En-6
Many convenience foods are readily available in supermarkets. You
may also wish to reheat homecooked food or leftovers. This can all
be done safely in your oven, however you must check the food
carefully to see if it is piping hot before serving, just as you would in
a conventional oven.
Chilled foods to be reheated must also be stored correctly.
How do I choose which method to reheat by?
The heat method i.e. Microwave only or Combination, depends on
the type of food to be reheated. For foods that do not require
browning, reheat by microwave only. For foods that do require
browning, reheat by Combination.
How long do I reheat foods for?
There are reheating charts for Microwave and Combination: these
charts give timings that are a guideline ONLY, as the exact time will
depend on the weight of the food, size of the dish used and start
temperature.
What should I do if the food I am reheating does not
appear in the charts?
It is not possible to test every food available for the following charts,
however we have selected a great variety of foods, and suggest that
by following the guidelines given, you can reheat safely and
successfully.
Stirring and Turning
Whenever possible, foods should be stirred or turned over during
reheating. This helps ensure that the food reheats evenly on the
outside and in the centre.
Standing Time
Many foods require a STANDING TIME after reheating. Standing
time is a rest time which allows the heat in the food to continue to
transfer to the centre, thus eliminating cold spots. If the food has
been covered during the reheating time, then leave the covering on
during the standing time. Stand time is particularly important for
dense foods e.g. Lasagnes, Gratins, etc and those foods that cannot
be stirred during reheating.
When is food reheated?
Reheated food should be served “piping hot” i.e. steam should be
visibly emitted from all parts. As long as good hygiene practices have
been followed during the preparation and storage of the food, then
reheating by microwave or Combination present no added safety
risks.
Foods that cannot be stirred should be cut with a knife to test that
they are well heated through.
Even if manufacturer’s instructions or the times in the reheating
charts have been followed, it is still important to check that the food
is piping hot. If in doubt, always return the food to your oven for
further reheating.
Reheating by Microwave
Reheating
Food Weight/quantity Fresh Frozen
DELICATESSEN STARTERS
- croque monsieur 1 piece (170 g) MAX 1 min MAX 2 mins 30 secs to 3 mins
2 pieces (320 g) MAX 2 mins MAX 5 mins
- shellfish (4) 1 piece (170 g) MAX 2 mins MAX 3 mins
2 pieces (220 g) – MAX 6 to 7 mins
- unfilled pancake (2) 1 piece MAX 30 secs –
- stuffed pancake (2) (3) 1 piece (150 g) – MAX 3 to 4 mins
2 pieces (300 g) – MAX 5 mins
- soup (2) 400 g MAX 4 mins –
1 litre MAX 6 to 7 mins MAX 11 to 12 mins
- small pizza (1) 1 piece (160 g) MAX 1 min MAX 2 mins 30 secs to 3 mins
- American pizza 1 piece (400 g) MAX 4 to 5 mins MAX 7 to 8 mins
- small quiche (1) 1 piece (130 g) 600 W 1 min 10 secs MAX 3 mins
- large quiche 1 piece (400 g) 600 W 3 mins 600 W 7 to 8 mins
- Nem, Samosa (3) 2 pieces (100 g) MAX 15 to 20 secs –
READY-COOKED DISHES
- stuffed tomatoes 1 piece (170 g) MAX 2 mins MAX 6 to 7 mins
- Chilli con Carne (2) (3) 400 g MAX 3 mins 40 secs –
- Chicken Korma with rice (2) (3) 350 g – MAX 6 mins
- Quenelles (2) (3) 6 pieces (240 g) – 600 W 6 mins
- Snails (2) (3) 12 pieces (100 g) 440 W 2 mins 600 W 2 mins - 2 mins 30 secs
- Gratin dishes (starchy with meat) (4) 300 - 400 g MAX 3 mins MAX 8 to 10 mins
600 g MAX 6 to 8 mins MAX 13 to 14 mins
1 kg MAX 10 to 11 mins MAX 16 to 18 mins
