GE 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven Use and Care Guide - Manual (Page 8)

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USING
YOUR OVEN
About the features
Power Level
The power level may be entered or changed immediately after entering the feature time for Cook Time or Express
Cook the power level may also be changed during the cooking.
1. Press Cook Time and enter cooking time.
2. Press the Power Level button and select power level
1-10.
3. Press the Start/Pause button to start cooking.
Variable power levels add flexibility to microwave
cooking. The power levels on the microwave oven can
be compared to the surface units on a range. Each
power level gives you microwave energy a certain
percent of the time. Power level 7 is microwave energy
70% of the time. Power level 3 is energy 30% of the
time. Most cooking will be done on
Po wer Level 10
which gives you 100% power.
Power Level 10 will cook faster but food may need more
frequent stirring, rotating or turning over. A lower setting
will cook more evenly and need less stirring or rotating of
the food.
Some foods may have better flavor, texture or
appearance if one of the lower settings is used. Use
a lower power level when cooking foods that have a
tendency to boil over, such as scalloped potatoes.
Rest periods (when the microwave energy cycles off)
give time for the food to “equalize” or transfer heat to
the inside of the food. An example of this is shown with
power level 3—the defrost cycle. If microwave energy did
not cycle off, the outside of the food would cook before
the inside was defrosted.
Here are some examples of uses for various power
levels::
Power Level 10: Fish, bacon, vegetables, heating
liquids.
Med-High 7: Gentle cooking of meat and poultry; baking
casseroles and reheating.
Medium 5: Slow cooking and tenderizing for stews and
less tender cuts of meat.
Low 2 or 3: Defrosting; simmering; delicate sauces.
Warm 1: Keeping food warm; softening butter.