What are microwaves?

Like radio and television waves, microwaves are electromagnetic waves.

Microwaves are produced by a magnetron inside the microwave oven, and these vibrate the molecules of water present in the food. The friction this causes produces heat, which ensures that the food is defrosted, heated, or cooked through.

The secret of the reduced cooking times is the fact that the microwaves penetrate the food from every direction. Energy is used to the full. In comparison, the energy from a conventional hob passes from the burner through the pan and so to the food. This method wastes a great deal of energy.

The characteristics of microwaves.

Microwaves penetrate all non-metal objects made of glass, china, earthenware, plastic, wood or paper. This is why the microwaves never make these materials hot. Dishes become hot only because the food inside them is hot.

The food absorbs the microwaves and is heated. Microwaves cannot pass through objects made of metal and so they are deflected. For this reason metal objects are not normally suitable for microwave cookery. There are exceptions where you can actually make use of the fact that the microwaves cannot pass through metal. If you cover food with aluminium foil at specific points while it is defrosting or cooking, you can prevent those parts from getting too warm, too hot, or overcooked. Please check out the advice given in the guide.

Suitable ovenware

Glass and ceramic glass

Heat-resistant glass utensils are very suitable. The cooking process can be observed from all sides. They must not, however, contain any metal (e.g. lead crystal), nor have a metallic overlay (e.g. gold edge, cobalt blue finish).

Ceramics

Generally very suitable. Ceramics must be glazed, since with unglazed ceramics moisture can get into the ceramic. Moisture causes the material to heat up and may make it shatter. If you are not certain whether your utensil is suitable for the microwave, carry out the utensil suitability test.

Porcelain

Very suitable. Ensure that the porcelain does not have a gold or silver overlay and that it does not contain any metal.

Plastic & paper utensils

Heat resistant plastic utensils which are suitable for use in the microwave can be used to thaw, heat and cook food. Follow the manufacturers recommendations.

Heat-resistant paper made for use in a microwave oven is also suitable. Follow the manufacturers recommendations.

Kitchen paper

can be used to absorb any moisture which occurs in short heating methods, e.g. of bread or products in bread crumbs. Insert the paper between the food and the revolving plate. The surface of the food will stay crispy and dry. Covering greasy food with kitchen paper will catch splashes.

Microwave cling film

This, or heat-resistant film, is very suitable for covering or wrapping. Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Roasting bags

Can be used in a microwave oven. Metal clips are not suitable for fastening them since the roasting bag foil might melt. Fasten the roasting bag with string and pierce it several times with a fork. Non heat-resistant food wraps are not recommended for use in a microwave oven.

Browning dish

A special microwave dish made from ceramic glass with a metal alloy base, which allows food to be browned. When using the browning dish a suitable insulator, e.g. a porcelain plate, must be placed between the turntable and the browning dish. Be careful to adhere exactly to the pre-heating time given in the manufacturer's instructions. Excessive pre-heating can damage the turntable and the turntable stand or can trigger the

safety-device which will switch off the oven.