Microwave Demonstration

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 7, 19 July 1983, Page 6

Microwave Demonstration

Demonstrations of microwave cooking drew a considerable number of spectators to Crown Farmers' store in Raetihi last Tuesday. Conducted by Tim Kirkup, a representative of manufacturers Autocrat Sanyo, the demonstrations were designed to show people the advantages of using microwaves and to dispel some of the myths surrounding this type of cooker said Mrs Iris Parr, retail manager at Crown Farmers, Raetihi. "They're not designed to replace conventional ovens but the two should be used in a complementary role" explained Mrs Parr. "For example a conventional electric oven is much better when it comes to baking cakes, breads and pastries. On the other hand a microwave oven is superb for cooking poultry, fish and vegetables." In simple terms, a microwave oven gains its cooking power from an electrically powered magnetron which emits microwave energy. The microwaves pass through food in the oven and cause water molecules in the food

to vibrate at massive speed. This movement causes friction that in turn creates heat which cooks the food. A great advantage of the microwave oven is that all food cooks completely in its own natural juices. Also, because no great heat is created, they're very easy to clean and power consumption is much less than conventional ovens. "They're wonderful for busy people" said Mrs Parr. "Microwave ovens reheat precooked or frozen meals just as if they've been dished up a minute , ago. They doh't dry the meal out at all. A farmer's wife could

make and freeze meals for busy times like shearing or haymaking then simply put the frozen meals in the microwave when needed. In a few minutes they're ready to eat again." "Microwaves do not give radiation poisoning" emphasised Tim Kirkup "They're made to stringent safety standards and simi^K won't operate with doors open. About half those attending the demonstrations were potential purchasers said Mrs Parr. The rest were owners who wanted to learn more about operating their ovens.