1. Microwave Ovens
© PDST Home Economics

2. Choosing a microwave cooker
• Cost / amount of money available /value for money
• Size of family - amount of use
• Quality of appliance / brand name
• Wattage /power or speed of microwave
• Safety : safety symbols , child lock
• Easy to use / well designed
• Modern features : automatic defrost, grill, oven
• Guarantee
• Colour/stainless steel finish to match other items

3. Advantages
• Saves time/quick
• Useful in busy households for reheating
• Useful in emergencies – defrost function
• Healthier saves nutrients, no added fat in cooking
• Cheap to run / energy efficient
• Easy to use / no particular cooking skills needed
• Use for sterilisation e.g.. soothers, etc.

4. Uses
• Cooking
• Reheating
• Defrosting
• Melting
• Sterilising

5. Using
• Follow manufactures instructions
• Cover food .Why?
Speeds up cooking /prevents drying out
• Turn or stir food during cooking. Why?
Ensures even cooking
• Arrange food in a circle, thickest part outwards. Why?
Ensures even cooking
• Use glass, plastic or paper not metal containers. Why?
Metal sparks and breaks the mechanism

6. Using
• Prick foods with a skin before cooking e.g.. tomatoes. Why?
Foods would explode in oven
• Allow standing time if necessary Standing time?
 part of the cooking process that happens outside the oven
 the centre of the food continues to cook by conduction
 ensures that food is fully cooked
• Do not switch on when empty. Why?
Breaks the mechanism
• Use with small quantities of food rather than large. Why?
Ensures food is fully cooked

7. Cleaning
• Wipe up spills at once
• Unplug before cleaning
• Remove turntable and wash separately
• Wipe out with hot water and detergent and dry
• Don’t use harsh abrasives
• Wash, dry, polish the outside occasionally

8. The Refrigerator

9. The Refrigerator
• Metal cabinet with well insulated walls
• Cooling cabinet
• Low Temperatures (2 C - 5 C)
• Controlled by thermostat
• Low temperatures slows down the rate at which
bacteria grow preventing food decay
• Work by removing heat from inside the cabinet

10. Advantages
• Stores food
• Food is protected from dust and flies
• Food stays fresher for longer
• Reduces the risk of food poisoning
• Less leftovers /waste
• Less shopping trips

11. Choosing a refrigerator
• Cost
• Size
• Number of people in the house
• Colour
• With or without freezer
• Ease of cleaning
• Modern features
• Energy efficiency
• Defrosting
• Quality of appliance / brand name
• Guarantee

12. Using
• Keep away from heat source. Why?
Puts extra pressure on the motor to reduce the
temperatures inside the fridge
• Cover all foods. Why?
To prevent drying out
• Food should be cold going into fridge
• Keep in suitable part of fridge
• Check foods daily for expiry date

13. Using
• Use food in rotation
• Do not pack food too tightly
• Clean out and defrost regularly
• Keep door closed
• Wipe up spills immediately
• Keep raw meat on bottom
• Wrap strong smelling foods e.g. onions. Why?
To prevent cross flavourings

14. Cleaning
• Unplug first
• Remove all food
• Take out all shelves and removable storage containers
• Wash with warm water and bread soda
• Rinse and dry
• Replace shelves and food
• Wash and clean the outside
• Plug in again

15. Star - rating
A star rating applies to the storage of frozen foods
One star rating -6˚C storage 1 week
Two star rating -12˚C storage 1 month
Three star rating -18˚C storage 3 months
Four star rating -18˚C to -25˚C storage up to 1yr

16. Homework
Draw a simple diagram of a fridge and indicate where
you would store the following
1. two fresh fillets of mackerel
2. head of lettuces
3. carton of cream
4. leftover cooked lamb
5. butter
6. fresh pork chops
7. cheese