When we think of the microwave, the first thing that probably comes to mind is reheating a dish or defrosting something at the last minute.
But the microwave can do much more! Depending on the model and the functions available, you can use it to cook vegetables, prepare desserts, melt ingredients and make real recipes.
And if you have a connected Haier or Candy appliance, hOn can help you discover even more possibilities, with recipes, programmes and tips designed to help you make the most of your microwave.
Here are 5 ways to use your microwave, with different power levels for different dishes.
1. Defrost food more conveniently
Forgot to take the meat out of the freezer? The microwave can help you defrost it in just a few minutes: use the Defrost programme, often recognisable by the symbol of a snowflake accompanied by one or more drops. On some models, you can select the type or weight of the food, allowing the microwave to automatically set the most suitable cycle.
Defrosting generally uses a low power level, around 20–30% of maximum power, so the food defrosts gradually without starting to cook around the edges.
💡 Tip: pause the programme halfway through and turn the food over to help it defrost more evenly.
2. Cook vegetables in just a few minutes
The microwave isn’t just for reheating: it can be a practical and quick way to cook many types of vegetables, such as broccoli, courgettes, carrots and potatoes.
Cut the vegetables into similarly sized pieces, add a small amount of water and place them in a microwave-safe container. Cover it with a suitable lid, allowing the steam to escape. Set a medium-high power level, around 70–80%, and start cooking.
And once they’re cooked? You can serve them as a side dish or use them as the base for a new recipe.
3. Make a dessert in just a few minutes
The microwave can also become your ally when you’re craving something sweet.
An example? A mug cake, a small cake prepared directly in a mug and ready in just a few minutes. On the hOn app, you’ll find a selection of recipes dedicated to desserts. Choose your favourite and let the app guide you through the preparation, while also discovering which programmes and functions are available on your model.
A medium-high power level, around 60–80%, can help cook the mixture more evenly without drying it out too much.
4. Soften or melt ingredients
Butter too cold? Chocolate to melt? Honey that has become too thick?
In many cases, just a few seconds in the microwave are enough to bring ingredients back to the consistency you need.
How can you melt them perfectly? Choose a low power level, around 20–40%, and heat in short intervals. For example, when melting chocolate, heat it for 10–20 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals.
💡 Tip: don’t wait until the chocolate is completely melted before stirring it. The heat will continue to spread even after you stop the microwave.
5. Prepare complete dishes
Some models combine the microwave function with grill or fan-assisted cooking, allowing you to prepare appetisers, side dishes, first courses, main courses and desserts.
- The grill is recognisable by the symbol of a zigzag or serpentine line and is designed to give food a crispier, more golden surface.
- Fan-assisted cooking, on the other hand, uses a fan to distribute hot air inside the cavity.
Directly on the hOn app, you can discover the programmes and functions available on your microwave, giving you more ideas about what to prepare and how to do it.
Discover the hidden potential of your microwave with the hOn app
To sum up, understanding which programme and power level to use can help you achieve better results and prevent food from heating or cooking too quickly on the outside. Keep these guidelines in mind:
- 20–30% for defrosting and softening
- 40–50% for melting and gently reheating
- 60–70% for gradual cooking and reheating
- 80–100% for quick cooking
*Remember that cooking times and power levels may vary depending on the model, quantity and type of food. When available, automatic programmes can help you set the correct parameters more easily.
And the hOn app can become your ally in the kitchen, helping you discover recipes, explore available programmes and find tips and suggestions for preparing your dishes. Do you have a connected Haier or Candy microwave? Discover what you can do with your microwave directly on hOn.
