Panasonic NN-ST641W Manual De Usuario

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Microwaves and How They Work
Cookware and Utensils Guide
Microwaves are a form of high frequency radio 
waves similar to those used by a radio, including 
AM, FM and CB. They are similar to a television 
where the radio waves are converted to a picture on 
the screen. However, microwaves are much shorter 
than radio waves; approximately twelve centimetres 
wave length. Electricity is converted into microwave 
energy by the magnetron tube (which is the heart of 
the microwave oven).
From the magnetron tube, microwave energy is 
transmitted to the oven cavity through a small plastic 
covered piece. The microwaves are converted to 
heat in the food. The microwaves enter from the 
outside of the food and travel through the food losing 
half of their power every two to three centimetres. 
Continued cooking to the centre occurs by 
conduction.
Although pacemakers used to be affected by 
microwaves (as well as by other radio waves), they 
are now shielded and are not bothered by these 
interferences. This allows people with pacemakers 
to sit calmly by their radio or television and cook with 
microwave ovens.
When microwaves come in contact with a substance, 
any one or combination of three things may occur.
They can be:
1. REFLECTED
2. TRANSMITTED
3. ABSORBED
Refl ection:
Metal substances REFLECT microwave energy and 
because there is no absorption, there is no heating. 
This is why the oven interior is either stainless 
steel or epoxy-coated steel. This ensures that the 
microwaves are kept inside the cavity and evenly 
distributed throughout the food with the help of the 
turntable.
Transmission:
Such substances as paper, glass and plastic 
TRANSMIT microwave energy and do not become 
hot except from food. Because these substances 
do not refl ect or absorb microwave energy, they are 
ideal materials for microwave cooking containers.
Absorption:
Food contains moisture and will ABSORB microwave 
energy, which causes the moisture molecules 
within the food to vibrate at an incredible rate 
(2,450,000,000 times per second). Friction, created 
by the vibration, produces heat energy which is 
conducted throughout the food.
It is important to use the correct container when 
cooking in a microwave oven. The following will help 
you make the right selection.
How to Test a Container for Safe 
Microwave Oven Use
TO TEST A CONTAINER FOR SAFE MICROWAVE 
OVEN USE:
 Fill a 1-cup glass measure with cool 
water and place it in the microwave oven alongside 
the empty container to be tested; heat one (1) 
minute at High
. If the container is microwave 
ovensafe (transparent to microwave energy), the 
container should remain comfortably cool, the water 
in glass measure should be hot. If the container is 
hot, it has absorbed some microwave energy and 
should NOT be used. This test cannot be used for 
plastic containers.
Paper Products and Freezer Wrap
Waxed paper, paper plates, cups and napkins should 
not be used for heating or cooking food. Freezer 
wrap should not be used as it is not heat resistant 
and may melt. Paper towel, greaseproof paper and 
bake paper may be safely used for short periods of 
time for covering or lining.
Glass, Ceramic and China
Heat-Resistant glass cookware is invaluable in 
microwave cooking. Many of these items are readily 
available in most homes: glass jugs, mixing bowls, 
loaf dishes, covered casseroles, oblong baking 
dishes, pie plates and round or square cake dishes. 
Examples of this type of cookware are Pyrex® and 
Corningware®. 
Dinnerware can be used for microwave heating. 
Many brands of dinnerware are microwave safe. 
Check the care information for reference to 
microwave use for dinnerware and serving pieces. If 
dinnerware is marked ovenproof, it frequently is safe 
to use in the microwave oven. However, to be sure, 
check by conducting microwave dish test previously 
mentioned.
Several types of glassware and dinnerware are 
not recommended for use in the microwave oven. 
Do not use dishes with metallic trim or containers 
with metal parts. Do not use cups or mugs with 
glued on handles, as they may fall off with continued 
heating. Do not use delicate glassware. Although the 
glassware may be transparent to microwave energy 
the heat from the food may cause the glassware to 
crack.
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