NEC NM-302E Use and care manual

MICROWAVE OVEN
OWNER’S MANUAL & COOKING GUIDE
MODEL : NM-302E
NM-352E
PLEASE READ THIS OWNER’S MANUAL
THOROUGHLY BEFORE OPERATING.

2
You cannot operate your oven with the door open due to the safety interlocks built into the door
mechanism. These safety interlocks automatically switch off any cooking activity when the door is opened;
which in the case of a microwave oven could result in harmful exposure to microwave energy.
It is important not to tamper with the safety interlocks.
Do not place any object between the oven front face and the door or allow food or cleaner residue to
accumulate on sealing surfaces.
Do not operate your oven if it is damaged. It is particularly important that the oven door closes 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.
Your oven should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except qualified service personnel.
Warning
Precautions to avoid possible exposure to excessive microwave energy.
Please ensure cooking times are correctly set as over cooking may result in the FOOD catching
fire and subsequent damage to your oven.
When heating liquids, e.g. soups, sauces and beverages in your microwave oven, overheating the liquid
beyond boiling point can occur without evidence of bubbling. This could result in a sudden boil over of the
hot liquid. To prevent this possibility the following steps should be taken:
1. Avoid using straight sided containers with narrow necks.
2. Do not overheat.
3. Stir the liquid before placing the container in the oven and again halfway through the heating time.
4.
After heating, allow to stand in the oven for a short time, stir or shake again carefully and check the
temperature before consumption to avoid burns (especially, contents of feeding bottles and baby food jars).
5. The appliance is not intended for use by children and infirm persons without supervision. Young children
should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
Warning
Always allow food to stand after being cooked by microwaves and check the temperature of
them before consumption especially contents of feeding bottles and baby food jars.
How the Microwave Oven Works
Microwaves are a form of energy similar to radio and television waves and ordinary daylight. Normally,
microwaves spread outwards as they travel through the atmosphere and disappear without effect.
Microwave ovens, however, have a magnetron which is designed to make use of the energy in microwaves.
Electricity, supplied to the magnetron tube, is used to created microwave energy.
These microwaves enter the cooking area through openings inside the oven. A turntable or tray is located
at the bottom of the oven. Microwaves cannot pass through metal walls of the oven, but they can penetrate
such materials as glass, porcelain and paper, the materials of which microwave-safe cooking dishes are
constructed.
Microwaves do not heat cookware, though cooking vessels will eventually get hot from the heat generated
by the food.
A very safe appliance
Your microwave oven is one of the safest of all home appliances. When the door is opened, the
oven automatically stops producing microwaves. Microwave energy is converted completely to
heat when it enters food, leaving no “left over” energy to harm you when you eat your food.
PRECAUTIONS

3
PRECAUTIONS 2
CONTENTS 3
UNPACKING & INSTALLING 4
FEATURE DIAGRAM 6
CONTROL PANEL 6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 7
SETTING CLOCK 7
JET START 7
TIME COOKING 7
2 STAGE COOKING 8
MICROWAVE POWER LEVELS 8
CHILD LOCK 8
ONE TOUCH COOKING 8
ONE TOUCH COOKING CHART 9
CUSTOM SET 10
MORE/LESS 11
AUTO WEIGHT DEFROST 12
MEAT 13
POULTRY 13
FISH 14
HEATING OR REHEATING GUIDE 15
FRESH VEGETABLE CHART 16
MICROWAVE-SAFE COOKWARE 17
FOOD CHARACTERISTICS & MICROWAVE COOKING 18
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 20
QUESTION & ANSWERS 21
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 22
CONTENTS

4
UNPACKING & INSTALLING
Place your oven on a flat, level surface but make sure there is at least 10 cm of space on the
top, rear and sides so there is air flow for ventilation. Exhaust outlets are located in the back and
side of your oven. Blocking the outlets can damage your oven. THIS OVEN IS DESIGNED FOR
BUILDING IN. (Not over a heat source)
Unpack your oven and place it on a flat level surface.
By following the basic steps on these two pages you will be able to quickly check that your oven
is operating correctly. Pay particular attention to the guidance on where to install your oven.
When unpacking your oven make sure you remove all accessories and packing. Check to make
sure that your oven has not been damaged during delivery.
THIS OVEN SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR COMMERCIAL
CATERING PURPOSES
GLASS TRAY
ROLLER REST

5
UNPACKING & INSTALLING
Plug your oven into a standard household socket. Make sure your oven is the only appliance
connected to the socket. If your oven does not operate properly, unplug it from the
electrical socket and then plug it back in.
The DISPLAY will count down from 3 minutes. When it reaches 0 it will sound three BEEPS.
Open the oven door and test the temperature of the water. If your oven is operating the water
should be HOT. Be careful when removing the container it may be hot.
YOUR OVEN IS NOW INSTALLED
Fill a microwave safe container with 300 ml (1/2 pint) of water. Place on the GLASS TRAY
and close the oven door. If you have any doubts about what type of container to use please
refer to page 17.
Press the JET START button six times to set 3 minutes of cooking time. You will hear a
BEEP each time you press the button. Your oven will start before you have finished the sixth
press; don’t worry this is normal.
Open your oven door by pressing the DOOR OPEN button. Place the ROLLER REST inside
the oven and place the GLASS TRAY on top.

6
FEATURE DIAGRAM
Oven Front Plate
Window Door Screen
Door Seal
Display Window
Control Panel
Door Open Button
Safety Door Lock System
Turntable
Roller Rest
NOTE: A beep sounds when a pad on the
control panel is touched to indicate
setting has been entered.
CONTROL PANEL
Auto Cook
Auto Reheat
Potato
Frozen
Food
Fresh
Vegetables
Start
Pizza
More
1. Meat
2. Poultry
3. Fish
Time
Power
Custom
set
Jet Start
Less
Clock Stop
Clear
Beverages
Baked
Food
Auto
Weight
Defrost
Dinner
Plate
123
4560
789
Your oven will be packed with the following
materials:
Glass Turntable .......................... 1 each
Owner's Manual &
Cooking Guide ............................ 1 each
Roller Rest .................................. 1 each
This microwave oven is designed for
household use only. It is not recommended
for commercial purposes.

7
SETTING CLOCK
This is a 12 hour clock.
When your oven is plugged in for the first time or
when power resumes after a power interruption,
the numbers in the display reset to 0.
NOTE:
To erase an ERROR, touch STOP/CLEAR pad.
JET START
A time-saving pad, this simplified control lets you
quickly set and start microwave cooking without
the need to touch START.
NOTE:
If you touch JET START, it will add 30 seconds up
to 3 minutes; after 3 minutes, every touch will add
1 minute up to 99 min 59 seconds.
TIME COOKING
This function allows you to cook food for a desired
time. And in order to give you the best results,
there are 10 power level settings in addition to
HI-POWER because many foods need slower
cooking (at less than HI-POWER).
When the cooking time is over, two short and one
long tone sounds. The word END shows in the
display window. Then the oven shuts itself off.
NOTE :
If you do not select the power level, the oven will
operate at power HIGH. To set HI-POWER
cooking, skip steps 4 & 5 above.
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR.
2. Touch CLOCK.
3. Enter the time by using
the number key pads.
[1], [1], [1], and [1].
4. Touch CLOCK.
The clock starts
counting.
➠➠ ➠
Example:To set 11:11.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR.
2. Touch JET START
4 times.
The oven begins
cooking and display
shows time counting
down.
Example: To set JET START cooking 2 minutes.
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR.
2. Touch TIME.
3. Enter 5 minutes
30 seconds by touching
[5], [3],and [0].
4. Touch POWER.
P-HI appears in the
display. This is to tell you
that the oven is set on HI
unless a different power
setting is chosen.
5. Touch 8.
To select power level 80%.
Display shows P-80.
6. Touch START.
➠➠ ➠ ➠➠
Example:To cook food on 80% Power(Power8)
for 5 minutes 30 seconds.
➠
Stop
Clear
Stop
Clear
Time
Power
8
Start
5 3 0
Stop
Clear
Jet Start
Clock
Clock
1 1 1 1

8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONT’D)
2 STAGE COOKING
For Two Stage cooking, repeat time cooking
steps 2 through 5 on the previous page before
touching the START pad for additional Time and
Power program you want to add.
Auto Weight Defrost can be programmed before
the first stage to defrost first and then cook.
MICROWAVE POWER LEVELS
Your microwave oven is equipped with eleven
power levels to give you maximum flexibility and
control over cooking. The table below will give you
some idea of which foods are prepared at each of
the various power levels.
* The chart below shows the power level settings
for your oven.
MICROWAVE POWER LEVEL CHART
Power
Level Use
* Boiling water.
* Browning beef mince.
* Making candy.
*
Cooking poultry, fish & vegetable pieces.
* Cooking tender cuts of meat.
* Reheating rice, pasta, & vegetables.
* Reheating prepared foods quickly.
* Cooking egg, milk and cheese dishes.
* Cooking cakes, breads.
* Melting chocolate.
* Cooking veal.
* Cooking whole fish.
* Cooking puddings and custard.
* Cooking ham, whole poultry, lamb.
* Cooking rib roast, sirloin tip.
* Thawing meat, poultry and seafood.
* Cooking less tender cuts of meat.
* Cooking pork chops, roast.
* Taking chill out of fruit.
* Softening butter.
*
Keeping casseroles and main dishes warm.
* Softening butter and cream cheese.
* Standing time.
* Independent timer.
High
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
CHILD LOCK
This is a unique safety feature that prevents
unwanted oven operation. Once the child lock is
set, no cooking can take place.
When child lock was already set, if you touch
START or one touch cook pad refer to page 9,
display shows LOCK. You can cancel the child
lock as follows.
ONE TOUCH COOKING
One Touch Cooking made easy! Your oven’s
menu has been preprogrammed to cook food
automatically. Tell the oven what you want then
let your microwave oven cook your selections.
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR for
3 seconds.
Touch and hold
STOP/CLEAR until LOCK
appears in the display and
two beeps are heard.
LOCK remains in the
display.
To set the child lock
1. Touch and hold
STOP/CLEAR until LOCK
disappears in the display.
The time of day returns to
the display window.
To cancel the child lock
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR.
* Place potatoes in the
oven and close the door.
2. Touch POTATO.
The oven begins the
cooking you selection
without the need to
touch START. Be sure
to close the door before
selecting categories.
➠
Example: To cook POTATOES, simply follow
the step below.
Stop
Clear
Stop
Clear
Stop
Clear
Potato

9
Key Directions
ONE TOUCH COOKING CHART
• Follow the package instructions.
• Example of one frozen entree is Lasagna
with meat sauce, Chicken
with Rice, and Sliced Turkey Breast
with Rice and Vegetable.
• Place in the center of the oven on paper
towel.
• Pierce potato several times with fork.
• After cooking, let stand for 5 minutes.
• No cover.
• Prepare vegetable (wash, cut-up
vegetable into 1.2 cm slices or pieces).
• Most vegetables need 2 minutes or 3
minutes standing time after cooking.
1 cup - Add 2 tablespoon water
2 cup - Add 1/4 cup water
3 cup - Add 1/3 cup water
4 cup - Add 1/2 cup water
• Place the refrigerated pizza on the plate in
the center of the microwave oven.
• Use mug or microwave-safe cup.
• Stir after reheating.
• Arrange food on microwave plate.
• Place meaty portions and bulky
vegetables to outside of plate.
• Vent corner.
• After cooking, let stand for 2 minutes.
• Place in the center of the oven on paper
towel.
FROZEN
FOOD
POTATO
(FRESH)
VEGETABLES
PIZZA
BEVERAGES
DINNER
PLATE
BAKED
FOOD
1 Time
1 Time
2 Times
3 Times
4 Times
1 Time
2 Times
3 Times
4 Times
1 Time
2 Times
3 Times
1 Time
2 Times
1 Time
2 Times
1 Time
2 Times
3 Times
4 Times
280g
1 (230g)
2 (450g)
3 (680g)
4 (900g)
1 cup
2 cups
3 cups
4 cups
1 slice (120g)
2 slices (240g)
3 slices (360g)
1 cup
2 cups
1 serving
2 servings
1 (60g)
2 (120g)
3 (180g)
4 (240g)
Follow the
Package
instructions
None
Plastic wrap
None
None
Plastic wrap
None
Touch
keypad Serving size Cover
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONT’D)

10
CUSTOM SET
You can select on/off of beeper, automatic start or
manual start for one touch cooking (refer to page
9), and food weight measurement unit, pounds or
kilograms.
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR.
2.Touch CUSTOM SET.
NUMBR shows in the
display.
3. Touch 1.
SOUND OFF shows in
the display.
4. Touch START.
• SET and the current
time will be displayed.
Note: To turn beep sound
back on, repeat steps 1- 4.
➠➠➠
Example 1: To turn off sound of beeper.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONT’D)
Stop
Clear
Custom
set
1
Start
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR.
2.Touch CUSTOM SET.
NUMBR shows in the
display.
3. Touch 2.
AUTO OFF shows in the
display.
4. Touch START.
• SET and the current time
will be displayed.
• It will now be necessary
to press START to
activate the One Touch
Cook.
NOTE: To turn automatic start
back on, repeat steps 1 - 4.
Example 2: To turn off automatic start of one
touch cook.
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR.
2.Touch CUSTOM SET.
NUMBR shows in the
display.
3. Touch 3.
KG shows in the display.
4. Touch START.
• SET and the current time
will be displayed.
NOTE: To change weight
measurement back to pounds,
repeat steps 1 - 4.
Example 3: To change weight measurement
to kilograms.
➠➠ ➠
➠
Stop
Clear
Custom
set
2
Start
➠➠
Stop
Clear
Custom
set
3
Start

11
MORE/LESS
By using the MORE or LESS keys, all of the
ONE TOUCH COOK and TIME COOKING
programmes can be adjusted to cook food for a
longer or shorter time. Pressing MORE will add 10
seconds to the cooking time each time you press
it. Pressing LESS will subtract 10 seconds of
cooking time each time you press it.
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR.
2. Touch PIZZA.
3. Touch MORE.
NOTE: Press the MORE
or LESS pad while
cooking.
➠➠
To adjust the one touch cook (PIZZA)
cooking time for a longer time.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONT’D)
Stop
Clear
Pizza
More

12
AUTO WEIGHT DEFROST
Three defrost sequences are preset in the oven.
The defrost feature provides you with the best
defrosting method for frozen foods. The cooking
guide will show you which defrost sequence is
recommended for the food you are defrosting.
With the Auto Weight Defrost feature, the oven
automatically sets the defrosting time and power
levels for you.
The oven automatically determines required
defrosting times for each food item according to
the weight you enter.
For added convenience, the Auto Weight Defrost
Feature contains a built-in beep mechanism that
lets you check, turn over, separate, or rearrange
as recommended in the Auto Defrosting AUTO
WEIGHT DEFROST GUIDE.
Three different defrosting levels are provided.
1 MEAT
2 POULTRY
3 FISH
* You can select the category by touching the key
once (MEAT), twice (POULTRY), or three times
(FISH).
* Available weight is 0.1~4.0 kgs(0.1~6.0 lbs).
AUTO WEIGHT DEFROST SEQUENCE LIST
Sequence Food
1
MEAT
2
POULTRY
3
FISH
BEEF
beef mince, Round steak,
Cubes for stew, Tenderloin steak,
Pot roast, Rib roast, Rump roast,
Chuck roast, Hamburger patty.
LAMB
Chop (2.5 cm thick), Rolled roast
PORK
Chop (1.5 cm thick), Hot dogs,
Spareribs, Country-style ribs.
Rolled roast, Sausage.
VEAL
Cutlets (450g,1.5 cm thick)
POULTRY
Whole (under 2 kg), Cut up Breasts
(boneless)
TURKEY
Breast (under 4 kg)
FISH
Fillets, Whole Steaks
SHELLFISH
Crab meat, Lobster tails, Prawns,
Scallops
NOTE:
When you touch the START pad, the display
changes to defrost time count down. The oven
will beep twice during the DEFROST cycle. At
each beep, open the door and turn, seperate, or
rearrange the food.
Remove any portions that have thawed.
Return frozen portions to the oven and touch
START to resume the defrost cycle. The oven
will not STOP during the BEEP unless the
door is opened.
* For best results, remove fish, shellfish, meat,
and poultry from its original closed paper or
plastic package (wrapper). Otherwise, the wrap
will hold steam and juice close to the foods,
which can cause the outer surface of the foods
to cook.
* Place foods in a shallow glass baking dish or on
a microwave roasting rack to catch drippings.
* Food should still be somewhat icy in the center
when removed from the oven.
1. Touch STOP/CLEAR.
2. Touch AUTO WEIGHT
DEFROST.
MEAT appears in the
display.
3. Enter the weight by
touching [1] and [2].
1.2 kg appears in the
display.
4. Touch START.
Defrosting starts.
➠➠➠
Example: To defrost 1.2 kg of beef mince,
select Meat menu, enter the
weight, and press START
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONT’D)
Stop
Clear
Start
1. Meat
2. Poultry
3. Fish
Auto
Weight
Defrost
12

13
WARNING : Do not use aluminum foil during cooking cycle.
MEAT
1. No special techniques are required. The roast
should be prepared and seasoned (if desired)
as for any other conventional method. Meat
should be thoroughly defrosted before cooking.
2. Place the meat on a microwave roasting rack or
ovenproof plate and place on the turntable.
3. Cook according to the cooking chart (below),
using the longer time for large meats and the
shorter time for smaller meats. For thicker
chops, use the longer time.
4. Turn the meat once halfway through the
cooking time.
5. STAND for 5-10 minutes wrapped in foil after
cooking. The standing time is very important as
it completes the cooking process.
6. Ensure meat, especially pork, is thoroughly
cooked before eating.
BEEF
Standing/Rolled Rib
-Rare
-Medium
-Well-done
Beef mince
(tobrownforcasserole)
Hamburgers,
Fresh or defrosted
(120g each)
-2 patties
-4 patties
PORK
Loin, Leg
Bacon
-4 slices
-6 slices
8
8
8
HIGH
HIGH
HIGH
8
HIGH
HIGH
9~101/2 minutes
9~11 minutes
12~131/2 minutes
7~9 minutes
2~4 minutes
3~5 minutes
13~16 minutes
2~3 minutes
3~4 minutes
Cut Microwave Cooking time
power per 0.5 kg
POULTRY
1. No special techniques are required. The
poultry should be prepared as for any other
conventional method. Season if desired.
2. Poultry should be thoroughly defrosted,
ensuring giblets and any metal clamps are
removed.
3. Prick the skin and brush lightly with vegetable
oil unless self-basting.
4. All poultry should be placed on a microwave
roasting rack or a microwave-proof plate and
placed on the turntable.
5. Cook according to the instructions in the
cooking chart (below), turning over halfway
through the cooking time. Poultry, because of
its shape, has a tendency to cook unevenly,
especially in very bony parts. Turning during
roasting helps to cook these areas evenly.
6. STAND for 5-10 minutes wrapped in foil after
cooking before carving. The standing time is
very important, as it completes the cooking
process.
7. Ensure poultry is thoroughly cooked before
eating. Whole poultry is completely cooked
when the juices run clear from the inside thigh
when it is pierced with a sharp knife. Poultry
portions should be pierced with a sharp knife
through the thickest part to ensure that the
juices are clear and the flesh is firm.
NOTE:
The above times should be regarded only as a
guide. Allow for difference in individual tastes
and preferences. The times may vary due to the
shape, cut, and composition of the meat.
MEAT COOKING CHART
CHICKEN
Whole
Breast(boned)
Portions
TURKEY
Whole
8
8
8
8
12~14 minutes
11~13 minutes
13~16 minutes
12~14 minutes
Poultry Microwave Cooking time
power per 0.5 kg
POULTRY COOKING CHART
NOTE:
* The above times should be regarded only as a
guide. Allow for difference in individual tastes
and preferences. The times may vary due to the
shape, cut, and composition of the food.
* If whole chickens are stuffed, the weight of the
stuffed chicken should be used when
calculating the cooking time.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONT’D)

14
FISH
1. Arrange fish in a large shallow non-metallic dish or casserole.
2. Cover with pierced microwave plastic film or casserole lid.
3. Place the dish on the turntable.
4. Cook according to the instructions in the cooking chart (below). Flakes of butter can be added to the fish
if desired.
5. Let STAND as directed in the cooking chart before serving.
6. After standing time, check to see that the fish is thoroughly cooked. The fish should be opaque and flake
easily.
FRESH FISH COOKING CHART
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (CONT’D)
Microwave Cooking Time Standing
power per pound Time
Fish Fillets HIGH 5~7 minutes Add 15~30 ml (1~2 tbsp.) lemon juice. 2~3 minutes
Whole Mackerel, HIGH 5~7 minutes 3~4 minutes
Cleaned and Prepared
Whole Trout, Cleaned HIGH 6~8 minutes 3~4 minutes
and Prepared
Salmon Steaks HIGH 6~7 minutes Add 15~30 ml (1~2 tbsp.) lemon juice. 3~4 minutes
Fish Method

15
HEATING OR REHEATING GUIDE
To heat or reheat successfully in the microwave, it is important to follow several guidelines. Measure the
amount of food in order to determine the time needed to reheat. Arrange the food in a circular pattern for
best results. Room temperature food will heat faster than refrigerated food. Canned foods should be taken
out of the can and placed in a microwavable container. The food will be heated more evenly if covered with
a microwavable lid or plastic wrap, vented. Remove cover carefully to prevent steam burns. Use the
following chart as a guide for reheating cooked food.
Items Cook time Special Instructions
(at HIGH)
Sliced meat Place sliced meat on microwavable plate.
3 slices (0.5 cm thick) 11/2~2 minutes Cover with plastic wrap and vent.
*Note: Gravy or sauce helps to keep meat juicy.
Chicken pieces
1 breast 21/2~31/2 minutes Place chicken pieces on microwavable plate.
1 leg and thigh 2~3 minutes Cover with plastic wrap and vent.
Fish fillet Place fish on microwavable plate.
(170~230g) 2~4 minutes Cover with plastic wrap and vent.
Lasagna Place lasagna on microwavable plate.
1 serving (300g) 41/2~6 minutes Cover with plastic wrap and vent.
Casserole
1 cup 2~3 minutes COOK covered in microwavable casserole.
4 cups 6~8 minutes Stir once halfway through cooking.
Casserole
cream or cheese
1 cup 2~3 minutes COOK covered in microwavable casserole.
4 cups 4~5 minutes Stir once halfway through cooking.
Mashed potatoes
1 cup 2~3 minutes COOK covered in microwavable casserole.
4 cups 6~8 minutes Stir once halfway through cooking.
Baked beans COOK covered in microwavable casserole.
1 cup 2~3 minutes Stir once halfway through cooking.
Ravioli or pasta in sauce
1 cup 3~4 minutes COOK covered in microwavable casserole.
4 cups 8~11 minutes Stir once halfway through cooking.
Rice
1 cup 2~31/2 minutes COOK covered in microwavable casserole.
4 cups 4~61/2 minutes Stir once halfway through cooking.
Vegetables
1 cup 2~4 minutes COOK covered in microwavable casserole.
4 cups 6~8 minutes Stir once halfway through cooking.
Soup COOK covered in microwavable casserole.
1 serving(230g) 11/2~21/2 minutes Stir once halfway through cooking.

16
FRESH VEGETABLE CHART
Cook time Standing
at HIGH
Time
Artichokes 2 medium 6~8 Trim. Add 2 tsp water and 2 tsp juice. 2-3 minutes
(230g. each) 4 medium 11~13 Cover.
Asparagus, 450g 4~7 Add 1/2 cup water. Cover. 2-3 minutes
Fresh, Spears
Beans, Green 450g 9~12 Add 1/2 cup water in 1-1/2 Hr casserole. 2-3 minutes
Stir halfway through cooking.
Broccoli, Fresh, 450g 6~9 Place broccoli in baking dish. 2-3 minutes
Spears Add 1/2 cup water. Cover.
Cabbage, Fresh, 450g 7~8 Add 1/2 cup water in 1-1/2 Hr covered casserole. 2-3 minutes
Chopped Stir halfway through cooking.
Carrots, Fresh, 2 cups 4~6 Add 1/4 cup water in 1 Hr covered casserole. 2-3 minutes
Sliced Stir halfway through cooking.
Cauliflower, 450g 8~10
Trim. Add 1/4 cup water in 1 Hr covered casserole. 2-3 minutes
Fresh, Whole Stir halfway through cooking.
Celery, Fresh, 2 cups 4~5
Slice. Add 1/2 cup water in 1-1/2 Hr covered casserole. 2-3 minutes
Sliced 4 cups 8~9 Stir halfway through cooking
Corn, Fresh 2 ears 6~9 Husk. Add 2 tbsp water in 1-1/2 Hr baking dish. 2-3 minutes
Cover.
Mushrooms, 220g 2~3 Place mushrooms in 1-1/2 Hr covered casserole. 2-3 minutes
Fresh, Sliced Stir halfway through cooking.
Parsnips, Fresh, 450g 5~8 Add 1/2 cup water in 1-1/2 Hr covered casserole. 2-3 minutes
Sliced Stir halfway through cooking.
Peas, Green, 4 cups 8~10 Add 1/2 cup water in 1-1/2 Hr covered casserole. 2-3minutes
Fresh Stir halfway through cooking.
Sweet Potatoes 2 medium 6~10 Pierce potatoes several times with fork. 2-3 minutes
Whole Baking 4 medium 8~13 Place on 2 paper towels. 2-3 minutes
(170~230g each) Turn over halfway through cooking.
Potatoes, 2 potatoes 5~7 Pierce potatoes several times with fork. 2-3 minutes
Whole Baking 4 potatoes 12~15 Place on 2 paper towels. 2-3 minutes
(170~230g each) Turn over halfway through cooking
Spinach, Fresh, 450g 6~8 Add 1/2 cup water in 2 Hr covered casserole. 2-3 minutes
Leaf
Squash, Acorn or 1 medium 8~9 Cut squash in half. Remove seeds. 2-3 minutes
Butternut, Fresh Place in 20✕20 cm baking dish. Cover.
Zucchini, Fresh, 450g 6~8 Add 1/2 cup water in 1-1/2 Hr covered casserole. 2-3 minutes
Sliced Stir halfway through cooking.
Zucchini, Fresh, 450g 8~10 Pierce. Place on 2 paper towels. 2-3 minutes
Whole Turn zucchini over and rearrange halfway
through cooking.
Vegetable Amount Instructions

17
MICROWAVE-SAFE COOKWARE
Never use metal or metal trimmed cookware in
your microwave oven
Microwaves cannot penetrate metal. They will
bounce off any metal object in the oven and
cause arcing, an alarming phenomenon that
resembles lightning.
Most heat resistant non metallic cookware is safe
for use in your microwave oven.
However, some may contain materials that
render them unsuitable as microwave cookware.
If you have any doubts about a particular
container, there’s a simple way to find out if it can
be used in your microwave oven.
Place the container in question next to a glass
bowl filled with water in the microwave oven.
Microwave at power HIGH for 1 minute. If the
water heats up but the container remains cool to
the touch, the container is microwave-safe.
However, if the water does not change
temperature but the container becomes warm,
microwaves are being absorbed by the container
and it is not safe for use in the microwave oven.
You probably have many items on hand in your
kitchen right now that can be used as cooking
equipment in your microwave oven. Just read
through the following checklist.
Dinner plates
Many kinds of dinner-ware are microwave-safe.
If in doubt consult the manufacturer’s literature or
perform the microwave test.
Glassware
Glassware that is heat-resistant is microwave-
safe. This would include all brands of oven
tempered glass cookware. However, do not use
delicate glassware, such as tumblers or wine
glasses, as these might shatter as the food
warms.
Plastic storage containers
These can be used to hold foods that are to be
quickly reheated. However, they should not be
used to hold foods that will need considerable
time in the oven as hot foods will eventually warp
or melt plastic containers.
Paper
Paper plates and containers are convenient and
safe to use in your microwave oven, provided that
the cooking time is short and foods to be cooked
are low in fat and moisture. Paper towels are also
very useful for wrapping foods and for lining
baking trays in which greasy foods such as bacon
are cooked. In general, avoid colored paper
products as the colour may run. Some recycled
paper products may contain impurities which
could cause arcing or fires when used in the
microwave oven.
Plastic cooking bags
Provided they are made specially for cooking,
cooking bags are microwave safe. However, be
sure to make a slit in the bag so that steam can
escape. Never use ordinary plastic bags for
cooking in your microwave oven, as they will melt
and rupture.
Plastic microwave cookware
A variety of shapes and sizes of microwave
cookware is available. For the most part, you can
probably use items you already have on hand
rather than investing in new kitchen equipment.
Pottery, stoneware and ceramic
Containers made of these materials are usually
fine for use in your microwave oven, but they
should be tested to be sure.
CAUTION
Some items with high lead or iron content are
not suitable for cooking with.

18
FOOD CHARACTERISTICS & MICROWAVE COOKING
Keeping an eye on things
The recipes in this book have been formulated
your success in preparing food in your microwave
oven depends on how much attention you pay to
the food as it cooks. Always watch the food while
it cooks. Your microwave oven is equipped with a
light that turns on automatically when the oven is
in operation so that you can see inside and check
the progress of your food. Directions given in
recipes to elevate, stir, and the like should be
thought of as the minimum steps recommended.
If the food seems to be cooking unevenly, simply
make the necessary adjustments you think
appropriate to correct the problem.
Factors affecting microwave cooking times
Many factors affect cooking times. The
temperature of ingredients used in a recipe
makes a big difference in cooking times. For
example, a cake made with ice-cold butter, milk,
and eggs will take considerably longer to bake
than one made with ingredients that are at room
temperature. In general, you will find that food
remains under-cooked at the lower end of the
time range, and you may sometimes want to cook
your food beyond the maximum time given,
according to personal preference. While
overcooked food is ruined for good. Some
recipes, particularly those for bread, cake, and
custards, recommend that food be removed from
the oven when they are slightly undercooked.
This is not a mistake. When allowed to stand,
usually covered, these foods will continue to cook
outside of the oven as the heat trapped within the
outer portions of the food gradually travels
inward. If the food is left in the oven until it is
cooked all the way through, the outer portions will
become overcooked or even burnt. You will
become increasingly skilful in estimating both
cooking and standing times for various foods.
Density of food
Light, porous food such as cakes and bread cook
more quickly than heavy, dense foods such as
roasts and casseroles. You must take care when
microwaving porous food that the outer edges do
not become dry and brittle.
Height of food
The upper portion of tall food, particularly roasts,
will cook more quickly than the lower portion.
Therefore, it is wise to turn tall food during
cooking, sometimes several times.
Moisture content of food
Since the heat generated from microwaves tends
to evaporate moisture, relatively dry food such as
roasts and some vegetables should either be
sprinkled with water prior to cooking or covered
to retain moisture.
Bone and fat content of food
Bones conduct heat and fat cooks more quickly
than meat. Care must be taken when cooking
bony or fatty cuts of meat that they do not cook
unevenly and do not become overcooked.
Quantity of food
The number of microwaves in your oven remains
constant regardless of how much food is being
cooked. Therefore, the more food you place in
the oven, the longer the cooking time.
Remember to decrease cooking times by at least
one third when halving a recipe.
Shape of food
Microwaves penetrate only about 2.5 cm into
food, the interior portion of thick foods are cooked
as the heat generated on the outside travels
inward. Only the outer edge of food is cooked by
microwave energy; the rest is cooked by
conduction. The worst possible shape for a food
that is to be microwaved is a thick square. The
corners will burn long before the centre is even
warm . Round thin foods and ring shaped foods
cook successfully in the microwave.
Covering
A cover traps heat and steam which causes food
to cook more quickly. Use a lid or microwave
cling film with a corner folded back to prevent
splitting.
Browning
Meats and poultry that are cooked fifteen minutes
or longer will brown lightly in their own fat. Food
that is cooked for a shorter period of time may be
brushed with a browning sauce such as
Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or barbecue
sauce to achieve an appetizing colour. Since
relatively small amounts of browning sauce is
added to food, the original flavour of the recipe is
not altered.
Covering with greaseproof paper
Greaseproofing effectively prevents spattering
and helps food retain some heat. But because it
makes a looser cover than a lid or cling film, it
allows the food to dry out slightly.
Arranging and spacing
Individual foods such as baked potatoes, small
cakes and hors d’oeuvres will heat more evenly if
placed in the oven an equal distance apart,
preferably in a circular pattern. Never stack foods
on top of one another.

19
FOOD CHARACTERISTICS & MICROWAVE COOKING
Stirring
Stirring is one of the most important of all
microwaving techniques. In conventional cooking,
food is stirred for the purpose of blending.
Microwaved food, however, is stirred in order to
spread and redistribute heat. Always stir from the
outside towards the centre as the outside of the
food heats first.
Turning over
Large, tall foods such as roasts and whole
chickens should be turned so that the top and
bottom will cook evenly. It is also a good idea to
turn cut up chicken and chops.
Placing thicker portions facing outwards
Since microwaves are attracted to the outside
portion of food, it makes sense to place thicker
portions of meat, poultry and fish to the outer
edge of the baking dish. This way, thicker
portions will receive the most microwave energy
and the food will cook evenly.
Shielding
Strips of aluminium foil (which block microwaves)
can be placed over the corners or edges of
square and rectangular food to prevent those
portions from overcooking. Never use too much
foil and make sure the foil is secured to the dish
or it may cause ‘arcing’ in the oven.
Elevating
Thick or dense foods can be elevated so that
microwaves can be absorbed by the underside
and centre of the foods.
Piercing
Foods enclosed in a shell, skin or membrane are
likely to burst in the oven unless they are pierced
prior to cooking. Such foods include yolks and
whites of eggs, whole vegetables and fruits.
Testing if cooked
Food cooks so quickly in a microwave oven, it is
necessary to test it frequently. Some foods are
left in the microwave until completely cooked, but
most foods, including meats and poultry, are
removed from the oven while still slightly
undercooked and allowed to finish cooking during
standing time. The internal temperature of foods
will rise between 3°C and 8°C during standing
time.
Standing time
Foods are often allowed to stand for 3 to 10
minutes after being removed from the microwave
oven. Usually the foods are covered during
standing time to retain heat unless they are
supposed to be dry in texture (some cakes and
biscuits, for example). Standing allows foods to
finish cooking and also helps flavour blend and
develop.
To Clean Your Oven
1 Keep the inside of the oven clean
Food spatters or spilled liquids stick to oven walls
and between seal and door surface. It is best to
wipe up spills with a damp cloth right away.
Crumbs and spills will absorb microwave energy
and lengthen cooking times. Use a damp cloth to
wipe out crumbs that fall between the door and
the frame. It is important to keep this area clean
to assure a tight seal. Remove greasy spatters
with a soapy cloth then rinse and dry. Do not use
harsh detergent or abrasive cleaners. The glass
tray can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
2 Keep the outside of the oven clean
Clean the outside of your oven with soap and
water then with clean water and dry with a soft
cloth or paper towel. To prevent damage to the
operating parts inside the oven, the water should
not be allowed to seep into the ventilation
openings. To clean control panel, open the door
to prevent oven from accidentally starting, and
wipe a damp cloth followed immediately by a dry
cloth. Press STOP after cleaning.
3 If steam accumulates inside or around the
outside of the oven door, wipe the panels with a
soft cloth. This may occur when the microwave
oven is operated under high humidity conditions
and in no way indicates a malfunction of the unit.
4 The door and door seals should be kept clean.
Use only warm, soapy water, rinse then dry
thoroughly.
DO NOT USE ABRASIVE MATERIALS, SUCH
AS CLEANING POWDERS OR STEEL WOOL
AND PLASTIC PADS.
Metal parts will be easier to maintain if wiped
frequently with a damp cloth.

20
WARNING
Please ensure cooking times are correctly set as over cooking may result in FIRE and
subsequent DAMAGE to the OVEN.
1 Do not attempt to tamper with, or make any
adjustments or repairs to the door, control panel,
safety interlock switches or any other part of the
oven. Repairs should only be undertaken by a
qualified NEC service technician.
2 Do not operate the oven when empty. It is best to
leave a glass of water in the oven when not in
use. The water will safely absorb all microwave
energy, if the oven is accidentally started.
3 Do not dry clothes in the microwave oven, they
may become carbonized or burn if heated too
long.
4 Do not cook food wrapped in paper towels,
unless your cook book contains such instructions
for the food you are cooking.
5 Do not use newspaper in place of paper towels
for cooking.
6 Do not use wooden containers. They may heat-
up and char. Do not use ceramic containers
which have metallic (e.g. gold or silver) inlays.
Always remove metal twist ties. Metal objects in
the oven may arc, which can cause serious
damage.
7 Do not operate the oven with a kitchen towel, a
napkin or any other obstruction between the door
and the front edges of the oven. This may cause
microwave energy leakage.
8 Do not use recycled paper products since they
may contain impurities which may cause sparks
and/or fires when used in cooking.
9 Do not rinse the turntable by placing it in water
just after cooking. This may cause breakage or
damage.
10 Small amounts of food require shorter cooking
or heating time. If normal times are allowed they
may overheat and burn.
11 Be certain to place the oven so the front of the
door is 8 cm or more behind the edge of the
surface on which it is placed, to avoid accidental
tipping of the appliance.
12 Before cooking, pierce the skin of potatoes,
apples or any such fruit or vegetable.
13 Do not cook eggs in their shell. Pressure will
build up inside the egg which will burst.
14 Do not attempt deep fat frying in your oven.
15 Remove the plastic wrapping from food before
cooking or defrosting. Note though that in some
cases food should be covered with plastic film
for heating or cooking.
16 If the oven door is damaged, the oven must not
be operated until it has been repaired by a
qualified NEC service technician.
17 If smoke is observed, keep the oven door
closed and switch off or disconnect the oven
from the power supply.
18 When food is heated or cooked in disposable
containers of plastic, paper or other combustible
materials look at the oven frequently to ensure
the food container is not deteriorating.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS