How to use a microwave in order not to harm the device and your health? Not all users know the rules of operation and safety of a microwave oven. Most of those who bought “smart” household appliances prefer to master it on an intuitive level. But in vain: after reading the instructions, you can prevent many breakdowns.
What are microwaves
Many owners of microwave ovens are not aware of their operating principle and do not know how the food is heated and thawed in them. However, from the name itself it is clear that the main “protagonist” is microwaves.
This is ultra-high frequency electromagnetic radiation - 2.4 GHz. Many people remember from physics: 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 the frozen product in a pan, it will be warm on the outside and icy on the inside. In microwave ovens, the opposite is true. Here, waves penetrate inward. When you take out a warmed cake from your “smart” Samsung or LG oven, you will see that it is hot inside and warm on the surface.
A microwave is a short electromagnetic radio wave whose frequency almost coincides with the radiation frequency of 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 instructions that are always included. But how else to find out about the purpose of the buttons and the functions of the acquired equipment? Unless by experience - but it will take a lot of time, and you can inadvertently damage something.
The first thing that excites people who have bought a microwave is how to turn it on? At first use, proceed as follows:
- Place the appliance on a table, shelf, or other flat place.
- Turn on the device by inserting the plug into an electrical outlet.
- Now run the appliance. In different models, the inclusion can be carried out in different ways:
- button "Start" or "Cook";
- turning the timer - after setting the time, the stove turns on.
If the oven is working, it will work after switching on.
Why do I 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 its help, you can set how much the dish will cook.
Timers are different. The time can be set by turning the dial until the user-dialed value is displayed. It can also be set by a set of numbers using the keyboard. To choose the best time, see the information on the package or in the recipe.
The main mistakes of users
The biggest mistake is ignoring instructions. Without understanding the essence of the device, it is easy to provoke a breakdown.
It is important to understand: microwaves act only on H2O molecules. Therefore, only products containing water can be cooked in a microwave oven. When heating products with its low content, you need to put a container with liquid nearby.
If the stand does not rotate, the dish will not evenly heat up - it will burn from one side and will be raw from the other. This does not apply only to inverter models; they do not have a rotating pan.
It is important to remember: it is impossible to interrupt the given cooking process, add spices before the start or after completion.
How to extend the life of a microwave
Using the microwave according to the rules can significantly extend its life. A good stove can serve for five whole years without problems. If the oven is working:
- she works quietly;
- no sparking in the chamber;
- no odors;
- the door closes tightly.
Important! Remember, furnace breakdowns are also dangerous for its owner. If there is a malfunction, 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 advice of manufacturers. Forbidden:
- turn on the device with an empty camera;
- 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;
- with effort to wipe the protective screen - a plate of mica (it is located in the chamber, usually on the side wall);
- include in the presence of obvious defects: cracked glass, loose door, etc .;
- warm or boil eggs;
- load tightly sealed containers and food cans into the chamber.
Useful Tips
- Before starting the grill, place a cup of water inside.
- Close the door tightly.
- If you are going to preheat the products in a sandpaper or vacuum packaging, 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, cover the dish with a special lid. Due to splashes of grease and food debris, the mica shield may become unusable ahead of time.
- Do not leave the appliance unattended.
- Do not handle dishes immediately after turning off the appliance - you will get a steam burn.
- Wash the oven from food debris with soft sponges.
The average life of microwave ovens is five years. Following the recommendations of manufacturers, you can double it.
How to choose dishes
The specificity of microwave ovens is the ban on the use of metal utensils. Also, containers that are easily melting or very hot can not be placed in the chamber. It is better to use special dishes, on which it is written:
- for microware oven;
- microware oven safe;
- suitable for microware;
- pans for microwave ovens.
All of the following inscriptions indicate: this dish can be put in a microwave oven.
Non-special dishes, before putting in the oven, it is better to check. Put a glass of water inside, next to it is the dishes that you want to test. Turn on the device - you need to increase power to maximum. If after a minute the object does not heat up, you can use it for cooking.
Attention! It’s 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 put the oven on the refrigerator, it can be used exclusively for heating.
When installing a new device, the following nuances should be taken into account:
- Do not block ventilation.
- It is forbidden to place near equipment emitting radio waves - malfunctions may occur.
- Any instruction also states that it must 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.
- The surface for mounting the device should be as flat and firm as possible.
When transferring a microwave oven, note: the front is heavier than the back. You need to properly pick it up so as not to drop it and not break it.
What power affects
Proper use is impossible without knowledge related to the power of the device. The speed of operations and device capabilities depend on its size.
- 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 warming up, a power of at least 4.4-5.6 kW is required.
At maximum power, you can boil water or cook food, spending a minimum of time.
Before setting an action plan, familiarize yourself with the features of the product. Perhaps it needs to be thawed beforehand and only then cooked.
Care Rules
Microwave ovens save time for their owners, but require regular attention. Cleanliness of the camera 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.
Follow these rules:
- Before cleaning, be sure to unplug the appliance.
- To clean the camera thoroughly, remove the removable parts.
- Wash internal parts with warm soapy water. Wait to dry.
- 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-based products.
If dirt is found that cannot be washed or removed with a rag, turn on the vacuum cleaner. Use a thin nozzle. You can also clean the ventilation holes in this way.
If you bought Samsung
According to statistics, 20% of families use Korean brand microwave ovens. For all microwave ovens, the rules for maintenance and operation are almost the same.
Samsung stoves may differ from each other by the control panel. In digital models, control is performed using buttons, in analog - through manual control. The second option is simpler and cheaper, and, in addition, eliminates system errors. Touch models include many advanced features, such as self-cleaning.
When installing Samsung stoves, you should remember: you must maintain at least 20 cm of distance to any other objects.
Caution with a lock!
Those who are too lazy to read the instructions often encounter 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 instruction. So, for example, to remove the unit 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 warmed up, especially for meat, fish, poultry. After all, if bacteria remain in them, it can be harmful to health. It is recommended to cut them into pieces.
It is also useful to know:
- Solid products take longer to heat up than porous and soft ones.
- When warming up food for children, mix it after removing it from the chamber to uniformly warm the pieces of the mixture.
- Fruits and vegetables with a dense peel, pierce 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 modifications of the new generation, equipped with a mass of functions and modes.
A little zeal and attention, and your microwave oven will perfectly serve you for many years, and the food will be tasty, high-quality and safe.