Microwave - Benefit of Power Levels
Variable power levels add flexibility to Microwave cooking. The power levels on the Microwave Oven can be compared to the surface burners on a Range. Each power level gives the microwave energy for a certain percent of the time. Power level 7 is microwave energy 70% of the time. Power level 3 is microwave energy 30% of the time. Most cooking will be done on the High power level which gives you 100% power.
Changing the Power Level (on Most Models)
- Touch TIME COOK.
- Enter the desired minutes.
- Touch POWER LEVEL.
- Enter the desired Power Level.
- Press START to start the cooking process.
You can also change power levels during cooking but you cannot change them during "automatic functions."
Using the Power Level Feature
Power levels are most commonly used in recipes to prevent overcooking. Fats and sugars heat very quickly, for example, cheese toppings or brown sugar glaze. Using a lower power level or adding toppings halfway through the cooking time will help avoid overcooking of these items.
The time it takes to cook food in Microwaves depends upon the amount of food, its size, shape, density and starting temperature as well as the cooking wattage of the Microwave.
General Guidelines to Help with Cooking
- High (100 percent) power is best for browning, boiling liquids, cooking or heating fish, ground meats, bacon and vegetables.
- Medium-High (70 percent) power is best for gentle cooking of meats and poultry, baking casseroles and convenience foods, sautéing and re-heating food.
- Medium (50 percent) power is used for slow-cooking and braising food.
- Low (30 percent) power is used for defrosting, simmering and delicate sauces.
- Warm (10 percent) power is used for heating breads, keeping food warm for a short period of time and softening butter, cheese or chocolate.
Available Power Levels
The number of power levels available on a Microwave vary, depending upon the model. Each level serves a definite purpose and should be used as recommended. Power levels are a percentage of "on time" for the magnetron tube which cycles on and off to obtain the various levels. Below are lists of power level percentages that are found on GE Appliances Microwave Ovens.
| Most GE Appliances models |
| High Power | 100% on time |
| level 9 | 90% on time |
| level 8 | 80% on time |
| level 7 | 70% on time |
| level 6 | 60% on time |
| level 5 | 50% on time |
| level 4 | 40% on time |
| level 3 | 30% defrost |
| level 2 | 20% defrost |
| level 1 | 10% warm |
| Models with 5 power levels |
| High power | 100% on time |
| Medium High power | 70% on time |
| Medium power | 50% on time |
| Low power | 30% on time |
| Warm power | 10% on time |
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