Sharp R-68ST manual What are MICROWAVES?, Appropriate Dishes

R-68ST CkBk_EN.qxd 7/27/07 12:21 PM Page GB-17

WHATAREMICROWAVES?

Microwaves are electromagnetic waves like radio waves and television waves. Microwaves are produced in the microwave oven by a magnetron and cause the water molecules in food to vibrate. Heat is generated by the friction caused, which ensures that the food is defrosted, heated or cooked. The secret of the short cooking times is that the microwaves penetrate the item being cooked directly from all sides. The energy is exploited optimally. In comparison with this, when cooking with an electric cooker the energy travels via the hotplate to the saucepan and only then to the food. A lot of energy is lost due to this diversion.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF

MICROWAVES

Microwaves penetrate all non-metallic objects made of glass, porcelain, ceramics, plastic, wood and paper. This is why these materials are not heated in the microwave. The dish is only heated indirectly through the food. Food absorbs microwaves and are therefore heated. Metal materials are not penetrated by microwaves, which are repulsed (reflected). As a result metal objects are not suitable for a microwave oven as a rule. However, there are exceptions, where they can exploit these very characteristics. Thus food is covered with some aluminium foil at specific locations during the defrosting or cooking. This means that you avoid overly warm or excessively hot or overcooked areas in irregular areas. Please note the following instructions in this respect.

APPROPRIATEDISHES

SUITABLE DISHES FOR MICROWAVE USE

GLASS AND CERAMIC GLASS PLASTIC

Heat resistant glass dishes are very suitable. The progress of cooking can be watched from all sides. However, the container cannot contain metal (e.g. lead crystal) or have with a metal coating (e.g. gold edge, cobalt blue).

CERAMICS

are generally quite suitable.

Ceramics must be glazed, as moisture can penetrate into the crockery in the case of unglazed ceramics. Moisture heats the material and can lead to cracking. If you are uncertain whether your crockery is suitable for the microwave, carry out the crockery suitability test.

PORCELAIN

is very suitable. Be careful that the porcelain does not have any gold or silver coating or does not contain metal.

Heat-resistant plastic dishes appropriate for a microwave are suitable for defrosting, heating and cooking. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

PAPER CROCKERY

Heat-resistant paper containers appropriate for a microwave are also suitable. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

KITCHEN PAPER

can be used to absorb moisture produced during short heating processes, e.g. from bread or breadcrumbs. Place the paper between the food and the

revolving plate. This means the surface of the food will stay crisp and dry. Splashes will be captured by covering fatty food with kitchen paper.

ENGLISH

GB-17