Introduction
Cooking with Microwave Energy
Microwaves are a form of high frequency electromagnetic waves (approx 12cm wavelength) similar to those used by a radio. Electricity is converted into microwave energy by the magnetron tube. The microwaves travel from the magnetron tube to the oven cavity where they are reflected, transmitted or absorbed.
English
Reflection
Microwaves are reflected by metal just as a ball is bounced off a wall. A combination of stationary (interior walls) and rotating metal (turntable or stirrer fan) helps assure that the microwaves are well distributed within the oven cavity to produce even cooking.
Transmission
Microwaves pass through some materials such as paper, glass and plastic much like sunlight shining through a window. Because these substances do not absorb or reflect the microwave energy, they are ideal materials for microwave oven cooking containers.
Absorption
Microwaves are absorbed by food. They penetrate to a depth of about
2 to 4cm. Microwave energy excites the molecules in the food (especially water, fat and sugar molecules), and causes them to vibrate very quickly. The vibration causes friction and heat is produced. In large foods, the heat which is produced by friction is conducted to the center to finish cooking.
Cookware and Utensil Guide
| Microwave Oven |
|
|
Aluminuim Foil | For Shielding |
Grill Tray | No |
Browning Dish | Yes |
Browning Paper Bags | No |
Dinnerware: Oven/Microwave Safe | Yes |
Non Oven/Microwave Safe | No |
Disposable Polyeser | Yes |
Paperboard Dishes |
|
Glassware: Oven Glassware & Ceramic | Yes |
No | |
Metal Cookware | No |
Metal | No |
Oven Cooking Bag | Yes |
Oven Rack | No |
Paper Towels and Napkins | Yes |
Plastic Dishes: Microwave Safe | Yes |
No | |
Plastic Wrap | Yes |
Straw, Wicker, Wood | Yes |
Thermometers: Microwave Safe | Yes |
Conventional | No |
Wax Paper | Yes |
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