Microwave Cooking

Cooking at different cook powers

For best results, some recipes call for different cook powers. The lower the cook power, the slower the cooking. Each Number pad also stands for a different percentage of cook power. Many microwave cookbook recipes tell you by number, percent, or name which cook power to use.

The following chart gives the percentage of cook power each Number pad stands for, and the cook power name usually used. It also tells you when to use each cook power. Follow recipe or food package instructions if available.

NOTE: Refer to a reliable cookbook for cooking times

COOK POWER

NAME

WHEN TO USE IT

 

 

 

10=100% of full power

High

Quick heating many convenience foods

 

 

and foods with high water content, such

 

 

as soups and beverages

 

 

Cooking small tender pieces of meat,

 

 

ground meat, poultry pieces, fish fillets,

 

 

and vegetables

 

 

 

9=90% of full power

 

Heating cream soups

 

 

 

8=80% of full power

 

Heating rice, pasta, or casseroles

 

 

 

7=70% of full power

Medium-High

Cooking sensitive foods such as cheese

 

 

and egg dishes, pudding, and custards

 

 

Cooking non-stirrable casseroles, such as

 

 

lasagna

 

 

 

6=60% of full power

 

Cooking sensitive foods such as cheese

 

 

and egg dishes, pudding, and custards

 

 

Cooking non-stirrable casseroles, such as

 

 

lasagna

 

 

 

5=50% of full power

Medium

Cooking ham, whole poultry, and pot roasts

 

 

Melting chocolate

 

 

 

4=40% of full power

 

Simmering stews

 

 

Heating pastries

 

 

 

3=30% of full power

Medium-Low,

Defrosting foods, such as bread, fish,

 

Defrost

meats, poultry, and precooked foods

 

 

 

2=20% of full power

 

Softening butter, cheese, and ice cream

 

 

 

1=10% of full power

Low

Keeping food warm

 

 

Taking chill out of fruit

 

 

 

NOTE: For information on which cook powers and cooking times you need for specific foods, see the “Microwave cooking chart” in the “Cooking Guide” section.

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KitchenAid KEMS377G, KBMC147H, KBMC140H, KEMS378G, KEMS308G Cooking at different cook powers, Cook Power Name When to USE IT