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Microwave operation
How it works
The oven contains a magnetron that
converts electrical energy into electro-
magnetic waves (microwaves). These
microwaves are distributed evenly
throughout the oven compartment, and
are reflected off the metal appliance
walls.
The microwaves penetrate inside the
food from all sides. Food consists of
many molecules. When subjected to
microwave energy, these molecules
(particularly the water molecules) start
to oscillate. This heats the food from the
outside to the inside. The more water a
food contains, the faster it is reheated
or cooked.
Advantages of the microwave oven
- Food can generally be cooked without
having to add any/very much extra li-
quid or fat.
- The durations for defrosting, reheating
or cooking are shorter than with a hob
or oven.
- Vitamins, minerals, natural colour, and
taste of the food are generally re-
tained.
If the oven is used without food or
the food is loaded incorrectly when
using the
Microwave
mode or operating modes that use
microwave power, the oven can be-
come damaged.
Always use the glass tray with the
operating mode, even
Microwave
if you use it as a container for smaller
dishes.
50
operating
Selecting crockery
In order for microwaves to reach the
food, they must be able to penetrate the
crockery being used. Microwaves can
pass through porcelain, glass, cardboard
and plastics, but not metal. Therefore,
do not use metal containers or crockery
that contains metal. Metal reflects the
microwaves which can create sparks
and the microwaves are not absorbed
by the metal.
Risk of injury from increased
pressure in closed containers or
bottles
Pressure can build up during reheat-
ing in sealed containers or bottles,
causing them to explode.
Never cook or reheat solid or liquid
food in sealed containers or bottles.
Open containers beforehand. In the
case of baby bottles, the screw top
and teat must be removed.
Fire hazard due to using unsuit-
able crockery for operating modes
which use microwave power.
Crockery which is not suitable for use
in microwave ovens can be badly
damaged and cause damage to the
oven.
Only use microwave-safe crockery for
operating modes which use micro-
wave power.
The material and shape of the crockery
used affect the reheating and cooking
durations.
Heat distribution is more even in round
and oval-shaped shallow containers.
Food is reheated more evenly in these
containers than in square containers.
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