Electrolux MC2660E User Manual
MC2660E
Microwave oven
Operating instructions
PERFEKT IN FORM UND FUNKTION
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...»
B
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Microwave cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Other convenient functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 - 16
Auto cook, cook from frozen & auto defrost operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 - 18
Auto cook, cook from frozen & auto defrost charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 - 21
Recipes for auto cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 - 23
Cooking charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 - 26
Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 - 37
Care & cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
What to do if... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Service & spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Customer service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Guarantee conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Important information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 - 43
1
Important safety instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
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 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.
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.
2
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 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.
3
Oven & accessories
1
2
3
4
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
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.
14
13
78
56
9
10
11
12
15
16
4
Control panel
1 Digital Display
2 Indicators
The appropriate indicator will flash or light up, just
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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
9START/QUICK button
10 STOP button
11 DOOR OPENING button
10
11
5
Before operation
Plug in the oven.
1. The oven display will flash:
2. Touch the STOP button the display will show:
x1
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.
Setting the clock
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.
To set the clock, follow the example below.
Example: To set the 24 hour clock to 23:35
1. Choose the clock
function. (12 hour
clock)
Choose the 24 hour
clock.
2. Set the hours. Rotate the
TIMER/WEIGHT/PORTION
knob until the correct hour is
displayed (23).
x1 and hold for
3 secs.
3. Press the MICROWAVE
POWER LEVEL button
to change from hours
to minutes.
x1 and hold
for 3 secs.
4. Set the minutes. Rotate the TIMER/
WEIGHT/PORTION knob until the
correct minute is displayed. (35).
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
6
x1
5. Press the MICROWAVE
POWER LEVEL button to
start the clock.
x1
Check the display.
x1
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.
What are microwaves?
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.
Suitable ovenware
Glass and 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.
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.
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.
7
Suitable ovenware
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
8
Tips & advice
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.
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.
CHART: USING A FOOD THERMOMETER
TO DEFINE COOKING TIMES
Drink/food items Internal Internal
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
temperature at temperature after
the end of 10-15 mins
cooking time standing time
65-75o C
75-80o 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
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.
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
9
Tips & advice
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.
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.
BROWNING AGENT
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
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DISH
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
METHOD
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
Heating
• 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.
Defrosting
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 doing so 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.
• 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.
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 re-arrange them.
Small amounts
Thaw more quickly and evenly than large ones. We
recommend that you defrost portions which are as
small as possible. By doing so 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 doing so you will
avoid the outer areas becoming too hot whilst 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 foods of a porous
nature. If the food has not defrosted sufficiently, you
may continue defrosting it in the microwave 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.
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Cooking fresh vegetables
• 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 in the table
(see page 27).
•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 vegetables in question. The fresher
the vegetables, the shorter the cooking time.
Cooking meat, fish & poultry
•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.
• After the food has been cooking for 15 minutes it
acquires a natural brownness, which may be
enhanced by the use of a browning agent. If, in
addition, you would like the surface to be crisp you
should either use the browning dish or sear the food
on your cooker and finish cooking it in your
microwave. By doing this you will simultaneously
obtain a brown base for making a sauce.
•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.
Cooking & defrosting
Deep-frozen dishes can be defrosted 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.
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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.
Microwave power levels
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:
900 W used for fast cooking or reheating e.g. soup,
casseroles, canned food, hot beverages, vegetables, fish,
etc.
630 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.
To set the microwave power level :
1. Rotate the TIMER/WEIGHT/PORTION knob clockwise or counter-clockwise to select cooking time.
2. Press the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button until the desired power level appears on the display. (If the
MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button is touched once, will be displayed. If you miss your desire level,
continue pressing the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL button until you reach the level again).
3. Press the START/QUICK button.
450 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.
270 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.
90 W For gentle defrosting, eg. cream gateaux or
pastry.
W = WATT
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