Microwaves And How They Work; Cookware And Utensil Guide - Panasonic A883 Operating Manual

Microwaves are a form of high frequency radio waves similar to
those used by a radio, including AM, FM and CB. Electricity is
converted into microwave energy by the magnetron tube (which is
the heart of the microwave oven). From the magnetron tube,
microwave energy is transmitted to the oven cavity. The
microwaves are converted to heat in the food. The microwaves
enter from the outside of the food and travel through the food.
Continued cooking to the centre occurs by conduction.
Although pacemakers used to be affected by microwaves (as well
as by other radio waves), they are now shielded and are not
bothered by these interferences. This allows people with
pacemakers to sit calmly by their radio or television and cook with
microwave ovens.
When the microwaves come in contact with a substance, any one
or a combination of three things may occur. They can be:
1. REFLECTED
2. TRANSMITTED
3. ABSORBED
It is important to use correct containers when cooking in a
microwave oven. The following will help you to make the right
selection.
How to Test a Container for Safe Microwave Oven Use
Fill a 1-cup glass measure with water and place it in the
microwave oven along with the container to be tested; heat one
minute on HIGH. If the container is microwave oven safe, it
should remain comfortably cool and the water should be hot. If the
container becomes very hot, it has absorbed some microwave
energy and should not be used. This test cannot be used for
plastic containers.
Paper Products and Freezer Wrap
Waxed paper, paper plates, cups and napkins should not be used
for heating or cooking food by Convection, Combination and Grill.
Freezer wrap should not be used as it is not heat resistant and
may melt. Paper towels, greaseproof paper and bake paper may
be safely used for short periods of time for covering or lining.

Microwaves and How They Work

Cookware and Utensil Guide

Reflection
Metal substances REFLECT microwave energy because there is
no absorption and there is no heating. This is why the oven
interior is either stainless steel or paint-coated steel. This ensures
that the microwaves are kept inside the cavity and evenly
distributed throughout the food with the help of the turntable.
Transmission
Such substances as paper, glass and plastic TRANSMIT
microwave energy and do not become hot except from food.
Because these substances do not reflect or absorb microwave
energy, they are ideal materials for microwave cooking
containers.
Absorption
Food contains moisture and will ABSORB microwave energy,
which causes the moisture molecules within the food to vibrate at
an incredible rate (2,450,000,000 times per second). Friction,
created by vibration, produces heat energy which is conducted
throughout the food.
Glass, Ceramic and China
Heat-Resistant glass cookware is invaluable in microwave
cooking. Many of these items are readily available in most homes:
glass jugs, mixing bowls, loaf dishes, covered casseroles, oblong
baking dishes, pie plates and round or square cake dishes.
Examples of this type of cookware are Pyrex® and
Corningware®.
Dinnerware can be used for microwave heating. Many brands of
dinnerware are microwave safe. Check the care information for
reference to microwave use for dinnerware and serving pieces. If
dinnerware is marked ovenproof, it frequently is safe to use in the
microwave oven. However, to be sure, check by conducting a
microwave dish test.
Several types of glassware and dinnerware are not
recommended for use in the Microwave Oven. Do not use dishes
with metallic trim or containers with metal parts. Do not use cups
or mugs with glued on handles, as they may fall off with continued
heating. Do not use delicate glassware. Although the glassware
may be transparent to microwave energy the heat from the food
may cause the glassware to crack.
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