White-Westinghouse WST3506SB - Manual (Page 21)

Container Size Guidelines for Microwave Cooking
When heating foods in a microwave oven, it is important to use a microwave-safe, clear, glass container
that is large enough to allow the food to heat evenly and to prevent hot liquids from boiling over.
Always follow package directions for the recommended container size, or use the following guidelines:
Guidelines for Frozen Foods:
Quantity of Food Microwave Container Size
8 to 10 oz (227 to 283 gm) 1 quart/4 cups/946 ml
11 to 20 oz (454 to 567 gm) 11/2 quarts/6 cups/1420 ml
21 to 32 oz (595 to 907 gm) 3 quarts/12 cups/2839 ml
33 oz and over (907 gm) 4 quarts/16 cups/3785 ml
Guidelines for Canned, Ready-to-Eat Soups, Stew, Chili and Pasta:
Can Size Microwave Container Size
14 to 16 oz (397 to 567 gm) 1 quart/4 cups/946 ml
17 to 28 oz (482 to 794 gm) 11/2 quarts/6 cups/1420 ml
29 to 52 oz (822 to 1474 gm) 2 quarts/8 cups/1893 ml
Guidelines for Condensed Soups:
Can Size Microwave Container Size
10 to 16 oz (283 to 567 gm) 1 quart/4 cups/946 ml
17 to 26 oz (482 to 737 gm) 11/2 quarts/6 cups/1420 ml
27 to 52 oz (765 to 1474 gm) 2 quarts/8 cups/1893 ml
Guidelines for Dry Soups:
Amount of Water Added Microwave Container Size
1/2 cup large mug/cup
3 to 4 cups 2 quarts/8 cups/1893 ml
Guidelines for Canned Vegetables:
Can Size Microwave Container Size
8 oz (226 gm) 2 cups (473 ml)
9 to 15 oz (255 to 425 gm) 1 quart/4 cups/946 ml
16 to 28 oz (453 to 793 gm) 11/2 quarts/6 cups/1420 ml
29 to 55 oz (822 to 1559 gm) 2 quarts/8 cups/1893 ml
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• Very moist foods cook more evenly than dryer foods. Foods with a low moisture content should be covered
during cooking. Allowed the food to stand after cooking so that the heat can disperse evenly.
• Stirring or turning foods during cooking will help to distribute the heat evenly throughout the food and will
prevent overcooking on the edges of the food. If possible, stir the food before serving.
• The edge of the cooking container gets more microwave energy than the center. So, place the densest part
of the food (broccoli stem, for example) near the outside, and the less dense part (broccoli head) towards
the center.
• Covering food while cooking will reduce cooking time, reduce splattering, and help to keep food moist.
• For best results, use a fork to pierce foods with a skin or membrane (for example: potatoes, tomatoes,
sau sages, egg yolks) to prevent steam from building up during cooking.
• Always allow food cooked in the microwave to stand for a short period of time before serving. This allows
the heat to disperse evenly throughout the food.
• The size and shape of a container will influence the cooking time. Food prepared in a narrow and shallow
casserole will cook more quickly than the same amount of food prepared in a taller container. Since
microwaves penetrate from all sides, round shapes cook more evenly
• Arrange frozen food item on a microwave-safe plate like the spokes of a wheel and leave the center open.
• Allow space between foods when arranging on plate before microwaving.
• Use a large 10- inch microwave-safe plate to allow room between foods.
• Use microwave-safe paper towels, paper plates, dishes and bowls.
• Use oven mitts when removing dishes and food from the microwave after cooking.
Guidelines for Preparing Packaged Foods:
• Prepare one whole package of food or one packet from a multipack at a time.
• Food should be as fresh as possible and not past the expiration date.
• Use microwave-safe cooking containers. When using plastic wrap or paper towels, use those specially
formulated for microwave cooking.
• Follow package directions for adding water, butter, salt, milk, or other ingredients and then stir together.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for puncturing, peeling back film, covering tightly with microwaveable
plastic warp, slitting film, etc.
• Omit instructions on package to rotate containers midway during cooking; this is not necessary since
the Westinghouse Microwave has a turntable.
• If there are directions on the package for cooking food frozen or thawed, the Westinghouse Microwave
is programmed to cook the food thawed.
• Center the food or container on turntable.
• Stir the food (and recover) according to package directions during cooking or at end of cooking time.
• When instructed to stir food during cooking, try to break up large lumps of food.
• Food may be returned to the microwave for further cooking; press ADD 1 MIN. to increase cooking time
by one minute.
• Allow the food to sit in microwave after cooking if indicated on package.
• If the directions list to allow food to sit for a few minutes before serving, remove from the microwave
unless instructed to leave in microwave.
• Recommended cooking times for most foods are set until the food is tender, hot and steamy, no burnt
edges and/ or food is ready to eat, or approximately 165 F unless otherwise stated on the package..
• Kids Meals need to cook to 165 F unless the package instucts otherwise. Food will be HOT,
adult supervision recommended.
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