How to Use Microwave Wattage Settings

Since I have been spending more time at home lately, I often cook for myself.

Sometimes, I make a large batch, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the microwave, but what I struggle with is deciding what wattage and how many minutes to use.

Of course, my microwave is new, so it has an auto function.
However, this is unreliable. That is why I have been doing it manually lately.
At first, I only used 600W, but there were several times when the container was too hot to hold while the contents remained cold, so I looked into the differences based on wattage and would like to share them.

I might have been the only one who didn't know this.

<Features of 200W>

Low-temperature heating is its main feature. It is useful when you don't want to cook it any further but want to warm it up a little.

I use it when eating homemade steamed chicken that I have let rest.
Since it doesn't overheat, I can eat it while it is soft and juicy.
It can also be used for defrosting.

<Features of 500W>

This is where it gets confusing.
I used to wonder why they set it up this way when 500W and 600W only look like a 100W difference.

500W allows you to heat things thoroughly and evenly to the center.
This "evenly to the center" part is the key.
I really dislike uneven heating, so I have stopped using 600W and started using 500W lately.
It can also be used for defrosting.

<Features of 600W>

This is for basic heating.
However, it causes uneven heating.

The situation where the container is hot but the contents are cold, as mentioned earlier, happens.
It is best to use this when you want to quickly heat up a dish that isn't very large in volume.
You need to be careful about boil-overs when there is a lot of liquid.
Rice dishes seem to be better suited for 600W.

<Features of 1000W>

This is for rapid heating, but it can cause burning.

<How to place food>

Since it seems to differ depending on the model, I will introduce this:
For flat-type microwaves, it is best to place it in the center of the tray,
and for microwaves with a rotating turntable, it seems that placing it further from the center results in more even heating.
Though I worry about it falling off.

<How to use plastic wrap>

When using a microwave, you should use plastic wrap when you want to retain moisture, while for fried foods that you want to keep crispy, it is better not to use wrap and instead place a paper towel underneath.

The included instruction manual did not mention things to this extent.
It is disappointing when the information you want to know is missing.

Thank you for reading today as well.
I would appreciate it if you could like and follow. I look forward to your continued support.

#RecentLearnings