Hotpoint Essential Defrosting Guidelines for Microwaves

Defrosting Guidelines

By selecting the DEFROST power level, from the microwave power pad, and setting a time, you can defrost food in your microwave. The biggest problem is getting the inside defrosted before the outside starts to cook.

For this reason a defrost programme alternates between a defrost power and a standing time. The name for this type of defrost is cyclic and during the

standing stages there is no microwave power in the oven, although the light will remain on and the turntable will turn. The automatic stand times ensure a more even defrost but it is still necessary to allow for standing time before use. Place foods in a suitable container. Meat joints and chickens should be placed on an upturned saucer or on a plastic rack if you have one.

TIPS

1	Check foods during
	defrosting. Foods vary in
	their defrosting speed.
2	It is not necessary to
	cover the food.
3	Always turn or stir the
	food especially when
	the oven “bleeps’’. Shield if
	necessary (see point 5).
4	Minced meat/chops/chicken
	portions should be broken
	up or separated as soon
	as possible and placed in
	a single layer.
5	Shielding prevents food
	cooking. It is essential

Separate chops and small items	Chickens and joints of meat will
e.g. bread slices where possible.	require shielding during defrosting.

Turn dense foods and meat 2/3	Break up small items e.g. minced
times during defrosting.	meat, frequently during defrosting.

when defrosting chickens

and joints of meat. The

outside thaws out first, so

protect wings/breast/fat

with smooth pieces of

aluminium foil secured with

cocktail sticks.

6 Allow standing time so

that the centre of the food

thaws out.

(minimum 1 hour for joints

of meat and whole

chickens).

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