The microwave is very useful for reheating leftovers and cooking food quickly. However, you may have doubts about how to use it correctly and safely or you need to go through the list of things you can heat and cook in this appliance. Make sure you've set it up so it's simple and safe to use. You can reheat food in the microwave for a quick meal or snack; you can also prepare some foods such as frozen meals, vegetables, fish and popcorn. You should take good care of it by cleaning it regularly so that it continues to function well.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Set up the Microwave
Step 1. Place it on a flat, dry surface
A neat kitchen counter or a sturdy wooden table is perfect; do not place the appliance near a gas or electrical system, such as a stove.
Make sure the side vents aren't blocked
Step 2. Check that the rotating ring and platter are securely inserted
Most models are equipped with a plastic ring and a round glass plate; both should rest firmly on the base of the oven and the plate should rotate on the ring smoothly and in a smooth motion.
Step 3. Insert the plug into a grounded electrical outlet
To be able to use the device safely, make sure that the voltage of the home network is compatible with that used by the microwave.
Choose an outlet that is not already in use by another household appliance or electronic device
Step 4. Look at the characteristics of the oven
Check the numbers that appear on the front, which typically range from 1 to 9; you can use them to set cooking or heating time. There should also be a start button that is used to turn on the microwave; Most models also have a clock that you can adjust by following the instructions provided.
Depending on the specific type of microwave, there may also be functions for defrosting, reheating and cooking food; these activate automatic programs to treat the dishes in the desired way
Method 2 of 4: Heat the Food
Step 1. Reheat leftovers that are 1-4 days old
Older ones should not be reheated or consumed, as it is very likely that they are spoiled or contain too many bacteria to be safely eaten.
Step 2. Arrange the food in a circle on a ceramic plate or in a glass bowl
If you stack them in the center, the ones along the edges heat up faster than the foods in the center; avoids this phenomenon by creating a circle along the perimeter of the plate or container. In this way, the product heats up evenly.
- Always use a ceramic or glass dish when heating food in the microwave. Plastic ones melt and can contaminate food, while metal ones give off sparks that can start a fire.
- Avoid ceramic or glass containers decorated with gold edges or pieces of metal because they generate sparks.
Step 3. Cover the food with a thick layer of plastic
To prevent splashes from dirtying the inside of the oven, close the container before inserting it; uses a thick plastic dome which is specially designed for this appliance and is available online.
- The dome also holds the steam inside, preventing the food from drying out as it heats up;
- If you don't have any better, you can also use kitchen paper or wax paper; however, avoid leaving it on food for more than a minute or it could catch fire inside the microwave.
Step 4. Heat small portions at a time
It is not easy to understand how long you can reheat cooked food; for this reason, start with one minute, take the dish out of the oven and check if it is hot enough for your needs. Mix the food and taste it.
- If it's not hot enough, put it back in the oven for another 30-60 seconds. Continue like this until the heat reaches the desired level.
- By proceeding gradually, you ensure that you do not overheat the product or spoil its flavor.
Step 5. Heat some foods separately to prevent them from becoming dry or mushy
Depending on the dish you are preparing, you have to separate the various elements of the leftovers to heat them individually; start with the denser ones, since they need more time, then move on to the lighter ones, such as cooked pasta or vegetables, and bring them to a temperature that is pleasant for the palate.
For example, if you are reheating a hamburger, put the meat on the plate to put it in the microwave and only add the bread afterwards, as if you heat the products together, the bread becomes mushy
Step 6. Do not reheat pizza, flans or meat
Some cooked foods do not react well to microwaving becoming soft or dry; instead of putting a leftover slice of pizza in this appliance, reheat it in the oven on top of a baking sheet. As for the flans, put them in the oven with a little water and cover the pan with aluminum foil until the surface boils.
Do not reheat cooked meat such as beef, chicken or pork, as microwaving tends to make it dry and chewy; instead use the traditional oven or a pan on the stove
Method 3 of 4: Microwave Food
Step 1. Thaw ready meals and food in the microwave
Follow the instructions on the package of the pre-cooked meals to know the correct preparation time. The appliance should have a "defrost" function that you can use to cook frozen food; alternatively, you can respect this proportion: 7 minutes of cooking for each half kilogram of product.
- Always place food in ceramic or glass containers before defrosting it in the microwave;
- Once cooked, remember to mix the dish to make sure there are no cold or frozen parts; in this case, you can put the container back in the microwave and heat everything for another 30-60 seconds.
Step 2. Steam the vegetables
Place raw vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, in a ceramic plate or glass bowl. you can add a little water or butter to help cook. Cover the container with the dome and activate the oven for 2-3 minutes; mix the vegetables and cook them every minute until ready.
You can add black pepper, salt, and other spices to enhance the flavor of the vegetables once cooked
Step 3. Cook the fish
Season it with salt, pepper and a sprinkle of lemon juice. Arrange it in a ceramic dish and wrap it in microwave safe cling film. Cook the fish for 1-2 minutes until the edges turn white and the center becomes lighter; monitor the process carefully to avoid overcooking the food.
Cooking times vary according to the size, shape and thickness of the fillet
Step 4. Prepare the popcorn
Read the instructions on the package for the exact cooking time. You have to open the flaps of the bag and put it in the microwave with the correct side facing up; afterwards, turn on the appliance until you hear crackling and the corn becomes hot and steaming.
Some models have a specific function for popcorn
Step 5. Don't cook soups or sauces in the microwave
Both have a tendency to overheat, with the risk of exploding inside the oven; prepare them on the stove to avoid damage of this kind.
Method 4 of 4: Keeping the Microwave in Good Condition
Step 1. Clean it once a week
Use a damp cloth to scrub the inner portion carefully. Remove food fragments found on the walls using a natural cleaner such as water and baking soda. you can also dilute some mild dish soap.
Get in the habit of cleaning your oven once a week to keep it sanitized and in perfect condition
Step 2. Eliminate food odors with water and lemon juice
After a few uses, the oven starts to smell, especially if you don't wash it regularly. Combat this phenomenon by placing 250-350 ml of water with lemon juice and lemon peels in a glass bowl and then heat the liquid in the microwave for 4-5 minutes.
When the water stops boiling, use oven gloves to take the bowl out of the appliance; you can use a clean cloth and wipe the inside of the microwave
Step 3. Have it repaired if you encounter any problems or if the oven stops working
If you notice that the food is not heating properly or that it takes a long time to cook it, take it to a technician; you can also contact the manufacturer, especially if the warranty is still valid.
