GE JES2051 Owner's Manual page 12

About changing the power level.
12
The power level may be entered or changed immediately
after entering the feature time for Time Cook, Time Defrost
or Express Cook. The power level may also be changed
during time countdown.
Press Time Cook or select Time Defrost.
Enter cooking or defrosting time.
Press Power Level.
Select desired power level 1–10.
Press START.
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, boiling 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.
Low 2 or 3: Defrosting; simmering; delicate sauces.
Warm 1: Keeping food warm; softening butter.