Using the Main Oven
Defrosting and cooling in the main oven 
To defrost frozen foods, turn the main oven control to the defrost position, place the food in the centre of the oven and close the door.
To cool foods after cooking prior to refrigerating or freezing, turn the main oven control to the defrost position and open the door.
Defrosting times
Small or thin pieces of frozen fish or meat - eg; fish filets, prawns & mince will take approximately 1 - 2 hours.
Placing the food in a single layer will reduce the thawing time.
A medium sized casserole or stew will take approximately 3 - 4 hours.
A 11⁄2kg / 3lb oven ready chicken will take approximately 5 hours, remove the giblets as soon as possible.
Be safe
Do not defrost stuffed poultry using this method.
Do not defrost larger joints of meat and poultry over 2kg / 4lb using this method.
Never place uncooked food for defrosting next to cooked food which is to be cooled, as this can lead to cross contamination.
Defrosting meat, poultry, and fish can be accelerated using this method but make sure they are completely thawed before cooking thoroughly. Place meat and poultry on a trivet in a meat tin.
Main oven baking guide
Cooking times & temperatures
The temperature settings and times given in the baking guide are based on dishes made with block margarine. If soft tub margarine is used it may be necessary to reduce the temperature setting.
Allow enough space between shelves for food that will rise during cooking.
Do not place items on the oven base as this will prevent air circulating freely.
14
