What Are Microwaves; Suitable Ovenware - Electrolux EMS2685 Instruction Book

WHAT ARE MICROWAVES?

Like radio and television waves, microwaves are
electromagnetic waves.
Microwaves are produced by a magnetron inside
the microwave oven, and these vibrate the
molecules of water present in the food. The friction
this causes produces heat, which ensures that the
food is defrosted, heated or cooked through.
The secret of the reduced cooking times is the fact
that the microwaves penetrate the food from every
direction. Energy is used to the full. In comparison,
the energy from a conventional hob passes from the
burner through the pan and so to the food.
This method wastes a great deal of energy.

SUITABLE OVENWARE

GLASS & CERAMIC GLASS
Heat-resistant glass utensils are very suitable. The
cooking process can be observed from all sides. They
must not, however, contain any metal (e.g. lead
crystal), nor have a metallic overlay (e.g. gold edge,
cobalt blue finish).
CERAMICS
Generally very suitable. Ceramics must be glazed,
since with unglazed ceramics moisture can get into
the ceramic. Moisture causes the material to heat up
and may make it shatter. If you are not certain
whether your utensil is suitable for the microwave,
carry out the utensil suitability test. (See page 9).
PORCELAIN
Very suitable. Ensure that the porcelain does not have
a gold or silver overlay and that it does not contain
any metal.
PLASTIC UTENSILS
Heat resistant plastic utensils which are suitable for use
in the microwave can be used to thaw, heat and cook
food. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
PAPER UTENSILS
Heat resistant paper made for use in a microwave
oven is also suitable. Follow the manufacturer's
recommendations.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROWAVES
Microwaves penetrate all non-metal objects made of
glass, china, earthenware, plastic, wood or paper.
This is why the microwaves never make these
materials hot. Dishes become hot only because the
food inside them is hot.
The food absorbs the microwaves and is heated.
Microwaves cannot pass through objects made of
metal and so they are deflected. For this reason
metal objects are not normally suitable for
microwave cookery. There are exceptions where
you can actually make use of the fact that the
microwaves cannot pass through metal. If you cover
food with aluminium foil at specific points while it is
defrosting or cooking, you can prevent those parts
from getting too warm, too hot, or overcooked.
Please check out the advice given in the guide.
KITCHEN PAPER
Can be used to absorb any moisture which occurs in
short heating methods, e.g. of bread or products in
bread crumbs. Insert the paper between the food and
the revolving plate. The surface of the food will stay
crispy and dry. Covering greasy food with kitchen
paper will catch splashes.
MICROWAVE CLING FILM
This, or heat-resistant film, is very suitable for covering
or wrapping. Please follow the manufacturer's
recommendations.
ROASTING BAGS
Can be used in a microwave oven. Metal clips are
not suitable for fastening them since the roasting bag
foil might melt. Fasten the roasting bag with string
and pierce it several times with a fork. Non heat-
resistant food wraps are not recommended for use in
a microwave oven.
THE RIGHT UTENSILS FOR COMBINED
OPERATION
For combined operation (Microwave + grill) and grill
operation, you can use any heat-resistant accessories,
e. g. porcelain, pottery, glass. It is possible to use
metal accessories only for a simple grill operation.
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