Kenmore ELITE 790.488 - Manual (Page 8)

Microwave Oven important information
(continued)
ABOUT UTENSILS AND COVERINGS
It is not necessary to buy all new cookware. Many pieces
already in your kitchen can be used successfully in your new
microwave oven. Make sure the utensil does not touch the
interior walls during cooking.
Use these utensils for safe microwave cooking and
reheating:
• glass ceramic (Pyroceram®), such as Corningware®
• heat-resistant glass (Pyrex®)
• microwave-safe plastics
• paper plates
• microwave-safe pottery, stoneware and porcelain
• browning dish (Do not exceed recommended preheating
time. Follow manufacturer’s directions.)
These items can be used for short time reheating of foods
that have little fat or sugar in them:
• wood, straw, wicker
DO NOT USE
• metal pans and bakeware
• dishes with metallic trim
• non-heat-resistant glass
• non-microwave-safe plastics (margarine tubs)
• recycled paper products
• brown paper bags
• food storage bags
• metal twist-ties
Should you wish to check if
a dish is safe for microwaving,
place the empty dish in the microwave oven and microwave
on HIGH for 30 seconds. A dish which becomes very hot
should not be used.
THE FOLLOWING COVERINGS ARE IDEAL:
• Paper towels are good for covering foods for reheating
and absorbing fat while cooking bacon.
• Wax paper can be used for cooking and reheating.
• Plastic wrap that is specially marked for microwave use
can be used for cooking and reheating. DO NOT allow
plastic wrap to touch food. Vent so steam can escape.
• Lids that are microwave-safe are a good choice because
heat is kept near the food to hasten cooking.
• Oven cooking bags are good for large meats or foods that
need tenderizing. DO NOT use metal twist ties. Remember
to slit bag so steam can escape.
HOW TO USE ALUMINUM FOIL IN YOUR
MICROWAVE OVEN:
• Small flat pieces of aluminum foil placed smoothly on the
food can be used to shield areas that are either defrosting or
cooking too quickly.
• Foil should not come closer than one inch to any surface of
the microwave oven.
Should you have questions about utensils or coverings, check
a good microwave cookbook or follow recipe suggestions.
ACCESSORIES There are many microwave accessories
available for purchase. Evaluate carefully before you
purchase so that they meet your needs. A microwave-safe
thermometer will assist you in determining correct doneness
and assure you that foods have been cooked to safe
temperatures. Sears is not responsible for any damage to
the microwave oven when accessories are used.
ABOUT CHILDREN AND THE MICROWAVE
Children below the age of 7 should use the microwave oven
with a supervising person very near to them. Between the
ages of 7 and
1 2 , the supervising person should be in the
same room.
At no time should anyone be allowed to lean or swing on the
microwave oven door.
Children should be taught all safety precautions: use
potholders, remove coverings carefully, pay special attention
to packages that crisp food because they may be extra hot.
Don’t assume that because a child has mastered one
cooking skill he/she can cook everything.
Children need to learn that the microwave oven is not
a toy.
ABOUT SAFETY
• Check foods to see that they are cooked to the United
States Department of Agriculture’s recommended
temperatures.
160°F For fresh pork, ground meat, boneless white
poultry, fish, seafood, egg dishes and frozen
prepared food.
165°F For leftover, ready-to-reheat refrigerated, and
deli and carry-out “fresh” food.
170°F White meat of poultry.
175°F Dark meat of poultry.
To test for doneness, insert a meat thermometer in a
thick or dense area away from fat or bone. NEVER leave
the thermometer in the food during cooking, unless it is
approved for microwave oven use.
• ALWAYS use potholders to prevent burns when handling
utensils that are in contact with hot food. Enough heat
from the food can transfer through utensils to cause skin
burns.
• Avoid steam burns by directing steam away from the face
and hands. Slowly lift the farthest edge of a dish’s covering
and carefully open popcorn and oven cooking bags away
from the face.
• Stay near the microwave oven while it’s in use and check
cooking progress frequently so that there is no chance of
overcooking food.
• NEVER use the cavity for storing cookbooks or other items.
• Select, store and handle food carefully to preserve its high
quality and minimize the spread of food borne bacteria.
• Keep waveguide cover clean. Food residue can cause
arcing and/or fires.
• Use care when removing items from the microwave oven
so that the utensil, your clothes or accessories do not touch
the safety door latches.