Panasonic nn-c1358 User Manual
24
How a Microwave works
To get the most from your oven it is helpful to understand
how the oven works as a microwave.
Once plugged into a socket, the electricity flows along the
flex and is converted into microwave energy by the
MAGNETRON. Microwaves are ultra high frequency waves,
and belong to the same category as radio and television
waves. These are directed into the cavity through the WAVE
GUIDE.
how the oven works as a microwave.
Once plugged into a socket, the electricity flows along the
flex and is converted into microwave energy by the
MAGNETRON. Microwaves are ultra high frequency waves,
and belong to the same category as radio and television
waves. These are directed into the cavity through the WAVE
GUIDE.
When they reach the cavity, the microwaves will behave in
one of three ways:
one of three ways:
1. Reflection
They will REFLECT off metal. The inner walls of your oven
are made of stainless steel, so that the microwave energy
can bounce evenly around the cavity. Of course, the
microwaves will also reflect off metal cooking containers and
accessories, such as saucepans and platters. For this
reason, NEVER use the Wire Rack Shelf on microwave only.
are made of stainless steel, so that the microwave energy
can bounce evenly around the cavity. Of course, the
microwaves will also reflect off metal cooking containers and
accessories, such as saucepans and platters. For this
reason, NEVER use the Wire Rack Shelf on microwave only.
2. Transmission
The microwaves will TRANSMIT through paper, plastic,
glass and china, therefore, containers made of these
substances should be used in microwave cookery.
glass and china, therefore, containers made of these
substances should be used in microwave cookery.
3. Absorption
The microwave energy is ABSORBED by the food. The
energy penetrates of the food causing the molecules of
vibrate over 2,450,000,000 times a second. This vibration
causes the water molecules to rub against each other
producing frictional heat which cooks this outer part of the
food; the heat is then conducted through the food to cook
the centre.
energy penetrates of the food causing the molecules of
vibrate over 2,450,000,000 times a second. This vibration
causes the water molecules to rub against each other
producing frictional heat which cooks this outer part of the
food; the heat is then conducted through the food to cook
the centre.
Standing Time
The heat that builds up on the outside of the food is still
being conducted to the centre, even after the microwave
oven has switched off. This period is known as the “Standing
Time”. The time it takes for the food to finish cooking will
vary depending on its shape, size and type.
For example, a jacket potato will need to stand for at least
5-10 minutes after the end of the cooking time and during
this time the temperature at the centre will increase. A pastry
pie that has been reheated will only need a standing time 1-
2 minutes for the heat to distribute evenly.
being conducted to the centre, even after the microwave
oven has switched off. This period is known as the “Standing
Time”. The time it takes for the food to finish cooking will
vary depending on its shape, size and type.
For example, a jacket potato will need to stand for at least
5-10 minutes after the end of the cooking time and during
this time the temperature at the centre will increase. A pastry
pie that has been reheated will only need a standing time 1-
2 minutes for the heat to distribute evenly.
1. Reflection
3. Absorption
2. Transmission