Fisher & Paykel Contemporary Series User manual

CONVECTION
MICROWAVE OVEN
CMO-24SS models
FOUR MICRO-ONDES
À CONVECTION
Modèles CMO-24SS
INSTALLATION GUIDE / USER GUIDE
GUIDE D’INSTALLATION / GUIDE D’UTILISATION
US CA

2
PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE
EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE
MICROWAVE ENERGY
• Do not attempt to operate this microwave oven with the door open
since open-door operation can result in harmful exposure to microwave
energy. It is important not to damage or tamper with the safety
interlocks.
• Do not place any object between the microwave oven front face and the
door or allow soil or cleaner residue to accumulate on sealing surfaces.
• Do not operate the microwave oven if it is damaged. It is particularly
important that the microwave oven door close properly and that there
is no damage to the: (1) door (bent), (2) hinges and latches (broken or
loosened), (3) door seals and sealing surfaces.
• The microwave oven should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone
except properly qualified service personnel.
RETAIN THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

3
CONTENTS
Precautions to Avoid Possible
Exposure to Excessive
Microwave Energy............................. 2
Important Safety Instructions....... 4
Installation Instructions ................. 6
Grounding Instructions .................. 7
Information You Need to Know ... 8-13
About Your Microwave Oven.............. 8
About Children and the Microwave. 8
About Microwave Cooking.................. 8-9
About Food................................................ 9
About Utensils and Coverings............ 10-13
About Safety ............................................. 13
Part Names .......................................... 14-15
Before Operating .............................. 16
To Set the Clock ....................................... 16
Stop/Clear .................................................. 16
Manual Operation............................. 17
Time Cooking............................................ 17
To Set Power Level.................................. 17
Manual Defrost......................................... 17
Microwave Features ......................... 18-28
Microwave Cooking Principles........... 18
Defrosting Frozen Foods ...................... 18-19
Reheating................................................... 19-23
Defrost......................................................... 24
Sensor Reheat........................................... 25-26
Popcorn....................................................... 26
Sensor Cook .............................................. 26-28
Convection Automatic Operation 29-31
Auto Broil.................................................... 29
Auto Roast.................................................. 30
Auto Bake................................................... 31
Manual Convection and
Automatic Mix Cooking.................. 32-47
Convection Cooking............................... 32-36
Broil............................................................... 36-37
Slow Cook .................................................. 37-40
Automatic Mix Cooking........................ 40-47
Other Convenient Features ........... 48-50
Multiple Sequence Cooking................ 48
More or Less Time Adjustment .......... 48
Extra Minute.............................................. 48
Help Menu ................................................. 48-49
Kitchen Timer............................................ 50
Start.............................................................. 50
Help (Display indicator) ........................ 50
Demonstration Mode ............................ 50
Cleaning and Care............................. 51
Specifications...................................... 52
Service Call Check............................. 53
Warranty ............................................... 54

4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using electrical appliances basic safety precautions should be followed, including the
following:
WARNING – To reduce the risk of burns, electric shock, fire, injury to persons or exposure
to excessive microwave energy:
1. Read all instructions before using the appliance.
2. Read and follow the specific‘PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID POSSIBLE EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE
MICROWAVE ENERGY’ on page 2.
3. This appliance must be grounded. Connect only to properly grounded outlet. See ‘GROUNDING
INSTRUCTIONS’ on page 7.
4. Install or locate this appliance only in accordance with the provided installation instructions.
5. Some products such as whole eggs and sealed containers—for example, closed glass jars—
are able to explode and should not be heated in this microwave oven.
6. Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual. Do not use corrosive
chemicals or vapors in this appliance. This type of microwave oven is specifically designed to
heat, cook or dry food. It is not designed for industrial or laboratory use.
7. As with any appliance, close supervision is necessary when used by children.
8. Do not operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly or
if it has been damaged or dropped.
9. This appliance should be serviced only by qualified service personnel.
10. Do not cover or block any openings on the appliance.
11. Do not store or use this appliance outdoors. Do not use this product near water—for example,
near a kitchen sink, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool, or similar locations.
12. Do not immerse cord or plug in water.
13. Keep cord away from heated surfaces.
14. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter.
15. See door surface cleaning instructions on page 50.
16. To reduce the risk of fire in the microwave oven cavity:
a. Do not overcook food. Carefully attend appliance when paper, plastic or other combustible
materials are placed inside the microwave oven to facilitate cooking.
b. Remove wire twist-ties from paper or plastic bags before placing bag in microwave oven.
c. If materials inside the microwave oven should ignite, keep microwave oven door closed,
turn microwave oven off and disconnect the power cord or shut off power at the fuse or
circuit breaker panel.
d. Do not use the cavity for storage purposes. Do not leave paper products, cooking utensils or
food in the cavity when not in use.

5
17. Liquids, such as water, coffee or tea are able to be overheated beyond the boiling point without
appearing to be boiling. Visible bubbling or boiling when the container is
removed from the microwave oven is not always present. THIS COULD RESULT IN
VERY HOT LIQUIDS SUDDENLY BOILING OVER WHEN A SPOON OR OTHER UTENSIL
IS INSERTED INTO THE LIQUID.
To reduce the risk of injury to persons:
a. Do not overheat the liquid.
b. Stir the liquid both before and halfway through heating it.
c. Do not use straight-sided containers with narrow necks. Use a wide-mouthed container.
d. After heating, allow the container to stand in the microwave oven for at least 20 seconds
before removing the container.
e. Use extreme care when inserting a spoon or other utensil into the container.
18. If the microwave oven is installed as a built-in, observe the following instructions:
a. Do not mount over a sink.
b. Do not store anything directly on top of the appliance surface when the appliance
is in operation.
19. If the microwave oven light fails, consult a FISHER AND PAYKEL AUTHORIZED SERVICER.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

7
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This appliance must be grounded. This microwave oven is equipped with a cord which has a
grounding wire and grounding plug. It must be plugged into a wall receptacle that is properly
installed and grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code and local codes and
ordinances. In the event of an electrical short circuit, grounding reduces risk of electric shock by
providing an escape wire for the electric current.
Warning – Improper use of the grounding plug can result
in a risk of electric shock.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
The electrical requirements are a 120 volt 60 Hz, AC only, 15 amp
or more protected electrical supply. It is recommended that a
separate circuit serving only this appliance be provided.
The microwave oven is equipped with a 3-prong grounding plug.
It must be plugged into a wall receptacle that is properly installed
and grounded. Should you only have a 2-prong outlet, have a
qualified electrician install a correct wall receptacle.
A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce risk of becoming
entangled in or tripping over a longer cord.
EXTENSION CORD
If it is necessary to use an extension cord, use only a 3-wire
extension cord that has a 3-blade grounding plug and a 3-slot
receptacle that will accept the plug on the microwave oven.
The marked rating of the extension cord should be
AC 115-120 volt, 15 amp or more.
Be careful not to drape the cord over the countertop or table where it can be pulled on by children
or tripped over accidentally.
Notes:
1. If you have any questions about the grounding or electrical instructions, consult a qualified
electrician or service person.
2. Neither FISHER & PAYKEL nor the dealer can accept any liability for damage to the microwave
oven or personal injury resulting from failure to observe the correct electrical connection procedures.
RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE
Should there be any interference caused by the microwave oven to your radio or TV, check that
the microwave oven is on a different electrical circuit, relocate the radio or TV as far away from the
microwave oven as feasible or check position and signal of receiving antenna.

8
ABOUT YOUR MICROWAVE OVEN
This manual is valuable: read it carefully and always save it for reference.
NEVER use the microwave oven without the turntable and support nor turn the turntable over
so that a large dish could be placed in the microwave oven. The turntable will turn both clockwise
and counterclockwise.
ALWAYS have food in the microwave oven when it is on to absorb the microwave energy.
When using the oven at power levels below 100%, you may hear the magnetron cycling on and off.
Condensation is a normal part of microwave cooking. Room humidity and the moisture in food will
influence the amount of moisture that condenses in the oven. Generally, covered foods will not
cause as much condensation as uncovered ones. Vents on the oven back must not be blocked.
After using convection, automatic mix or broil, you will hear the sound of the cooling fan. The fan
may continue to operate as long as 5 minutes, depending on the oven temperature.
Be aware that, unlike microwave-only ovens, convection microwave ovens have a tendency to
become hot during convection, automatic mix and broil cooking.
The oven is for food preparation only. It should not be used to dry clothes or newspapers.
Your oven is rated 900 watts using the IEC Test Procedure. In using recipes or package directions,
check food at the minimum time and add time accordingly.
ABOUT MICROWAVE COOKING
• Arrange food carefully. Place thickest areas towards outside of dish.
• Watch cooking time. Cook for the shortest amount of time indicated and add more as needed.
Food severely overcooked can smoke or ignite.
• Cover foods while cooking. Check recipe or cookbook for suggestions: paper towels, wax paper,
microwave plastic wrap or a lid. Covers prevent spattering and help foods to cook evenly.
• Shield with small flat pieces of aluminum foil any thin areas of meat or poultry to prevent
overcooking before dense, thick areas are cooked thoroughly.
• Stir foods from outside to center of dish once or twice during cooking, if possible.
• Turn foods over once during microwaving to speed cooking of foods such as chicken and
hamburgers. Large items like roasts must be turned over at least once.
• Rearrange foods such as meatballs halfway through cooking both from top to bottom and from
the center of the dish to the outside.
• Add standing time. Remove food from microwave oven and stir, if possible. Cover for standing
time which allows the food to finish cooking without overcooking.
• Check for doneness. Look for signs indicating that cooking temperatures have been reached.
Doneness signs include:
- Food steams throughout, not just at edge.
- Center bottom of dish is very hot to the touch.
- Poultry thigh joints move easily.
- Meat and poultry show no pinkness.
- Fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW

9
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT FOOD
FOOD
Eggs, sausages,
nuts, seeds, fruits
& vegetables
Popcorn
Baby food
General
DO
• Puncture egg yolks before cooking
to prevent ‘explosion’.
• Pierce skins of potatoes, apples,
squash, hot dogs and sausages so
that steam escapes.
• Use specially bagged popcorn for
the microwave oven.
• Listen while popping corn for the
popping to slow to 1 or 2 seconds
or use special Popcorn pad.
• Transfer baby food to small dish
and heat carefully, stirring often.
Check temperature before serving.
• Put nipples on bottles after
heating and shake thoroughly.
‘Wrist’ test before feeding.
• Cut baked goods with filling
after heating to release steam
and avoid burns.
• Stir liquids briskly before, during
and after heating to avoid
‘eruption’.
• Use deep bowl, when cooking
liquids or cereals, to prevent
boilovers.
DON’T
• Don’t cook eggs in shells.
• Don’t reheat whole eggs.
• Don’t dry nuts or seeds in
shells.
• Don’t pop popcorn in regular
brown bags or glass bowls.
• Don’t exceed maximum
time on popcorn package.
• Don’t heat disposable bottles.
• Don’t heat bottles with nipples
on.
• Don’t heat baby food in original
jars.
• Don’t heat or cook in closed
glass jars or air tight containers.
• Don’t heat cans in the
microwave as harmful bacteria
may not be destroyed.
• Don’t deep fat fry.
• Don’t dry wood, gourds, herbs
or wet papers.
ABOUT CHILDREN AND THE MICROWAVE
Children below the age of 7 should use the microwave oven with a supervising adult very near
to them. Between the ages of 7 and 12, the supervising adult should be in the same room.
The child must be able to reach the microwave oven comfortably; if not, he/she should stand
on a sturdy stool.
At no time should anyone be allowed to lean or swing on the microwave oven door.
Children should be taught all safety precautions: use potholders, remove coverings carefully,
pay special attention to packages of crisp food because they may be extra hot.
Don’t assume that because a child has mastered one cooking skill he/she can cook everything.
Children need to learn that the microwave oven is not a toy. See page 48 for Safety Lock feature.

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ABOUT UTENSILS AND COVERINGS
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
Aluminum foil
Aluminum
containers
Browning dish
Glass ceramic
(Pyroceram®)
Glass,
heat-resistant
Glass, non-heat-
resistant
Lids, glass
Lids, metal
Metal cookware
Metal, misc:
dishes with
metallic trim,
screws, bands,
handles. Metal
twist ties
Oven cooking
bags
YES. Small flat pieces of
aluminum foil placed
smoothly on food can be
used to shield areas from
cooking or defrosting too
quickly. Keep foil at least
1 inch from walls of oven.
YES. Can be used if
3/4 filled with food. Keep
1 inch away from walls
and do not cover with foil.
YES. Do not exceed
recommended
preheating time. Follow
manufacturer’s directions.
YES. Excellent
YES. Excellent.
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
YES. Good for large
meats or foods that need
tenderizing. DO NOT use
metal twist ties.
YES. For shielding
YES. Broil-No cover
NO
YES. Excellent
YES. Excellent
NO
YES. Broil-No cover
YES. Broil-No cover
YES.
NO
YES. Broil-No cover
YES. For shielding
YES. Can be used if
3/4 filled with food.
Keep 1 inch away
from walls and do
not cover with foil.
NO
YES. Excellent
YES. Excellent
NO
YES
NO
YES. Do not use
metal covering.
NO
YES. DO NOT use
metal twist ties.
UTENSILS AND
COVERINGS MICROWAVE ONLY CONVECTION BROIL, SLOW COOK HIGH MIX/ROAST LOW MIX/BAKE

11
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT UTENSILS AND COVERINGS
Paper plates
Paper towels
Paper, ovenable
Microwave-safe
plastic containers
Plastic,
Thermoset®
Plastic wrap
Pottery, porcelain
stoneware
Styrofoam
Wax paper
Wicker,
wood, straw
YES. For reheating
YES. To cover for reheating
and cooking. Do not use
recycled paper towels
which may contain metal
filings.
YES
YES. Use for reheating
and defrosting. Some
microwave-safe plastics are
not suitable for cooking
foods with high fat and
sugar content. Follow
manufacturer’s directions.
YES
YES. Use brands specially
marked for microwave use.
DO NOT allow plastic wrap
to touch food. Vent so
steam can escape.
YES. Check manufacturer’s
recommendation for being
microwave safe.
YES. For reheating
YES. Good covering for
cooking and reheating
YES. May be used for short
periods of time. Do not use
with high fat or high sugar
content foods.
Could char.
NO
NO
YES. For temper-
atures up to 400°F.
Do not use for
broiling.
NO
YES. Are heat
resistant up to
425°F. Do not use for
broiling.
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES. For temper-
atures up to 400°F.
NO
YES
NO
YES. Must be
microwave safe
AND ovenable.
NO
NO
NO
UTENSILS AND
COVERINGS MICROWAVE ONLY CONVECTION BROIL, SLOW COOK HIGH MIX/ROAST LOW MIX/BAKE

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DISH CHECK
If you wish to check if a dish is safe for microwaving, place the empty dish in the oven and
microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. If the dish becomes very hot, do NOT use it for microwaving.
ACCESSORIES
There are many microwave accessories available for purchase. Evaluate carefully before you purchase
so that they meet your needs. A microwave-safe thermometer will assist you in determining correct
doneness and assure you that foods have been cooked to safe temperatures when using microwave-
only cooking. Fisher & Paykel is not responsible for any damage to the oven when accessories are
used.
MICROWAVE UTENSILS
The ideal material for a microwave utensil allows energy to pass through the container and heat
the food. Many common household items, such as paper plates and glass or plastic bowls, are good
choices for warming foods.
When a utensil is used for cooking, it must also be able to withstand contact with hot food or
boiling liquid.
Dual-purpose, heat-resistant paper and plastic utensils can be used in microwave and conventional
ovens. Look for materials that are marked ‘safe for microwave or conventional oven up to 400˚F.’
Many traditional cooking containers, such as casseroles and measuring cups, are also suitable for
microwaving.
Oven-glass and glass ceramic (Pyroceram®) utensils can be used for microwaving, serving and
storing. Oven-glass utensils are inexpensive and widely available. Use them for measuring, mixing
and microwaving. Choose clear glass for pies, cakes and breads, so you can easily check for doneness
through the bottom of the dish.
Microwave-safe Dish Test. If you are not sure whether your dish is safe to use in the microwave
oven, use this test. Place the dish in the oven. Measure 1/2to 1 cup water in glass cup. Place on
or beside dish. Microwave at HIGH (100%) for 1 to 2 minutes. If dish remains cool, it is suitable for
microwaving. Do not use this test for plastic and metal.
Pottery, stoneware and porcelain offer the convenience of cook-and-serve versatility. Serving
bowls, platters, casseroles, plates and cups are practical and attractive. Look for dishware that is
marked ‘microwave-safe’. If you are not sure if your dish is safe to use, use the dish test above.
Plastic cookware (Thermoset®) marked microwave-safe is designed for microwave oven and
conventional oven use and can withstand temperatures up to 400˚F. Follow manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Plastic storage containers and tableware marked ‘dishwasher-safe’ and Styrofoam® may be use
for short-term heating to serving temperature. Do not use them for cooking raw foods or for
heating foods high in fat or sugar, since they distort at fairly low temperatures. ‘Original’Tupperware®
may melt or distort; Ultra 21® lines from Tupperware are designed for microwave use.
Plastic wrap or plastic food-storage bags should not be used for cooking.
Paper plates, hot drink, cups, towels and napkins are good choices for short-term cooking and
heating. Avoid recycled paper, which may contain metal chips, and wax-coated paper cups or plates.
Paper baking cups absorb excess moisture and save clean-ups. Plain white paper towels are excellent
for warming breads, cooking bacon or covering to prevent splatters. Wax paper can be used as
a light, nonstick cover that holds in steam; it also prevents splattering for dishes such as chili or
spaghetti.
Dual-purpose paper products, such as ovenable paperboard containers, are versatile choices.
They are freezer-proof and safe for both microwave and conventional ovens up to 400˚F.
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW

160˚F / 71˚C
165˚F / 74˚C
170˚F / 77˚C
180˚F / 82˚C
For fresh pork, ground meat, boneless white poultry, fish, seafood, egg dishes
and frozen prepared food.
For leftover, ready-to-reheat refrigerated, and deli and carry-out ‘fresh’food.
White meat of poultry.
Dark meat of poultry.
TEMP FOOD
• ALWAYS use potholders to prevent burns when handling utensils that are in contact with hot
food. Enough heat from the food can transfer through utensils to cause skin burns.
• Avoid steam burns by directing steam away from the face and hands. Slowly lift the farthest edge
of a dish’s covering and carefully open popcorn and microwave oven cooking bags away from
the face.
• Stay near the microwave oven while it’s in use and check cooking progress frequently so that
there is no chance of overcooking food.
• NEVER use the cavity for storing cookbooks or other items.
• Select, store and handle food carefully to preserve its high quality and minimize the spread of
foodborne bacteria.
• Keep waveguide cover clean. Food residue can cause arcing and/or fires.
• Use care when removing items from the microwave oven so that the utensil, your clothes or
accessories do not touch the safety door latches.
• Keep aluminum foil used for shielding at least 1 inch away from walls, ceiling and door of
microwave oven.
13
INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW
Metal, such as small pieces of aluminum foil, may be used to shield small areas of food (wingtips,
leg ends, breast bones) from overcooking and overdefrosting. Metal reflects energy away from
food and slows cooking. Special microwave thermometers design to be left in the oven during
cooking and temperature probes are also valuable tools. Shallow (no more than 13/4inches in depth)
foil convenience-food trays may be used. The amount of metal used must be in proportion to the
volume of food; foil trays should be two-thirds to three-fourths full. Always keep metal at least
2 inches away from oven walls and ceiling to prevent arching.
Not Recommended for Use in the Microwave Oven Do not use metal pots, pans or bakeware,
metal twist ties or dishes with metallic trim. Also avoid utensils with metal screws, bands or handles,
metal reinforcement in some baskets or wicker-wrapped handles and conventional meat or candy
thermometers. Melamine® or Centura® tableware, plastics that may be sensitive to hot foods, leaded
crystal, antique or delicate glassware, fine bone china and ceramic mugs or cups with glued-on
handles, brown paper bags and recycled paper products are not recommended for any microwave
cooking use.
ABOUT SAFETY
• Check foods to see that they are cooked to the United States Department of Agriculture’s
recommended temperatures.
To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer in a thick or dense area away from fat or bone.
Never leave the thermometer in the food during cooking, unless it is approved for microwave
oven use.

16
BEFORE OPERATING
• Before operating your new microwave oven make sure you read and understand this
manual completely.
• Before the microwave oven can be used, follow these procedures:
1. Plug in the microwave oven. Close the door. The microwave oven display will show
WELCOME PRESS CLEAR AND PRESS CLOCK.
2. Touch the STOP/CLEAR pad. : will appear.
3. Set clock.
TO SET THE CLOCK
1. Touch CLOCK pad.
2. Enter the correct time of day by touching the numbers in sequence. Touch CLOCK pad again.
This is a 12 hour clock. If you attempt to enter an incorrect clock time, ERROR will appear in the
display. Touch the STOP/CLEAR pad and re-enter the time.
• If the electrical power supply to your microwave oven should be interrupted, the display will
intermittently show WELCOME PRESS CLEAR AND PRESS CLOCK after the power is reinstated. If
this occurs during cooking, the program will be erased. The time of day will also be erased. Simply
touch STOP/CLEAR pad and reset the clock for the correct time of day.
STOP/CLEAR
Touch the STOP/CLEAR pad to:
1. Erase a mistake you make during programming.
2. Cancel KITCHEN TIMER.
3. Stop the microwave oven temporarily during cooking.
4. Return the time of day to the display.
5. Cancel a program during cooking, touch twice.

17
POWER LEVEL 100% High
9 90%
8 80%
7 70% Medium High
6 60%
5 50% Medium
4 40%
3 30% Med. Low / Defrost
2 20%
1 10% Low
0 0%
TOUCH POWER LEVEL PAD
ONCE THEN TOUCH APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE OF POWER COMMON WORDS FOR POWER LEVELS
• Suppose you want to defrost for 5 minutes at 30%.
1. Enter defrosting time by touching the number pads 500.
2. Touch POWER LEVEL pad and number 3.
3. Touch START pad.
You can program up to 4 automatic cooking sequences. Follow directions on page 48.
Note that Power Level must be entered first when programming multiple sequences.
MANUAL DEFROST
If the food that you wish to defrost is not listed on the DEFROST CHART or is above or below
the limits in the ‘Amount’ column on the DEFROST CHART, you need to defrost manually.
You can defrost any frozen food, either raw or previously cooked, by using Power Level 3.
Follow the exact 3-step procedure found under Time Cooking above. Estimate defrosting time
and press 3 for 30% when you select the power level.
For either raw or previously cooked frozen food the rule of thumb is approximately 5 minutes
per pound. For example, defrost 5 minutes for 1 pound of frozen spaghetti sauce.
Always stop the oven periodically to remove or separate the portions that are defrosted.
If food is not defrosted at the end of the estimated defrosting time, program the oven in
1 minute increments on Power Level 3 until totally defrosted.
When using plastic containers from the freezer, defrost only long enough to remove from
the plastic in order to place in a microwave-safe dish.
TIME COOKING
Your microwave oven can be programmed for 99 minutes and 99 seconds (99.99).
Always enter the seconds after the minutes, even if they are both zeros.
• Suppose you want to cook for 5 minutes at 100%.
1. Enter cooking time by touching the number pads 500.
2. Touch START pad.
TO SET POWER LEVEL
There are eleven preset power levels.
Using lower power levels increases the cooking time which is recommended for foods such as cheese,
milk and long slow cooking of meats. Consult cookbook or recipes for specific recommendations.
MANUAL OPERATION

18
MICROWAVE FEATURES
MICROWAVE COOKING PRINCIPLES
The key to successful microwave cooking is understanding the basic conditions which may affect
cooking results. The speed and evenness of microwave cooking are influenced by characteristics of
the food itself and by differences in line voltage. House power varies throughout the country. Voltage
fluctuates and is lower during periods of peak consumption.
Microwaves penetrate foods to a depth of about 3/4to 11/2inches on all surfaces: top, bottom and sides.
The interior of foods greater than 2 inches in diameter heats by conduction, as it does in conventional
cooking. Foods with high water, fat or sugar content respond quickly to microwave energy.
Size – Small pieces cook faster than large ones. To speed cooking, cut pieces smaller than 2 inches so
microwave can penetrate to the center from all sides. For even cooking, cut vegetables, fruit and meat
into pieces of uniform size.
Quantity – Small amounts cook faster than large ones. Microwaving time is always directly related to
the amount of food and increases with the quantity. When doubling a recipe, increase time by about
one-half and check for doneness.
Starting temperature – Frozen or refrigerated food takes longer to heat than food at room
temperature. Cooking times in this book are based on normal storage temperatures. Since rooms,
refrigerators and freezers differ in temperature, check for doneness at the minimum time.
Fat and bone – Marbling within meat or a thin, even layer of fat on a roast attracts energy and speeds
cooking. Drain excess drippings in dish during cooking to speed cooking. Bone conducts heat, so areas
next to it may cook faster than other areas.
Shape – Foods which are irregular in shape, like fish fillets, chicken breasts or drumsticks, take longer
to cook in the thicker parts. To help them cook evenly, place the thickest parts to the outside of the
dish, where they will receive more energy.
Moisture content – Microwaves are readily attracted to moisture. Naturally moist foods microwave
better than dry ones. Add a minimum of liquid to moist foods, as excess water slows cooking.
Density. Porous foods, such as ground beef or mashed potatoes, cook faster than dense foods, such
as steak or whole potatoes, since microwaves penetrate them more easily. Turn dense foods over after
one-half cooking time to speed and equalize cooking.
DEFROSTING FROZEN FOODS
Defrosting food with the microwave oven is not only faster than any other method, it can also give
better results. Many microwave ovens are designed with a special automatic defrost setting which
makes it safe, quick and easy to defrost meat and poultry.
Once frozen meat is defrosted, it begins to lose its juices. Microwave ovens give you the advantaged
of letting you defrost meat just before you cook it for maximum juiciness and quality.
Microwave defrosting is easy, but some attention is needed to make sure that the ice crystals in frozen
food melt without the food starting to cook. MEDIUM-LOW (30%) is fast enough to be convenient but
gradual enough to give good results. At MEDIUM (50%) meat defrosts in about one-third less time but
needs more attention.
Place plastic or paper-wrapped package of frozen food directly in oven. To speed defrosting, remove
wrap as soon as possible and cover food with wax paper to hold in heat and prevent moisture loss.
Foil wrappings must be removed.
Remove wrapping from turkey so you can feel warm spots as it defrosts. Metal clamps holding legs
should be removed as soon as possible. Start breast side down, shield warm areas with small strips
of foil and turn over after each one-fourth of time.
Let turkey stand 20 to 30 minutes submerged in cold water after defrosting, until giblets and neck can
be removed and breast meat under wings is completely defrosted. Turkey may be microwaved with
clamps if they are difficult to move.

19
MICROWAVE FEATURES
CONVENIENCE FOODS
How to Defrost Bagels and Muffins
Wrap frozen bagel or muffin in a paper towel or napkin. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) until just
warm to the touch (about 25 to 45 seconds for one, 40 seconds to 1 minute 20 seconds for two).
Split bagels or muffins and toast, if desired.
How to Defrost Orange Juice or Lemonade Concentrate
Remove one metal lid from 6-once can of frozen juice. Place can upright in oven. Microwave at HIGH
(100%) 30 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds. Concentrate should be softened but not warm.
Pour into container and stir in cold water as directed on can.
Most convenience foods now include microwave directions, making it easier than ever to enjoy
soups, snacks, beverages, entrees and desserts. The package instructions are usually for HIGH (100%)
for maximum speed and efficiency.
REHEATING
For freshest-tasting results, use power levels recommended in chart.
Pasta, rice and rolls. For leftover rice or pasta, drizzle with 1 tablespoon water per cup and reheat,
covered. To reheat bread rolls or muffins, wrap in paper towel and microwave only until warm to the
touch, not piping hot. Breads heat in seconds; overheating can cause breads to become tough, dry
and hard.
Meats. Medium (1/4 inch) slices reheat best. Cover meat with sauce or gravy to protect from drying
out. Meats with sauce should be covered with wax paper to hold in heat. Cover meat slices without
gravy with paper towel.
REHEATING CHART
Plate of Food
1 serving of meat,
2 servings of vegetables
Meat
(Chicken pieces,
chops, hamburgers,
meat loaf slices)
1 serving
2 servings
Meat Slices
(Beef, ham, pork,
turkey)
1 or more servings
Room temp.
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Room temp.
Refrigerated
MED.-HIGH (70%)
1-21/2min.
21/2-31/2min.
MED.-HIGH (70%)
1-2 min.
2-4 min.
MEDIUM (50%)
1-13/4min. per serving
11/2-21/2min. per serving
Meaty portions and bulky
vegetables to outside.
Cover with wax paper.
Cover loosely with wax
paper.
Cover with gravy or wax
paper. Check after 30 sec.
per serving.
ITEM STARTING
TEMPERATURE MICROWAVE TIME PROCEDURE

20
MICROWAVE FEATURES
REHEATING CHART
Stirrable Casseroles
and Main Dishes
1 serving
2 servings
4-6 servings
Nonstirrable
Casseroles and Main
Dishes
1 serving
2 servings
4-6 servings
Soup, Cream
1 cup
1 can (10 3/4 oz)
Soup, Clear
1 cup
1 can (103/4oz)
Pizza
1 slice
1 slice
2 slices
2 slices
Vegetables
1 serving
2 servings
Baked Potato
1
2
Breads
(Dinner or breakfast roll)
1 roll
2 rolls
4 rolls
Pie
1 slice
2 slices
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Room temp.
Refrigerated
Room temp.
Room temp.
Refrigerated
Room temp.
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Room temp.
Room temp.
Room temp.
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
HIGH (100%)
13/4-31/2min.
31/4-5 min.
61/2-71/2min.
MEDIUM (50%)
41/2-71/2min.
71/2-11 min.
12-15 min.
MEDIUM (50%)
23/4-51/2min.
5-71/2min.
HIGH (100%)
13/4-3 min.
31/2-41/2min.
HIGH (100%)
15-25 sec.
25-35 sec.
25-35 sec.
55-60 sec.
HIGH (100%)
3/4-11/4min.
11/2-2 min.
HIGH (100%)
1-21/2min.
21/2-3 min.
HIGH (100%)
8-10 sec.
10-12 sec.
15-18 sec.
HIGH (100%)
30-45 sec.
1-11/2min.
Cover with glass lid.
Stir after half the time.
Cover with wax paper.
Cover. Stir after half the time.
Cover. Stir after half the time.
Place on paper towel on
microwave-safe rack.
Cover. Stir after half the time.
Cut potato lengthwise and
then several times crosswise.
Cover with wax paper.
Wrap single roll, bagel or
muffin in paper towel.
To reheat several, line plate
with paper towel; cover with
another paper towel.
Place on microwave-safe dish.
Do not cover.
ITEM STARTING
TEMPERATURE MICROWAVE TIME PROCEDURE
After reheating, food should be very hot-165°F, if possible, stir food, cover and allow to stand two to
three minutes before serving.