NOTE: The density and thickness of food can affect its cooking time. Ensure all food
is piping hot and cooked thoroughly before serving. It is essential that food is
checked during and after the recommended cooking time.
defrost settings table
food
time
(mins. per
lb/450g)
standing
time (mins) comments
meat
whole joints
(beef, lamb, pork) 8-11 20 - 30 Shield any thin or narrow ends with
foil. Turn twice during defrosting.
minced beef/ lamb 7 - 9 10 - 15 Break apart frequently. Remove
thawed pieces as soon as possible.
steak, chops,
cutlets 6 - 9 10 - 15
Turn half way through defrosting.
Shield ends and bones with foil, if
necessary.
sausages, bacon 4 - 5 5 Separate and rearrange twice during
defrosting.
cooked
casseroles 15 5 (half way)
5 (at the end)
Break up and set aside thawed pieces
as they defrost.
cubed meat 7 - 8 10 - 15
poultry
whole chicken,
duck, turkey 8 - 10 20 - 30
Shield wings, breast bone, drumsticks
with foil. Defrost breast side down first
and turn half way through.
drumsticks, wings,
thighs (small) 6 - 8 10 - 15 Arrange thinner ends towards the
centre of the dish.
drumsticks, wings,
thighs (large) 7 - 9 10 - 15 Turn and rearrange twice.
fish
whole fish
(trout, mackerel) 4 - 5 5 - 10 Shield thin ends with foil, if necessary.
fillets
(plaice, kippers) 3 - 5 10 - 15 Arrange in a single layer.
steaks
(cod, salmon) 4 - 5 10 - 15 Turn once.
prawns, scallops 5 - 6
(per 8oz/225g) 5 -10 Stir half way through.
boil in bag fish 3 - 5 5 Pierce the bag and place in an over-
proof dish. Turn half way through.
fruit
soft, loose (raspber-
ries, cherries) 6 - 8 5 - 10
Measure out required amount. Stir
once or rearrange during defrosting/
standing.
hard, loose
(apples, peaches) 7 - 8 5 - 10
purees,
fruit desserts 7 - 10 10 - 15 Stir carefully.
fruit pie, trifles,
cheesecakes with
topping
3 - 4 10 - 15 Stand on serving plate.
flour
products
bread rolls and
croissants 15 secs. 1 - 2 Do not over-defrost.
uncooked pastry 1
(per 8oz/225g) 20 Remove from wrapping. Stand on ab-
sorbent kitchen paper. Turn frequently.