GE ZE2160SF - Manual (Page 11)

Changing the Power Level
Counter top Microwave Oven
Variable
Power
Levels 1–10
How to Change Power Level
The power level may be entered or changed
immediately after entering the feature time for
Time Cook or Express Cook. The power level
may also be changed during time countdown.
1. Press TIME COOK.
2. Select cooking time.
3. Press POWER LEVEL.
4. Select desired power level 1–10.
5. Press START.
Variable power levels add flexibility to your
microwave cooking. The power levels on your
microwave oven can be compared to the
surface units on a range. Each power level
gives you microwave energy a certain percent
of the time. Power level 7 is microwave energy
70% of the time. Power level 3 is energy 30%
of the time. Most cooking will be done on
High (power level 10) which gives you
100% power.
Power level 10 will cook faster but food may
need more frequent stirring, rotating or
turning over. A lower setting will cook more
evenly and need less stirring or rotating of
the food.
Some foods may have better flavor, texture or
appearance if one of the lower settings is used.
Use a lower power level when cooking foods
that have a tendency to boil over, such as
scalloped potatoes.
Rest periods (when the microwave energy
cycles off) give time for the food to “equalize”
or transfer heat to the inside of the food. An
example of this is shown with power level 3—
the defrost cycle. If microwave energy did not
cycle off, the outside of the food would cook
before the inside was defrosted.
Here are some examples of uses for various
power levels:
POWER LEVEL BEST USES
High 10 Fish, bacon, vegetables,
boiling liquids.
Med-High 7 Gentle cooking of meat
and poultry; baking
casseroles and reheating.
Medium 5 Slow cooking and tenderizing
such as stews and less tender
cuts of meat.
Low 3 Defrosting without cooking;
simmering; delicate sauces.
Warm 1 Keeping food warm without
overcooking; softening butter.
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