Safe use of a microwave oven depends jointly on the manufacturer and the owner of the oven.
Manufacturer’s part: Federal regulations specify safety features which must be built into the microwave oven. For example, the appliance must have at least two independently operating safety interlocks which automatically shut the oven off when the door is opened. And there are federal standards which limit microwave leakage from the appliance.
Owners part: While the ovens are built with safety in mind, microwave safety also depends on how you care for the appliance. Read the instruction book for operation techniques and special cautions, as these directions may vary from oven to oven. continue reading »
December 18 2007 | Micro-Cooking and Microwave Appliance | No Comments »
Part of the fun of micro-cooking is the variety of containers you can use. There’s no need to completely re-equip your kitchen just because you have a microwave oven. You’ll be able to use many items already on your shelves. A basic rule of thumb is: glass, paper, and other containers that do not contain any metal are good. Metal blocks microwaves from doing their job. Under certain circumstances, some oven manufactures allow a limited use of metal. Check the owner’s manual for appropriate dishes to use in the model you have.
Also, consider the type of food you will be cooking and how long the food will be cooking and how long the food will be in the oven. Use dishes that withstand higher temperatures for foods containing high proportions of fats and sugars. You can use paper and certain plastic items for short- time cooking and for warning. For most other micro-cooking, use a dish that withstands hot food temperatures. continue reading »
December 18 2007 | Micro-Cooking and Microwave Appliance | No Comments »