How a Microwave Oven Works
10
Microwaves are high-frequency electromagnetic waves; the energy
released enables food to be cooked or reheated without changing
either the form or the colour.
You can use your microwave oven to:
◆ Defrost
◆ Reheat
◆ Cook
Cooking Principle
1 The microwaves generated by the magnetron are distributed uniformly as
the food rotates on the glass plate. The food is thus cooked evenly.
2 The microwaves are absorbed by the food up to a depth of about 1 inch
(2.5 cm). Cooking then continues as the heat is dissipated within the food.
3 Cooking times vary according to the recipient used and the properties of
the food:
◆ Quantity and density
◆ Water content
◆ Initial temperature (refrigerated or not)
☛
As the centre of the food is cooked by heat dissipation,
cooking continues even when you have taken the food
out of the oven. Standing times specified in recipes and
in this booklet must therefore be respected to ensure:
◆ Even cooking of the food right to the centre
◆ The same temperature throughout the food
Checking that Your Oven is Operating Correctly
The following simple procedure enables you to check that your
oven is working correctly at all times. If you are in doubt, refer to
the section entitled “What to Do if You are in Doubt or Have a
Problem” on the next page.
➢ ◆ The oven must be plugged into an appropriate
wall socket.
◆ The glass plate must be in position in the oven.
◆ If a power level other than the maximum (100% -
900 W) is used, the water takes longer to boil.
1 Open the oven door by pushing the handle on the right side of the door.
Place a glass of water on the glass plate. Close the door.
2 Press the Start ( 1min+) button and set the time to 4 to 5 minutes, by
pressing the ( 1min+) button the approprinte number of times.
Result: The oven heats the water for 4 to 5 minutes. The water should
then be boiling.
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