Posts Tagged ‘Cooking’

Tips on Selecting the Right Microwave Oven

Sunday, December 7th, 2008

Probably no cooking appliace launched in the modern era has gained greater acceptance and use than the microwave oven. Not only that, they have been tremendously improved over the years with many nifty features added such as automatic turntables, defrost functions, reheating and the like. As you might expect there are a number of different types of mocrowaves. Take a little time to look over these very useful tips to keep in mind when you go to choose a microwave oven.

Choosing the Right Microwave Oven

Microwave ovens are easily one of the biggest appliances in the lives of many. People both young and old around the world use microwaves to reheat food, or to simply cook food quickly. Microwaving is one of the most popular ways to cook food, which would explain why nearly everyone has one. There are multiple different ways to choose a microwave, and there are multiple types of microwaves to choose from.

Types of Microwaves

There are multiple types of microwaves that you can choose from. These different microwaves are created in different ways; some of them are simply to change the aesthetic view of the microwave, whereas others aim to change how the microwave ovens work. These changes help the microwave ovens to cater to the specific cooking needs of the person who is buying it.

One of the biggest changes for microwave ovens was the advent of the over-the-range microwave. Over the range microwaves manage to fit the small home appliances in with the rest of the regular appliances. Instead of taking up counter space, the above the range microwave gives ample space for other counter uses.

One of the other major changes to the small appliances is the strength of the microwave. While certain microwaves will have different strengths of their own, some microwaves will simply have higher strengths than others. This turns some microwaves into major appliances, as some microwaves can heat things in a faster and more efficient way.

What to Look For in Microwave Ovens

If you are looking to purchase a microwave oven, there are certain things that you need to take into account. While the look is a big portion of the microwave (to make sure it fits in), this is simply one of the many important facets of the appliance. If you want to make sure that you have the best microwave oven for you, there are a few things that you should consider and look for.

The first thing that you need to look for is the strength of the microwave. There will be microwaves that are too powerful for your needs, and there will also be microwaves that are simply too weak for your cooking needs. Those who work at a place that sells microwaves will be the best to ask about the strength that you need.

Once you know which strength, you need to understand what features that you need in your microwave. While some people just want simple features, others may want a specific rotating platform, or specific number controls. If you know the extras that a microwave can come with, you will know exactly what you want, and can figure out which microwaves have those extras.

After you have figured all of this information out, you simply need to look at the prices to decide exactly what you can afford, and what fits in your budget. For many, this is what will ultimately decide their microwave purchase decision.

The Look of Microwave Ovens

The last and final step to microwave ovens, which often is decided before the microwave is chosen, is the look of the microwave. Some people will want a black microwave, while others will want white, and others will want stainless steel. All of these colors make for interesting microwave ovens that fit in with the other appliances, such as the dishwasher and the oven.

How to Find Microwave Ovens

If you are looking for microwave ovens, you should really look in two different places. The stores will allow you to see the microwave, understand how it looks, and help you to figure out exactly what you want. Looking for the same microwave online will allow you to compare prices for the same microwave ovens. Searching in different venues will help you find the exact microwave you want for the lowest possible price.

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Benefits of Microwave Oven Cooking

Monday, November 17th, 2008

Did you know that the microwave oven actually is effective in maintaining the nutrient value of foods? Read on for more information on the benefits that flow from microwave cooking.

Microwave Oven - Cooking Rejuvenated

Food has been the necessity of men from the time when the evolution of men happened. But earlier eating food was just a formality as men were totally unknown to the art of cooking. However as the time changed so did the men and its need for food. Today eating food is one of the important activities of a person’s daily life. Hence it is very essential for a normal human being to be very careful about his eating habits. It is because a person’s eating habits have a direct relationship to his health. So if a person will follow a proper eating routine then he will enjoy a great health, if not then he will encounter with series of health disorders. However in today’s life of hectic schedule a person’s eating routine is bound to suffer. Also the quality of food has gone from bad to worse. Thus to prevent people from facing all these problems the microwave oven is here.

As said above only the quality of food available today is not very good. Also since food is the only factor from where a person derives most of the essential nutrients therefore it has become very important to maintain the quality of food even after long intervals of time and Latest microwave oven just does that for its users. It maintains the nutrient value of the food and sustains them for a long period of time. In addition to that the microwave oven allows the heat generated through the electricity to go into the deepest portion of the food and reheat them. These microwave ovens can cook almost every thing and needless to say the food cooked in them is very tasty and nutritious at the same time.

There are also various other types of other microwave oven available in market i.e. convection microwave oven and oven grill microwave. Convection microwave oven are little different from the normal microwave oven. It is because these ovens are capable of cooking some extra items then the normal oven do. Also these convection microwave ovens are energy efficient appliances. Other type of oven is oven grill microwave. This type of microwave allows the users to grill the food, while cooking. Thus in this way this way these home appliances have entirely changed the method of cooking.

Thus it can be clearly seen that these latest microwave oven, convection microwave oven and oven grill microwave have completely changed the method of cooking food. Not only that they are extremely efficient appliances when it comes to preserving the nutrient quality of food over long period of time.

The author is a specialist in retail writing. Her writing skills reflect the outcome of years of exposure to the retail industry. Working with retail giants as a consultant has enriched her knowledge base and her passion for writing got fire.

Review: Whirlpool Gold GH8155X Microwave Oven - Great Looks

Monday, October 13th, 2008

The Whirlpool Gold GH8155X microwave oven is an over-the-range oven that has a distinct, attractive appearance and a wide array of options and features. In addition to the long list of regular options that you’ve come to know in most microwaves of the day, such as one-touch cooking and a turntable, the Whirlpool Gold GH8155X also has a cycle built in called AccuSimmer. This feature uses a built-in sensor system that can quickly bring liquids to boil, then reduces power so that the liquid is brought to a simmer.

As anyone that had ever heated up soup or coffee in a microwave can attest, a microwave without this feature is always in danger of overheating the liquid, often with catastrophic, sloppy results. AccuSimmer does away with all that mess and lets you enjoy your soup or coffee as it was intended, not scalding hot or splashed all over the microwave.

Note: You can check out many more Whirlpool Microwave products at our Whirlpool Microwave Store.

Looks Great

As far as looks goes, it doesn’t get much better than the Whirlpool Gold GH8155X. This microwave has a stainless steel finish which is very sought after in many modern kitchens due to its attractive, stylish appearance and the ease by which it can be cleaned.

What are the Drawbacks?

Unfortunately, though, there are some drawbacks. The Whirlpool Gold GH8155X is a bit pricey, usually fetching about $400-$500—though this is pretty standard for most over-the-range microwaves, if not a little bit less. Then there are the negative reviews. Truthfully, the line comes down at about 50/50 on this unit, with half saying it’s great and the other half saying it’s the worst. There seem to be a lot of Whirlpool haters out there, so you may want to take some of the reviews with a grain of salt. Don’t let this model get lumped in with dishwashers or refrigerators, as these are very different products.

The Bottom Line

Whirlpool is one of those brands that has had its up and downs and has been hit-or-miss at times, depending on the product. The Whirlpool Gold GH8155X microwave oven is one of those products that has had mixed results, depending on who you talk to. On one hand, you have some folks saying that it is a solid model that soars above its competitors, yet others say that they would never buy from Whirlpool ever again after owning a Whirlpool Gold GH8155X. What it all essentially boils down to is that it is your choice on whose opinion you want to trust.

At the very least, the Whirlpool Gold GH8155X is a great-looking appliance with a great feature in AccuSimmer. AccuSimmer is a feature not found in many microwaves out there and is very convenient for those who like to quickly heat their coffee up before they leave for work. If you’re in need of more counter space and can afford to buy an over-the-range microwave, you’re not likely to find a more affordable unit than the Whirlpool Gold GH8155X. The best thing you can do is make up your own mind when making a purchase such as this, rather than listening to reviews that may not be accurate.

Review: Kenmore Elite 80829 Microwave Oven - Over the Range and Convection, Too

Monday, October 6th, 2008

The Kenmore Elite 80829 microwave oven is truly a top-of-the-line model made for homemakers who are serious about getting the most out of their appliances. This model is an over-the-range model that also includes a convection feature for real heavy duty cooking. The convection feature lets you take microwave cooking to the next level, getting away from the “dorm-room cooking” most often associated with microwaves.

Users have claimed that they have cooked pizza, oven-fried chicken, and even made cornbread with the convection feature. Couple this feature with the ample space within this unit (1.7 cubic feet) and you can see that this sort of cooking is certainly possible. The only downside to the convection feature is that it has been reported as being hard to grasp without going over the instructions several times. But, on the other hand, that’s what the instructions are there for. Even if the convection feature isn’t the most user-friendly, it is easy to use once you get the hang of it.

Note: You can look over many more Kenmore Microwave products at our Kenmore Microwave Store.

Other features of the Kenmore Elite 80829 include a turntable which can be turned off, a variable speed fan, an exterior underlight, and all of the bells and whistles that you find on cheaper models. Users have also reported that his model is incredibly quiet compared to less expensive models. It is available in black, white, and stainless—which is very highly sought after by many for its attractive appearance and ease in cleaning.

What are the downsides?

So is there a downside to this great product? Well, the price is pretty high at $600, but you truly are getting what you are paying for here. In addition to a microwave, you are also getting a convection oven in this package. This pretty much makes the Kenmore Elite 80829 no longer a small appliance, but rather an appliance. The only other disadvantage here is that Kenmore is a brand that is sold exclusively by Sears and if you don’t have a Sears nearby you are going to have to order this model if you want one (and probably paying exorbitant shipping fees in the process). Also keep in mind that since this is an over-the-range model that it may need some installation. If you are not prepared to do this yourself, you may have to pay someone to do it for you.

The Bottom Line

All in all, the Kenmore Elite 80829 is a great microwave for any family. If you are a busy mom or dad that occasionally needs to take shortcuts in the kitchen, this microwave can be a real lifesaver. The Kenmore Elite 80829 has all the features that cheaper microwaves have these days, plus tons of other little things that you probably never even thought of. The convection feature in particular lets you do things that no other microwave could ever do, like toast bread or bake a pizza. This feature is also handy if you have children that you trust with using the microwave, but don’t trust with using a standard oven. If you can afford it, the Kenmore Elite 80829 comes highly recommended.

Tips About Shopping for Microwave Ovens

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008

Microwave ovens are easily one of the biggest appliances in the lives of many. People both young and old around the world use microwaves to reheat food, or to simply cook food in fast times. Microwaving is one of the most popular ways to cook food, which would explain why nearly everyone has one. There are multiple different ways to choose a microwave, and there are multiple different types of microwaves to choose from.

Microwave ovens have multiple different types. When some people look at these microwaves, they simply notice the aesthetic changes, and do not pay attention to the actual inner workings of the microwave. Others will notice the changes in how the microwave oven works, with how fast it can heat things up, and how hot it can actually heat things. Taking these changes into consideration is the best way to understand what microwave you need.

One of the massive changes that brought microwave ovens into the talk of major appliances was the advent of the idea that the microwave should and could be placed over the range. Over-the-range microwaves finally took the microwave off of the counter and into the realm of the other appliances, which freed up counter space for the normal kitchen activities.

One of the other major changes to the small appliances is the strength of the microwave. While certain microwaves will have different strengths of their own, some microwaves will simply have higher strengths than others. This turns some microwaves into major appliances, as some microwaves can heat things in a faster and more efficient way.

There are a few important things that you should take into consideration before you actually purchase a new microwave oven. While the microwave is partially about the look (and the overall feel of the entire kitchen itself), there are many more aspects that many people will not even consider, but could actually affect how happy you are with your microwave purchase.

The first thing that you need to look for is the strength of the microwave. There will be microwaves that are too powerful for your needs, and there will also be microwaves that are simply too weak for your cooking needs. Asking those who work at a place that sells microwaves will be the best way to figure out the strength that you need.

When you understand the strength of your microwave oven choice, you will then need to turn your attention to the actual features of the microwave. While some simply want a timer and a door, others want to have a pop-out door, and others want to have multiple saved food settings.

When you have figured out all of the information that you need about your microwave oven, you can simply look at all of the prices to figure out exactly what you can afford with your current budget. Many should rely on their budget to guide their choice, as it is important to keep with that budget.

The last an final step to microwave ovens, which often is decided before the microwave is chosen, is the look of the microwave. Some people will want a black microwave, while others will want white, and others will want stainless steel. All of these colors make for interesting microwave ovens that fit in with the other appliances, such as the dishwasher and the oven.

If you are looking for microwave ovens, you should really look in two different places. The stores that are in person will allow you to see the microwave, understand how it looks, and figure out exactly what you want. Looking for the same microwave online will allow you to price compare for the same microwave oven at different areas so that you can know where you will find the exact microwave that you want for the lowest price possible.

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Review: Sharp R-305KS Countertop Microwave Oven

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

If you’re looking for a reliable, serviceable, attractive and affordable microwave oven, the Sharp R-305KS will fulfill most microwave cooking needs. For those who have limited counter space, but still would like to have good bit of microwave power and features, this one cubic foot, 1100 watt unit is reasonably compact (Measuring 20-1/2 by 17 by 12-1/4 inches).

The long and short of it is that the Sharp R-305KS is cheap and easy to use. While it doesn’t have all of the features of more expensive machines, it has enough for it’s intended environment, the smaller kitchen or space where a lot of power for the price is desirable. But it’s not lacking in sufficient functions, namely, warm, soften, reheat and defrost options. And, as you would expect, it has a popcorn button. Moreover, the Sharp brand has an excellent reputation, and it’s attention to aesthetics is evident in the classy look and easy to clean stainless steel exterior.

Note: You can look over many more Sharp Microwave products at our Sharp Microwave Store.

One drawback, that is common with less expensive microwaves, is that in selecting the power level, you have to hit the power level button a few times. In order to reach a power level of 30%, you’ll have to punch the button eight times. But, this is a minor inconvenience considering the modest price.

 

Product Details

  • 1100-watt mid-sized microwave oven with 1-cubic-foot capacity
  • 12-5/8-inch-diameter turntable provides even heating; 23 automatic settings
  • 4 defrost, 6 cook, and 6 reheat options; Short Cuts for melting, softening, and warming
  • Minute Plus; popcorn key; auto-touch controls; 4-digit 2-color lighted display; interior light
  • Measures 20-1/2 by 17 by 12-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty
 
 
 

Bottom Line: The Sharp R-305KS will serve as a compact, nicely powered workhorse for many years.

 

Microwave Cooking Tips - Meats, Vegetables, Desserts

Friday, September 5th, 2008

You’ll hear a lot of advice about cooking in the microwave, and some of it’s even contradictory. If you’re confused about microwave cooking, don’t worry. Many people don’t know a lot about this easy, fast way of preparing food. Here are a few tips to help you cook in the microwave with success.

Use the Right Plastics

Be sure to use the right plastics. While plastic containers work well in the microwave, not all of them are created equal. Some will deform or melt when microwaved. Others can leach toxins and harmful substances into the food inside them. That’s why it’s important only to use plastics that are meant for microwave use. Don’t reuse packaging like butter tubs in the microwave, and only heat packaged foods that have instructions for use in the microwave. If a food doesn’t have these instructions, take it out of the packaging before heating.

Cook Smaller Pieces

It’s best to cook smaller pieces in a microwave oven. Cut larger items into uniformly sized and shaped pieces, and spread them evenly in the dish you’re cooking in. You may need to rotate or move these food pieces around while cooking. Thick areas should be near the outside walls of the container, since the outer part of foods cook faster in the microwave.

Some Foods Should be Pierced

Anything that has a shell, skin, or impermeable outside coating should be pierced before you cook it. This includes eggs and many vegetables. Otherwise, steam may build up inside and cause an explosive reaction. It’s also important to use a slightly larger container than you would in an ordinary oven - this helps your food heat more evenly. A round or oval shaped container is better for microwave cooking than a rectangle or square. That’s because corners can cause heat build up.

Cooking Times

If you’re using a microwave recipe, cook food for the shorter time in the range stated. You can always cook food longer, but overcooked food is ruined. If you don’t have a turntable in your microwave, stop the machine periodically to rotate food. Dishes inside your oven will be extremely hot - use an oven mitt or pad.

Lids and Covers

Lids should be used for anything you’d cook covered in the oven. This helps food cook more evenly, and allows it to retain moisture. Leave all lids slightly open so that pressure won’t build up inside the container. When you remove food from the microwave, lift lids carefully. Open containers facing away from you to prevent burns. Salting microwave food should be done after it’s cooked. That’s because salt can cause microwaved foods to dry out.

Some Ideas

When baking, you can soften solid sticks of butter by heating them for about half a minute on fifty percent power. When warming heavy cream or sour cream, use a low setting to prevent curdling. If your brown sugar has gotten hard, slice an apple or put a piece of bread into a loosely covered container with the sugar. Bread crumbs are made by microwaving cubed bread until stale, then crushing it inside a plastic bag.

Frozen Meats

If you’re using frozen meat, individual pieces can be separated by defrosting for thirty seconds to a minute. Then, if you wish to cook it further, arrange it evenly in the dish. You can also drain hamburger fat by microwaving the meat in a plastic colander on top of a bowl or other dish. The fat runs into the dish and out of the meat.

So, there you have it. Enjoy cooking with your microwave oven safely and effectively.

Tips on Microwave Cookware

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

Most of us have a microwave oven, but give little thought to the right cookware to use in making the most effective use of a microwave. One consideration is finding cookware that can be used both in the microwave and in a conventional oven. We cam across this article that provides some valuable tips to keep in mind. Read on.

What is the Best Microwave Cookware For the Kitchen?

In today’s environment almost every kitchen has a microwave oven and when looking for microwave cookware there is a ton to choose from. When looking for cookware I think the best microwave cookware is the kind that can be used in your conventional oven as well as in your microwave. However depending on the preferred cooking process there might be certain types of microwave cookware that are only used for microwave cooking.

I usually use the microwave oven in one of two ways. I either use it as a tool during the cooking process or use it solely as the main cooking process. An example of using it as a tool would be to thaw something and then finish the cooking process either on the stove top or in a conventional oven. That’s one reason why looking for cookware that can be used both in a regular oven and a microwave is a good idea.

However there are some cooking processes that do quite well in the microwave because it is either faster or the food comes out as good as or better than preparing it in a convention oven or stove top. In these cases you would want cookware that would only be used for the microwave oven. Some examples of this would be preparing bacon, steaming vegetables, or making baked potatoes.

Another example is a microwave pasta cooker. This cooking process is so much faster and the pasta comes out as good as if you prepared it the conventional way. The conventional way you would have to bring to a boil several quarts of water then add the pasta this whole process could take 20-30 minutes. Using a microwave pasta cooker it takes 15 minutes or less from start to finish. The great part about this is your not waiting for a big pot of water to boil.

In summary when possible the best microwave cookware is cookware that can be used in either cooking processes but there are a few exceptions were cookware that can only be used in the microwave is the right choice.

You will find more information about the best microwave cookware here. Or visit http://cookware.resourcesandinfo.net a web site dedicated to all types of cookware including gourmet cookware.

Microwave Ovens: Making a Choice

Friday, August 15th, 2008

It goes without saying that microwave ovens come in many different styles, sizes and configurations. When choosing which one to buy, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Much depends on your purpose in owning a microwave, and what features you wish to have. Here are some basics you will want to know.

Choosing A Microwave Oven

The microwave oven has become a standard fixture in American kitchens. You probably even have a microwave oven yourself. These appliances can heat water and cook food in much less time than it takes in a standard oven or stove.

The parts of a microwave consist of a cooking chamber, a wave guide, a magnetron which produces the microwaves, and a high voltage transformer which provides electricity for the magnetron and the magnetron control circuit. A microwave produces heat by bombarding food with microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic wave. Fats, sugars, and water absorb these waves, which causes the molecules to vibrate at a high rate os speed, which produces heat. The microwaves are not absorbed by ceramics, glass, or most plastics. Metal pans reflect microwaves, and thus cannot be used in microwave ovens.

Microwave ovens were first built in 1947 by Raytheon. This oven was called the Radarange, and stood almost 6 feet tall, weighing in at 750 pounds. It consumed 3000 watts of energy, and needed plumbing for it’s cooling system. This monster machine came with a monster price tag of around $5000. In 1954, a commercial model of the microwave was developed, that used only 1600 watts. The price tag of $2000-$3000 was still expensive. In 1965, Amana was acquired by Raytheon, and introduced a countertop version of the Radarange in 1967. This was the first popular home microwave oven, at the more affordable price of $495.

Microwave ovens have gone through several changes, and now come in many styles and sizes. Consumers have their choice of a wall mount oven, which is built into the cabinetry, and the tabletop version, which obviously is meant to be placed on a table or countertop. Microwaves allso come in different size options to suit a number of needs.

*Compact Microwaves: These small units generally measure less than 18 inches wide, 12 inches tall, and 14 inches deep. Their capacity is less than one cubic foot. Their power ranges from 500 to 1000 watts. These small units are used mostly for making popcorn, reheating food, and cooking microwave meals. You can typically find them in break rooms or dorm rooms, where they take up very little space. Some larger compact microwaves are also capable of light cooking, and can hold a 2 quart casserole dish.

*Medium Capacity Microwaves: These microwave ovens are generally 20 inches or more wide, with capacities of 1-1.5 cubic feet. The power on these ranges from 1000-1500 watts. These larger microwave ovens also have several auto-cook features built into them, which aren’t usually found in the compact microwaves. The medium capacity microwaves cook food slightly faster, and can accomodate larger bowls than the compact microwaves. They can be used for coking frozen entrees, vegetables, and small pieces of meat.

*Large Capacity Microwaves: These microwaves have a large number of auto cook features, and more precise temperature controls. These large microwaves are designed to cook entire meals. With a capacity of over 2 cubic feet, and over 2000 watts of power, these large microwaves are capable of cooking roasts, turkey breasts, and large casserole dishes.

Microwave may also come with additional features, such as browning elements, which produce a brown crust on food as if it were cooked in a conventional oven, or rotisseries.

When choosing a microwave oven, you should keep a few things in mind. What is your budget? Although microwave ovens can be bought for much less than $5000 now, you’ll still need to decide how much you want to spend. What do you plan on using the oven for? If you only want to pop an occasional bag of popcorn, or microwave a frozen burrito, you can get by with a compact microwave. If you plan on doing a lot of thawing and cooking, you’ll want to look at something bigger.

The microwave oven has gone though many changes since it’s first construction in 1947. With it’s wide variety of styles, sizes and even colors, they have become a very affordable asset to many people.

You can find microwave ovens, as well as tips and advice on remodeling your kitchen at Kitchen Decor Ideas

Microwave Oven Meat Loaf Recipe

Sunday, July 13th, 2008

Microwave Meatloaf:

This dish is a great comfort food, but for frenzied modern day cooks, it takes a while to bake in a conventional oven. To the rescue comes microwave meatloaf, bringing comfort to all those harried folks that don’t have the time to wait in this fast paced world we inhabit.

Hey, this handy appliance is not just for heating up frozen dinners. You actually can have a home cooked meat dish in a hurry.

 
 
 

Meatloaf Recipe

1 slice bread, torn in sm. pieces
1/4 c. chopped celery
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 clove garlic, minced
1 sm. onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef
1/4 c. catsup

Mix bread, celery, egg, garlic, onion, salt and pepper. Crumble ground beef into mixture; blend thoroughly. Press into 9″x5″ loaf pan (microwaveable). Microwave on high until internal temperature reaches 150 degrees, 13 to 15 minutes. If using oven other than carousel, rotate meat loaf once or twice during cooking. Spread with catsup. Microwave at medium until catsup is heated, 2 to 3 minutes. Let stand 3 to 5 minutes.

Courtesy of Aaron’s A to Z Garden of Information

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