Before using your new microwave oven for the first time, it’s important to follow these steps:
Step 1: Read the Instruction Manual
Familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines provided in the user manual. This will help you understand how to operate your microwave oven safely and efficiently.
The manual will contain important safety information, such as how to properly handle the microwave, precautions to take, and potential hazards to avoid. This can prevent accidents and injuries.
It’s important not to skip this step, as understanding these details is crucial for avoiding potential hazards and ensuring safe operation.
Step 2: Inspect the Microwave
Before using it, visually inspect the microwave oven for any signs of damage or defects. Check the door seals, interior surfaces, and power cord to ensure everything is in good condition.
Check inside the microwave oven cavity and remove any packaging materials, such as cardboard inserts or protective films that may have been placed there for shipping purposes. Failure to remove these materials before operation could cause them to catch fire or emit harmful fumes.
Important: Do not remove the magnetron cover
The magnetron cover in microwave ovens serves a crucial purpose: it protects the magnetron, which generates microwaves, from food splatter and debris. Despite its appearance, often resembling cardboard, it’s typically made of Formica-molten rock, a durable material. Removing this cover can damage the microwave and and void its warranty.
Step 3: Clean the Interior
Even though it’s a new appliance, it’s a good idea to clean the interior of the microwave oven before using it. Wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust, residue, or packaging materials that may have accumulated during shipping and handling.
Before using your new oven for the first time, it’s recommended to run it with a bowl of water inside for about 10 minutes. This process helps remove any manufacturing residues or odours that may be present in the oven cavity from the production process. After running the oven with water, discard the water and wipe down the interior surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Once this step is completed, your oven is ready to be used for cooking.
Important: Don’t run it on empty, it can damage it
Running the microwave oven empty can cause the energy generated by the microwave to be absorbed by the internal components, potentially leading to overheating and damage. Without food or liquid to absorb the microwaves, the energy can bounce around inside the oven, resulting in increased stress on the microwave’s internal mechanisms. This can eventually lead to malfunctions or even permanent damage to the appliance.
