Microwave - Food Taking Too Long to Cook

If food is taking too long to cook in a microwave or is not cooking properly, you can review the following reasons that may be the cause. These tips usually remedy the concern.

Diagnosing a Microwave That Is Taking Too Long to Cook Food

Installation

• Make sure that there are no air obstructions around the microwave case. Magnetron tubes generate heat which must be removed by air flow. If the heat is not removed, the magnetron tube will cycle off and stop cooking. The tube will cycle on after it has cooled.

Power Level

• You may have multiple appliances on the same circuit, which could affect the cooking wattage.
• Microwaves with low cooking wattages (400 to 500 watts) will produce slow results. A 400 watt oven requires approximately 60% more time to cook than a 650 watt model.
• Ensure that the power level is set correctly for the food being cooked.

Cookware

• Use only appropriate microwave cookware. Some cookware, like stoneware, can block or absorb microwave energy. 

Recipe

• If the size, shape, amount or temperature of the food varies from the recipe or cookbook, you may have to revise the cooking times accordingly to suit the condition of the food item being cooked.
• Divide large recipes into two batches or cook conventionally. The time savings of microwave cooking is greatly reduced or eliminated when quantities are large.

Food Type and Placement

• Adding water to some foods can speed up the cooking process.
• Improper placement or arrangement of food in the oven can cause slow cooking. Follow the instructions in the Owner's Manual for correct placement and arrangement of food.
• Food should be completely thawed.
• Food is too dense.

Repair Service Recommended

If you have checked the above items and you feel that your food is still not cooking properly, then we would recommend having your microwave checked by a service technician. For service, please schedule a repair appointment with Bodewell.