Panasonic NN-C2000W Operation Manual And Cookbook

Before Operation5Microwaves and How They WorkMicrowaves are a form of high frequency radiowaves similar to those used by a radio, includingAM, FM and CB.Electricity is converted into microwave energy by themagnetron tube (which is the heart of the microwaveoven).From the magnetron tube, microwave energy istransmitted to the oven cavity. The microwaves areconverted to heat in the food. The microwaves enterfrom the outside of the food and travel through thefood. Continued cooking to the centre occurs byconduction.Although pacemakers used to be affected bymicrowaves (as well as by other radio waves), theyare now shielded and are not bothered by theseinterferences. This allows people with pacemakers tosit calmly by their radio or television and cook withmicrowave ovens.When the microwaves come in contact with asubstance, any one or a combination of three thingsmay occur. They can be:1. REFLECTED2. TRANSMITTED3. ABSORBEDReflectionMetal substances REFLECT microwave energybecause there is no absorption and there is noheating. This is why the oven interior is eitherstainless steel or paint-coated steel. This ensuresthat the microwaves are kept inside the cavity andevenly distributed throughout the food with the helpof the turntable.TransmissionSuch substances as paper, glass and plasticTRANSMIT microwave energy and do not becomehot except from food. Because these substances donot reflect or absorb microwave energy, they areideal materials for microwave cooking containers.AbsorptionFood contains moisture and will ABSORBmicrowave energy, which causes the moisturemolecules within the food to vibrate at an incrediblerate (2,450,000,000 times per second). Friction,created by vibration, produces heat energy which isconducted throughout the food.Cookware and Utensil GuideIt is important to use correct containers whencooking in a microwave oven. The following will helpyou to make the right selection.How to Test a Container for Safe MicrowaveOven UseFill a 1-cup glass measure with water and place it inthe microwave oven along with the container to betested; heat one minute on HIGH. If the container ismicrowave oven safe, it should remain comfortablycool and the water should be hot. If the containerbecomes very hot, it has absorbed some microwaveenergy and should not be used. This test cannot beused for plastic containers.Paper Products and Freezer WrapWaxed paper, paper plates, cups and napkinsshould not be used for heating or cooking food byConvection, Combination and Grill. Freezer wrapshould not be used as it is not heat resistant andmay melt. Paper towels, greaseproof paper andbake paper may be safely used for short periods oftime for covering or lining.Glass, Ceramic and ChinaHeat-Resistant glass cookware is invaluable inmicrowave cooking. Many of these items are readilyavailable in most homes: glass jugs, mixing bowls,loaf dishes, covered casseroles, oblong bakingdishes, pie plates and round or square cake dishes.Examples of this type of cookware are Pyrex® andCorningware®.Dinnerware can be used for microwave heating.Many brands of dinnerware are microwave safe.Check the care information for reference tomicrowave use for dinnerware and serving pieces. Ifdinnerware is marked ovenproof, it frequently is safeto use in the microwave oven. However, to be sure,check by conducting a microwave dish test.Several types of glassware and dinnerware arenot recommended for use in the Microwave Oven.Do not use dishes with metallic trim or containerswith metal parts. Do not use cups or mugs withglued on handles, as they may fall off with continuedheating. Do not use delicate glassware. Although theglassware may be transparent to microwave energythe heat from the food may cause the glassware tocrack.