Operating instructions Microwave oven
To avoid the risk of accidents or damage to the appliance, it is essential to read these instructions before it is installed and used for the first time.
en - AU |
M.-Nr. 10 229 970 |
Contents
Description of the appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Oven interior and accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Accessories supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Optional accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Caring for the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Warning and Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Description of the functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 How the microwave oven works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Description of functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 What can a microwave oven do?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 What functions does the microwave oven have? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Microwave Solo mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Combination mode (Microwave + Grill) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Automatic programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Suitable containers for microwave ovens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Material and shape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Testing dishes for their suitability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Before using for the first time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Time of day display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Setting the time of day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Altering the time of day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Invisible time display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Opening the door. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Placing a dish in the microwave oven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Turntable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Closing the door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Starting a programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 "door" message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Interrupting or restarting a programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Altering the settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Cancelling a programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 At the end of a programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Keep warming function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
2
Contents
Quick start (programmable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 System lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Minute minder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Altering a minute minder entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Minute minder + cooking process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Operation - Grilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Gourmet plate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Some suggested uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Operation - Automatic programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Automatic defrosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Automatic cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Popcorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Recipes - Automatic programmes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Saving a favourite programme (memory) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Changing the settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Reheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Cooking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Defrosting / Defrosting and reheating or cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Bottling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Some suggested uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Cleaning and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Oven interior and inside of the door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Appliance front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Accessories supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Optional accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Problem solving guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
After sales service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Electrical connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Contact details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
3
Description of the appliance
Oven interior and accessories
Control panel
Grill
Turntable
Appliance door
Grilling rack
Gourmet plate
Cover
4
Description of the appliance
Control panel
On/Off sensor
Popcorn Automatic programme
Rotary selector
for microwave power, grill, combination programmes and Automatic programmes
(can be turned clockwise and anti-clockwise, and is retractable at position)
Electronic timer and clock display
Memory sensor
(to save a 1-3 stage programme sequence) M
Appliance settings
Time of day
Rotary selector for, e.g. entering time and weight
(can be turned clockwise and anti-clockwise, and is retractable)
Minute minder
Stop sensor
Start sensor / Add a minute sensor / Quick start sensor (programmable)
Back sensor for deleting the previous entry
OK sensor
5
Description of the appliance
Accessories supplied |
Optional accessories |
Grilling rack |
Glass tray |
The grilling rack can be used for all functions with and without microwave power, except for Microwave Solo mode.
To avoid the grilling rack being used inadvertently on Microwave Solo, it should not be kept inside the microwave oven.
Gourmet plate
The Gourmet plate is a round, non-stick grilling plate. It can be used to heat snacks or small meals quickly whilst maintaining crispness.
Cover
The cover supplied must only be used in the Microwave Solo mode.
It prevents the food from drying out and the oven from becoming dirty, and it accelerates the heating process.
The glass tray is suitable for use with all cooking functions.
It is heat-resistant and microwave-safe.
When grilling directly on the rack, the glass tray should be placed underneath the rack to catch any fat or juices.
These products and other useful accessories can be ordered via the internet (depending on country) or from Miele (see back cover for contact details).
6
Caring for the environment
Disposal of the packing material
The transport and protective packing has been selected from materials which are environmentally friendly for disposal and can normally be recycled.
Recycling the packaging reduces the use of raw materials in the manufacturing process and also reduces the amount of waste in landfill sites. Rather than just throwing these materials away, please ensure they are offered for recycling.
Ensure that any plastic wrappings, bags, etc. are disposed of safely and kept out of the reach of babies and young children. Danger of suffocation!
Disposing of your old appliance
Electrical and electronic appliances often contain materials which, if handled or disposed of incorrectly, could be potentially hazardous to human health and to the environment. They are, however, essential for the correct functioning of your appliance. Do not dispose of your old appliance with your household waste.
Please dispose of it at your local community waste collection/recycling centre.
Ensure that your old appliance presents no danger to children while being stored for disposal.
7
Warning and Safety instructions
This appliance complies with all relevant local and national safety requirements. Improper use of the appliance can, however, present a risk of both personal injury and material damage.
To avoid the risk of accidents and damage to the appliance, please read these instructions carefully before installation and before using it for the first time. They contain important notes on the installation, safety, operation and care of the appliance. Miele cannot be held liable for damage caused by non-compliance with these Warning and Safety instructions.
Keep these instructions in a safe place and pass them on to any future owner.
Correct application
This appliance is designed for domestic use and for use in similar environments
–by guests in hotel or motel rooms, bed & breakfasts, farm houses and other typical living quarters. This does not include common/ shared facilities or commercial facilities within hotels, motels or bed & breakfasts, staff kitchen areas in shops, offices and other working environments and farm houses.
This appliance is not suitable for outdoor use.
This microwave oven can only be used at elevations below 2000 m.
This microwave oven is intended to cook, defrost, reheat, grill and bottle food. Any other usage is at the owner's risk.
8
Warning and Safety instructions
When using the microwave function, any moisture will be vaporised. Therefore, if flammable materials are being dried in the microwave, they may dry out and ignite. Never use the microwave to store or dry items which could ignite easily.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning its use by a person responsible for their safety, and are able to recognise the dangers of misuse.
Safety with children
Young children must not be allowed to use this appliance unless they are constantly supervised.
Older children may only use the appliance when its operation has been clearly explained to them and they are able to use it safely, recognising the dangers of misuse.
Cleaning work may only be carried out by older children under the supervision of an adult.
Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
9
Warning and Safety instructions
Danger of suffocation! Children may be able to wrap themselves in packing material or pull it over their heads with the risk of suffocation. Keep children away from any packing material.
Danger of burning! Children's skin is far more sensitive to high temperatures than that of adults. When grilling with or without the microwave function, the oven interior, grill element and door can get hot. Do not let small children touch the oven while it is in operation, as there is the danger of being burnt.
Danger of injury! The maximum load capacity for the door is 8 kg. Children can hurt themselves on an open door. Ensure that children do not sit on or swing on the door.
Technical safety
A damaged appliance is dangerous. Check the appliance for any visible damage. Never install or attempt to use a damaged appliance.
If the connection cable is faulty, it must only be replaced by a Miele approved service technician to protect the user from danger.
10
Warning and Safety instructions
Do not use the microwave if
– the door is warped.
– the door hinges are loose.
– holes or cracks are visible in the casing, the door or the oven interior walls.
Operating the appliance with this type of damage will result in microwave leakage and present a hazard to the user.
Tampering with electrical connections or components and mechanical parts is highly dangerous to the user and can cause operational faults. Do not open the outer casing of the appliance.
Before connecting the appliance to the mains supply, make sure that the rating on the data plate corresponds to the voltage and frequency of the household supply. This data must correspond in order to avoid the risk of damage to the appliance. Consult a qualified electrician if in any doubt.
Do not connect the appliance to the mains electricity supply by a multi-socket unit or an extension lead. These do not guarantee the required safety of the appliance (e.g. danger of overheating).
11
Warning and Safety instructions
The electrical safety of this appliance can only be guaranteed when continuity is complete between it and an effective earthing system which complies with local and national safety regulations. It is most important that this basic safety requirement is present and tested regularly and, where there is any doubt, the household wiring system should be inspected by a qualified electrician. Miele cannot be held liable for the consequences of an inadequate earthing system (e.g. electric shock).
For safety reasons, this appliance may only be used when it has been fully installed.
Repairs and other work by unqualified persons could be dangerous. The manufacturer cannot be held liable for unauthorised work. Installation work and repairs to electrical appliances must only be carried out by a Miele approved service technician.
The manufacturer's warranty will be invalidated if the appliance is not repaired by a Miele approved service technician.
12
Warning and Safety instructions
The appliance must be disconnected from the mains electricity supply before repairs, cleaning and maintenance work is carried out. The appliance is only completely isolated from the electricity supply when:
– it is switched off at the wall socket and the plug removed,
– the mains fuse is disconnected,
– or the screw-out fuse is removed (in countries where this is applicable).
Faulty components must only be replaced by genuine Miele original spare parts. The manufacturer can only guarantee the safety of the appliance when Miele replacement parts are used.
Appliances which are built-in behind a furniture door must only be operated when the door is open. Do not close the furniture door when the appliance is in operation. Heat and moisture would build up behind a closed furniture door, potentially causing damage to the microwave oven and the furniture unit. Wait until the appliance has cooled down completely before closing the furniture door.
13
Warning and Safety instructions
This appliance must not be installed and operated in mobile installations (e.g. on a ship).
Reliable and safe operation of this appliance can only be guaranteed if it has been connected to the mains electricity supply.
Correct use
Danger of burning! The microwave oven gets hot during grilling (with and without the microwave function). Be careful not to burn yourself on the oven interior, grill element, food, accessories or the appliance door.
Use oven gloves when placing food in the microwave oven, turning or removing it and when adjusting shelves etc. in a hot microwave oven.
Always ensure that food is sufficiently cooked or reheated. Many factors will affect the overall cooking time, including the size and amount of food, its initial temperature, changes to recipe and the shape and size of cooking container.
Some foods may contain micro-organisms which are only destroyed by thorough cooking, therefore when cooking or reheating foods, e.g. poultry, it is particularly important that food is fully cooked through (at temperatures of over 70 °C for more than 10 minutes). If in doubt, select a longer cooking or reheating time.
14
Warning and Safety instructions
It is important that the heat is allowed to spread evenly throughout the food being cooked. This can be achieved by stirring and/or turning the food, and by observing a sufficiently long standing time, which should be added to the time needed for cooking, reheating or defrosting.
Always remember that times for cooking, reheating and defrosting in a microwave oven are usually considerably shorter than with traditional methods of food preparation.
Excessively long cooking times can lead to food drying out and burning, or could even cause it to catch fire.
Fire hazard!
There is also a danger of fire if bread, breadcrumbs, flowers, herbs, etc., are dried in the microwave oven. Do not dry these items in the microwave oven.
Do not use the microwave function to heat up cushions or pads filled with cherry kernels, wheat grain, lavender or gel, such as those used in aromatherapy. These pads can ignite when heated even after they have been removed from the appliance.
The microwave is not suitable for cleaning or disinfecting items. Items can get extremely hot, and there is a danger of burning when the item is removed from the microwave.
15
Warning and Safety instructions
The appliance could be damaged if used without food, or if it is incorrectly loaded. Therefore, do not use this appliance to pre-heat crockery or dry herbs and the like.
Always ensure that food, the Gourmet plate or a browning dish has been placed in the microwave, and that the turntable is in place, before switching on.
Never cook or reheat food or liquids in sealed containers, jars or bottles.
With baby bottles, the screw top and teat must be loosened. Otherwise pressure builds up which can cause the bottle or container to explode, posing a severe risk of injury.
When heating food and drinks, remember that the heat is created in the food itself, and that the container will normally be cooler. The dish is only warmed by the heat of the food. Before serving, remember to allow a sufficient standing time and then always check the temperature of the actual food itself after taking it out of the microwave. The temperature of the container is not an indication of the temperature of the food or liquid in it. This is particularly important when preparing food for babies, children, and the elderly or infirm.Shake or stir baby milk and food thoroughly after heating, and try it for temperature to ensure that it will not scald the baby.
16
Warning and Safety instructions
When heating liquids, milk, sauces etc., using microwave power, the boiling point of the liquid may be reached without the production of typical bubbles.
The liquid does not boil evenly throughout. This so-called 'boiling delay' can cause a sudden build-up of bubbles when the container is removed from the oven or shaken. This can lead to the liquid boiling over suddenly and explosively. Danger of burning!
The formation of bubbles can be so strong that the pressure forces the oven door open. The user could be injured and the appliance damaged. To avoid this, always wait a minimum of 20 seconds before removing the container from the oven. You can also place a suitable glass rod or utensil into the cup or glass when heating liquids.
17
Warning and Safety instructions
To avoid fuelling any flames, do not open the oven door if smoke occurs in the oven interior.
Interrupt the process by pressing the On/Off sensor. Switch off at the wall socket and remove the plug.
Do not open the door until the smoke has dispersed.
Oils and fats are a fire hazard if allowed to overheat. Never leave the microwave oven unattended when cooking with oil or fats. Do not use the appliance for deep frying food. Do not attempt to extinguish oil or fat fires with water. Switch off the appliance and smother the flames by keeping the appliance door closed.
Do not use the appliance to heat up the room. Due to the high temperatures radiated, objects left near the appliance could catch fire.
Never heat undiluted alcohol in the microwave, as this can easily ignite. If using alcohol in your recipes, please be aware that high temperatures can cause the alcohol to vaporise and even to ignite on the hot surfaces. Alcohol should be burnt off before the dish is placed in the oven to avoid this danger.
18
Warning and Safety instructions
Do not use the appliance to heat up or bottle food in sealed jars and tins. Pressure will build up inside them and they can explode causing damage to the appliance, as well as the risk of injury and scalding.
Food which is left in the microwave oven can dry out and the escaping moisture can lead to corrosion in the appliance. The control panel, worktop or furniture unit may also be damaged. Therefore, always cover food which is left in the microwave oven.
Try to avoid the interior walls being splashed with food or liquids containing salt. If this does happen, wipe these away thoroughly to avoid corrosion on the stainless steel surface.
The oven interior can get hot during use. Danger of burning! Clean the interior of the microwave oven and accessories as soon as they have cooled down. If you wait too long, cleaning becomes not only difficult, but may become impossible in extreme cases. Under certain circumstances heavy soiling may damage the appliance and give rise to dangerous situations. Danger of burning! Please see instructions in "Cleaning and care".
19
Warning and Safety instructions
Fire hazard! Do not use any containers or cutlery made from or containing metal, aluminium foil, lead crystal glassware, temperature-sensitive plastics, wooden utensils or cutlery, metal clips or wire ties. Do not use bowls with milled rims, or plastic pots with the foil lid only partially removed.
Such items could be damaged or cause a fire hazard (see "Suitable containers for microwave ovens").
Do not leave the microwave oven unattended when reheating or cooking food in disposable containers made of plastic, paper or other flammable materials.
Before using single-use containers, make sure they are suitable for use in microwave ovens. See "Suitable containers for microwave ovens / Plastics".
Heat-retaining bags usually contain a thin layer of aluminium foil which reflects microwaves. This reflected energy can, in turn, cause the outer paper covering to become so hot that it ignites.
Do not reheat food in the microwave oven in heat-retaining bags intended for use in normal ovens.
Eggs can be cooked without their shells using microwave power only if the yolk membrane has been punctured several times first. The pressure could otherwise cause the egg yolk to explode.
20
Warning and Safety instructions
Eggs can only be cooked in their shells in the microwave oven in a specially designed egg-boiling device available from specialist shops. Eggs can burst, even after they have been taken out of the oven.
Do not heat up hard-boiled eggs in the microwave oven.
Food with a thick skin or peel, such as tomatoes, sausages, jacket potatoes and eggplants, should be pierced or cut in several places to allow steam to escape and prevent the food from bursting.
Ovenproof earthenware can retain a considerable amount of moisture. Earthenware and porcelain containers with hollow handles and lid knobs must only be used in this microwave oven if they have sufficiently large vent holes which allow the moisture to escape. Without vent holes, pressure can build up, causing the container to crack or shatter with the danger of injury.
Only use a thermometer specifically approved for food use to measure the temperature of the food. Never use a thermometer containing mercury or liquid, as these are not suitable for use with very high temperatures and will break very easily.
Do not use a steam cleaning appliance to clean this appliance. Pressurised steam could reach the electrical components and cause a short circuit.
21
Warning and Safety instructions
The following applies to stainless steel surfaces:
The coating on the stainless steel surfaces will become damaged by adhesives and lose its protective properties against soiling. Do not adhere stickers, adhesive tape or any other adhesive materials to stainless steel surfaces.
Stainless steel scratches very easily and even magnets can cause damage to the surface.
Accessories
Use only Miele Original spare parts. If spare parts or accessories from other manufacturers are used, the warranty will be invalidated, and Miele cannot accept liability.
The rack and Gourmet plate supplied with the appliance are designed to be compatible with microwaves and can therefore be used for grilling with or without the microwave function.
However, do not use the rack and Gourmet plate at the same time as the Gourmet plate will be damaged. Always place the Gourmet plate directly on the turntable.
22
Warning and Safety instructions
The Gourmet plate gets extremely hot when in use. Always use oven gloves when handling it to avoid burns. Place it on a suitable heat-resistant mat or pot rest.
The rack gets hot during grilling (with and without the microwave function).
Take care not to burn yourself on it.
Do not use the cover with the Gourmet plate, as the cover will get too hot.
Optional accessories
Never place the hot glass tray (or any other hot cooking containers) on a cold surface, such as a tiled or granite worktop. The glass tray or container could crack or shatter, and the worktop surface could get damaged. Use a suitable heat-resistant mat or pot rest.
23
Description of the functions
How the microwave oven works
In a microwave oven there is a highfrequency tube called a magnetron. This converts electrical energy into microwaves. These microwaves are distributed evenly throughout the oven interior, and rebound off the metal sides of the oven interior to reach the food from all sides. Microwave distribution is improved with the turntable engaged.
In order for microwaves to reach the food, they must be able to penetrate the cooking container being used.
Microwaves can penetrate porcelain, glass, cardboard and plastics, but not metal. Do not, therefore, use dishes made of metal, or which contain metal, for example in the form of gold or silver trim. The metal reflects the microwaves and this could lead to the creation of sparks. The microwaves cannot be absorbed.
Microwaves pass through a suitable container and find their way directly into the food. All food contains moisture molecules which, when subjected to microwave energy, start to oscillate approx. 2.5 billion times a second. The friction caused by this vibration creates heat, which first starts developing around the outside of the food and then slowly penetrates towards the centre. The moisture content of food will affect the speed at which it is cooked. The more moisture a food contains, the faster it will cook.
Heat is produced directly in the food. This results in the following benefits:
–Food can generally be cooked without adding much liquid or cooking oil.
–Cooking, reheating and defrosting in a microwave oven is quicker than using conventional methods.
–Nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are generally retained.
–The colour, texture and taste of food are not significantly impaired.
Microwaves stop being produced as soon as the cooking process is interrupted or the appliance door is opened.
When the appliance is in operation, the closed, sealed door prevents microwaves escaping from the appliance.
24
Loading...