Microwave Ovens

Purchasing Considerations

• Look for a large display panel and large high-contrast buttons. This makes it easier to apply tactile labels and makes the oven more accessible.
• Shop for a model with buttons that beep when pushed. Audio feedback makes access easier.
• Models with a kitchen timer can be useful. If you're cooking more than one item, having an extra timer lets you set separate times.
• Other useful microwave features include auto-defrost, humidity sensor and temperature probe.
• Talking microwave ovens are also available and are usually not more expensive than regular microwaves. Safety Considerations Read the owner’s manual before using the microwave.
• Never put metal objects, including aluminum foil, into a microwave. Metal causes “sparking” of the microwaves. When this happens, you'll hear a very loud crackling noise and see bright sparks or flashes of light. It can destroy the oven and start a fire. Be careful—some older dishes have gold or silver designs that cause sparking.
• Put at least a small glass of water in a microwave when you turn it on. Starting it empty will cause sparking.
• Pierce egg yolks and vegetables that have skins before cooking. The membranes on these foods cause heat or steam to build up inside. They can explode inside the oven.
• Do not use paper towels that contain nylon fibres—the fibres will catch fire when exposed to microwaves. It’s best to avoid using paper towels of any kind in the microwave. Instead, buy a cover to place over your food as it’s cooking and use a plastic tray for cooking bacon.
• Be sure that anything you put in a microwave is labelled “microwave safe.” Thermal mugs or any metal or plastic that can melt easily are not microwave safe.
• Be mindful of steam when opening the microwave door and always use oven mitts. The dish may become very hot and it doesn’t take much exposure to steam to get a painful burn.
• Let food stand for at least a minute after the microwave turns off to let the food finish cooking.
• Be sure you have cleared a space for the dish before removing it from the microwave. Place the dish on a heat-resistant surface.
• Use baking soda and water to clean your microwave oven. Oven cleaner is not necessary or recommended.
• Keep the oven clean. Keep the door seal clean to make sure the seal is tight. A tight seal keeps microwave radiation from escaping into the environment.

Cooking Times and Types of Foods

• Cooking times vary with the amount of food, its density, and how it’s arranged in the oven. Microwaves only penetrate food by about an inch. For larger dishes to be cooked through, the molecules need to move from the outside edges of the food to the centre.
• Foods containing sugar, fat and bone cook faster because they attract a higher level of microwave energy.
• Use containers large enough to prevent overflow. Foods may bubble, so it’s important to allow space at the top of the container.
• Place larger or thicker pieces toward the outside. Food cooks from the outside of the oven compartment in.
• A frozen block of food does not absorb microwaves very well. As it is heated and the surface begins to thaw, the thawed parts absorb more and more energy. As a result, the outer layer acts as a shield, preventing microwaves from getting to the inside of the food.
• Use a safe covering such as wax paper or a plastic food cover designed for microwave use.
• Note the power of your microwave (measured in watts) as some ovens are more powerful than others. The amount of power also affects the cooking time.