Microwave Terms
Term
Definition
Arcing
Arcing is the microwave term for sparks in the oven. Arcing is caused by:
the metal shelf being installed incorrectly and touching the microwave walls.
metal or foil touching the side of the oven.
foil that is not molded to food (upturned edges act like antennas).
metal such as twist-ties, poultry pins, gold-rimmed dishes.
recycled paper towels containing small metal pieces.
the turntable ring support being installed incorrectly.
Covering
Covers hold in moisture, allow for more even heating and reduce cooking time. Venting plastic wrap or
covering with wax paper allows excess steam to escape.
Shielding
In a regular oven, you shield chicken breasts or baked foods to prevent over-browning. When
microwaving, you use small strips of foil to shield thin parts, such as the tips of wings and legs on
poultry, which would cook before larger parts.
Standing Time
When you cook with regular ovens, foods such as roasts or cakes are allowed to stand to finish
cooking or to set. Standing time is especially important in microwave cooking. Note that a microwaved
cake is not placed on a cooling rack.
Venting
After covering a dish with plastic wrap, you vent the plastic wrap by turning back one corner so excess
steam can escape.
Sensor Microwave Features
Humidity Sensor
What happens when using the Sensor Features:
The Sensor Features detect the increasing humidity
released during cooking. The oven automatically adjusts
the cooking time to various types and amounts of food.
Do not use the Sensor Features twice in succession
on the same food portion—it may result in severely
overcooked or burnt food. If food is undercooked after the
countdown, use Cook Time for additional cooking time.
NOTE: Sensor features will not operate when the oven
is hot. If one of the sensor cooking buttons is pressed
when the temperature inside the oven is greater than
USING ALTERNATE METHOD" will be displayed. The
oven will automatically change to cook by time (follow the
directions in the display) or once the oven is cool enough,
the sensor features will function normally.
14
covers are essential for best
sensor cooking.
safe containers and cover
them with lids or vented
plastic wrap. Never use tight
sealing plastic containers -
they can prevent steam from
escaping and cause food to
overcook.
cooking containers and the
inside of the microwave
oven are dry before placing
food in the oven. Beads of
moisture turning into steam
can mislead the sensor.
Covered
Vented
Dry off dishes so they don't
mislead the sensor.
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