8
9. Meat Thermometer.
Use a meat thermometer to check the
degree of cooking of roasts 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.
10. 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 re-cycled paper products, eg
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.
11. Reheating.
It is essential that reheated food is served
“piping hot”.
Remove the food from the oven and check
that it is “piping hot”, ie steam is being
emitted from all parts and any sauce is
bubbling. (If you wish you may choose to
check the food has reached 72˚C with a food
thermometer – but remember do not use this
thermometer inside the microwave.)
For foods that cannot be stirred, eg lasagne,
shepherds pie, the centre should be cut with
a knife to test it is well heated through. Even
if a manufacturerʼs 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.
12. Standing Time.
Standing time refers to the period at the end
of cooking or reheating when food is left
before being eaten, ie. it is a rest time which
allows the heat in the food to continue to
conduct to the centre, thus eliminating cold
spots.
13. 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.
14. Utensils.
Before use check that utensils/containers are
suitable for use in microwave ovens.
15. Babies Bottles and Food Jars.
When reheating babies bottles always
remove top and teat. Liquid at the top of the
bottle will be much hotter than that at the
bottom and must be shaken thoroughly
before checking the temperature. The lid
must also be removed from babies food jars,
the contents must also be stirred or shaken
before the temperature is checked. This
should be carried out before consumption to
avoid burns.
16. Arcing.
Arcing may occur if a metal container has
been used accidentally or if the incorrect
weight of food is used. Arcing is when blue
flashes of light are seen in the microwave
oven. If this occurs, stop the machine
immediately. If the oven is left unattended
and this continues it can damage the
machine.
17. Maximum Weight on Turntable
The maximum weight that can be placed on
the turntable is 3 Kg (6 lb 10 oz) (this
includes total weight of food and dish).
Important Information – Read Carefully
