Getting to Know Your
Microwave Oven
This section discusses the concepts behind microwave cooking. It also shows you the basics you need to know
to operate your microwave oven. Please read this information before you use your oven.
HOW YOUR KENMORE MICROWAVE HOOD
COMBINATION WORKS
Microwave energy is not hot. It causes food to make
its own heat, and it's this heat that cooks the food.
Microwaves are like TV waves, radio waves, or
light waves. You cannot see them, but you can see
what they do.
A magnetron in the microwave oven produces
microwaves. The microwaves move into the oven
where they contact food as it turns on the turntable.
Metal floor
The glass tray of your microwave oven lets
microwaves pass through. Then they bounce off a
metal floor, back through the glass tray, and
are absorbed by the food.
Microwaves pass through most glass, paper, and
plastics without heating them so food absorbs the
energy. Microwaves bounce off metal containers so
food does not absorb the energy.
Radio interference
Using your microwave oven may cause interference
to your radio, TV, or similar equipment. When there
is interference, you can reduce it or remove it by:
• Cleaning the door and sealing surfaces of the
oven.
• Adjusting the receiving antenna of the radio or
television.
Testing your microwave oven
To test the oven put about 1 cup of cold water in a
glass container in the oven. Close the door and
make sure it latches.
6
Magnetron
Oven cavity
Glass tray
For the best cooking results
• Always cook food for the shortest cooking time
recommended. Check to see how the food is
cooking.
• Stir, turn over, or rearrange the food being
cooked about halfway through the cooking time
for all recipes. This will help make sure the food is
evenly cooked.
• If you do not have a cover for a dish, use wax
paper, or microwave-approved paper towels or
plastic wrap. Remember to turn back a corner of
the plastic wrap to vent steam during cooking.
• Moving the receiver away from the microwave
oven.
• Plugging the microwave oven into a different
outlet so that the microwave oven and receiver are
on different branch circuits.
Cook at 100% power for 1 minute. When the time is
up, the water should be heated.