14
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (continued)
* Q : Why this standing time recommended after the cooking operation has been completed?
* A : Standing time is very important.
With microwave cooking, the heat is in the food, not in the oven. Many foods build up enough
internal heat to allow the cooking process to continue, even after the food is removed from the
oven. Standing time for joints of meat, large vegetables and cakes is to allow the inside to cook
completely, without overcooking the outside.
* Q : What does “standing time” mean?
* A : “Standing time” means that food should be removed from the oven and covered for additional time
to allow it to finish cooking. This frees the oven for other cooking.
* Q : Why does my oven not always cook as fast as the microwave cooking guide says?
* A : Check your cooking guide again, to make sure you’ve followed directions exactly ; and to see
what might cause variations in cooking time. Cooking guide times and heat settings are
suggestions, to help prevent over-cooking... the most common problem in getting used to a
microwave oven.
Variations in the size, shape and weights and dimensions could require longer cooking time. Use
your own judgement along with the cooking guide suggestions to check whether the food has
been properly cooked just as you would do with a conventional cooker.
* Q : Will the microwave oven be damaged if it operates while empty?
* A : Yes. Never run it empty.
* Q : Can I operate my microwave oven without the turntable or turn the turntable over to hold a
large dish?
* A : No. If you remove or turn over the turntable, you will get poor cooking results. Dishes used in your
oven must fit on the turntable.
* Q : Is it normal for the turntable to turn in either direction?
* A : Yes. The turntable rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the rotation of the motor
when the cooking cycle begins.
* Q : Can I pop popcorn in my microwave oven? How do I get the best results?
* A : Yes. Pop packaged microwave popcorn following manufacture’s guidelines. Do not use regular
paper bags. Use the “listening test” by stopping the oven as soon as the popping slows to a “pop”
every 1 or 2 seconds. Do not repop unpopped kernels. Do not pop popcorn in glass cookware.