’s instructions must
not be exceeded.
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 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 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.
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Important safety instructions
Do not use plastic containers for microwaving if the
oven is still hot from using the GRILL mode, DUAL
GRILL mode and AUTOMATIC operation, because they
may melt. Plastic containers must not be used during
above modes unless the container manufacturer says
they are suitable.
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.
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.
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Oven & accessories
ACCESSORIES:
Check to make sure the following accessories are
provided:
(16) Turntable (17) Turntable support (18) Rack
(19) 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.
18
1. Grill heating element
2. Front trim
3. Oven lamp
4. Control panel
5. Door opening button
6. Waveguide cover
7. Oven cavity
8. Seal packing
9. Door seals and sealing surfaces
10. Fixing points (4 points)
11. Ventilation openings
12. Outer cover
13. Rear cabinet
14. Power supply cord support clips
15. Power supply cord
1 2
67
89
11
12
14
15
13
16
17
10
3
4
5
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Control panel
6
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/Power level
Grill
Microwave
Cooking in progress
3 TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER knob
4 COOKING MODE button
Press to select either microwave, grill or dual grill, or
use to set the clock.
1. press once to select microwave
2. press twice to select the grill
3. press three times to select dual grill
(microwave and grill)
5 AUTOMATIC PROGRAMMES button
Press to select one of the 12 automatic programmes.
6START/QUICK button
7STOPbutton
8 DOOR OPENING button
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
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Setting the clock
7
Before operation
1. Choose the clock function.
(12 hour clock).
Choose the 24 hour
clock.
3. Press the COOKING
MODE button to
change from hours to
minutes.
4. Set the minutes. Rotate the
TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER
knob until the correct
minute is displayed (35).
5. Press the COOKING
MODE button to start
the clock.
2. Set the hours. Rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT/
POWER knob until the correct hour is
displayed (23).
x1 and hold for 3 seconds
x1
x1
x1
Example: To set the 24 hour clock to 23:35.
There are two setting modes: 12 hour clock and 24 hour clock.
1. To set the 12 hour clock, hold the COOKING MODE button down for 3 seconds.
will appear in the display.
2. To set the 24 hour clock, press the COOKING MODE 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.
NOTES:
1. You can rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER 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.
Plug in the oven.
1. The oven display will flash:
2. Press the STOP button, the display will show:
3. To set the clock, see below.
4. Heat the oven without food. (See page 15, note 2).
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
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What are microwaves?
Suitable ovenware
Microwaves are generated in the microwave oven by a magnetron and cause the water molecules in the food to
oscillate. Heat is generated by the friction which is caused, with the result that the food is thawed, heated or
cooked.
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..
Plastic & paper containers
Plastic or paper containers which are designed for
microwaves and which can withstand
heat are suitable for defrosting, heating
and cooking. Please follow
manufacturers’ instructions.
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.
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
readycooked meals) can be used. 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 cms 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, or 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 800 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.
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Tips & advice
Grill function
You can use any heat-resistant container for the
roasting/grilling function which is suitable for
conventional roasting methods, e.g. china, ceramic,
glass and metal containers.
In microwave cooking which requires the dish to be
roasted or grilled, or when using the combined
function, the containers must be suitable for
microwaves and heat-resistant. Suitable containers
are, for example, heat-resistant glass and ceramic
containers.
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 then to
continue cooking it for a little longer, than to have
overcooked food.
Initial temperatures
Thawing, heating and cooking times are dependent
upon the initial temperature of the food. Deep-frozen
food and food stored in a refrigerator, for example,
requires longer than food which has been stored at
room temperature. For heating and cooking, normal
storage temperatures are assumed (refrigerator
temperature approx. 5° C, room temperature approx.
20° C). For thawing the temperature of the deep
freeze is assumed to be -18° C.
Cooking times
All the times given in this book are guidelines, which
can be varied according to the initial temperature,
weight and condition of the food (water or fat content
etc.).
Using a food thermometer to
determine cooking time
Once cooked, every drink and every foodstuff has a
certain internal temperature at which the cooking
process can be switched off and the food will be
cooked. The internal temperature can be ascertained
with a food thermometer. The most important
temperatures are specified in the temperature table.
Addition of water
Vegetables and other foods with a high water content
can be cooked in their own juice or with the addition
of a little water. This ensures that many vitamins and
minerals are preserved.
Food in skin or shells
Foods such as sausages, chickens, chicken legs, baked
potatoes, tomatoes, apples, egg yolks or such like
should be pricked or pierced with a fork or small
wooden skewer. This will enable the steam which forms
to dissipate without splitting the skin or shell.
Fatty foods
Fatty meat and layers of fat cook better than lean
portions of meat. Before cooking, cover the fatty
portions with a piece of aluminium foil or place the
food with the fat side down.
Heating drinks
(Coffee, Water, Tea, etc.)
Heating milk
Heating soup
Heating stew
Poultry
Lamb
Pink
Well done
Roast beef
Rare
Medium
Well done
Pork, Veal
Drink / Food Internal Internal temp.
temperature after 10 - 15 mins
once cooked standing time
65-75o C
60-65o C
75-80o C
75-80o C
80-85o C
70o C
75-80o C
50-55o C
60-65o C
75-80o C
80-85o C
85-90o C
70-75o C
80-85o C
55-60o C
65-70o C
80-85o C
80-85o C
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Tips & advice
Blanching vegetables
Before freezing vegetables, they should be blanched.
This preserves the quality and flavour at their best.
Method: wash and chop the vegetables. Put 250 g of
vegetables in a dish with 275 ml water and cover. Heat
for 3-5 minutes. After blanching, immerse immediately
in cold water to prevent further cooking and then
allow to drain. Pack vegetables in an airtight container
and freeze.
Preserving fruit and vegetables
Using the microwave for preserving is quick and easy.
There are preserving jars, rubber vacuum seals and
suitable seals made of plastic available
specially made for microwaves.
The manufacturers will supply precise
instructions for use.
Large & small quantities
Microwave times are directly dependent upon the
amount of food which you would like to thaw, heat or
cook. This means that small portions cook more quickly
than larger ones. As a rule of thumb:
TWICE THE AMOUNT = ALMOST TWICE THE TIME
HALF THE AMOUNT = HALF THE TIME
Deep & shallow containers
Both containers have the same capacity,
but the cooking time is longer for the
deeper one. You should therefore
choose as flat a container as possible
with a large surface area. Only use deep containers for
dishes where there is a danger of overcooking, e.g. for
noodles, rice, milk etc..
Round & oval containers
Food cooks more evenly in round or oval containers
than in containers with corners, since the microwave
energy concentrates in the corners and the food in
these areas could become overcooked.
Covering
Covering the food retains the moisture
within it and shortens the cooking time.
Use a lid, microwave cling film or a
cover. Foods which are to be crispy, e.g.
roasts or chickens, should not be covered. As a general
rule, whatever would be covered in a conventional
oven should also be covered in a microwave oven.
Whatever would be uncovered in a conventional oven
can also be left uncovered in a microwave oven.
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
Stirring the food is necessary, since the
microwaves begin by heating the outer
areas. The temperature is thereby
equalised and the food heats up evenly.
Arrangement of food
Place a number of individual portions, such as small
pudding moulds, cups or potatoes in their jackets, in a
circle on the turntable. Keep the portions at a distance
from each other so that the microwave energy can
reach the food from all sides.
Turning
Medium-sized items, such as hamburgers and steaks,
should be turned over once during cooking, in order to
shorten the cooking process. Large items, such as roasts
and chickens, must be turned, since the upper side
receives more microwave energy and could dry out if
not turned.
Standing time
Keeping to the standing time is one of
the most important rules with
microwaves. Almost all foods, which are
defrosted, heated or cooked in the microwave, require
a certain amount of time to stand, during which
temperature equalisation takes place and the moisture
in the food is evenly distributed.
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Defrosting
11
Heating
Details for this can be found in the table: Defrosting
(see page 24). Your microwave is ideal for defrosting.
Thawing times are usually considerably shorter than in
traditional methods. Here are a few tips. Take the
frozen item out of its packaging and place on a plate
for defrosting.
Boxes & containers
Boxes and containers suitable for microwaves are
particularly good for defrosting and heating food, since
they can withstand temperatures in a deep freeze
(down to approx. -40° C) as well as being heat-resistant
(up to approx. 220° C). You can therefore use the same
container to freeze, defrost, heat and even cook the
food, without having to transfer it.
Covering
Cover thin parts with small strips of
aluminium foil before defrosting.
Thawed or warm parts should likewise
be covered with aluminium strips during
defrosting. This stops the thin parts becoming too hot
while thicker parts are still frozen.
Correct setting
It is better to choose a setting which is too low rather
than one which is too high. By so doing you will ensure
that the food defrosts evenly. If the microwave setting
is too high, the surface of the food will already have
begun to cook while the inside is still frozen.
Turning/stirring
Almost all foods have to be turned or
stirred from time to time. As early as
possible, separate parts which are stuck
together and rearrange them.
Small amounts...
defrost more quickly and evenly than larger ones. We
recommend that you freeze portions which are as small
as possible. By so doing you will be able to prepare
whole menus quickly and easily.
Foods requiring careful handling,
Foods such as gateaux, cream, cheese and bread should
only be partially defrosted and then left to defrost
completely at room temperature. By so doing you will
avoid the outer areas becoming too hot while the
inside is still frozen.
Standing time
This is particularly important after defrosting food, as
the defrosting process continues during this period. In
the defrosting table you will find the standing times
for various foods. Thick, dense foods require a longer
standing time than thinner foods or food of a porous
nature. If the food has not defrosted sufficiently, you
may continue defrosting it in the microwave oven or
lengthen the standing time accordingly. At the end of
the standing time you should process the food as soon
as possible and not re-freeze it.
Details for this can be found in the table: Heating food
and drink (see page 23).
• 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 wish to
achieve.
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12
Cooking fresh vegetables
Cooking, grilling & browning
Defrosting & cooking
Details for this can be found in the table: Cooking fresh
vegetables (see page 25).
• When buying vegetables try to ensure that, as far as
possible, they are of similar size. This is particularly
important when you want to cook the vegetables
whole (e.g. boiled potatoes).
•Wash the vegetables before preparing them, clean
them and only then weigh the required quantity for
the recipe and chop them up.
• Season them as you would normally, but as a rule
only add salt after cooking.
• Add about 5 tbsps of water for 500 g of vegetables.
Vegetables which are high in fibre require a little
more water. You will find information about this in
the table.
•Vegetables are usually cooked in a dish with a lid.
Those with a high moisture content, e.g. onions or
boiled potatoes, can be cooked in microwave cling
film without adding water.
• After half the cooking time has elapsed vegetables
should be stirred or turned over.
• After cooking allow the vegetables to stand for
approx. 2 minutes, so that the temperature disperses
evenly (standing time).
• The cooking times given are guidelines and depend
upon the weight, initial temperature and condition
of the type of vegetable in question. The fresher the
vegetables, the shorter the cooking times.
Details for this can be found in the table: Cooking,
grilling and browning (see page 26).
•When buying food items, try to ensure that, as far
as possible, they are of similar size. This will ensure
that they are cooked properly.
• Before preparation wash meat, fish and poultry
thoroughly under cold running water and pat them
dry with kitchen paper. Then continue as normal.
• Beef should be well hung and have little gristle.
• Even though the pieces may be of a similar size,
cooking results may vary. This is due, amongst other
things, to the kind of food, variations in the fat and
moisture content as well as the temperature before
cooking.
•Turn large pieces of meat, fish or poultry half way
through the cooking time, so that they are cooked
evenly from all sides.
• After cooking cover roasts with aluminium foil and
allow them to stand for approx. 10 minutes
(standing time). During this period the roast carries
on cooking and the liquid is evenly distributed, so
that when it is carved a minimum amount of juice is
lost.
Deep-frozen dishes can be defrosteded and cooked at
the same time in one process in your microwave. You
will find some examples in the table. Do take note,
however, of the general advice given on "heating" and
"defrosting" food.
Please refer to the manufacturer's instructions on the
packaging when preparing deep- frozen dishes. These
usually contain precise cooking times and offer advice
on preparation.
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13
Microwave power levels
To set the microwave power level:
Rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT/POWER knob clockwise to select cooking time.
Press the COOKING MODE button once (microwave only).
To change the microwave power level rotate the knob until the desired power level is reached.
Press the START/QUICK button.
NOTE: If the power level is not selected, 800 W is automatically set.
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:
800 W used for fast cooking or reheating e.g. soup,
casseroles, canned food, hot beverages, vegetables, fish,
etc.
560 W 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.
At this reduced setting, the sauce will not boil over and
food will cook evenly without over cooking at the sides.
400 W 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.
240 W (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.
80 W For gentle defrosting, eg. cream gateaux or
pastry.
W = WATT
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