maestrowave MW1000 User manual

The Professional’s Choice
Model
OPERATION MANUAL
(with terms of Guarantee)
IMPORTANT
Carefully read the Operation Manual before installing or using the microwave oven.
Pay special attention to the Important Safety Instructions, see Page 4.
Always use the Manual with the oven and keep it near to enable easy reference.
MW1000/1200

1
ONTENTS
C
Contents ...................................................................................................................... 1
Oven Diagram ............................................................................................................. 2
Control Panel ............................................................................................................... 3
Important Safety Instructions ........................................................................................4
Installation ................................................................................................................... 4 - 5
Before Operation ......................................................................................................... 6
How to Operate the Oven:
Memory Cooking:
Note for memory cooking ..........................................................................................7
Cooking with memory .............................................................................................. 7
Cooking double quantity with memory ......................................................................8
Memory programme entry ........................................................................................8
Memory check ......................................................................................................... 11
Manual Cooking:
Note for manual cooking ...........................................................................................12
Manual cooking ....................................................................................................... 12
Sequence programming ...........................................................................................13
Other Convenient Features:
Express defrost ........................................................................................................ 14
Counter check ......................................................................................................... 15
Counter clear ........................................................................................................... 15
Demonstration mode ............................................................................................... 16
Information with error message.................................................................................16
Cooking Advice:
Suitable Cookware ................................................................................................... 17
Food Handling & Preparation ....................................................................................18
Advice for Defrosting ............................................................................................... 19
Advice for Reheating ............................................................................................... 20
Charts:
Defrosting Chart....................................................................................................... 21 - 22
Cooking Chart .......................................................................................................... 23 - 25
Reheating Chart ...................................................................................................... 26 - 30
Cleaning & Maintenance .............................................................................................. 31
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................... 32
To Replace the Mains Plug...........................................................................................33
Calling for Service ....................................................................................................... 34
Terms of Guarantee .................................................................................................... 34
Specifications .............................................................................................................. Back Cover

2
6
7
28
9
5432
1
A
B
0
C
VEN DIAGRAM
O
1. Touch control panel
2. Door safety latches
3. Oven lamp
4. Ceramic floor
(Not removable)
5. Door hinges
6. Oven door with see - through window
7. Door handle
8. Door seals and sealing surfaces
9. Cavity face plate
10. Air ventilation cover and openings
11. Power supply cord
12. Air intake openings
13. Outer case cabinet

3
DEF ON NO. X2 CHECK
87
0
B
D
E
9
A
C
F
1
2
3
564
ONTROL PANEL
C
DISPLAY AND INDICATORS
1Heating indicator:
This indicator shows heating in progress
2Digital display
3Check mode indicator
4Double quantity mode indicator
5Memory number indicator
6EXPRESS DEFROST indicator
OPERATING PADS
7DOUBLE QUANTITY pad
8EXPRESS DEFROST pad
9NUMBER pads for time and memory pro-
gramming
0SELECT TIME pad
ASTOP/CLEAR pad; press to stop opera-
tion of oven and clear remaining heating
time
BSELECT POWER pad for setting variable
power level
CSTART pad; press to operate oven after
door is closed and time is set
DSET pad for setting memory
ECHECK pad for checking memory
FSIGNAL pad for setting signal sound

4
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND KEEP FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Oven Use:
•The oven is for food preparation only.
Never operate when emply.
•Do not leave or store anything inside the oven when
not in use.
•Never attempt to use the oven with the door open.
It is important not to defeat or tamper with the door
safety latches. This may result in exposure to
microwave energy.
•Never operate the oven with any object caught in
the door sealing surfaces, this again may cause
microwave leakage.
•Do not insert fingers or objects in the holes of the
door latches or air vent openings as this may
damage the oven and cause an electric shock.
•If water or food drops inside the air vent openings
switch off the oven immediately, unplug it and call a
Service Technician appointed by MAESTROWAVE.
•Never attempt to move the oven while it is operating.
•Do not use the oven near a steamer or a fryer.
•Always wipe up spills on the ceramic floor and splashes
on the walls after cooking. If you leave grease on the
ceramic floor and walls it may overheat, smoke or even
catch fire when next using your oven.
NSTALLATION
I
!
WARNING: 1Remove all packing materials. Remove the protec-
tive film (blue film) from the outer case cabinet (if cov-
ered). Do not remove the plastic film from the inside
of the oven window as this protects it from dirt.
2Place oven on a secure, level surface, strong enough
to take the oven weight, plus the heaviest item likely
to be cooked in the oven.
3Ensure there is a minimum free space above the oven
of 15 cm.
4Do not place the oven where heat, moisture or high
humidity are generated, (for example, near or above
a conventional oven) or near combustible materials
(for example, curtains). Do not block or obstruct air
vent openings, as obstructions may ignite due to the
emission of hot air.
5Make sure the power supply cord is undamaged (See
Installation next page) and that it does not run under
the oven or oven any hot or sharp surfaces.
6The socket must be readily accessible so that it can
be easily unplugged in an emergency.
7Do not use the oven outdoors.
!
WARNING:
Inspect the Oven:
Check the oven carefully for damage before and
regularly after installation.
• Make sure the door closes properly, that it is not
misaligned or warped.
• Check the hinges and door safety latches are
not broken or loose.
• Ensure the door seal and sealing surfaces are
not damaged.
• Inspect the oven interior and door for dents.
Important:
If any damage is apparent, do not operate the
oven in any way. Contact your dealer or an au-
thorised Service Technician appointed by
MAESTROWAVE.
MPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
I
Only allow children to use the oven without supervision
when adequate instruction has been given so that
the child is able to use the oven in a safe way and
understands the hazards of improper use.
Pacemaker: If you have a heart pacemaker,
consult your doctor or the pacemaker manufacturer
prior to oven use.
Fire: If food overheats, starts to smoke or burn:
Keep the oven door closed; turn the oven off;
switch off the power at the socket and disconnect
the plug from the socket. Failure to follow this pro-
cedure may result in fire and oven damage.
Liquids: Take care when microwaving liquids and
beverages. To prevent delayed eruptive boiling
of liquid and possible scalding: Stir liquid prior
to and during heating/reheating, let liquid stand
in the oven at the end of cooking.

5
8. The unit may be secured to a countertop or stand. There
is a screw hole in the bottom of the unit. After the oven
is permanently placed, drill a hole through the counter
top for a 5 mm self-tapping screw. The hole should be 20
mm from the left side of the outer case cabinet and 180
mm back from the front edge of the cavity face plate.
Hole
180 mm
20 mm
It is hazardous for anyone other than a Service Tech-
nician, approved by MAESTROWAVE to carry out
any service
or repair operation which involves the
removal of a
cover which gives protection against
exposure to mi
crowave energy.
BUILDING-IN-KIT
This oven is not designed to be built into a kitchen unit.
IMPORTANT! ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
•Do not allow water to come into contact with the
power supply cord or plug.
•Insert the plug properly into the socket as the plug
may otherwise overheat and catch fire.
•Do not connect other appliances to the same socket
using an adaptor plug as it may cause the house
wiring to overheat and catch fire.
•If the plug or socket is loose or the power supply
cord is damaged, do not operate the oven, it must be
replaced by the special power cord, part no.
QACC-A088WRE0. Contact your dealer or a Service
Technician appointed by MAESTROWAVE.
A defective plug, power supply cord or socket may
overheat and catch fire during operation or cause an
electrical shock.
•When removing the plug from the socket always grip
the plug, never the mains lead as this may damage
the power supply cord and the connections inside
the plug.
•The product is fitted with a non-rewireable (moulded)
plug. Should it not be suitable for the socket outlet in
your kitchen, remove the plug and fit an appropriate
type, observing the wiring code given in "To replace
the mains plug" on page 33.
The fuse from a cut-off plug should be removed and the
plug disposed of in safe manner. Under no circumstances
should the cut-off plug be inserted into a socket outlet as
serious electrical shock may occur. The plug must not be
used without the fuse cover fitted.
When replacing the plug please ensure that you use a BSI
or ASTA approved plug to BS1363, this should be fitted
with a brown coloured 13 amp fuse approved by BSI or
ASTA to BS1362. If you have any doubt about electrical
connection seek the help of a qualified electrician.
!
WARNING
THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.
To wire an appropriate plug, follow the wiring code given
in "To replace the mains plug" on page 33.
!
WARNING:

6
•The programme or check mode is cancelled when
any pads are not pressed for more than 3 min-
utes.
•will appear on the display after the time
reaches zero. It will disappear when the oven door
is opened or the STOP/CLEAR pad is pressed.
•When you first connect the microwave oven to an
electrical socket, the digital display will show
.
•Key pad entries can only be made when the door
is closed.
EFORE OPERATION
B
The operation of the oven is controlled by pressing the appropriate pads on the control panel.
A signal should be heard each time you press the control panel.
SOUND SETTING
•There is a choice of 2 different sounds or no
sound on your oven.
•To set a signal, touch the SET pad twice within 2
seconds and then touch the SIGNAL pad continu-
ously until you hear the tone required.
STOPPING THE OVEN
•If you want to stop the oven during cooking, press
the STOP/CLEAR pad once or open the door (ex-
cept memory cooking).
To start the oven again, close the door and press
the START pad within 1 minute.
•If you open the door during memory cooking, the
programme is cancelled.
•If you want to cancel a programme during cook-
ing, press the STOP/CLEAR pad twice.
•If you want to clear a mistake during program-
ming, press the STOP/CLEAR pad once.

7
OW TO OPERATE THE OVEN
H
Introduction: Water, sugar and fat in food absorbs
microwaves and causes their molecules to vibrate. This
creates heat by friction, in the same way your hands get
warm when you rub them together.
The outer areas of food are heated by microwave
energy and the remaining portions by conduction. It is
important to turn, rearrange or stir food to ensure even
heating. Where recommended, allow food to stand, this
is not optional but is necessary to ensure thorough
cooking. It is particularly important for dense food, such
as joints of meat.
NOTES
:
•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.
MEMORY COOKING
Output Power
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Cook Time
10 sec.
20 sec.
30 sec.
45 sec.
1 min.
1 min. 15 sec.
1 min. 30 sec.
2 min.
2 min. 30 sec.
3 min.
Memory No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
To check the stored programmes please refer to
"Memory check" on page 11.
To change the stored programmes please refer to
"Memory programme entry" on page 8.
Example: If you want to cook by using memory 1, which was programmed for 10 seconds at 100%.
•This oven has 20 memory banks (1-20) which can
store cooking programmes.
•The memory banks 1-0 have been programmed
previously as shown in the table. These prepro-
grammed memory banks can be changed indi-
vidually if required.
•In addition for all memory banks a time constant
1.7 for the double quantity is stored. The stored
time constant can also be changed individually if
required.
•Information in these memory banks is not lost due
to power interruptions. If the power goes off, the
oven does not need to be reprogrammed. No bat-
teries are necessary for this type of memory.
•If you want to memorise or check the programme
or cook using memory 11-20, press the desired
NUMBER pad twice within 1 second.
NOTE FOR MEMORY COOKING
COOKING WITH MEMORY
Step Procedure
1
Pad Order Display
NO.
After about 1 sec.
ON
Press the NUMBER pad .

8
Example: If you want to cook a double quantity using memory 1.
Step Procedure
1
Pad Order Display
Press the DOUBLE QUANTITY pad.
NO. X2
2Press the NUMBER pad .
NO. X2
After about 1 sec.
ON X2
NO. will flash on and off.
Note: 1. If the cooking time of double quantity is over the max. time, the display will show "EE9". See page 16.
2. Double quantity means best time for cooking double quantity; it is not double the time.
3. The "MEMORY" cooking system does not require the use of the START pad. MEMORY cannot be used to
start the oven if any programme is displayed.
You can change the memory programmes for all memory banks.
Use the correct NUMBER pad after pressing the SELECT POWER pad.
The following chart gives examples of foods typically cooked on microwave power levels.
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Microwave Power Levels
Examples of FoodsNumber Pads
SELECT POWER
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Beverage, Fruit,
Vegetables,
Rice/Pasta
Seafood,
Cakes, Muffins, Slices,
Casseroles, Lasagne
P-HI
P-90
P-80
P-70
P-60
P-50
P-40
P-30
P-20
P-10
P- 0
Display
COOKING GUIDE AND POWER LEVEL
Defrosting,
Softening butter
Keeping food warm
No microwave power
COOKING DOUBLE QUANTITY WITH MEMORY
MEMORY PROGRAMME ENTRY
The cooking stages you can input are :
Memory NO. 1-10 Max.3 stages
Memory NO.11-20 Max.2 stages
Microwave power level 0~100%
Cooking time Max. 30 minutes for each stage.
And total cooking time is max.30 minutes.

9
NO.
Step Procedure Display
1Press the SET pad twice within 2 seconds.
Example: If you want to set 4 minutes on 60% for the 1st sequence and 2 minutes on 30% for the 2nd sequence for
1 serving in memory 1.
Pad Order
TO PROGRAMME TIME AND POWER LEVEL INTO A MEMORY
X 2
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Enter desired cooking time for the 1st
sequence. (4 minutes)
Press the SELECT POWER pad.
Enter desired power level for the 1st se-
quence. (60%)
Press the SELECT TIME pad.
Enter desired cooking time for the 2nd
sequence. (2 minutes)
Press the SELECT POWER pad.
Enter desired power level for the 2nd
sequence. (30%)
Press the SET pad twice to complete
the setting.
3Press the SELECT TIME pad.
Note: 1. If the cooking time is over the max. time, the display will show "EE9". See page 16.
2. If your programmed time is over max. time at Double Quantity, you cannot use Double
Quantity for the memory. You can cook only 1 serving.
3. It is not necessary to press the SELECT POWER pad for 100%.
4. At step 1 the audible signal will only sound on the second press of the SET button.
X 2
Press the NUMBER pad .
NO.
NO. will flash on and off.

10
TO CHANGE THE TIME CONSTANT FOR DOUBLE QUANTITY
The time constant for double quantity is preset 1.7 times the single quantity cooking time, but you can alter this constant
to suit your needs.
Example: If you want to change the time constant to 1.67 in memory 1.
X 2
Step Procedure
1
Pad Order Display
Press the SET pad twice within 2 seconds.
2
3
Press the DOUBLE QUANTITY pad.
X 2
5
6Press the SET pad twice to complete the
setting.
Set the time constant (1.67).
4Press the SELECT TIME pad.
Note: 1. In case you want to change the time constant it must be set for each key separately.
2. The time constant can be set from 0.00 to 9.99.
3. At step 1 the audible signal will only sound on the second press of the SET button.
Press the NUMBER pad .
NO. will flash on and off.
NO. X2
NO.
NO. X2
X2
X2

11
MEMORY CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
CHECK
NO. CHECK
NO.
Step Procedure
Press the CHECK pad.
1
You can check the information programmed into the memory.
CHECKING TIME AND POWER LEVEL
Example: If you want to know the information programmed into the memory 1, memory 1 has been programmed for
4 minutes on 60% for the 1st sequence and 2 minutes on 30% for the 2nd sequence.
Display
Pad Order
NO. will flash on and off.
2
After about 1 sec.
Note: 1. To cancel MEMORY CHECK, press the CHECK pad.
2. When is displayed at Step 1, the memory is not set.
3. To check the time constant for double quantity, press the DOUBLE QUANTITY pad and the desired
NUMBER pad in step 2.
Press the NUMBER pad .
REPEAT

12
Example: Suppose you want to cook for 2 minutes and 30 seconds at 50%.
MANUAL COOKING
Your oven can be programmed for up to 3 cooking sequences and has 11 preset microwave power levels.
See page 8. You can enter cooking time up to 30 minutes for each stage. The total cooking time is 30 minutes
maximum.
NOTE FOR MANUAL COOKING
3. During cooking mode, the oven stops when the door
is opened, and the programme is cancelled if the
START key is not pressed within 1 minute after the
door is closed.
1. It is not necessary to press SELECT POWER pad for
100%.
2. If the cooking time is over the max. time, the display
will show "EE9". See page 16.
MANUAL COOKING
Step Procedure DisplayPad Order
1Press the SELECT TIME pad.
2Enter desired cooking time.
(2 minutes 30 seconds)
3 Press the SELECT POWER pad.
4Enter desired power level. (50%)
5Press the START pad.
ON

13
SEQUENCE PROGRAMMING
ON
Step Procedure
1Press the SELECT TIME pad.
Display
2
Pad Order
3Press the SELECT POWER pad.
4Enter desired power level for the 1st
sequence.(70%)
5Press the SELECT TIME pad.
6Enter desired cooking time for the
2nd sequence.(3 minutes)
7Press the START pad.
Enter desired cooking time for the 1st
sequence.(5 minutes)
Note: If you want to programme 3 cooking sequences, repeat step 1-4 after step 6.
This facility enables continued and uninterrupted operation of up to three different sequences.
Example: If you want to cook for 5 minutes on 70% followed by 3 minutes on 100%

14
Express Defrost
OTHER CONVENIENT FEATURES
Express Defrost is used to defrost meat and poultry. Enter desired defrost time, referring to the defrost chart.
Example: If you want to defrost for 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
Step Procedure DisplayPad Order
1
3
Halfway through defrost time CHECK will flash and the oven will "beep"
4 times.
Open the door. Turn food over and shield any warm portions.
Close the door.
4
Enter desired defrost time.
Press the EXPRESS DEFROST pad.
Press the START pad.
5Press the START pad within 1 minute
after closing the door.
2
Note: If you do not open the door when an audible signal sounds, the defrosting cycle will continue and the defrost-
ing time will count down to 0.
DEF
DEF
DEF ON
DEF
DEF ON
EXPRESS DEFROST
EXPRESS DEFROST CHART
This is specially designed for smaller cuts of food. The following foods should be used on the express defrost programme.
1.Beef Steak
2.Lamb Chops
3.Pork Chops
4.Chicken Portions
5.Fish Steaks
The oven is pre-programmed with a time and power level cycle so that the food listed above is defrosted easily.
BASIC IDEAS FOR EXPRESS DEFROST
i/ Always allow food to stand for approx. 10-30 minutes after defrosting to equalise the temperature and to produce
better defrosting results.
ii/
Check food after standing. If the item is not thoroughly defrosted, continue to defrost on 20% power for additional time.
iii/ Choose foods that are the same thickness throughout. This will produce better defrosting results. Foods which
vary in thickness may require shielding with small flat pieces of tin foil to prevent over-defrosting.
iv/ For foods not listed in the chart refer to the manual defrosting chart.
v/ When freezing chicken pieces, steak, chops and fish, freeze separately in single flat layers and if necessary
interleave with freezer plastic to seperate layers. This will ensure even defrosting.
1. Position the food with thinner parts in centre in a single layer, if
pieces are stuck together separate as soon as possible.
2. Turn over, rearrange after the audible sound.
After defrosting stand for 10-30 minutes.
1. Position the food in a single layer.
2. Shield any thinner parts with foil if necessary.
3. If pieces are stuck together separate as soon as possible.
4. Turn over, rearrange after the audible sound.
5. After defrosting allow to stand for 30 mins.
5 mins
Steak
Pork, lamb
chops
Chicken Portions
Fish Steaks 5 mins
TIME PER 450g / 1lb
FOOD METHOD

15
COUNTER CHECK
Set the counters to "0" before using your new oven (see COUNTER CLEAR below) to keep a record of the ovens use.
Step Procedure
1Press the CHECK pad twice.
Display
CHECK will flash on and off.
(Total times used)
Pad Order
X 2
CHECK
2
(Times memory 1 was used)
NO. CHECK
After about 1 sec.
CHECK
Note: 1. To cancel Counter Check mode, press the CHECK pad.
Each counter can count the times up to 9999, and it will return to 0 if it is over 9999.
2. To check the times of manual cooking, press the SELECT TIME pad at Step 2 instead of the NUMBER pad.
To check the times of EXPRESS DEFROST cooking, press the EXPRESS DEFROST pad at Step 2
instead of the NUMBER pad.
To check memory 1 usage,
press the NUMBER pad .
Step Procedure
1Press the CHECK pad twice.
DisplayPad Order
X 2
Each number of times can be cleared.
Example: Suppose you want to clear the times of memory 1.
CHECK
CHECK will flash on and off.
(Total times used)
2
(Times memory 1 was used)
NO. CHECK
After about 1 sec.
CHECK
Note: 1. To cancel Counter clear mode, press the CHECK pad.
2. To clear the times of manual cooking, press the SELECT TIME pad at Step 2 instead of the NUMBER pad.
To clear the times of EXPRESS DEFROST cooking, press the EXPRESS DEFROST pad at Step 2
instead of the NUMBER pad.
3. To clear total using times, skip Step 2.
Press the SET pad.3
Press the NUMBER pad .
CHECK
COUNTER CLEAR
Example: If you want to know the total amount of times the oven has been used, and the number of times each pro-
gramme has been used. In the following example, the total time was 8268 and memory 1 was 513.

16
To demonstrate,touch SELECT TIME, 0 and then touch START and hold for 3 seconds. will appear in the
display. Cooking operations can now be demonstrated with no power in the oven. The timer will count down rapidly.
To cancel, touch SELECT TIME,then 0 and STOP/ CLEAR.
DEMONSTRATION MODE
INFORMATION WITH ERROR MESSAGE
EE9 Cooking time exceeds the max. time. Press the STOP/CLEAR pad and
programme again.
ERROR MESSAGE
If ERROR message is displayed, follow the instructions below.

17
WARNING - Always attend the oven when in use.
Carefully follow the MAESTROWAVE Operation Manual at all times. If you exceed
recommended cooking times and/or use power levels that are too high, food may
overheat, burn, and in extreme circumstances, catch fire and damage the oven.
OOKING ADVICE
C
!
•The microwave power level will default to 100% unless you press the SELECT POWER pad to reach the desired setting. Take
care when heating foods with high sugar or fat content, e.g, Christmas pudding, mince pies and fruit cakes. Before use, check
that utensils are suitable for use in microwave ovens.
•Lids: Always remove lids from food jars and containers before using them in the oven. If you do not, steam and pressure will
build up inside and the container may explode. Take care when heating contents in babies bottles, see page 18.
•Do not cook eggs in their shell as they will explode. Do not heat canned potatoes in the microwave oven as they may burst.
For microwaving, use only those utensils suitable for microwave cookery as indicated below.
A variety of cookware can be used for microwaving. Round/oval dishes rather than square/oblong ones are recom-
mended, as food in the corners tends to overcook.
Aluminium
foil & foil
containers, made
from "Microfoil®".
NO
Metal cookware.
Browning dishes
& self-heating
packages.
YES
Always place on an up-turned plate on the turntable to prevent
heat stress. Follow manufacturer's instructions. Be careful as
these become very hot. Popcorn: Only use microwave popcorn
within recommended packaging (follow popcorn manufacturer's
instructions). Never use oil unless the manufacturer recommends
and never cook for longer than instructed.
Kitchen paper. YES
Always attend the oven closely. Only use to absorb fat and
moisture when warming food. Pay special attention as
overheating may cause a fire in your oven.
Disposable containers:
Thin plastic,
paper, straw
and wooden
containers.
YES
Always attend the oven closely. Look at the oven from time to
time when cooking or reheating food in disposable containers
of plastic, paper or other combustible material. Only use for
warming food. Pay special attention as over-heating may
cause a fire in your oven.
Heat resistant
china and
ceramics.
YES
Except for dishes with metallic decoration.
Microwave
cling film ,
microwave
roasting bags.
YES
Microwave cling film and bags must be vented for steam to
escape, pierce in 4-5 places. Do not use plastic or metal ties
as they may melt or catch fire due to 'arcing'.
YES
Microwave-safe
plastic cookware.
YES
Heat resistant glass,
(e.g. Pyrex®,
Fire King®,
Corning Ware ®).
SUITABLE COOKWARE
YES
Use small pieces of aluminium foil to shield food from
overheating. Keep foil at least 2cm from the oven walls. Foil
containers are not recommended unless specified by the
manufacturer, e.g. MicroFoil®, follow instructions carefully.
COOKWARE SUITABLE FOR MICROWAVING

18
Food hygiene standards (storage, handling and preparation)
apply to microwaving. Always store convenience foods as
recommended by the food manufacturer and keep no longer than
the "Use By" date.
Hygiene
Composition
& quality
Food high in fat or sugar (Christmas pudding, mince pies)
requires less heating time and should be watched, over-heating
can lead to fire. Use good quality ingredients for microwaving.
Economical cuts of meat can be used for casseroles.
Density &
quantity
Food density and quantity affect the amount of cooking time
needed, for example, potatoes require more cooking than peas;
four potatoes will take longer to cook than two.
For even cooking stir, turn or rearrange food during cooking.
Where recommended, leave food to stand after cooking or
defrosting.
Stir, turn &
stand
Initial temperature The initial temperature of food affects the amount of cooking time
needed, for example, chilled food requires more cooking than
food at room temperature. The temperature of the container is
not a true indication of the temperature of the food or drink. Cut
into foods with fillings, for example, jam doughnuts, to release
heat or steam.
Piercing Food with skin (e.g. potatoes, apples, fish, sausages, chicken),
or with membrane (e.g. egg whites/yolks), must be pierced in
several places before cooking or reheating. If not, steam will
build up and may cause food to explode.
Arrangement Place thickest parts of food on the outside of the dish, e.g. place
the meaty ends of chicken drumsticks on the outside of the
dish.
Covering Fish, vegetables and certain other foods benefit from being
covered during microwave cookery, follow recommendations
where given and use vented microwave cling film or a suitable lid.
Size & shape Food size and shape affect the amount of cooking time needed.
When cooking more than one portion of the same food ensure
they are of a similar size and shape.
Face & Hands: Always use oven gloves to remove food or cookware from the oven. Stand back when opening
the oven door to allow heat or steam to disperse. When removing covers (such as cling-film), opening roasting
bags or popcorn packaging, direct steam away from face and hands.
!
Check the temperature of food and drink and stir (before serving). Take special care when serving babies,
children or the elderly. the contents of feeding bottles and baby food jars should be stirred or shaken and
the temperature checked before consumption to avoid burns.
FOOD HANDLING & PREPARATION

19
NOTES:
• To defrost food, use either 30% or 10% microwave power.
• Shield warm areas with small pieces of foil if necessary.
• It is important to turn food over, separate (where appropriate) and rearrange to ensure even defrosting.
• Standing time is necessary after defrosting to ensure thorough defrosting.
Poultry
Meat joints Place on a plastic rack, turn over at least 4-5 times during defrosting,
shield any warm areas with small, flat pieces of foil. After defrosting,
wrap in foil and allow meat to stand for 45-60 minutes, until
thoroughly defrosted.
Place on a plastic rack, turn over at least 3-4 times during defrosting,
shield any warm areas with small, pieces of foil. After defrosting,
wrap in foil and allow poultry to stand for 45-60 minutes, until
thoroughly defrosted.
NOTE: Do not defrost poultry with giblets.
Place on a plastic rack, separate during defrosting and turn over at
least 2-3 times. Shield if necessary.
Steak, Chops
& Chicken
Portions
Whole fish
& Fillets
Place in a bowl, remove defrosted parts and turn over at least 3-4
times during defrosting.
Cubed &
Minced Meat
Place in a flan dish, separate and turn over at least twice during
defrosting. Shield if necessary.
ADVICE FOR DEFROSTING
Prepacked
Frozen Foods Remove packaging, including any foil and place in a suitable dish.