How to use your microwave safely!

Whether you're looking to cook up a nutritious meal, reheat some leftovers or just fancy a quick snack, your humble microwave is here for you!

Before you get started with the food, there are a few safety and operational issues to be aware of:

❌ Do not use anything metallic in the microwave. Even crockery with a metallic design on it or metal containers (including takeaway boxes) will cause it to malfunction and possibly create a fire hazard.

❌ Do not cover the vents.

❌ Don't use anywhere but the kitchen worktop.

❌ Don't use sealed containers or bottles as they may explode. This is also the case with eggs so don't microwave whole eggs in their shells.

✅ As with any appliance, it's always a good idea to carry out a quick visual inspection before you get started just to check for any damage to the unit, the plugs or cables.

✅ Make sure any containers or crockery that you use are microwave safe and won't melt.

✅ If you are cooking dishes with a lot of liquid, like soup or noodles, it's a good idea to cover your meal with microwave safe cling film and then pierce to allow excess heat to escape and prevent spillages.

✅ Clean and wipe down your microwave regularly to get rid of odours and keep it hygienic.

Operating your microwave

All microwaves come with slightly varying features and in different styles so, for more information on the model that is in your flat just speak to your site team. In general though, the cooking process is the same for all microwaves:

• Open the door and place food on the rotating turntable.
• Set timer and temperature according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• If you would like to stir your food or you need to stop midway through cooking, open the door by pressing the stop button or open the door.
• Always allow your food to stand for a couple of minutes after the cycle finishes as it is effectively still cooking!
• Stir your food to disperse heat and then tuck in!

Recipes and Guide

For some more handy hints on microwave cooking along with some tasty recipes check out the BBC's Good Food Guide.