Sharp R-654M Microwaving, Microwave Power Levels, Introduction, To Check the Power Level

R-654M O/M & C/B 05/04/2001 10:58 Page 6

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MICROWAVING

Introduction:

Water, sugar and fat in food absorb microwaves which causes them to vibrate. This creates heat by friction, in the same way your hands get warm when you rub them together.

Outer areas of food are heated by microwave energy, and remaining portions by conduction. It is, therefore, important to turn, rearrange or stir food to ensure even heating. Where recommended allow food to stand. This is not optional but necessary to ensure

thorough cooking and is particularly important for dense food, such as joints of meat.

Microwaves pass through non-metallic dishes and utensils and heat the food inside the dishes. Microwaves are reflected by metal. The oven is lined with metal and has a fine metallic mesh in the door to prevent microwave leakage. Metallic dishes are not suitable for microwaving. Only use utensils that are suitable for microwave ovens.

(See suitable cookware, pages 20-21).

MICROWAVEPOWERLEVELS

Your oven has 5 power levels. To choose the power level for cooking, follow the advice given in the recipe section. Generally the following recommendations apply:

100P - (HIGH output = 800W) used for fast cooking or reheating e.g. for casseroles, hot beverages, vegetables etc.

70P - (MEDIUM HIGH output = 560W) used for longer cooking of dense foods such as roast joints, meat loaf and plated meals, also for sensitive dishes such as cheese sauce and sponge cakes. At this reduced setting, the sauce will not boil over and food will cook evenly without over cooking at the sides.

To change the power level for cooking, enter the required time and then press the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL key.

For example:

100P (HIGH)

x1 STIR TURN KG•LB GRILL MICRO COOK

70P (MED.HIGH)

x2 STIR TURN KG•LB GRILL MICRO COOK

50P - (MEDIUM output = 400W) for dense foods which require a long cooking time when cooked conventionally, eg. beef dishes, it is advisable to use this power setting to ensure the meat will be tender.

30P - (MEDIUM LOW output = 240W Defrost setting) to defrost, select this power setting, to ensure that the dish defrosts evenly. This setting is also ideal for simmering rice, pasta, dumplings and cooking egg custard.

10P - (LOW output = 80W) For gentle defrosting, eg. cream gateaux or pastry.

P = PERCENTAGE

Power level: The microwave power level is varied by the microwave energy switching on and off. When using power levels other than 100P you will be able to hear the microwave energy pulsing on and off as the food cooks or defrosts.

IMPORTANT: The microwave power level will default to 100P unless you press the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL key to the desired setting.

50P	(MEDIUM)
x3	STIR TURN KG•LB GRILL MICRO COOK
30P	(MED.LOW)
x4	STIR TURN KG•LB GRILL MICRO COOK
10P	(LOW)
x5	STIR TURN KG•LB GRILL MICRO COOK

TO CHECK THE POWER LEVEL:

To check the microwave power level during cooking, press the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL key. As long as your finger is pressing the MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL key the power level will be displayed. The oven continues to count down although the display will show the power level.

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