Microwaving stuff

[sherrardk]

The packet says microwave 90g for 1 minute 20, if I want to do the hole packet (450g), do I just microwave it for six minutes (or doesn't it work like that)? Thanks

[boxtops]

No, we work on the principle that you add half again for volume, not 5 times. If you are microwaving one dish for 6 mins, and want to do two, I'd do the lot for 9 mins. Seems to work for us.

[hellywelly4]

That's something I've always wondered about - thanks for the answer

[boxtops]

Try it and see, helly - we have a 900w microwave and it works. You do sometimes have to move dishes around so they get equal heating.

[sunny-dave]

Will probably be a bit too long - guessing at around 4 mins but that might be a bit either over or under depending on type of product.

You will need to turn/stir/agitate/poke at regular intervals to ensure that the rays get evenly to all of the larger quantity.

[Anlyn]

I don't know what the stuff is, but if it says 90g 1 minute 20 it seems obvious that 450g will be 6 minutes....but what do I know LOL

[mccfluff]

dave what have i told you about poking things in the microwave, you'll get hurt!

[sherrardk]

Its ready cooked chicken that you cook from frozen if that helps (the times given are for a 800w microwave and mine is 1000 w).

[gingejbee]

anlyn: obvious, but incorrect. The relationship between amount and time isn't linear. If you double the amount of food, cooking time increases by 50 to 75% - depending on lots of other variables.

[gingejbee]

...now you've added another complication. I give up!

[Anlyn]

gingejbee, like I said, what do I know? I didn't know what the suff was or about these other variables.....ignore me.

[boxtops]

Just do it a bit shorter time then, sher, if yours is more powerful. Better to do it in short bursts then test and put in again if necessary, that overcook in the first place.

Or - peasy - divide into 5 portions and do each separately :-)

[Old_Geezer]

My solution.

Add a bit of time on and when it has elapsed, check. If not done yet, put back into oven for a short while longer. Repeat as necessary.

Start the veg off a bit later than you usually would, try to keep veg warm once done and waiting for the meat.

Tell starving family they can have a slice of bread & butter while they wait, if they need it.

[Old_Geezer]

Also note the time it did finally take, as then you can inform us all what one needs to add on in those circumstances, as a "rule of thumb".

[sherrardk]

I'll just bung it in and keep checking - usually do it in the real oven but need to do tea quickly tonight, thanks for all the answers.

[daginge]

turn/stir/agitate/poke sunny-dave you are a genius!

[boxtops]

That sounds like my kind of cooking!

[Old_Geezer]

Oh that was about cooking was it ?

[CreamSoda]

Try another minute and keep adding minutes until its done. 6 sounds excessive.

[sherrardk]

I zapped it for five minutes and it was fine.