Rapid defrosting of food is one of the great advantages of the microwave oven.
Before starting, make sure that you have removed any of the metal twist-ties which often come with frozen food bags, and replace them with strings or elastic bands. Containers such as cartons should be opened before they are placed in the oven. Always slit or pierce plastic pouches or packaging. If food is foil wrapped, remove foil and place it in a suitable container. Slit the skins of frozen food if any. Flex plastic pouches of food to ensure even defrosting.
When large pieces of meat are defrosted, you should shield thin parts of poultry
to slow down heating, otherwise, the outer edges will dry out, or even begin to cook.
Always under-estimate defrosting time. If defrosted food is still icy in the centre, return to microwave oven for further defrosting. Allow standing time when defrosting because the defrosting process still continues during the standing time.
The length of the defrosting time varies according to how solidly the food is frozen.Turn frozen food over or separate food if possible during defrosting or standing time.
The defrosting chart is an approximate guideline to help you to thaw food in the microwave oven.
