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Liquids
When heating liquids, e.g. soup, sauces
and beverages in your microwave oven,
overheating the liquid beyond boiling point
can occur without evidence of bubbling.
This could result in a sudden boil over of
the hot liquid. To prevent this possibility the
following steps should be taken:
a) Avoid using straight-sided containers
with narrow necks.
b) Do not overheat.
c) Stir the liquid before placing the
container in the oven and again
halfway through the heating time.
d) After heating, allow to stand in the
oven for a short time, stirring
again before carefully removing the
container.
e) Microwave heating of beverages can
result in delayed eruptive boiling,
therefore care should be taken when
handling the container.
Lids
Always remove the lids of jars and
containers and takeaway food containers
before you microwave them. If you don’t
then steam and pressure might build up
inside and cause an explosion even after
the microwave cooking has stopped.
Deep Fat Frying
Do not attempt to deep fat fry in your oven.
Meat Thermometer
Use a meat thermometer to check the
degree of cooking of joints and poultry only
when meat has been removed from the
microwave. If undercooked, return to the
oven and cook for a few more minutes at
the recommended power level. Do not leave
a conventional meat thermometer in the
oven when microwaving.
Paper, Plastic
When heating food in plastic or paper
containers keep an eye on the oven due to
the possibility of ignition. Do not use wire
twist-ties with roasting bags as arcing will
occur. Do not use recycled paper products,
e.g. kitchen roll unless they say they are
specifically designed for use in a microwave
oven. These products contain impurities
which may cause sparks and/or fires when
used.
Reheating
It is essential that reheated food is served
“piping hot”. Remove the food from the oven
and check that it is “piping hot”, i.e. steam is
being emitted from all parts and any sauce
is bubbling (If you wish you may choose to
check the food has reached 75 ˚C with a
food thermometer – but remember do not
use this thermometer inside the microwave).
For foods that cannot be stirred,
e.g. lasagne, shepherds pie, the centre
should be cut with a knife to test it is well
heated through. Even if a manufacturer’s
packet instructions have been followed
always check the food is piping hot before
serving and if in doubt return your food to
the oven for further heating.
Standing Time
Standing time refers to the period at the
end of cooking or reheating when food is
left before being eaten, i.e. it is a rest time
which allows the heat in the food to continue
to conduct to the centre, thus eliminating
cold spots.
Keeping Your Oven Clean
It is essential for the safe operation of the
oven that it is wiped out regularly. Use warm
soapy water, squeeze the cloth out well
and use to remove any grease or food from
the interior. Pay particular attention to the
door seal area and also the areas around
the microwave feed guide situated on the
right hand side of the cavity wall. The oven
should be unplugged when cleaning.
Important User Instructions
