1. A Guide to Microwave Cooking
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A Guide to Microwave Cooking

2. Advantages of Microwave Cooking
Saves time
Easy to clean up
Energy-efficient
Saves nutrients
Use little or no added fat
Cook & serve in the same dish
Ideal for convenience foods

3. Power & the Microwave Oven
Higher power setting = more microwaves produced
MW ovens have different power ratings; measured in watts
Don’t use an extension cord
with a MW oven; it reduces
its power
MW power is reduced if
other appliances are on
the same electrical circuit

4. Power Settings High = 100% Medium-High = 70% Medium = 50%
Medium-low = 30%
Low = 10%

5. Defrost
To defrost means to remove ice crystals from a food without cooking the food
Defrost setting on a MW is usually 30% power
Follow a defrost cycle with an equal amount of standing time
Cook food immediately after
defrosting; do not hold it for
later cooking

6. How does a microwave cook food?
Microwaves are short radio waves.
They cause the molecules
in food to vibrate.
Vibration creates friction.
Friction creates heat.
Heat cooks the food.
MW penetrate food about 1½ “ deep. In thicker foods, heat is conducted to the center.

7. Microwaves travel in a straight path
Microwaves are reflected by metal.
Microwaves pass through glass, paper, plastic, and wax.
Microwaves are absorbed
by water, fat and sugar
molecules in food.
Microwaves are attracted to salt; wait
until after cooking to salt the surface
of a food.

8. Cookware for the Microwave
YES
Glass
Most hard plastic
Paper
Some pottery & china NO
Metal
Recycled paper
Food storage containers, such as margarine tubs

9. Shape of Cookware Ring shape is best choice.
Round is second best choice.
Shallow cookware works better than deep.
Square or rectangular shape is worst choice because corners overcook before center is finished.

10. What is arcing?
Arcing is an electrical spark inside the microwave oven.
It looks like lightning!
It occurs when microwaves
connect between two points
of metal.
It can cause a fire if
flammable materials are inside the MW.
It can damage the microwave oven.

11. Automatic Features on the Microwave
Cook 1/Cook 2
Defrost/Auto defrost
Preprogrammed touch pads
Sensors
Turntable
Temperature probe

12. When should food be covered?
Covering -
holds in steam
keeps food moist
shortens cooking time
cooks more evenly
reduces spatters
Cover with –
Plastic wrap
Waxed paper
Paper towel
Lid

13. Special Microwave Techniques
Stir, turn or rotate
Standing time
Pierce
Shield
Vent

14. How should I place food in the microwave oven?
Arrange foods in a ring.
Arrange foods like the spokes of a wheel.
Leave space between pieces of food.
Arrange with the thickest parts toward the outside of the ring.

15. Factors that Affect Timing
Hot spots
Density of the food
Shape of the cookware
Size of the food pieces
Starting temperature
of the food
Amount of food in the oven at the same time
# of watts of the MW oven

16. Testing dishes & containers
Some equipment may not be labeled whether it is MW-safe.
To test:
Place a Pyrex measuring cup of water
in the MW.
Place the equipment to be tested
NEXT to the measuring cup.
Microwave for 1 – 2 minutes.
Water should be hot, but equipment being tested should still be room temperature.
If it gets hot, do not use it in the MW.

17. How do I convert my favorite recipes for the microwave?
Shorten time to ¼ the conventional time.
Reduce the amount
of seasonings.
of liquid.
Compare to a similar recipe.