Some Tips to Use Your Microwave Efficiently
Present in the vast majority of kitchens, the microwave is practically part of the furniture. We use it to heat food, defrost food, and melt butter for recipes. But are you sure you are using it in the most efficient way in all situations? Here are some tips that may change the way you use your microwave!
Efficiently Defrost Your Food in the Microwave
Defrosting in the microwave is quite an art! You have to keep the food raw without cooking it. For efficient defrosting with this appliance, position your food in the center of a microwave-safe plate.
To defrost meat, opt for a setting at 30% of the appliance’s power. Allow around 5 minutes for 500 grams of meat. If this is not enough, extend the time, but do not increase the microwave’s power.
To defrost vegetables or other foods, set the power to 20% and allow 2 minutes per 100 grams of food. Repeat if necessary.
Evenly Heat a Dish in the Microwave
Often, when reheating a dish in the microwave, you will find that the outside of the food is hot but the inside is cold. This happens because the microwave does not heat food evenly and because we have all adopted a less-than-optimal habit without even knowing it.
Indeed, you probably center your plate on the microwave turntable when reheating food. However, to enjoy even heating, it is better to position the plate off-center. Try placing it as far to one side of the turntable as possible before turning on the microwave. You should see the difference very quickly.
Heat Two Plates at the Same Time
Another reheating tip involves placing two plates or two small dishes in the microwave at the same time. It is very simple: start by positioning the first plate on the edge of the turntable, as explained above. Then, in the free space on the turntable, place a microwave-safe mug upside down. Place your second plate on top of this mug to create a raised “level” in your microwave.
This trick is even more useful because it naturally positions the raised plate off-center, following the previous tip. When you put two plates in your microwave, you have to adjust the heating time. Do you know how to do it? This is the subject of our next tip.
Efficiently Adjust Microwave Cooking Time
If it takes 2 minutes to heat one plate in the microwave, should you double this time when heating two plates at once? You may have already asked yourself this question, and it is quite normal.
Putting two plates in the microwave does not halve the oven’s power, but the additional food requires more energy to heat. Microwaves transfer energy to food, primarily through its water molecules, so heating two dishes generally takes longer than heating one.
The exact time depends on the microwave, the food, and the portion sizes. As a starting point, try adding 50% to the heating time for two plates. If a single dish takes 4 minutes to heat up, try 6 minutes for two dishes, then check that both dishes are hot throughout and continue heating if necessary.
Preserve the Moistness of Reheated Pizza
When reheating a slice of pizza in the microwave, it is not uncommon to end up with dry, hard pizza. Heating can drive moisture out of the food, contributing to this result.
One simple trick is to place a small microwave-safe glass of water near the pizza before reheating it. The water can add moisture to the air as it heats. This trick may also help with slices of pie, cake, and bread—foods that can dry out and harden quickly after microwaving.
Optimize the Use of Containers
Everyone knows that you should avoid metal containers or accessories in the microwave unless the manufacturer specifically permits them. But do you know what other materials to avoid and which ones to favor?
To reheat your food in the microwave, choose microwave-safe glass containers, such as suitable Pyrex products. Ceramic, porcelain, and earthenware dishes may also work, provided the manufacturer labels them microwave-safe. Avoid metallic decorations, as some paints and glazes contain metal particles that can cause sparks. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for microwave use.
Only use cardboard and plastic containers that carry a microwave-safe label, and follow their heating instructions. Do not assume that a pizza box or a deli container can go in the microwave. Unsuitable cardboard can burn, and unsuitable plastic can melt or release substances into the food.
Some earthenware dishes absorb moisture and can become very hot in the microwave. Unsuitable containers may crack or break. Choose a container that the manufacturer specifically identifies as microwave-safe.
These few tips should help you make better use of your microwave on a daily basis. Do not hesitate to put them into practice as soon as the need arises.
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