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Microwaves have become an essential appliance in most modern kitchens, and for good reason. They are quick, convenient, and can be used to cook or reheat a variety of dishes. Get the most out of your appliance with our essential microwave tips that you need to know.
Advantages of using a microwave
Quick cooking: A microwave is known for its speed. It can cook or reheat food in a matter of seconds or minutes, which can save you a lot of time when you are in a hurry.
Convenience: Microwaves are incredibly convenient. You can quickly heat up leftovers, cook frozen meals, or even make popcorn without much effort.
Energy efficient: Compared to other cooking methods, microwaves are relatively energy-efficient. They use less electricity than a traditional oven and they don’t heat up your kitchen, which can help reduce your cooling costs in the summer.
Saves counter space: Microwaves take up less space on your countertop than other appliances like ovens and stovetops, making them an ideal choice for small kitchens or apartments.
Easy to use: Microwaves are generally easy to operate. Most models come with pre-set buttons for specific foods, making it easy to get the cooking time and temperature right.
Preserves nutrients: Microwaving food can preserve more nutrients than other cooking methods because it cooks food quickly and with minimal water.
Versatility: Microwaves can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks, from reheating food to steaming vegetables to cooking meat.
Microwave Do’s and Don’ts
Microwaves are a convenient and easy-to-use appliance, but there are certain dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Use microwave safe containers
- Not all materials are safe to use in a microwave. Avoid using metal, aluminium foil, and plastic containers that are not labelled as microwave-safe. These materials can cause a fire or release harmful chemicals into your food.
Cover your food
- When microwaving, cover your food with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent splatters and ensure even heating. Just make sure to leave a small vent to allow steam to escape.
Stir or rotate your food
- Microwaves heat unevenly, so it’s important to stir or rotate your food during the cooking process to ensure it’s heated evenly. This is especially important for soups, stews, and casseroles.
Don’t overcook food
- Overcooking can result in tough, dry, or burnt food. To avoid this, check your food during the cooking process and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Add water to dry foods
- When reheating bread, pastries, or other baked goods, add a small amount of water to prevent them from becoming dry and rubbery.
Use a microwave-safe thermometer
- To ensure that meat, poultry and fish are cooked to a safe temperature, use a microwave-safe thermometer. This is especially important when cooking larger cuts of meat.
Use the right power setting
- Many microwaves have different power settings, so be sure to use the right setting for your dish. Lower power settings are ideal for defrosting and reheating. Higher settings are better for cooking.
Clean your microwave regularly
- To prevent the build-up of bacteria and odours, clean your microwave regularly. Simply wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Understanding your microwave’s power levels
Microwave power levels refer to the amount of energy that the microwave oven emits during cooking. Microwaves typically have several power level settings, usually ranging from 1 to 10 or low to high. Each power level corresponds to a specific percentage of the oven’s maximum power output.
When you select a power level, the microwave oven will adjust the amount of energy it emits during cooking to match that level. For example, if you select a power level of 50%, the microwave oven will emit 50% of its maximum power output. This means that the food will cook more slowly and evenly, allowing you to cook delicate foods like fish or vegetables without overcooking or drying them out.
Higher power levels are typically used for cooking or reheating foods that require more heat, such as meats, casseroles, or soups. Lower power levels are typically used for defrosting, reheating leftovers, or cooking delicate foods that require gentler heat.
Microwave power levels are not standardised across different models or brands of microwaves. The power output of a microwave oven can vary depending on its wattage, size and other factors. Check your microwave’s owner’s manual for recommendations on cooking times and power levels for different foods.
By adjusting the power level of your microwave oven, you can customize the cooking process to suit the needs of the food you’re preparing, resulting in better-tasting, evenly cooked dishes.
Recommended microwave cooking times
Cooking times can vary widely depending on:
- Wattage of your microwave;
- The size and shape of food’
- your desired level of ‘doneness’.
To ensure that your food is cooked safely and thoroughly, always use a food thermometer. Stir or rotate the food during cooking to promote even heating and prevent hot spots.
We recommend starting with a shorter cooking time and checking the food frequently. You can always add more time if necessary, but it’s much harder to undo overcooked or burnt food.
Here are some recommended cooking times for common foods:
1. Baked potato: Pierce the potato several times with a fork, then cook on high for 5-7 minutes per potato.
2. Frozen vegetables: Cook on high for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.
3. Chicken breast: Place in a microwave-safe dish with a lid and cook on high for 4-6 minutes per breast.
4. Fish fillet: Place in a microwave-safe dish with a lid and cook on high for 3-4 minutes per fillet.
5. Rice: Combine rice and water in a microwave-safe dish with a lid, and cook on high for 10-12 minutes.
6. Popcorn: Follow the instructions on the popcorn packaging for microwave cooking.
Our top cleaning tips
- Use a microwave-safe bowl filled with water and a few slices of lemon or vinegar. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for a few minutes until the water starts to boil. The steam from the water will loosen any food particles, and the lemon or vinegar will help to deodorize the microwave.
- Once the microwave has cooled down, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the microwave. You can also use a mild detergent or all-purpose cleaner. We use and recommend Aktivo’s All Purpose Cleaner.
- Wipe down the exterior of the microwave with a damp cloth or all-purpose cleaner. Don’t forget to clean the buttons and the handle.
- Remove stains with a damp cloth. For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stains. Leave it on for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
- Remove the turntable and wash it in the sink with warm, soapy water. Before you put it back in he microwave, make sure it is thoroughly dry.
- Using a microwave cover can help to prevent food splatters and make cleaning easier.
Handy tip: Remember to unplug your microwave before cleaning it and never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that could damage the interior.
Microwave spare parts
Care and maintenance of your appliance will ensure it functions at its best. Occasionally you may need to replace common microwave parts and tackle simple repairs. You can find an extensive range of microwave spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares including:
Turntable glass tray/plate
- The turntable is the rotating plate inside the microwave that helps to evenly heat the food. If the turntable is not functioning properly or is cracked or damaged, it can be replaced with a new one.
Waveguide cover
- The waveguide cover is a small component that covers the opening where the microwaves enter the cooking cavity. You can easily replace damaged covers.
Door switches
- The door switches are safety mechanisms that prevent the microwave from operating when the door is open. If you find them functioning poorly, its time to replace them.
Globes/bulb
- You can find the microwave globe located at the top or back of the microwave and it is usually protected by a cover. Some microwave bulbs are standard incandescent bulbs, while others are halogen bulbs or LED bulbs. Most microwave globes are easy to replace, but it’s a good idea to consult your user manual for instructions specific to your model.
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