Helpful Information; Microwave Terms - GE Spacemaker 49-40612 Owner's Manual

Term
Arcing
Covering
Shielding
Standing Time
Venting

Helpful Information

Microwave Terms

Definition
Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is
caused by:
• the metal shelf being installed incorrectly and touching the
microwave walls.
• metal or foil touching the side of the oven.
• foil that is not molded to food (upturned edges act like
antennas).
• metal such as twist ties, poultry pins, gold-rimmed dishes.
• recycled paper towels containing small metal pieces.
Covers hold in moisture, allow for more even heating and reduce
cooking time. Venting plastic wrap or covering with wax paper
allows excess steam to escape.
In a regular oven, you shield chicken breasts or baked foods to
prevent over-browning. When microwaving, you use small strips
of foil to shield thin parts, such as the tips of wings and legs on
poultry, which would cook before larger parts.
When you cook with regular ovens, foods such as roasts or cakes
are allowed to stand to finish cooking or to set. Standing time is
especially important in microwave cooking. Note that a microwaved
cake is not placed on a cooling rack.
After covering a dish with plastic wrap, you vent the plastic wrap by
turning back one corner so excess steam can escape.
35