How to use and care for your microwave to make it last longer

Microwave ovens can last much longer than the time specified by the manufacturer. It is important to follow the rules of their use. The first thing to do after purchase is to study the instruction manual. In it you can find a lot of useful information about buttons, functions and modes of operation. This knowledge will help to prolong the life of the microwave and not make mistakes that lead to the loss of performance of the device. Consider the basic universal rules of operation of microwaves, observing which, you can greatly extend the life of this technique.

Where to install the microwave

When installing a microwave, two conditions are important - a level surface and the absence of interference with ventilation. The kitchen table top and shelves, as well as special brackets are well suited. It is only necessary to set a gap of 10-20 cm between the ventilation holes of the stove and the wall for air circulation.

Where you can not install a microwave oven:

• Near heating appliances.
• Near appliances that emit radio waves.
• On household appliances: refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers.
• On window sills and draughts.

How to use a microwave oven correctly

Microwave ovens, unlike conventional ovens, heat food not from the outside, but from the inside. That's why eggs in the shell, tomatoes, cucumbers and other products in the shell with a large content of liquid are not recommended to place for heating, they can simply explode. Also, because of the uneven heating, microwave dishes always need to be stirred.

If you use the device competently according to all the rules, then it will serve for a long time. To do this, follow these recommendations:

• Choose special dishes for the microwave. It is made of ceramic, plastic and glass.
• Do not put metal objects, plates with metallized stripes or drawings, as well as with gold or silver plating.
• Only turn on the microwave when it is loaded.
• Do not cook liquid food in the microwave.
• Close the door tightly.
• Do not leave the appliance running unattended.
• Only use disposable containers suitable for microwaves.

What is the timer in a microwave oven for?

It is designed to adjust the cooking time. Often the timer also plays the role of switching on and starting the process. The time on different models is set by dialing the keypad, turning the mechanical regulator or touch keys. The optimal time is usually indicated on the packaging or in the recipe. If in doubt, it is better to choose a shorter time and then repeat the process.

Frequently used microwave oven functions

Heating food

Microwave ovens are most commonly used for reheating and defrosting. Some rules of thumb for reheating:

• Do not pour soup to the brim. Otherwise, it can be spilled and dirty the microwave oven.
• The spinning tray should stand level. It can be corrected by leveling it with the level of the liquid in the plate.
• Food dishes should be covered. If there is no special cover, another plate can be used. Then there will be no splashes and no limescale on the walls.
• Sausages and wieners should be freed from their casings. Hard vegetables should be pierced in several places.
• Always have oven mitts or oven mitts at the ready - the plates get very hot.

Defrosting

You can defrost in the microwave not only meat, but also any products: fish, vegetables, bakery products. It is important to choose the right time, if you do not guess, you can get meat that will already start to cook from the inside.

Products should be put on defrosting after removing their packaging. The process is started by pressing the “defrost” button.

With proper use, the microwave oven will serve for a long time. It should not be used if the screen or glass on the door is damaged. Also, do not turn on the microwave oven if the door does not close tightly with a click. If the microwave oven starts to make a noise, sparks and smells foul, disconnect it from the power supply immediately.