How to use a microwave oven effectively and safely

Microwave ovens are a real game changer in the kitchen. Whether you are reheating last night's meal or quickly defrosting meat on a busy weekday evening, learning how to use a microwave oven correctly saves both time and effort. In this guide, we will walk you through everything - from first-time setup to cooking rice, baking cake, and grilling - with practical tips tailored for Indian cooking needs.

Most households use the microwave only for reheating, but your appliance is capable of much more. Explore the full potential of your Electrolux microwave and make every meal effortless.

How does a microwave oven work?

A microwave oven heats food by sending electromagnetic waves into the cooking cavity. These waves make water, fat, and sugar molecules move faster, which creates heat. That is why moist foods like curry, dal, or vegetables usually heat faster than dry foods, and why stirring and standing time help prevent cold spots.

Step-by-step guide: How to use your microwave oven for the first time

Note that the functionalities and buttons your microwave oven offers will vary depending on the make and model of microwave oven you’ve purchased. For the purposes of this guide, we will refer to the most common features of Electrolux microwave ovens.

Step #1. Read the user manual to familiarise yourself with your microwave oven

Before first use, read the user manual thoroughly. It lists which container types are approved, how to set the power level, and which auto-cook programs are available for your model. Always follow the instructions in the user manual for smooth operation.

Step #2. Place the food in the microwave oven

After having plugged in your appliance, it’s time to get cooking. Make sure to use a microwave oven-safe dish and avoid heating food in an airtight container. Then place the dish in the center of the rotating plate inside the oven.

For even heating, place thicker portions towards the outer edge and thinner or smaller portions in the centre. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to prevent splattering and retain moisture.

Step #3. Select suitable program & heat the food

Quick press to select the program and prefer cooking time on the keypad. Press Start and let it run its course. If you need to check the food midway, press Stop or use the door release — the microwave pauses automatically, depending on the appliance.

Step #4. Remove the food safely

Use oven mitts or a thick cloth to remove the container. The dish can become very hot even if the food inside seems only warm. Let food stand for 1–2 minutes after heating to allow the heat to distribute evenly, then enjoy your food.

Read more:

• Find the support you might need for your Electrolux microwave ovens
• Frequently-asked questions about microwave ovens

Key microwave oven functions explained

Understanding your microwave oven's core functions helps you get more from every meal:

• Defrost: Thaws frozen food gently using reduced power. Best for frozen meat, fish, or parathas.
• Reheat: Quickly warms pre-cooked food at high power. Ideal for reheating roti, rice, or sabzi in seconds.
• Grill: Uses a heating element to cook and crisp food. Perfect for paneer tikka, tandoori chicken bites, or toast.
• Sensor Cook / Auto Cook: Automatically detects steam from food to adjust cooking time. Useful when you're multitasking in the kitchen.

How to defrost food in your microwave oven

Running short on time to defrost chicken or fish for dinner? Your microwave's defrost function makes it simple. Here's how:

• Choose your microwave oven’s defrost functionality (consult your user manual for its usage) and place your food in a microwave oven-safe container. When you choose the defrost function, your microwave’s power will be reduced, allowing it to defrost your food without cooking it.
• Refer to your user manual for recommended defrost times, but a good rule of thumb is allowing for 15-20 minutes of defrosting per kg of meat. For fish and smaller cuts, 8–10 minutes per kg is usually sufficient. Pause every few minutes and turn the food over for even thawing.
• Most importantly, immediately cook the meat after you’ve defrosted it. Don’t leave it for later, since the warm temperatures could leave the door open to bacteria.

How to cook rice in your microwave oven

While rice is a staple accross India, cooking it on a cooktop can be tiresome. You need to be watching your pot the whole time to regulate the temperature, and there’s lots of cleanup involved. So while it may sound strange, hear us out when we say the microwave can do it for you.

• Clean the rice and put it in a microwave oven-safe container. Add about 2 cups of water for every cup of rice you use. The amount of water varies depending on the rice you use. Make sure to check the cooking instructions for your rice. Make sure that the container is big enough, since the rice will expand while cooking.
• Cover with a microwave-safe lid that allows some steam to escape, or use a plate placed loosely on top. Some retailers even sell specially designed rice cooker containers for the microwave that come with little holes in the lid.
• Microwave the rice at 900W for 5 minutes, then reduce the power by 50% and microwave for another 15 minutes.
• Let the rice rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute and the rice grains to firm up.
• Fluff with a fork before serving. If the rice is still slightly hard, microwave in 1-minute intervals at 50% power until done.

How to bake cake in microwave oven

You don’t need a convection microwave oven to bake a cake. A normal microwave oven can do the job just fine. However, there are some small differences when compared to baking with a full-size oven. Here's what you need to know:

Baking in a regular microwave (without convection)

• Prepare your batter as per the recipe; eggless cakes work especially well in a microwave.
• Pour into a microwave-safe round glass or silicone cake mould. Do not use a metal baking tin.
• Bake at full power (100%) for 8–10 minutes for a full-size cake, or 1.5–2 minutes for a mug cake.
• Insert a toothpick to check the doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.

Baking in a convection microwave oven

• Preheat the convection microwave to 180°C (the standard for most cakes).
• Use a greased baking tin or silicone mould and pour in the batter.
• Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes (about 25% less time than a full-size oven).
• Check with a toothpick at the 20-minute mark. Every microwave differs slightly in output.

How to grill using a microwave oven

The grill mode uses a built-in heating coil to brown and crisp food — ideal for Indian snacks and starters. Here's how to get the best results:

1. Place food on the metal rack (provided with your Electrolux microwave). The rack elevates food so heat circulates underneath.

2. Select Grill mode from the function menu. Set the timer; most grilling tasks take 8–15 minutes depending on thickness.

3. Flip food halfway through for even browning on both sides.

4. Use oven mitts when removing the rack as it becomes very hot during grilling.

Microwave oven safety tips for Indian kitchens

Follow these guidelines to keep your family safe and your appliance in top condition:

• Never use metal: Steel utensils, aluminium foil, and containers with metallic rims cause sparking that can damage the magnetron. Only use the rack supplied with your microwave.
• Never run the microwave empty: Running without food can irreparably damage the magnetron - the core component that generates microwaves.
• Avoid sealed containers: Never heat food in airtight boxes or sealed packets, pressure buildup can cause them to burst. This is especially important for pouched dal, packaged paneer, or canned items.
• Don't reheat twice: Once food has been reheated and partially cooled, reheating it again can allow bacteria to grow. Consume reheated food promptly.
• Check the door seal regularly: A damaged door seal can cause microwave energy leakage. If you notice the door does not close firmly, contact Electrolux India service immediately.
• Avoid microwaving certain foodstuffs:
  • Whole eggs: They may explode from the steam built up inside
  • Thick sauces: Sauces, especially tomato-based pasta sauces, will start popping inside your microwave oven as the steam from inside the sauce tries to escape, covering the inside of your oven in the process
  • Processed meats: Hot dogs and other processed meats may release harmful substances when heated in the microwave

Choose the right microwave oven for you

Different models of microwave ovens come with different functions that may offer even more convenient options for the above-mentioned uses. To choose the best microwave oven for you, consider not only the functions you need, but also the size and wattage most suitable for your household.

Check out some of our best-selling microwave ovens: