Some Important Points while using a Microwave Oven

Microwave oven has become an important and essential factor for every kitchen in today’s world. 5 years down the line, oven was nothing more than a status and style icon in the Indian kitchen. But in the current scenario it has become more of a necessity for every kitchen.Difference between Microwave, Convectional and Grill modes of oven:Microwaves are short length, high frequency electromagnetic waves.

 Microwave apparatus consists of a vacuum tube called magnetron which generates these micro waves. These microwaves penetrate into the food and affect the water molecules present in food.  The agitated water molecules inturn release heat that spreads to other parts of the food and inturn cook the food evenly.Convection mode of cooking in ovens ensures uniform crisping and browning of the food and so this mode of cooking is ideal for baking stuff like cakes, pastries, cookies etc.Grill function in ovens helps in grilling purpose and this mode is best suited for the preparation of items such as paneer tikkas, non veg stuff etc.

Important points to remember while operating a Microwave Oven:While using the micro wave mode, any metallic vessel or even the steel rack should never be used, it can cause sparking. Instead microwave safe plastic or glass utensils of good quality (borosilicate glass) should be used.For using the convection or grill mode steel utensils can be used but the user manual must be checked first.The oven should never be kept covered when it is switched on.

 This can interfere with the proper working of the apparatus.Microwave oven works on microwaves present in the atmosphere. Thus while using it any television or stereo or radio should not be switched on as the radio waves can interfere with the micro waves.Boiling of eggs in the microwave should be avoided. While cooking, pressure can build up in the covered shell of the egg that can even result in bursting of the egg.

Similarly food with a shell like potatoes or brinjal or apples etc should be pierced before putting them in the microwave.Liquid foods and other such things like water must not be heated in sealed containers since they are liable to explode or flow down if the temperature exceeds their boiling point.Microwave ovens are big appliances that consume not less than a 1.5 KW of energy and so while using them make sure other appliances like AC etc are not switched on.