Kenwood SA 600 - Manual (Page 9)

Defrosting
The microwave cooker includes a defrost cycle, which is incorporated as part of the variable
cooking control as described previously. The DEFROST setting with 30% power level is
suitable for defrosting most foods but the other settings i.e. HIGH, MEDIUM and LOW may
also be used for defrosting depending on the type, shape and quantity of the frozen foods.
Small frozen food items like vegetables, fruits, cakes, bread rolls etc., can be defrosted on
FULL POWER in a matter of seconds or minutes without using a defrosting setting.
When a defrost setting is selected the microwave energy into the oven is cycled on and off
to allow heat ‘equalising’ or ‘standing’ time. In this way, surface heat is able to penetrate the
frozen food gradually and no surface cooking should take place. Larger frozen items i.e. joints
also require additional ’equalising’ or ’standing’ times when defrosting. This means you let it
stand in or out of the oven as required for the length of time indicated on the ‘Meat Defrosting
Chart’. In the Kenwood For Kitchens Microwave Cookery book.
Defrosting Hints
1. Some foods such as vegetables can be cooked directly from the frozen state, others such
as fish can be cooked whilst partially frozen.
2. Large joints of meat and poultry should be completely thawed before cooking. For best
results, remove from the microwave whilst still cool to the touch and icy in the centre and
allow a standing time or time to complete thawing at room temperature. A meat
thermometer may be used to determine if the centre is still frozen. (Do not leave a
thermometer in the food during defrosting unless it has been designed for use in the
microwave. See page 12).
3. Foods should be turned over (top to bottom) once during defrosting to obtain the most
even results. Frozen vegetables, and casseroles should be stirred during the defrosting
and heating process.
4. Meat, poultry, fish, casseroles, vegetables should be covered during defrosting. Rolls,
bread and pastry items may be placed or wrapped in kitchen paper towels to absorb
moisture. Cakes should be left uncovered. Foods should be removed from their package
and separated into a single layer as soon as possible during defrosting.
5. If foods begin to thaw unevenly when some areas of food may thaw more quickly than
others, small pieces of aluminium foil can be used to reflect the microwave energy away
from the part which is beginning to cook.
6. It is not ALWAYS necessary to allow standing time when thawing food using the defrost
control. Food may be heated until thawed but a less even thawing will be obtained. As
a general guide, when food feels warm to the touch, remove from the microwave cooker
and allow to heat equalize or rest at room temperature.
7. More specific information for defrosting is given in the Kenwood For Kitchens Microwave
Cookery Book.