GE PVM9215SFSS Use And Care Manual page 20

About changing the power level.
20
The power level may be entered or changed
immediately after entering the time for Cook
Time, Time Defrost or Express Cook. The
power level may also be changed during time
countdown.
1
First, follow directions for Cook Time, Time
Defrost or Express Cook.
2
Press the dial to accept the time and enter
power level editing.
3 Turn the dial clockwise to increase and
counterclockwise to decrease the power
level. Press the dial to enter.
Variable power levels add flexibility to
microwave cooking. The power levels on the
microwave oven can be compared to the
surface units on a range. Each power level gives
you microwave energy a certain percent of the
time. Power level 7 is microwave energy 70%
of the time. Power level 3 is energy 30% of the
time. Most cooking will be done on High (power
level 10) which gives you 100% power. Power
level 10 will cook faster but food may need
more frequent stirring, rotating or turning over.
A lower setting will cook more evenly and need
less stirring or rotating of the food. Some foods
may have better flavor, texture or appearance
if one of the lower settings is used. Use a lower
power level when cooking foods that have
a tendency to boil over, such as scalloped
potatoes.
Rest periods (when the microwave energy
cycles off) give time for the food to "equalize"
or transfer heat to the inside of the food. An
example of this is shown with power level 3
the defrost cycle. If microwave energy did not
cycle off, the outside of the food would cook
before the inside was defrosted.
Here are some examples of uses for various
power levels:
High 10: Fish, bacon, vegetables, heating
liquids.
Med-High 7: Gentle cooking of meat and
poultry; baking casseroles and reheating.
Medium 5: Slow cooking and tenderizing for
stews and less tender cuts of meat.
Defrosting; simmering; delicate
sauces.
Warm 1: Keeping food warm; softening butter.