Panasonic Inverter NN-A775 Product guide

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Cookery Book
& Operating Instructions
Microwave
CHAOS
CHAOS
DEFROST
Turbo-Bake

1
Welcome to Panasonic Microwave Cooking
This microwave oven has the benefit of the Inverter System Inside. This unique
technology has been in use with microwave ovens in Japan for many years,
improving the cooking performance of the oven. It also means that you benefit
from having more space inside your oven, without taking up more room on your
work surface. Microwaves leave most foods tastier and leave you with less
washing up, but don’t expect to become a perfect microwave cook overnight –
some of the methods are very different to those used in conventional cooking.
We hope you enjoy using your new oven but should you require any further help
or explanation, phone our ☎COOKERY ADVICE LINE 01344 862108
or write to the address below.
The Microwave Test & Development Kitchen
Panasonic Consumer Electronics U.K.
Willoughby Road
Bracknell
Berks
RG12 8FP
Or e-mail [email protected]
When writing, be sure to state your model number and daytime telephone number.
CONTENTS
Safety Information 2
Caution 3
Unpacking your oven 3
Placement of your Oven 3
Before using your Oven 4
Care and Cleaning 5
Maintenance of your Oven 6
Parts of your Oven 7-8
Attaching Shelf Supports 9-10
Important Information 11-13
Microwaving Principles 14-15
General Guidelines 16-18
Containers to use 19-21
Control Panels 22
Operating Instructions 23-55
• Demonstration Mode 23
• Child Lock 23
• Setting the Clock 24
• Microwaving/defrosting 24-30
• Using the Delay/Stand Feature 31
• Grilling 32-33
• Convection cooking 34-37
• TURBO-BAKE cooking 38-39
• Combination Cooking 40-50
Auto Weight Programs 51-55
Cooking and Reheating
Guidelines 56-57
Reheating Charts 58-64
Cooking Charts 65-76
Adapting Recipes 77
RECIPES
Soups and Starters 78-80
Fish 81-84
Meat and Poultry 85-93
Pasta, Rice & Beans 94-97
Cheese and Egg Dishes 98-100
Vegetables/Vegetarian 101-107
Sauces 108-109
Pastry 110-113
Desserts 114-116
Baking 117-122
Bread 123-124
Preserves 125-126
Questions and Answers 127
Building-in Your Oven 128
Thank you for purchasing a Panasonic
Microwave Oven.
Even if this is not your first microwave oven, do
please read the opening chapters of this
cookbook to achieve perfect results every time.

2
Important safety instructions
Please read carefully and keep for future reference.
This appliance is supplied with a moulded three
pin mains plug for your safety and
convenience. A 13 amp fuse is fitted in this
plug. Should the fuse need to be replaced,
please ensure that the replacement fuse has a
rating of 13 amps and that it is approved by
ASTA or BSI to BS1362. Check for the ASTA
mark or the BSI mark on the body of the
fuse.
IF THE FITTED MOULDED PLUG IS
UNSUITABLE FOR THE SOCKET OUTLET IN
YOUR HOME, THEN THE FUSE SHOULD BE
REMOVED AND THE PLUG CUT OFF AND
DISPOSED OF SAFELY AND AN
APPROPRIATE ONE FITTED. THERE IS A
DANGER OF SEVERE ELECTRICAL SHOCK
IF THE CUT OFF PLUG IS INSERTED INTO
ANY 13 AMP SOCKET.
If a new plug is to be fitted, please observe the
wiring code as shown opposite. If in any doubt,
please consult a qualified electrician (For U.K.
Models only).
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE
EARTHED.
If the fuse cover is detachable, never use
the plug with the cover
omitted. If a replacement fuse
cover is required, ensure it is
the same colour as that
visible on the pin face of the
plug.
Areplacement fuse cover can be
purchased from your local Panasonic
Dealer.
HOW TO REPLACE THE FUSE
Open the fuse compartment with a
screwdriver and replace the fuse.
IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains lead are
coloured in accordance with the following code:
Green-and-yellow: Earth, Blue: Neutral, Brown:
Live.
As the colours of the wire in the mains lead of
this appliance may not correspond with the
coloured markings identifying the terminals in
your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN-AND-
YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter E or by
the Earth symbol or coloured GREEN or
GREEN-AND-YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be
connected to the terminal in the plug which is
marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be
connected to the terminal in the plug which is
marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
When this oven is installed it should be easy to
isolate the appliance from the electricity supply
by pulling out the plug or operating a circuit
breaker.
Do not immerse cord, plug or oven in water.
Keep cord away from heated surfaces. Do not
let cord hang over the edge of table or work
top. Do not plug your oven in via an extension
cable as this can be dangerous. It is important
to plug the oven directly into a wall socket.
The back of the appliance heats up during use.
Do not allow the cord to be in contact with the
back of the appliance or cabinet surface.
Voltage & Power
The voltage used must be the same as
specified on this microwave oven. Using a
higher voltage than that which is specified is
dangerous and may result in a fire or other
type of accident causing damage.

3
1. Hot Surfaces
Exterior oven surfaces, including air vents
on the cabinet and the oven door, will get
hot during CONVECTION,
COMBINATION and GRILLING. Use care
when opening or closing door and when
inserting or removing food and
accessories. The oven has a heater
situated in the top of the oven. After using
the CONVECTION, COMBINATION
and GRILL functions the
roof and walls will be
very hot.
2. Children should be kept away from the
oven at all times and should only be
allowed to operate the oven under
supervision. Ensure that children do not
touch the hot outer casing after operation
of the oven.
Caution: Hot surfaces
✗
1. Examine Your Oven
Unpack oven, remove all packing material, and examine the oven for any damage such as
dents, broken door latches or cracks in the door. Notify dealer immediately if unit is damaged.
DO NOT install if unit is damaged.
2. Guarantee
Your receipt is your guarantee, please keep safely.
3. Cord
If the supply cord of this appliance is damaged,
it must be replaced by the manufacturer or it’s
service agent or a similarly qualified person in
order to avoid a hazard.
N.B. The appliance should be inspected for damage to the door seals and door seal areas. If
these areas are damaged the appliance should not be operated until it has been repaired by a
service technician trained by the manufacturer.
Unpacking your oven
1. Oven must be placed on a flat, stable surface 850mm above floor level. For proper operation,
the oven must have sufficient air flow, i.e. 5cm/2" at one side, the other
being open; 15cm/6" clear over the top; 10cm/4" at the rear.
2. Do not place the microwave oven on a shelf directly above a gas or
electric hob. This may be a safety hazard and the oven may be
damaged.
3. Do not block air vents on the rear and bottom or top of the cabinet. Do
not place any articles on the top of the oven over the vents. If air vents
are blocked during operation, the oven may overheat. If the oven overheats, a thermal safety
device will turn the oven off. The oven will remain inoperable with blank display until it has
cooled.
4. Do not use outdoors.
Placement of your oven
2" open
4"
6"
✗

4
1. Exterior oven surfaces, including air vents on the cabinet and the oven door will get hot during
CONVECTION, COMBINATION and GRILLING, take care when opening or closing the door
and when inserting or removing food and accessories.
2. The oven has two grill heaters situated in the top of the oven and a convection heater situated
in the back of the oven. After using the CONVECTION, COMBINATION and GRILL functions,
the inside surfaces of the oven will be very hot. Care should be taken to avoid touching the
heating elements inside the oven.
N.B. After cooking by these modes, the oven accessories will be very hot.
3. The accessible parts may become hot when the grill is in use.
4. In case of electronic failure, the oven can only be turned off at the wall socket.
5. Only allow children to use the oven without supervision when adequate instructions have been
given so that the child is able to use the oven in a safe way and understands the hazards of
improper use. Ensure that children do not touch the hot outer casing after operation of the
oven.
6. Storage of Accessories
Do not store any objects other than oven accessories inside the oven in case it is accidentally
turned on. In case of electronic failure, oven can only be turned off at wall socket.
7. Before Use
Before using CONVECTION, COMBINATION or GRILL function for the first time operate the
oven without food and accessories (including glass turntable and roller ring) on
CONVECTION 250°C for 5 mins. This will allow the oil that is used for rust protection to be
burned off. This is the only time that the oven is operated empty (except preheating on
CONVECTION or COMBINATION modes).
Before using your oven
CAUTION: All inside surfaces of the oven will be hot.
DO NOT OPERATE THE OVEN EMPTY (Apart from in point 7 above and preheating on
CONVECTION or COMBINATION modes).
The appliance must not be operated by Microwave or Combination
WITHOUT FOOD IN THE OVEN (unless preheating on COMBINATION).
Operation when empty will damage the appliance.

5
7. If steam accumulates inside or around the outside of the oven door, wipe 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 or microwave leakage.
8. It is occasionally necessary to remove the glass turntable for cleaning. Wash the tray in
warm soapy water. Do not place in the dishwasher.
9. The roller ring and oven cavity floor should be cleaned regularly to avoid excessive noise.
Simply wipe the bottom surface of the oven, particularly the turntable spindle and the area
surrounding this, with mild detergent and hot water then dry with a clean cloth. The roller ring
may be washed in mild soapy water. Cooking vapours collect during repeated use but in no
way affect the bottom surface or the roller ring wheels.
After removing the roller ring from cavity floor for cleaning, be sure to replace it in the proper
position.
10.If cleaning the oven with the shelf supports in position, clean the Shelf Supports with warm
soapy water and a damp cloth. If cleaning the oven cavity without the shelf supports in
position, take care around the open slots. Remember to refit the supports back into the oven
(see pages 9-10). The use of harsh detergent or abrasives is not recommended. The shelf
supports are dishwasher safe.
11. When GRILLING or cooking by COMBINATION or CONVECTION some foods may splatter
grease onto the oven walls. If the oven is not cleaned to eliminate this grease, it can
accumulate and cause the oven to ‘SMOKE’ during use. These marks will be more difficult to
clean later. There is no need to clean the back of the oven, with the catalytic lining.
12.Ensure all accessories are kept scrupulously clean, especially when using microwave or
combination programs.
13. A steam cleaner is not to be used for cleaning.
1. Switch the oven off before cleaning and unplug at socket if possible.
2. Keep the inside of the oven, door seals and door seal areas clean.When food splatters or
spilled liquids adhere to oven walls, door seals and door seal areas wipe off with a damp
cloth. Mild detergent may be used if they get very dirty. The use of harsh detergent or
abrasives is not recommended.
3. The back of the oven has a self-clean catalytic lining. It is therefore not necessary to clean
this area.
4. After using CONVECTION, GRILL or COMBINATION cooking the walls of the oven should
be cleaned with a soft cloth squeezed in soapy water. Particular care should be taken to keep
the window area clean particularly after cooking by CONVECTION, GRILL or COMBINATION.
Stubborn spots inside the oven can be removed by using a small amount of branded
conventional oven-cleaner sprayed onto a soft damp cloth. Wipe onto problem spots, leave for
recommended time and then wipe off. Avoid the microwave feed guide area and the door. DO
NOT SPRAY DIRECTLY INSIDE THE OVEN.
5. The outside oven surface should be cleaned with a damp cloth. To prevent damage to the
operating parts inside the oven, water should not be allowed to seep into the ventilation
openings.
6. If the Control Panel becomes dirty, clean with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use harsh detergents
or abrasives on Control Panel. When cleaning the Control Panel, leave the oven door open to
prevent the oven from accidentally turning on. After cleaning touch STOP/CANCEL Pad to
clear display window.
It is essential for the safe operation of the oven that it is kept clean, and wiped
out after each use. Failure to maintain the oven in a clean condition could lead
to deterioration of a surface that could adversely affect the life of the appliance
and possibly result in a hazardous situation.
Care & Cleaning of your Microwave Oven - IMPORTANT

6
1. Service
WHEN YOUR OVEN REQUIRES A SERVICE call your local
Panasonic engineer (Customer Care Centre on 08705 357357 can
recommend an engineer). It is hazardous for anyone other than a
competent person to carry out any service or repair operation which
involves the removal of a cover which gives protection against
exposure to microwave energy.
2. Door Seals
Do not attempt to tamper with or make any adjustments or repairs to door, control panel
housing, safety interlock switches or any other part of the oven. Do not remove outer panel
from oven.
The door seals and door seal areas should always be kept clean – use a damp cloth.
N.B. The appliance should be inspected for damage to the door seals and door seal areas. If
these areas are damaged the appliance should not be operated until it has been repaired by
a service technician trained by the manufacturer.
3. Oven Light
The oven lamp must be replaced by a service technician trained by the
manufacturer. DO NOT attempt to remove the outer casing from the oven.
4. Selected Spares and Accessories
These may be ordered direct; on line at www.panasonic.co.uk or by
telephoning the Customer Care Centre 08705 357357. Most major credit
and debit cards are accepted. Ensure you quote the correct model number.
Maintenance of your oven

7
1. Do not operate the oven without the Roller Ring and Glass Turntable in place, unless you are
cooking on CONVECTION on one level and wish to use the Enamel Shelf.
2. Only use the Glass Turntable specifically designed for this oven. Do not substitute with any
other Glass Turntable.
3. If Glass Turntable is hot, allow to cool before cleaning or placing in water.
4. Do not cook directly on Glass Turntable. Always place food in a microwave safe dish. The
only exception to this is when cooking Jacket Potatoes on microwave only.
5. If food or utensil on Glass Turntable touches oven walls, causing the turntable to stop
moving, it will automatically rotate in the opposite direction. This is normal. Open oven door,
reposition the food and restart.
6. The Glass Turntable can rotate in either direction. The maximum weight that can be placed
on the turntable is 4 kg (8 lb 14 oz) (this includes total weight of food and dish.)
7. While cooking by MICROWAVE or COMBINATION, turntable may vibrate. This will not affect
cooking performance.
8. The metal accessories provided must ONLY be used as directed for GRILLING,
CONVECTION and COMBINATION cooking. Never use metal accessories when cooking
in microwave only mode. Do not use if operating the oven with less than 200 g (7 oz) of
food on a manual Combination program. Use the Enamel Shelf on CONVECTION mode
only. The maximum weight that can be used on the enamel shelf is 4 kg (8 lb 14 oz).
FAILURE TO USE ACCESSORIES CORRECTLY COULD DAMAGE YOUR OVEN.
9. Arcing may occur if the incorrect weight of food is used, a metal container has been used
incorrectly, or the accessories have been damaged. If this occurs, stop the machine
immediately. You can continue to cook by GRILL OR CONVECTION ONLY.
10. Always refer to instructions for correct accessories to use on all programs. The Glass
Turntable and roller ring are the only accessories used for Microwave Cooking. For
CONVECTION and COMBINATION cooking the metal tray must ALWAYS be in place on the
Glass Turntable, unless on one level CONVECTION you wish to use the Enamel Shelf.
Parts of Your Oven

8
Parts of Your Oven
Glass Turntable
The glass turntable and roller ring are the only
accessories used for Microwave Cooking.
See-through Oven Window External Air Vents
High wire rack
Metal tray
Low wire rack
Door Safety
Lock System
Control Panel
Identification
Plate
Roller Ring
1. The Roller Ring and oven
floor should be cleaned
frequently to prevent
excessive noise.
2. The Glass Turntable must
always be used with the
Roller Ring in place.
Door Release Pad
Push to open the door.
Opening the door during
cooking will stop the
cooking process without
cancelling the program.
Cooking resumes as soon
as the door is closed and
Start is pressed. The
oven light will turn on and
stay on whenever the
door is opened.
Door Safety
Lock System
Grill Elements
Microwave Feed
Guide
Slots for shelf
supports
Enamel shelf
Use on Convection mode
only. Do not use in microwave
only, grill only, turbo bake only
or combination cooking
modes.
Shelf supports
These must be fitted before
use and only removed for
cleaning, if necessary.

9
1. There are six shelf supports to be fitted. Each support should be located into its
corresponding set of slots as shown. When fitting the supports, the arrow marked on
the shelf support should point towards the front of the oven. Please note the
following part numbers are printed on the back side of the individual supports.
E22926Y5 BP X1
Right back
Attaching Shelf Supports
2. Fully insert the locating pegs into
the front slots as shown. When
fitting the supports, the arrows on
them should point towards the
front of the oven. The arrow
refers to the front of the support.
3. Push the support back as shown
so that the rear pegs locate into
the rear slots.
E22916Y5 BP X1
Right middle
E22906Y5 BP X 2
Left back & middle
E2293Y5BP X 2
Right & left front

10
4. Once all pegs have been located,
push the support towards the back
of the oven, until the part is
secure.
5. Repeat the process for the
remaining shelf supports.
The supports are now ready to
position the enamel shelf. Ensure
all shelf supports are securely in
position before placing
the shelf in the oven.
6. Insert the enamel shelf as shown.
The shelf supports do not need to
be removed for non-shelf cooking.
The supports can be removed for
cleaning, if required. To remove
the supports, repeat steps 1 - 4
above, in reverse order.
CAUTION!
●The enamel shelf should only be used in CONVECTION mode. It must be removed
for MICROWAVE, GRILL and COMBINATION functions, but the shelf supports
can stay in position.
●Take care when removing the enamel shelf. It should be fully supported using two
hands during removal to avoid any possibility of enamel shelf and its contents tilting
or falling from shelf supports.
●Clean the shelf supports with warm soapy water and a damp cloth. If cleaning the
oven cavity without the shelf supports in position, take care around the open slots.
●The roller ring and glass turntable should be removed when using the enamel shelf
for cooking on one level CONVECTION.
Attaching Shelf Supports
The two shelf supports on either
side of the oven and closest to the
door need to be inserted vertically.

11
Safety
If smoke or a fire occurs in the oven, press Stop/Cancel pad and leave the door closed in order to
stifle any flames.
Disconnect the power cord, or shut off power at the fuse or the circuit breaker panel.
Short Cooking Times
As microwave cooking times are much shorter than other cooking methods it is essential that
recommended cooking times are not exceeded without first checking the food.
Cooking times given in the cook book are approximate. Factors that may affect cooking times are:
preferred degree of cooking, starting temperature, altitude, volume, size and shape of foods and
utensils used. As you become familiar with the oven, you will be able to adjust these factors.
It is better to undercook rather than overcook foods. If food is undercooked, it can always be
returned to the oven for further cooking. If food is overcooked, nothing can be done. Always start
with minimum cooking times.
Important.
If the recommended cooking times are exceeded the food will be spoiled and in extreme
circumstances could catch fire and possibly damage the interior of the
oven.
1. Small Quantities of Food.
Take care when heating small quantities of food as these can easily
burn, dry out or catch fire if cooked too long. Always set short cooking
times and check the food frequently.
NEVER OPERATE THE OVEN WITHOUT FOOD INSIDE ON
MICROWAVE OR COMBINATION.
2. Foods Low in Moisture.
Take care when heating foods low in moisture, e.g. bread items,
chocolate, popcorn, biscuits and pastries. These can easily burn,
dry out or catch on fire if cooked too long.
3. Christmas Pudding.
Christmas puddings and other foods high in fats or sugar, e.g. jam,
mince pies, must not be over heated. These foods must never be left
unattended as with over cooking these foods can ignite.
4. Eggs.
Eggs in their shell and whole hard-boiled eggs should not be heated
in microwave ovens since they may explode even after microwave
heating has ended.
5. Foods with Skins.
Potatoes, apples, egg yolk, whole vegetables and sausages are
examples of food with non porous skins. These must be pierced
using a fork before cooking to prevent bursting.
Important Information – Read Carefully

12
6. Liquids.
Liquids and other foods must not be heated in sealed containers since they are liable to
explode. When heating liquids, eg soup, 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:
a) Avoid using straight-sided containers with narrow necks.
b) Do not overheat.
c) Stir the liquid before placing the container in the oven and
again halfway through the heating time.
d) After heating, allow to stand in the oven for a short time, stirring again before carefully
removing the container.
e) Microwave heating of beverages can result in delayed eruptive boiling, therefore care
should be taken when handling the container.
7. Lids.
Always remove the lids of jars and containers and takeaway food containers before you
microwave them. If you don’t then steam and pressure might build up inside and cause an
explosion even after the microwave cooking has stopped.
8. Deep Fat Frying.
Do not attempt to deep fat fry in your oven.
9. Meat Thermometer.
Use a meat thermometer to check the degree of cooking of roasts
and poultry only when meat has been removed from the microwave.
If undercooked, return to the oven and cook for a few more minutes
at the recommended power level. Do not leave a conventional meat
thermometer in the oven when microwaving.
10. Paper, Plastic.
When heating food in plastic or paper containers, keep an eye on
the oven due to the possibility of ignition. Do not use wire twist-ties
with roasting bags as arcing will occur.
Do not use re-cycled paper products, e.g. Kitchen roll unless they say
they are specifically designed for use in a microwave oven. These
products contain impurities which may cause sparks and/or fires when
used.
11. Reheating.
It is essential that reheated food is served “piping hot”.
Remove the food from the oven and check that it is “piping hot”, i.e.
steam is being emitted from all parts and any sauce is bubbling. (If
you wish you may choose to check the food has reached 72˚C with a
food thermometer – but remember do not use this thermometer
inside the microwave.)
For foods that cannot be stirred, e.g. lasagne, shepherds pie, the
centre should be cut with a knife to test it is well heated through.
Even if a manufacturer’s packet instructions have been followed always check the food is
piping hot before serving and if in doubt return your food to the oven for further heating.

13
18. Arcing
Arcing may occur if a metal container has been used incorrectly, if the incorrect weight of
food is used, or if the accessories have been damaged. Arcing is when blue flashes of light
are seen in the microwave oven. If this occurs, stop the machine immediately. If the oven is
left unattended and this continues it can damage the machine.
You can continue to cook by GRILL OR CONVECTION ONLY.
19. Maximum weight on turntable/enamel shelf
The maximum weight that can be placed on the turntable or enamel shelf is 4 kg (8 lb 14 oz)
(this includes total weight of food and dish).
12. Standing Time.
Standing time refers to the period at the end of cooking or
reheating when food is left before being eaten, i.e. it is a rest time
which allows the heat in the food to continue to conduct to the
centre, thus eliminating cold spots.
13. Keeping Your Oven Clean.
It is essential for the safe operation of the oven that it is wiped out
regularly. Use warm soapy water, squeeze the cloth out well and
use to remove any grease or food from the interior. Pay particular
attention to the door seal area and also the areas around the
microwave feed guide situated on the right hand side of the cavity
wall. The oven should be unplugged when cleaning. The catalytic
lining at the back does not need to be cleaned.
14. Grilling.
The oven will only operate on the GRILL function with the door
closed.
15. Fan Motor Operation.
After using the microwave oven, the fan motor may operate to cool the electric components.
This is normal and you can take out food even though the fan motor operates. You can
continue using the oven during this time.
16. Containers.
Before use, check that utensils/containers are suitable for use in microwave ovens.
17. Babies Bottles and Food Jars.
When reheating babies bottles always remove top and teat. Liquid
at the top of the bottle will be much hotter than that at the bottom
and must be shaken thoroughly before checking the temperature.
The lid must also be removed from babies food jars, the contents
must also be stirred or shaken before the temperature is checked.
This should be carried out before consumption in order to avoid
burns.
Important Information – Read Carefully

14
Microwave energy has been used in this country to cook and reheat food
since early experiments with RADAR in World War II. Microwaves are
present in the atmosphere all the time, both naturally and from manmade
sources.
Manmade sources include radar, radio, television, telecommunication links
and mobile phones.
Microwaving Principles
In a microwave oven, electricity is converted
into microwaves by the MAGNETRON.
REFLECTION
The microwaves bounce off the metal walls
and the metal door screen.
TRANSMISSION
Then they pass through the cooking
containers to be absorbed by the water
molecules in the food, all foods contain
water to a more or lesser extent.
HOW MICROWAVES COOK FOOD
13 Amp fused socket
Microwave Water Molecule Absorption Vibration
The microwaves cause the water molecules to vibrate which causes FRICTION, i.e.
HEAT. This heat then cooks the food. Microwaves are also attracted to fat and sugar
particles, and foods high in these will cook more quickly. Microwaves can only
penetrate to a depth of 11⁄2-2 inches (4-5 cm) and as heat spreads through the food by
conduction, just as in a traditional oven, the food cooks from the outside inwards.

15
The dish used to cook or reheat the food will get warm during cooking, as the heat
conducts from the food. Even in microwaving, oven gloves are required!
MICROWAVES CANNOT PASS THROUGH METAL AND THEREFORE METAL
COOKING UTENSILS CAN NEVER BE USED IN A MICROWAVE, FOR COOKING
ON MICROWAVE ONLY
Foods Not Suitable for Cooking by Microwave Only:
Yorkshire Puddings, Souffles, Double Crust Pastry Pies.
Because these foods rely on dry external heat to cook correctly, do not attempt to cook
by microwave.
Foods that require deep fat frying cannot be cooked either.
STANDING TIME
When a microwave oven is switched off, the food will continue to cook by
conduction – NOT BY MICROWAVE ENERGY. Hence STANDING TIME is very
important in microwaving, particularly for dense foods i.e. meat, cakes and reheated
meals (refer to page 16).
Boiled Eggs
Do not boil eggs in your microwave.
Raw eggs boiled in their shells can
explode and cause serious injury.
Important Notes

16
General Guidelines
STANDING TIME
Dense foods e.g. meat, jacket
potatoes and cakes, require a
STANDING TIME (inside or
outside of the oven) after cooking,
to allow heat to finish conducting
to cook the centre completely.
■MEAT JOINTS – Stand 15 mins. wrapped in aluminium foil.
■JACKET POTATOES – Stand 5 mins. wrapped in aluminium foil.
■LIGHT CAKES – Stand 5 mins. before removing from dish.
■RICH DENSE CAKES – Stand 15-20 mins.
■FISH – Stand 2-5 mins.
■EGG DISHES – Stand 2-3 mins.
■PRECOOKED CONVENIENCE FOODS – Stand for 5 mins.
■PLATED MEALS – Stand for 2-5 mins.
■VEGETABLES – Boiled potatoes benefit from standing
1-2 mins., however most other types of vegetables can be served immediately.
■DEFROSTING – It is essential to allow standing time to
complete the process. This can vary from 5 mins. e.g. raspberries, to up to 1 hour
for a joint of meat.
If food is not cooked after STANDING TIME, return to oven and cook for additional
time.

17
General Guidelines
DISH SIZE
Follow the dish sizes given
in the recipes, as these
affect the cooking and
reheating times. A quantity of
food spread in a bigger dish
cooks and reheats more
quickly.
QUANTITY
Small quantities cook faster
than large quantities, also
small meals will reheat more
quickly than large portions.
SPACING
Foods cook more quickly
and evenly if spaced apart.
NEVER pile foods on top of
each other.
PIERCING
The skin or membrane on
some foods will cause steam
to build up during cooking.
These foods must be pierced
or a strip of skin should be
peeled off before cooking to
allow the steam to escape.
Eggs, potatoes, apples,
sausages etc., will all need
to be pierced before cooking.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BOIL
EGGS IN THEIR SHELLS.
MOISTURE CONTENT
Many fresh foods e.g.
vegetables and fruit, vary in
their moisture content
throughout the season.
Jacket potatoes are a
particular example of this.
For this reason cooking
times may have to be
adjusted throughout the year.
Dry ingredients e.g. rice,
pasta, can dry out further
during storage and cooking
times may differ from
ingredients freshly
purchased.
CLING FILM
Cling film helps keep the
food moist and the trapped
steam assists in speeding up
cooking times. However, it
should be pierced before
cooking, to allow excess
steam to escape. Always
take care when removing
cling film from a dish as the
build-up of steam will be very
hot. Always purchase cling
film that states on the packet
“suitable for microwave
cooking” and use as a
covering only. Do not line
dishes with cling film. Do not
cover foods when cooking by
COMBINATION,
CONVECTION or GRILL.

18
General Guidelines
SHAPE
Even shapes cook evenly.
Food cooks better by
microwave when in a round
container rather than square.
DENSITY
Porous airy foods heat more
quickly than dense heavy
foods.
COVERING
Cover foods with microwave
cling film or a self-fitting lid.
Cover fish, vegetables,
casseroles, soups. Do not
cover sauces, jacket
potatoes, pastry items. Please
refer to cooking charts and
recipes for more information.
LIQUIDS
All liquids must be stirred
before and during heating.
Water especially must be
stirred before and during
heating, to avoid eruption.
Do not heat liquids that have
previously been boiled. DO
NOT OVERHEAT.
CHECKING FOOD
It is essential that food is
checked during and after a
recommended cooking time,
even if an AUTO PROGRAM
has been used (just as you
would check food cooked in a
conventional oven). Return
the food to the oven for
further cooking if necessary.
CLEANING
As microwaves work on food
particles, keep your oven
clean at all times. Stubborn
spots of food can be
removed by using a branded
oven cleaner, sprayed onto a
soft cloth, always wipe the
oven dry after cleaning. Avoid
cleaning any plastic parts
and door area. The catalytic
lining at the back is self
cleaning.
ARRANGING
Individual foods e.g. chicken
portions or chops, should be
placed on a dish so that the
thicker parts are to the
outside.
STARTING
TEMPERATURE
The colder the food, the
longer it takes to heat up.
Food from a fridge takes
longer to reheat than food at
room temperature.
TURNING AND
STIRRING
Some foods require stirring
during cooking. Meat and
poultry should be turned
after half the cooking time.

19
Containers to use
1. Fill a microwave safe measuring jug
with 300ml (1⁄2 pt) cold water.
2. Place it on the turntable alongside the
dish to be tested. If the dish you are
testing is a large dish, then stand the
measuring jug on top of the empty
dish.
3. Heat on HIGH power for
1 minute.
Result
If the dish is suitable for microwaving, it
will remain cool, whilst the water in the
jug will begin to feel warm. If the testing
dish feels warm, do not use as it is
obviously absorbing microwave energy.
N.B. This test does not apply to plastic or
metal based containers e.g. Le Creuset®
style dishes, which should not be used
as they are cast iron covered with
enamel.
Choosing the correct container is a very important factor in deciding the
success or failure of your cooking.
Testing Dishes for Suitability - For Microwave Cooking Only.
When unsure that a cooking container is suitable for
use in your microwave, check by the following test:
OVEN GLASS
Everyday glass that is heat resistant e.g. Pyrex®, is
ideal for Microwave, Convection or Combination
cooking. DO NOT USE FOR GRILLING. Do not use
delicate glass or lead crystal which may crack or arc.
CHINA AND CERAMIC
Everyday glazed china, porcelain or ceramic plates,
bowls, mugs and cups can be used if they are heat
resistant. Fine bone china should only be used for
reheating for short periods. Do not use dishes with a
metal rim or pattern. Do not use jugs or mugs with
glued handles, since the glue can melt. If dishes are
heat resistant they may be used on Convection and
Combination but not directly under the Grill.
QUICK CHECK GUIDE TO COOKING UTENSILS