Wanted: Appliance / household wiring experts

[sexobon]

Originally Posted by Glinda

… Since when is it ok to use aluminum foil in a microwave?!?

The aluminum foil is applied right after the defrost cycle ends. Then comes the standing time in foil.

How does one get a -10 min.'lb. [10 min./lb.] standing time? Looks like they could've used a proofreader.

[Glinda]

Originally Posted by sexobon

How does one get a -10 min.'lb. [10 min./lb.] standing time? Looks like they could've used a proofreader.

[Glinda]

Originally Posted by sexobon

The aluminum foil is applied right after the defrost cycle ends. Then comes the standing time in foil.

Actually, I think they're saying to cover the warmed bits of the defrosting food with a small piece of aluminum foil.

I found this:

Is it safe to use aluminum foil in a microwave oven?
Always consult the owner's manual of your microwave oven and heed the manufacturer's recommendations for the use of aluminum foil. It can be safe to use small amounts of aluminum foil in a microwave oven.

Microwaves cannot pass through metal but are absorbed by food. No food completely covered by aluminum foil or in a covered metal pan should be put in a microwave oven because food wouldn't be available to absorb the microwaves. Operating the oven empty or when the food is completely wrapped in aluminum foil can cause damage to the oven and the food won't heat.

However, small pieces of aluminum foil can be used to "shield" areas of foods, such as poultry drumsticks and wings, to prevent overcooking.

Some food packaged in foil containers can be safe to microwave. Read the package heating instructions to see if the food manufacturer has specific recommendations for microwaving the product. Because food in these containers will only heat from the top, it's best to microwave foods only 1-2 inches in depth so food near the bottom will be heated thoroughly before food on top dries and overcooks.

General Rules for Safe Use of Aluminum Foil:

• Use new, smooth foil only. Wrinkled foil can cause arcing (sparks).
• Cover no more than 1/4 of the food with foil.
• Shape the foil smoothly to the food so no edges stick out.
• It makes no difference which side of foil (shiny or dull) is facing out.
• Do not place the foil closer than one inch from the oven walls.
• If the microwave oven has metal shelves OR a metal turntable, don't microwave food in foil containers or metal pans, and don't let foil used for shielding touch or be close to the shelves or turntable.
• If you see arcing (sparks), immediately remove the foil shielding; transfer frozen food from foil container to a microwave-safe utensil.

[Undertoad]

The way to defrost in a microwave is at low power, I been told.

What happens is, the first little SPOT of food that defrosts now contains water, instead of ice. Microwaves work by heating water, but they don't work so well on ice; so they are now super-heating that one spot of water. Result in burger meat, one area is entirely cooked, while the rest is frozen solid. People think it's hotspots in their oven, but it's just how this works.

Answer, go low power; that way when one section melts and heats up, it gets a chance to spread that heat out more. Turn the food over (or stir) so that the hot spots get to spread heat to different places.

[Glinda]

My research reveals that there are a few microwaves that will allow you to defrost food by weight or by a selected time. Unfortunately, they're all pretty small and don't have the best reviews.

I think I've settled on the Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN936B Black Countertop with Inverter Technology and Genius Sensor, 2.2 Cu. Ft, 1250W. It has a ton of outstanding reviews and I can get it $30 cheaper from Office Depot. DEAL!

It has a turntable (on a stupid wheelie tripod thing like the old man had), but since I'm not an old man with palsy, I predict it won't get that dirty and I won't have to clean it nearly as often.

It's also got a turbo defrost option (faster and more even thawing) and will defrost foods of one to two pounds without having to fiddle with it.

Happy dance!

[sexobon]

The description says it has a 16-1/2" turntable. Mine has a 16" turntable and it extends 3-1/4" beyond the tripod. You shouldn't have any problems with the tripod staying clean unless you have a catastrophic disaster in there.

[Undertoad]

On a dying planet is it wrong to throw away a microwave because it's just been abused so long that you can't tell if it's clean?

[Gravdigr]

Inverter technology

Stop making me learn stuff!

[sexobon]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

On a dying planet is it wrong to throw away a microwave because it's just been abused so long that you can't tell if it's clean?

No matter how long it's been abused, you should try to find out if it's clean or stolen before you chance throwing away somebody else's property. C'mon now, you've worked in a pawn shop.

[Glinda]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

On a dying planet is it wrong to throw away a microwave because it's just been abused so long that you can't tell if it's clean?

I've got a clean microwave you can have.

[sexobon]

Could be!

That's just not the impression I got from the way the page in that particular manual was written. It lists the foil towards the end of the procedure, after all the turning, without specifying using foil as you go along.

Putting foil on after defrosting to retain the heat in the warm parts so it can disseminate into the cooler parts is not uncommon. To me, putting foil on during defrosting would be more trouble than it's worth since I've always gotten good results without it. YMMV.

It also seems like a subjective practice that a manufacturer could use to void warranty coverage.

[Glinda]

New micro arrived today. *squeeeeee*





I haven't yet put it through its all of its paces - I just made a huge pot of chili last night, so I won't have anything ready to test/defrost for a few days. Will let you know how this one works as updates become available.

Suffice it to say, I'm thrilled to have a new micro that won't (or shouldn't!) asplode while I'm out taking care of other people's critters.

[Gravdigr]

Originally Posted by Glinda

New micro...

Swanky.

[monster]

Oh that's what I have. Second incarnation, we eventually killed the first (but it took a LONG time). They're great.

[Glinda]

Originally Posted by monster

Oh that's what I have. Second incarnation, we eventually killed the first (but it took a LONG time). They're great.

Yay! Thanks for the thumbs-up vote. Do you think it'll last 50 years, like the last one?