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How to Use a Microwave
For many of us, re-heating food and occasionally defrosting leftovers is the limit of our microwave know-how. So, most people don’t know they can be used to cook full dishes too, not just ready meals.
We’ve put together a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your appliance, we’ll cover the basics of how to safely use your microwave while touching on the game-changing features you didn’t even know you had at your fingertips.
Understanding Your Microwave
So, how does a microwave work? They use electromagnetic waves to heat food by causing water molecule to vibrate and produce heat.
There are different types of microwaves that offer different functions. Knowing the difference will help pick the right one for your kitchen.
Standard Microwaves
Standard microwaves do everything you might expect, like defrosting and reheating. They can do some cooking, but mostly simple dishes like baked potatoes, veggies, and popcorn. They’re a great choice for anyone who wants a cost-effective appliance that won’t take up much counter space.
Combination Microwaves
On the other hand, combination microwave ovens can handle all those standard features while being able to brown, roast, and crisp food. A great addition to your kitchen if you always find yourself on Sunday dinner duty.
Microwave with Grills
Looking for something more versatile? Microwave ovens with a grill come with the heating power of a microwave and the ability to rustle up some crispy bacon. Delicious.
Built-In Microwaves
These are specially designed to be fitted into a cabinet unit or within the wall. It’s a sleek, stylish option for those who want to save on counter space, and it fits right into more modern kitchen designs. These can be standard, combination, and with grills or other features – so the space needed might change depending on the model.
Top Tips for Microwave Maintenance
To keep your microwave making masterpiece meals for years to come, you’ll want to make sure you’re keeping it in top condition. Regular cleaning, troubleshooting common issues, and following care instructions should be top of your list to keep your appliance going.
Splatters & Spills
Splatters and spills happen all the time. But when left to build up, they can cause issues in the long term, affecting performance and causing nasty smells. To keep a handle on things, wipe the interior with a damp cloth or sponge regularly. For more stubborn stains, a mixture of mild dish soap and water works well to do away with dirt. Don’t forget to clean the removable turntable and exterior as well.
What to Avoid
There are some good-to-know tips to make sure you’re using your microwave safely while you keep it in good condition. Never use metal or aluminium foil in the appliance, these will spark causing damage and potential danger. The same goes for liquids and foods that are overheated, these will splatter in the interior and can be dangerous to handle when trying to take them out.
Troubleshooting
If you do run into any issues with your microwave, there are some common issues that you can troubleshoot at home. If it’s not heating your food properly, make sure the power settings are correct, and that the door is fully closed. If the turntable isn’t rotating as it should be, make sure it’s clean and aligned correctly. If you notice sparks or strange noises while a programme is running, turn the machine off, and check inside for any metal objects.
Panasonic NN-CT56JBBPQ 27 Litre 31cm High, Freestanding Small Combination Microwave Oven - Black
Bosch Series 4 CMA583MS0B 44 Litre 45cm High, Built In Combination Microwave Oven - Stainless Steel
Smeg Universal MOE34CXIUK 34 Litre 31cm High, Freestanding Small Combination Microwave Oven - Stainless Steel
NEFF N50 HLAWD23G0B 20 Litre 38cm High, Built In Small Microwave - Graphite Grey
NEFF N50 C1AMG84G0B 44 Litre 45cm High, Built In Combination Microwave Oven - Graphite
Samsung MC32DG7646CKE3 32 Litre 33cm High, Freestanding Combination Microwave Oven - Black
Bosch Series 4 BFL523MS0B 20 Litre 38cm High, Built In Small Microwave - Stainless Steel
AEG MBB1756SEM 17 Litre 37cm High, Built In Small Microwave - Stainless Steel
Beko Compact Solo MOC20240G 20 Litre 26cm High, Freestanding Small Microwave - Graphite
Tower Cavaletto T24038RGG 20 Litre 26cm High, Freestanding Small Standard Microwave Oven - Grey
FAQs
- How do you properly use a microwave?
Put the food you want to heat in a microwave-proof dish or container, you might want to loosely cover it too if you think it might splatter. Pop it on the rotating plate and close the door. Then, pick the programme that best suits your meal (check the user manual if you’re not sure which your model has) and it’ll begin after a couple of seconds.
- What are 5 rules for using a microwave?
1. Always use microwave-safe containers.
2. Never put metal items inside the microwave.
3. Don’t microwave sealed containers.
4. Defrost food all the way before cooking it.
5. Never run the microwave while it’s empty.
- What should I do for the first time I use a microwave?
When you’re using a new microwave for the first time, you should read the manual to get to grips with the features and settings. Then, you should take a good look to make sure there are no signs of damage or anything defective. While looking around the appliance, you should also get rid of any packaging material that might be placed inside. Although it’s new out of the box, some people like to give the inside a quick wipe down with a wet cloth before first use. Then, you’re good to go — what will you cook up first?
- How do I know what settings my microwave has?
Most microwaves share common settings like reheating and defrosting but many models boast unique features that set them apart from the rest. The best way to find out which your appliance has is to read the user manual; it’ll tell you about its features, what they do, and how to use them.
