Whirlpool MHE14XM manual Food Characteristics, Cooking Guidelines, Cookware and Dinnerware

Food Characteristics

When microwave cooking, the amount, size and shape, starting temperature, composition and density of the food affect cooking results.

Amount of Food

The more food heated at once, the longer the cook time. Check for doneness and add small increments of time if necessary.

Size and Shape

Smaller pieces of food will cook more quickly than larger pieces, and uniformly shaped foods cook more evenly than irregularly shaped food.

Starting Temperature

Room temperature foods will heat faster than refrigerated foods, and refrigerated foods will heat faster than frozen foods.

Composition and Density

Foods high in fat and sugar will reach a higher temperature and heat faster than other foods. Heavy, dense foods, such as meat and potatoes, require a longer cook time than the same size of a light, porous food, such as cake.

Cooking Guidelines

Covering

Covering food helps retain moisture, shorten cook time and reduce spattering. Use the lid supplied with cookware. If a lid is not available, wax paper, paper towels or plastic wrap approved for microwave ovens may be used. Plastic wrap should be turned back at one corner to provide an opening to vent steam.

Stirring and Turning

Stirring and turning redistributes heat evenly to avoid overcooking the outer edges of food. Stir from outside to center. If possible, turn food over from bottom to top.

Arranging

If heating irregularly shaped or different sized foods, the thinner parts and smaller sizes should be arranged toward the center. If cooking several items of the same size and shape, place them in a ring pattern, leaving the center of the ring empty.

Piercing

Before heating, use a fork or small knife to pierce or prick foods that have a skin or membrane, such as potatoes, egg yolks, chicken livers, hot dogs, and sausage. Prick in several places to allow steam to vent.

Shielding

Use small, flat pieces of aluminum foil to shield the thin pieces of irregularly shaped foods, bones and foods such as chicken wings, leg tips and fish tail. See “Aluminum Foil and Metal” first.

Standing Time

Food will continue to cook by the natural conduction of heat even after the microwave cycle ends. The length of standing time depends on the volume and density of the food.

Cookware and Dinnerware

Cookware and dinnerware must fit on the turntable. Always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling because any dish may become hot from heat transferred from the food. Do not use cookware and dinnerware with gold or silver trim. Use the following chart as a guide, then test before using.

MATERIAL	RECOMMENDATIONS
Aluminum Foil,	See “Aluminum Foil and Metal” section.
Metal
Browning Dish	Bottom must be at least ³⁄₁₆ in. (5 mm)
	above the turntable. Follow
	manufacturer’s recommendations.
Ceramic Glass,	Acceptable for use.
Glass
China,	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Earthenware
Melamine	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Paper Towels,	Use nonrecycled and those approved by
Dinnerware,	the manufacturer for microwave oven use.
Napkins
Plastic Wraps,	Use those approved by the manufacturer
Bags, Covers,	for microwave oven use.
Dinnerware,
Containers
Pottery and Clay	Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Styrofoam*	Do not use in oven.
Straw, Wicker,	Do not use in oven.
Wooden
Containers
Wax Paper	Acceptable for use.

To Test Cookware or Dinnerware for Microwave Use:

1.Put cookware or dinnerware in oven with 1 cup (250 mL) of water beside it.

2.Cook at 100% cooking power for 1 minute.

Do not use cookware or dinnerware if it becomes hot and the water stays cool.

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