The Kenwood K25MMS14 is a 25-litre silver conventional microwave oven designed for indoor, household, and domestic use. It offers a range of cooking functions and features to simplify meal preparation.
Function Description
The primary function of this microwave is to cook and reheat food using microwave energy. It operates at a standard household electrical socket (230-240V~, 13 amp rated) and has an output power of 900W, corresponding to heating category E.
Key cooking functions include:
- Microwave Cooking: Allows users to cook food at various power levels (10% to 100%) and for specific durations, up to 95 minutes. The power level can be adjusted using the Microwave button and the Timer/Weight/Auto Menu dial.
- Quick Cooking: Provides a convenient way to cook food at 100% microwave power in 30-second increments by repeatedly pressing the Start/+30Sec./Confirm button.
- Multi-Stage Cooking: Enables users to program up to two consecutive cooking stages. For example, defrosting food followed by microwave cooking at a specific power level and time. Auto cooking and quick start cooking are not available in multi-stage cooking.
- Auto Cooking (Auto-Cook Menu): This feature simplifies cooking by allowing users to select from pre-programmed food categories (e.g., Pizza, Meat, Vegetable, Pasta, Potato, Fish, Beverage, Popcorn) and specify the weight of the food. The microwave automatically sets the appropriate cooking time and power level. The auto-cook menu is suitable for various food types and weights, with specific recommendations for optimal results (e.g., piercing potato skin, using suitable containers).
- Defrosting: Offers two defrosting methods:
- Defrost by Weight: Users can enter the weight of frozen food (100g to 2000g), and the microwave calculates the defrosting time.
- Defrost by Time: Users can manually set the defrosting time, up to 95 minutes.
- Clock Setting: A 24-hour clock can be set when the microwave is first connected to power or after a power interruption. The clock is displayed on the LED panel.
- Kitchen Timer: Functions as a standalone timer, allowing users to set a countdown for up to 95 minutes. This feature operates independently of cooking functions.
- Child Lock: A safety feature that locks the control panel to prevent accidental operation, especially by children. It is activated and deactivated by pressing the Stop/Clear button for 3 seconds.
Usage Features
The microwave is designed for ease of use with a clear LED display and a combination of buttons and a dial for control.
- Control Panel: Features dedicated buttons for Microwave, Clock, Weight Defrost, Time Defrost, Kitchen Timer, Stop/Clear, and Start/+30Sec./Confirm. The Timer/Weight/Auto Menu dial is used for setting time, weight, and selecting auto-cook programs.
- LED Display: Shows the current time, cooking time, power level, and selected settings.
- Turntable Plate: A glass turntable plate and support ensure even cooking by rotating the food during operation. It must always be used when operating the microwave.
- Door Handle: Used to open and close the microwave door. The microwave will stop operating if the door is opened during a cooking cycle.
- Utensil Compatibility: Most heat-resistant, non-metallic cooking utensils marked "microwave safe" can be used. Glass, porcelain, plastic, and paper are generally safe. Metal objects, including metal cooking utensils, metal plates, wire twist-ties, crockery with metal trims, and meat thermometers, should not be used as they can cause arcing and damage. Aluminium foil can be used sparingly for shielding specific food parts, provided it does not touch the oven walls.
- Food Preparation Guidelines:
- Stir food from outside inwards for even heating.
- Arrange multiple individual foods evenly on the turntable.
- Turn larger foods like roasts and poultry during cooking.
- Pierce the skin of fruits and vegetables (e.g., potatoes) to prevent pressure buildup.
- Avoid cooking eggs in their shells.
- Allow standing time after cooking for heat distribution.
- Use cling film designed for microwave use and exercise caution when removing it to avoid steam burns.
- Only heat popcorn designed for microwave use.
- Do not operate the microwave empty.
- Safety Interlocks: The microwave is equipped with safety interlocks to prevent operation when the door is open, protecting against microwave energy exposure. It is crucial not to tamper with these interlocks.
- Condensation Management: Condensation is a normal byproduct of microwave cooking. Users are advised to dry the microwave after cooking foods with high moisture content and to open the door immediately after cooking to allow steam to escape.
Maintenance Features
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the microwave's performance and safety.
- Interior Cleaning: The microwave cavity has a special enamel coating for easy cleaning. Splashes and spills should be wiped immediately with a soft damp cloth or paper towel. Grease should be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The wave guide cover, located on the right-hand side wall, must be kept clean to prevent smoke or fire from accumulated grease. Abrasive pads or cleaning powders should not be used on the interior.
- Exterior Cleaning: The outside of the microwave can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a damp cloth. Abrasive cleaners, pads, or powders should be avoided to prevent scratching.
- Turntable Plate and Support: The glass turntable plate and support should be washed in warm water. The glass plate should be allowed to cool down after use before washing in very hot water to prevent cracking. Ensure they are dry before placing them back in the microwave.
- Power Cord and Plug: The power cord and plug should be cleaned with a damp cloth after unplugging the microwave.
- No Steam Cleaners: Steam cleaners should not be used to clean the unit.
- No Removal of Fixed Parts: Users should not attempt to remove any fixed parts from the inside of the microwave during cleaning.
- Professional Servicing: In case of damage to the door or door seals, or if the mains cord is damaged, the microwave must not be operated and should be repaired by a qualified service agent. Any service or repair involving the removal of covers that protect against microwave energy exposure should only be performed by a qualified service agent.