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How to use a microwave oven so as not to harm the device and your health? Not all users know the rules of operation and safety of the microwave oven. Most of those who bought “smart” household appliances prefer to master it on an intuitive level. But in vain: by reading the instructions, you can prevent many breakdowns.
What are microwaves
Many owners of microwave ovens are not aware of their principle of operation and do not know how food is heated and defrosted in them. However, from the name itself it is clear that the main “actor” is microwaves.
This is electromagnetic radiation of ultra-high frequency – 2,4 GHz. From physics, many people remember: when a substance is heated, its molecules accelerate – first those that are closer to heat, and then they share energy with other, distant molecules.
If you put a frozen product in a pan, it will be warm on the outside and icy on the inside. In microwave ovens, the opposite is true. There are waves that penetrate inside. When you take a heated cake out of your Samsung or LG “smart” oven, you will see that it is hot inside and warm on the surface.
A microwave is a short electromagnetic radio wave, the frequency of which is almost the same as the frequency of radiation from mobile phones. That is why mobile communications do not work well near microwave ovens.
Bought a microwave oven – what to do
If you are just getting acquainted with the microwave device, you need an instruction manual that comes with the package. How else can you find out about the purpose of the buttons and the functions of the purchased equipment? Unless by experience – but this will take a lot of time, and you can inadvertently damage something.
The first thing that worries people who have bought a microwave oven is how to turn it on? When using for the first time, proceed as follows:
- Place the appliance on a table, shelf, or other level place.
- Turn on the machine by inserting the plug into the power outlet.
- Now start the device. In different models, the inclusion can be carried out in different ways: – the “Start” or “Cook” button; – by turning the timer – after setting the time, the stove turns on.
If the oven is working properly, after turning it on, it will work.
Why you need a timer
The timer in some models plays the role of a switch, but its main purpose is to regulate the cooking time. With it, you can set how long the dish will be cooked.
Timers are different. The time can be set by turning the dial until the value entered by the user lights up. It can also be set by dialing numbers using the keyboard. To find the optimal time, look at the information on the package or in the recipe.
Main user mistakes
The biggest mistake is ignoring instructions. Without understanding the essence of the operation of the device, it is easy to provoke its breakdown.
It is important to understand that microwaves only act on H2O molecules. Therefore, only food containing water can be cooked in a microwave oven. When heating foods with a low content of it, a container with liquid should be placed nearby.
If the stand does not rotate, the dish will not heat up evenly – it will burn on one side and be raw on the other. This does not apply only to inverter models, they do not have a rotating tray.
It is important to remember: you cannot interrupt the set cooking process, add spices before the start or after completion.
How to extend the life of your microwave
Using a microwave oven according to the rules, you can significantly extend its life. A good stove can serve without malfunctions for a whole five years and even more. If the oven is working:
- she works quietly;
- no sparks in the chamber;
- no odors;
- door closes tightly.
Important! Remember, furnace breakdowns are also dangerous for its owner. If there are malfunctions, immediately take the microwave to a service center.
The duration of operation depends on compliance with the rules of use: use special dishes and cook, taking into account the recommendations of the developers.
So that the first use does not bring disappointment, it is important to follow the manufacturers’ recommendations. It is forbidden:
- turn on the device with an empty chamber;
- turn on the device if the weight of the food is less than 50 g;
- use metal utensils;
- exceed a reasonable cooking time – there is a risk of fire;
- forcefully wipe the protective screen – a mica plate (it is located in the chamber, usually on the side wall);
- include in the presence of obvious defects: cracked glass, loosely closed door, etc.;
- warm or boil eggs;
- load tightly sealed containers and cans with food into the chamber.
Useful Tips
- Place a cup of water inside before starting the grill.
- Close the door tightly.
- If you are going to reheat food in a skin or vacuum-packed, pierce them with a sharp object in several places before turning on the stove.
- To keep the chamber clean, and you do not have to wash it every time after cooking, close the dish with a special lid. Due to splashes of grease and food residues, the mica protective screen may become unusable ahead of time.
- Do not leave the device unattended.
- Do not handle the dishes immediately after turning off the appliance – you will get a steam burn.
- Wash the oven from food residues with soft sponges.
The average lifespan of microwave ovens is five years. By following the recommendations of the manufacturers, you can double it.
How to choose the dishes
The specificity of microwave ovens is the ban on the use of metal utensils. Also, containers that melt easily or become very hot should not be placed in the chamber. It is better to use special dishes that say:
- for microware oven;
- microware oven safe;
- suitable for microware;
- bowls for microwaves.
All of the above inscriptions indicate: this dish can be placed in a microwave oven.
It is better to check non-special dishes before putting them in the oven. Place a glass of water inside, next to the dishes you want to test. Turn on the device – you need to increase the power to the maximum. If after a minute the object does not heat up, you can use it for cooking.
Attention! It is better to buy round dishes: a lot of heat accumulates in the corners, and the plate may burn a little.
Where to put the microwave
The location of the microwave oven determines its capabilities. For example, if you hoist the oven on the refrigerator, it can be used exclusively for heating.
When installing a new device, consider the following nuances:
- Ventilation must not be blocked.
- It is forbidden to place near equipment that emits radio waves – malfunctions may occur.
- Any instruction also says that it should not be placed near a heat source.
- You can put the stove on other household appliances, but you must first make sure that the vibrations from the microwave do not harm it.
Read the review “Can you put a microwave on the refrigerator».
- The surface for installing the device should be as even and firm as possible.
When moving a microwave oven, keep in mind: the front is heavier than the back. You need to properly pick it up so as not to drop it and break it.
What influences power
Proper use is impossible without knowledge related to the power of the device. The speed of operations and the capabilities of the device depend on its value.
- 1,4 kW – enough to soften butter or ice cream, raise yeast dough.
- 1,4-2,8 kW – you can defrost and melt food.
- 2,8-4,2 kW – enough for baking.
- For a good warm-up, a power of at least 4,4-5,6 kW is required.
At maximum power, you can boil water or cook food in a minimum of time.
Before setting a program of action, familiarize yourself with the features of the preparation of the product. It may need to be thawed first and only then cooked.
Care instructions
Microwave ovens save time for their owners, but require regular attention. The cleanliness of the chamber is an important condition for the correct functioning of the equipment. Timely care will prevent the appearance of odors and grease on the walls of the chamber and on the mica screen.
Stick to these rules:
- Be sure to unplug the appliance before cleaning.
- To clean the camera thoroughly, remove the removable parts.
- Wash internal parts with warm soapy water. Wait for drying.
- It is better not to use water, so as not to get inside the device, you need to use a damp sponge.
- It is forbidden to clean the stove with metal brushes – the coating may be damaged.
- It is forbidden to use alkaline and chlorine-containing products.
If you find dirt that cannot be washed or removed with a rag, turn on the vacuum cleaner. Use a thin nozzle. Ventilation openings can also be cleaned in this way.
If you bought a Samsung
According to statistics, 20% of families use Korean brand microwave ovens. For all microwave ovens, the rules for care and operation are almost the same.
Samsung stoves may differ from each other in the control panel. In digital models, control is carried out using buttons, in analog models – through manual control. The second option is simpler and cheaper, and, in addition, eliminates system errors. Touch models include many additional features, such as self-cleaning.
When installing Samsung stoves, remember: you need to maintain at least 20 cm distance to any other objects.
Be careful with blocking!
Those who are too lazy to read the instructions often face the problem of blocking. Most modern models are equipped with a useful feature – child protection. However, it happens that it becomes an obstacle for owners who cannot unlock the microwave.
The unlocking procedure is described in each manual. So, for example, to remove the block in the Samsung CE1110R, you need to simultaneously press the “Microwave”, “Grill” and “Convection” buttons.
How to cook
It is important that the products are evenly heated, especially for meat, fish, poultry. After all, if bacteria remain in them, you can harm your health. It is recommended to cut them into pieces.
It is also useful to know:
- Hard foods take longer to heat up than porous and soft foods.
- When reheating baby food, stir it after removing it from the cooking chamber to evenly heat the mixture pieces.
- Fruits and vegetables with a dense skin should be pierced before cooking.
By carefully studying the operating instructions for your microwave, you can avoid many problems and extend its service life. This is especially important for new generation modifications, equipped with a mass of functions and modes.
A little diligence and attention, and your microwave oven will serve you flawlessly for many years, and the food will be tasty, of high quality and safe.