Advertise on our Free Listings section in your local area
Advertise on our top Premium listing section in your local area
Full online advertising solutionTop Electricians » Common Electrical Problems » Kitchen Appliances » Microwaves
Microwaves
Microwave ovens are a God sent in today’s world. Quick, pop the food in the microwave and voila, it’s ready to eat! It is wise to know however that these miraculous kitchen appliances are not that simple to maintain. Therefore, it is always a good idea to know how it works and what you should and shouldn’t do.
Remember that microwaves are like light waves and can pass through something and are absorbed by certain materials but reflected by others. It is when the microwave is absorbed that heat is generated. The reason why microwaves are such marvelous devices for cooking is that they are absorbed by water, fat and sugar.
Now, microwaves are not just miraculously produced, electricity travels through the controls, a fuse, a thermal cut off, a safety interlock on the door to a high voltage transformer and then on to what is called the magnetron. The magnetron requires a high voltage of power to produce the microwaves. The waves are then focused into the chamber where the food has been placed. The turn table then ensures that the food is cooked evenly on all sides. It is because of this use of high voltage power that it is recommended you do not try to repair a microwave on your own. It is always advisable to contact your electrician.
Here are some important points to remember:
DO:
• Always cook longer at a lower temperature than for a shorter period of time at a higher temperature
• When you want to clean the walls of your microwave, heat up a cup of water for about 3 minutes and let it sit in the microwave for another 5 minutes or so. The steam from the water will make it easier to clean the microwave.
• Even after the microwave is shut off, the heat in the food will continue to cook the food. So you can always leave the food inside the microwave for a few more minutes to cook a little longer. Or, if you want to prevent over cooking, remember to remove the food from the microwave oven as soon as it shuts off.
DON’T:
• NEVER try to repair your own microwave oven. These devices use very high voltage and it is not safe for you to tamper with the mechanics of it. Always call a qualified electrician.
• Never heat or cook sealed packages or containers in a microwave.
• Always make a few puncture holes in food like potatoes so that the steam can escape.
• DO NOT overheat liquids as they can explode inside the oven or when something is put into the container.
• Use a pot holder when removing anything from a microwave as things will always be very hot.
• NEVER stand over a hot container when opening it after it has been inside the microwave.
• ALWAYS keep metal objects away from the interior of the microwave.
Remembering these simple do's and don'ts will help reduce the risk of electrical problems, and will enable you to continue using this miraculous device on a daily basis.