Panasonic NN-GD371S Operating instructions

Operating Instructions and Cookbook
Microwave and Grill Oven
Model Number: NN-GD371S
Important safety instructions
Please read carefully and keep for future reference
For domestic use only

Important Notice
Thank you for purchasing a Panasonic Microwave Oven.
Your oven is rated 950 Watts (IEC). When using other cookbooks remember to adjust cooking
times accordingly. The symbol above, which is displayed on your oven door, indicates the heating
category for your oven when cooking or reheating convenience foods.
Your oven is rated ‘E’, which is very efcient. It is therefore very important that you refer carefully
to the packet instructions on convenience foods.
Some packet instructions only display information for B or D rated ovens. We therefore provide
additional guidelines for reheating and cooking on pages 32-38 of this book.
ALWAYS check the progress of the food as it cooks or reheats by simply opening the door. After
checking the progress of the foods, press START to continue the cooking time.
Failure to follow the instructions given in this Operating Instructions and Cookbook,
may affect the recipe result and in some instances may be dangerous.
(Customer Communications Centre 0844 844 3899
Selected Spares and Accessories:
Order direct on line at www.panasonic.co.uk or by telephoning the Customer Communications
Centre number above.
For Cookery Advice call: 01344 862108 (open Monday to Friday 9am - 12pm)
Alternatively visit our web site at www.theideaskitchen.co.uk
9
The IEC
(60705) power output
(watts)
The heating category for
small packs of food
Microwave symbol

1
Important safety instructions. Before
operating this oven, please read these
instructions carefully and keep for future
reference.
This appliance can be used by children
aged from 8 years and above and persons
with reduced physical, sensory and
mental capabilities or lack of experience
and knowledge if they have been given
supervision or instruction by a person
responsible for their safety concerning the
use of the appliance in a safe way and
understand the hazards involved. Children
shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning
and user maintenance shall not be made
by children without supervision. Keep the
appliance and its cord out of reach of
children less than 8 years.
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.

2
3
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be
replaced by the manufacturer or its service
agent or a similarly qualied person in order
to avoid a hazard.
Warning! The appliance should be
inspected for damage to the door seals
and door seal areas and if these areas
are damaged the appliance should not
be operated until it has been repaired
by a service technician trained by the
manufacturer.
Warning! Do not attempt to tamper with
or make any adjustments or repairs to the
door, control panel housing, safety interlock
switches or any other part of the oven. Do
not remove the outer panel from the oven
which gives protection against exposure to
microwave energy. Repairs should only be
by a qualied service person.
Liquids and other foods must not be
heated in sealed containers since they are
liable to explode.
Warning! Do not place this oven near an
electric or gas cooker range.

2
3
Warning! 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.
For Countertop use:
Allow 15 cm of space on the top of the
oven, 10 cm at the back, 5 cm on one side,
and the other side open.
When heating food in plastic or paper
containers, check the oven frequently
as these types of containers ignite if
overheated.
If smoke is emitted or a re occurs in the
oven, press Stop/Cancel button and leave
the door closed in order to stie any ames.
Disconnect the power cord, or shut off
power at fuse or circuit breaker panel.
When heating liquids, e.g. soup, sauces
and beverages in your 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.

4
5
The contents of feeding bottles and baby
food jars are to be stirred or shaken. The
temperature has to be checked before
consumption to avoid burns.
Do not cook eggs in their shells and whole
hard-boiled eggs by MICROWAVE. Pressure
may build up and the eggs may explode,
even after the microwave heating has
ended.
Clean the inside of the oven, door seals
and door seal areas regularly. When food
splatters or spilled liquids adhere to the
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 abrasive is not
recommended.
DO NOT USE COMMERCIAL OVEN
CLEANERS.
When using the GRILL or COMBINATION
mode, some foods may inevitably splatter
grease on to the oven walls. If the oven is
not cleaned occasionally, it may start to
“smoke” during use.

4
5
Failure to maintain the oven in a clean
condition could lead to deterioration of
surfaces that could affect the life of the
appliance and possibly result in a hazardous
situation.
Warning! The accessible parts may
become hot in combination use. Young
children should be kept away. Children
should only use the oven under adult
supervision due to the temperatures
generated.
This oven is intended for counter-top use
only. It is not intended for Built-in use or for
use inside a cupboard.
A steam cleaner is not to be used for
cleaning.
Do not use harsh, abrasive cleaners or
sharp metal scrapers to clean the oven door
glass since they can scratch the surface,
which may result in shattering of the glass.

6
7
Exterior oven surfaces, including air vents
on the cabinet and the oven door will get
hot during COMBINATION and GRILLING,
take care when opening or closing the door
and when inserting or removing food and
accessories.
This appliance is not intended to be
operated by means of an external timer or
separate remote-control system.
Only use utensils that are suitable for use in
microwave ovens.

6
7
Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Before using your oven ............... 10
Placement of your oven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Care & cleaning of your oven ........ 11-12
Maintenance of your oven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Parts of your oven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Outline diagram .....................14
Important information ..............15-17
Microwaving principles ................18
Control panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
General guidelines ................20-21
Containers to use .................22-23
Setting the clock .....................24
Child safety lock .....................24
Microwave cooking and defrosting .......25
Defrosting guidelines..................26
Defrosting charts .....................27
Grilling .............................28
Combination cooking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using the timer ......................30
Using the memory function .............31
Multistage cooking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Auto weight defrost ...................33
Auto weight reheat/cook programs ....34-36
Cooking and reheating guidelines........37
Reheating charts ..................38-40
Cooking charts ...................41-44
Recipes .........................45-52
Soups and Snacks.................45
Meat and Poultry ...............46-47
Fish............................48
Vegetables.......................49
Desserts/Cakes ................50-51
Sauces/Jam .....................52
Questions and answers................53
Technical specications................54
Contents

8
9
This appliance is supplied with a moulded
three pin mains plug for your safety and
convenience, which may be marked, and
rated, either 10 amps or 13 amps.
A 10 amp or 13 amp fuse is tted according
to the type of mains plug tted.
Should the fuse need to be replaced, please
ensure that the replacement fuse has the
correct rating for the type of mains plug
tted and that it is approved by ASTA or BSI
to BSI362.
Check for the ASTA mark or the BSI
mark on the body of the fuse.
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.
A replacement 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.
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 tted, please observe
the wiring code as shown opposite. If in any
doubt, please consult a qualied electrician
(For U.K. Models only).
Warning: this appliance must be earthed.
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.
Voltage & Power
The voltage used must be the same as
specied on this microwave oven. Using a
higher voltage than that which is specied
is dangerous and may result in a re or
other type of accident causing damage.
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.
Important safety instructions Please read carefully and keep for
future reference

8
9
Important safety instructions
Caution! hot surfaces
1. Exterior oven surfaces, including air
vents on the cabinet and the oven
door will get hot during combination
and grilling, take care when opening or
closing the door and when inserting or
removing food and accessories.
2. The oven has a heater situated in the
top of the oven. After using either
the grill or combination functions, the
inside surfaces of the oven will be very
hot. Care should be taken to avoid
touching any of the inside surfaces
near the heating element inside the
oven. N.B. After cooking by these
modes, the oven accessories
will be very hot.
3. In the case of electronic failure, the
oven can only be turned off at wall
socket.
WARNING!
Children should be kept away from the
oven at all times and should only be
allowed to operate the oven in combination
mode under supervision due to the
temperatures generated. Ensure that
children do not touch the hot outer casing
after operation of the oven.
WARNING!
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.
4. This appliance can be used by
children aged from 8 years and above
and persons with reduced physical,
sensory and mental capabilities or
lack of experience and knowledge if
they have been given supervision or
instruction by a person responsible
for their safety concerning the use
of the appliance in a safe way and
understand the hazards involved.
Children shall not play with the
appliance. Cleaning and user
maintenance shall not be made by
children without supervision. Keep the
appliance and its cord out of reach of
children less than 8 years.
Storage of Accessories
5. Do not store any objects inside the
oven in case it is accidentally turned
on.
Before Use
6. Before using Combination or Grill
function for the rst time operate the
oven without food and accessories
(including glass turntable and roller
ring) on GRILL 1 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. Caution: All inside surfaces
of the oven will be hot.
7. This appliance is not intended to be
operated by means of an external
timer or separate remote control
system.
DO NOT OPERATE THE OVEN
EMPTY. (Apart from in point 6 above).
The appliance must not be operated
by MICROWAVE or COMBINATION
WITHOUT FOOD IN THE OVEN.
Operation when empty will
damage the appliance.

10
11
This oven is intended for counter-top use
only. It is not intended for built-in use or for
use inside a cupboard.
1. Oven must be placed on a at, stable
surface 850mm above oor level. For
proper operation, the oven must have
sufcient air ow, 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 the air vents on the
sides and back of the oven. If these
openings are blocked during operation
the oven may overheat. In this case
the oven is protected by a thermal
safety device and resumes operation
only after cooling down. The oven will
remain inoperable with a blank display
until it has cooled.
4. Do not use outdoors.
Examine Your Oven
1. 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.
Guarantee
2. Your receipt is your guarantee, please
keep safely.
Cord
3. If the supply cord of this appliance
is damaged, it must be replaced by the
manufacturer or it’s service agent or
a similarly qualied person in order to
avoid a hazard.
Note
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.
Before using your oven
5cm
15cm
10cm
Placement of your oven

10
11
Important
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.
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. Take care when cleaning
around the microwave feed guide.
3. After use, the oven interior should be
wiped out to remove any remaining
water in order to reduce the risk of
corrosion to the cavity and door.
The cavity and door can be damaged
by abrasive cleaners and sharp objects
so care must be taken to avoid damage
caused in this way. If the cavity or
door become damaged the lining may
begin to corrode. Providing the above
precautions are taken regarding the
cleaning and care of your oven the life of
the cavity and door may be extended.
4. 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.
5. If the control panel becomes dirty,
clean with a soft, dry cloth. Do not
use harsh detergents or abrasives on
the 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.
6. Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners
or sharp metal scrapers to clean the
oven door glass since they can
scratch the surface, which may result in
shattering of the glass.
7. Keep air vents clear at all times.
Check that no dust or other material
is blocking any of the air vents on the
top, bottom or rear of the oven. If air
vents become blocked this could cause
overheating which would affect the
operation of the oven and possibly result
in a hazardous situation.
8. 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.
9. It is occasionally necessary to remove
the glass turntable for cleaning. Wash
the turntable in warm soapy water. Do
not place in the dishwasher.
Care & cleaning of your oven

12
13
Service
1. WHEN YOUR OVEN REQUIRES
A SERVICE call your local
Panasonic engineer (Customer
Communications Centre on
0844 844 3899 can recommend an
engineer).
WARNING! 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.
Door Seals
2. 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.
WARNING!
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.
Oven Light
3. 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.
Selected Spares and Accessories
4. These may be ordered direct; on line
at www.panasonic.co.uk or
by telephoning the Customer
Communications Centre on
0844 844 3899. Most major credit
and debit cards accepted. Ensure you
quote the correct model number.
Maintenance of your oven
10. The roller ring and oven cavity oor
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.
After removing the roller ring from cavity
oor for cleaning, be sure to replace it in
the proper position.
11. When GRILLING or cooking by
COMBINATION, 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 difcult to clean later.
12. A steam cleaner is not to be used for
cleaning.
13. Users are advised to avoid any
downward pressure on the microwave
door when in the open position. There
is a safety risk that the oven will tilt
forward.
Care & cleaning of your oven

12
13
1. Do not operate the oven without the
Roller Ring and Glass Turntable in
place.
2. Only use the Glass Turntable
specically 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 or Auto Program
Jacket Potatoes.
5. If food or utensils on the Glass
Turntable touch the oven walls this will
cause the turntable to stop moving.
It will then 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 3 Kg (6lb 10oz) (this includes total
weight of food and dish).
7. While cooking by MICROWAVE or
COMBINATION the turntable may
vibrate. This will not affect cooking
performance.
8. The metal Grill Rack must ONLY
be used as directed for GRILLING
and COMBINATION cooking. Never
use this on MICROWAVE only. Do
not use if operating the oven with less
than 200 g(7oz) of food on a manual
Combination program. 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 accidentally,
or the grill rack has been damaged.
If this occurs, stop the machine
immediately.
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.
Parts of your oven

14
15
1. Door release
Press to open the door. When you
open the oven door during cooking,
the cooking is stopped temporarily
without clearing earlier made settings.
The cooking is resumed as soon
as the door is closed and Start button
pressed.
2. See-through oven window
3. Door safety lock system
4. Oven air vent
5. Microwave feed guide
(do not remove)
6. External oven air vents
7. Control panel
8. Power supply cord
9. Plug
10. Identication Plate
11. Glass turntable
The glass turntable and roller ring
are the only accessories used for
Microwave cooking.
12. Roller ring
(i). The Roller Ring and
oven oor should be cleaned
frequently to prevent excessive noise.
(ii). The Roller Ring must always be used
together with the Glass turntable for
cooking.
13. Grill elements
14. Caution label (Hot surfaces)
15. Grill rack
16. Menu label
Outline diagram
1
12
14
2
7
9
3
11
15
10
5 6
6
4
16
Note
This illustration is for reference only.
13

14
15
Safety
If smoke is emitted or a re occurs in the
oven, press Stop/Cancel button and leave
the door closed in order to stie any ames.
Disconnect the power cord, or shut off
power at fuse or 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 rst checking the
food.
Cooking times given in the cookbook
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
re and possibly damage the interior of
the oven.
Small quantities of food
Take care when heating small quantities
of food as these can easily burn, dry out
or catch re if cooked too long. Always set
short cooking times and check the food
frequently.
NEVER OPERATE THE OVEN
WITHOUT FOOD INSIDE.
Foods low in moisture
Take care when heating foods low in
moisture, eg bread items, chocolate,
popcorn, biscuits and pastries. These
can easily burn, dry out or catch on re if
cooked too long. We do not recommend
heating foods low in moisture such as
popcorn or poppadoms. This oven has
been developed for food use. We do not
recommend that it is used for heating non
food items such as wheat bags or hot water
bottles.
Christmas Pudding
Christmas puddings and other foods high in
fats or sugar, eg. jam, mince pies, must not
be over heated. These foods must never be
left unattended as with over cooking these
foods can ignite.
Boiled 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.
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

16
17
WARNING!
Liquids and other foods must not be
heated in sealed containers since they are
liable to explode.
Liquids
When heating liquids, e.g. 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.
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.
Deep Fat Frying
Do not attempt to deep fat fry in your oven.
Meat Thermometer
Use a meat thermometer to check the
degree of cooking of joints 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.
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 recycled paper products,
e.g. Kitchen roll unless they say they are
specically designed for use in a microwave
oven. These products contain impurities
which may cause sparks and/or res when
used.
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 75˚C with a
food thermometer – but remember do not
use this thermometer inside the microwave).
For foods that cannot be stirred, eg 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.
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.
Important information – read carefully

16
17
Fan Motor operation
After using the oven the fan motor may
rotate for a few minutes 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.
Grilling
The oven will only operate on the GRILL
function with the door closed.
Utensils/Containers
Before use check that utensils / containers
are suitable for use in microwave ovens.
See pages 22-23.
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 to avoid burns.
See page 37.
Arcing
Arcing may occur if a metal container has
been used accidentally or if the incorrect
weight of food is used or the grill rack has
been damaged. Arcing is when blue ashes
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.
Maximum a weight on Turntable
The maximum weight that can be placed
on the turntable is 3 Kg (6lb 10oz) (this
includes total weight of food and dish).
Important information – read carefully

18
19
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.
In a microwave oven, electricity is converted
into microwaves by the MAGNETRON.
How Microwaves cook food
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 1½ -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.
Important notes
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.
Reection
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.
Foods Not Suitable for Cooking
by Microwave Only
Yorkshire Puddings and Soufes. This is
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 20).
Boiled Eggs
Do not boil eggs in your microwave. Raw
eggs boiled in their shells can explode and
cause serious injury.
Microwaving principles
Magnetron
Oven Cavity
Turntable
Waveguide