The microwave is a very useful tool for warming up leftovers and cooking quickly. However, you may not know exactly how to use this tool safely and correctly. Or, you may just need to determine which foods can be reheated and cooked with this appliance. Make sure to install the microwave properly so that it is safe and easy to use. After that, you can use it to quickly warm up food. You can also microwave certain foods, such as frozen foods, vegetables, fish, and popcorn. It's a good idea to take care of your microwave by cleaning it regularly so that it continues to function properly.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Installing the Microwave
Step 1. Place the microwave on a flat, dry surface
A clean kitchen counter or a hardwood table is suitable for placing a microwave. Do not place this appliance near a gas cylinder or a power source, for example near a stove.
Make sure that the microwave air duct on one side is not blocked by anything
Step 2. Make sure the swivel ring and glass plate are securely in place
Most microwaves come with a rotating ring made of plastic and a round glass plate. These swivel rings and glass plates should fit snugly in the microwave. Meanwhile, the glass plate should be able to rotate easily and smoothly around the swivel ring.
Step 3. Connect the microwave to a grounded wall power source
Be sure to use a power source with a current of 20 A. That way, you can ensure the safety of the power source for the microwave.
- Note that microwaves from one country may not work in another. Electrical circuits in the US, Canada, and Japan typically use a 110 V 60 Hz system. Meanwhile, in Europe, Asia, and other countries using the 220 V 60 Hz system.
- Choose a power source that is not used by other electronic devices.
Step 4. Pay attention to the microwave feature
Check the number on the front of the microwave, from 1-9. You can use this number to set the cooking time or heating time. There should also be a Start button on the front to turn on the microwave. Most microwaves also have a clock that can be set according to the instructions for use.
Microwaves may also have reheat, defrost, and cook settings according to the model. This setting can be used to automatically heat food according to your choice, whether just reheating, defrosting, or cooking
Method 2 of 4: Warming Food
Step 1. Reheat leftovers cooked 1-4 days ago
Leftovers from 5 days ago should not be reheated or eaten because they are most likely stale or overgrown with bacteria so they are not safe to eat.
Step 2. Arrange the food in a circle on a ceramic plate or glass bowl
Stacking food in the middle of a plate or bowl will heat up the edges faster than the center. To avoid this from happening, arrange the food evenly in a circle up to the edge of the bowl or plate. That way, your food will be warmed evenly.
- Be sure to always use ceramic or glass containers when warming food in the microwave. Metal containers can cause sparks in the microwave, creating a fire risk.
- Avoid using any type of ceramic or glass container that has metal chips or gold plates as they can also cause sparks in the microwave.
Step 3. Cover the food with a thick layer of plastic
To prevent food splashes from contaminating the microwave, it's a good idea to cover it before heating it in the microwave. Use a conical cover made of thick, strong, microwave-resistant plastic. You can buy these microwave-safe plastic covers online.
- The plastic cover will also help trap the hot steam while the food is heating. That way, your food won't dry out.
- You can also use paper towels or parchment paper to cover the food if you're in a hurry. Just don't leave the paper towels for more than 1 minute because there's a risk of burning them if you leave them in the microwave any longer.
Step 4. Warm the food little by little
Determining when to warm leftovers in the microwave can be a little tricky. Therefore, start by heating the food for 1 minute. After that, remove the food from the microwave and check that it is warm enough. Stir the food and observe the hot steam coming out, then feel if the temperature is warm enough.
- If it's not warm enough, put the food back in the microwave for 30 seconds. Continue heating the food at 30 second to 1 minute intervals until it is warm enough.
- Heating little by little will help prevent the food from overcooking and spoiling the taste.
Step 5. Heat certain foods separately so they don't get wet or dry
Depending on the type of leftovers, you may have to separate them into portions and heat them one at a time. Preheat solid foods such as meat as they take longer to warm. After that, add softer foods like pasta or vegetables to the plate and continue the heating process.
For example, if you want to reheat a hamburger, put the meat in the microwave first. After that, just add the bread. Heating the bacon and hamburger buns at the same time will make them soggy
Step 6. Do not reheat pizza, casserole, or meat in the microwave
Some cooked foods are not suitable for microwave heating because they will become wet or otherwise dry. Instead of putting leftover pizza in the microwave, it's best to prepare a baking sheet and preheat it in the oven instead. Meanwhile, you can warm up the casserole in the oven by adding a little water and covering it with a layer of foil until it's really hot.
It's best not to reheat dishes made from beef, chicken, or pork in the microwave as this will make them very dry and tough. Instead, heat this dish in the oven or in a skillet and stove
Method 3 of 4: Microwave Cooking
Step 1. Defrost ready-to-eat or frozen food in the microwave
Follow the directions on food labels for proper cooking times. Your microwave may have a defrost button that can be used to cook frozen foods. You can also try to cook food in the following ratio: 7 minutes for every about 0.5 kg of food.
- Always place frozen food in ceramic or glass containers before cooking in the microwave.
- Be sure to stir the food once after cooking to ensure that no parts are still frozen or cold. If there are still parts of it frozen, put the food back in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it cooks evenly.
Step 2. Steam the vegetables in the microwave
Place raw vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower on a ceramic plate or glass bowl. You can add a little water or add a little butter to help with the steaming process. Cover the vegetables with a microwave-proof lid. After that, cook these vegetables in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the vegetables and cook at 1 minute intervals until evenly cooked.
You can add ground black pepper, salt, and other seasonings to the steamed vegetables to enhance their taste once they are cooked
Step 3. Microwave the fish
Season raw fish with salt, pepper and lemon juice. After that, place the fish on a ceramic plate and cover it with microwave-safe plastic. Cook the fish for 1-2 minutes in the microwave until the edges turn white and lighter. Watch the fish carefully as it cooks. Don't overcook the fish.
The cooking time of the fish is determined by the size, shape and thickness of the meat
Step 4. Microwave popcorn
Read the instructions on the popcorn package to determine the correct cooking time. You have to open the label on the popcorn package and then place it right side up in the microwave. After that, cook the popcorn until it's bubbling and hot.
Some microwave models have a special button for making popcorn
Step 5. Do not microwave soups or sauces
Soups and sauces can easily rise to an excessive temperature and explode if cooked in the microwave. So, cook the soup on the stove to avoid exploding in the microwave.
Method 4 of 4: Microwave Care
Step 1. Clean the microwave once a week
Use a damp cloth to clean the inside of the microwave. Remove food debris with natural cleaners such as baking soda and water. You can also mix water with mild dish soap to clean the microwave.
Make it a habit to clean your microwave once a week to keep it clean and functioning properly
Step 2. Remove the smell with water and lemon
After a while, the microwave will start to smell, especially if it's not cleaned regularly. Remove odors in the microwave by placing 250-350 ml of water and the juice and zest of 1 lemon in a glass bowl. After that, put the bowl in the microwave and heat it for 4-5 minutes.
Once the lemon juice is boiling, use oven mitts to remove it from the microwave. Finally, use a clean cloth to clean the inside of the microwave
Step 3. Repair the microwave if it is faulty or unusable
If your microwave doesn't heat food well or takes a long time to cook, take it to a repair shop. In addition, you can also contact the microwave manufacturer for assistance with repairs, especially if your microwave is still under warranty.
Do not use a microwave that gives off sparks or smells like burning. Unplug the microwave from the power source and take it to a repairman to make sure it is safe to use
Tips
Make good use of the buttons on the microwave, for a quick boil or cook, press the "EZ-ON" or "30-sec" button, and on the TrueCookPlus microwave press the "TrueCookPlus" button, enter the correct code, and press "START"
Warning
- Do not use a microwave that is on when the door is open as heating it for too long can burn it.
- Do not turn on the microwave if there is nothing in it as this could cause damage.
- Do not heat dry food or oil as this can cause a fire in the microwave.
-
Be careful about heating the water in the microwave.
Water can be superheated, i.e. it reaches a temperature much higher than its boiling point when it's not boiling. So, do not heat the hot water in the microwave and always Wait about 1 minute for the water temperature to cool slightly.
