GE 1.6 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven Use and Care Guide - Manual (Page 7)

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Changing the power level
USING YOUR
OVEN
Changing the Power Level: the power level can be
changed only when using Cook Time or Time Defrost
buttons and is explained in the sections for the functions
of these buttons.
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 power 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:
10: Fish, bacon, vegetables, boiling 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.
Humidity Sensor
The Sensor Features detect the increasing humidity
released during cooking. The oven automatically adjusts
the cooking time to various types and amounts of food.
Do not use the Sensor Features twice in succession
on the same food portion—it may result in severely
overcooked or burnt food. Be sure to let the oven cool
down for 5-10 minutes before starting the next sensor
cook.
If food is undercooked after the countdown, use Cook
Time for additional cooking time.
■ The proper containers and
covers are essential for best
sensor cooking.
■ Always use microwave-
safe containers and cover
them with lids or vented
plastic wrap. Never use tight
sealing plastic containers
- they can prevent steam
from escaping and cause
food to overcook.
■ Be sure the outside of the
cooking containers and the
inside of the microwave
oven are dry before placing
food in the oven. Beads of
moisture turning into steam
can mislead the sensor.
Dry off dishes so they don’t
mislead the sensor.
Vented
Covered
About the features