The Benefits and Tips of a Microwave Kiln

The microwave kiln is normally used during the manufacture of glass jewelry, small clay and silver clay products. These ceramic-based kilns are made of refractory board. This material is used to manufacture several other kilns. It makes microwave ovens' insulating units to protect the oven from high temperatures. To create the heat useful to fire the clay and glazes, the systems combines microwave energy and closed kiln effects. Use of this type of a kiln is rather simple and direct.

What are the merits of using microwave ovens?

• A microwave kiln is about ten times inexpensive compared to a usual kiln.

• It can control the level of fusing for every unit

• In less that fifteen minutes microwave furnaces achieves good fusing results

• In terms of energy consumption, microwave ovens are about twenty thousand times cheaper.

A few demerits associated with the use of microwave kilns

• You can only make a few units of ceramics at a time. This particularly happens if you have bought the smallest kiln.

• You must wait for every unit to cool to the room temperature range before you can use a kiln system another time

• In half an hour to one hour, your glass, clay or other silver clay items will cool down. This means you cannot perform any task on them or reuse the kiln.

There are different sizes of microwave kilns to go for. These include the following:

• Medium size kiln- written in short form as MK-M, a medium microwave oven measures seventeen centimeters in diameter by eight point-seven centimeters high. The inner section measures eleven centimeters in diameter by four point-five high. Those who are about to start glass jewelry art often buy this kiln. In minutes the users are able to fuse numerous pieces of glass using the microwave energy. It is easy to master how to operate it. Mostly, this type of an oven breaks its base. You shouldn't worry about it because the spare parts are available.

• Small size kiln- if you do not want to buy a medium microwave furnace, a small kiln or the MK-S is a good alternative. Externally it measures twelve point-five centimeters in diameter by six point-five centimeters high. Internally it measures eight centimeters in diameter by four point-five centimeters high. Within minutes, you can create art items even as a beginner. If its small base is damaged, you can always replace it. All you have to do is to conduct a thorough research online. Many stores do not only sell MK-S kilns but also their spare parts.

More tips about the microwave oven

• To keep the oven from burning out, allow it to cool for at least twenty minutes between uses.

• Never place dirty materials in the oven especially oil to avoid causing fire.

• Fire only dry items and use the lowest temperatures possible. It is okay to perform extra firing later.

• Repair and maintain your microwave kiln often especially on the interior to avoid cracks.

G. Smitty is a writer who loves to discuss many topics ranging from used kilns to professional basketball. Thanks for reading!

Tips For An Amazing Microwave Cooking Experience

In today's world, a microwaveable oven is a necessity in every home. The microwave oven has definitely made things easier, and it is practically common knowledge that microwave ovens are fast and easy to use. However, if you have only been using your microwave for the occasional reheating job or just for popping corn; then you are definitely missing out on an excellent cooking tool.

This article will highlight helpful cooking tips and pointers which can help you to make the most of your microwave.

Cooking Tips

* When cooking foods that may have some sort of covering such as a shell or skin, it is always a good idea to pierce the outer layer. This will prevent the food from exploding as a result of steam build-up.

* Ensure that the containers used are specifically designed for use in a microwave oven. Also, when preparing foods in a microwave choose a container slightly larger than the one you would have used on a stove top, for example.

* To achieve an even distribution of heat, it is recommended that all food portions be approximately the same size. If this is not possible, then smaller pieces should be placed in the centre and larger pieces arranged around the edge of the container.

* Incidentally, keeping food covered with a plastic lid or wrap helps the food to retain moisture which then allows for more even cooking. Leave a small space between the food and the lid and always leave a corner of the container open to allow for excess steam to escape.

* Avoid excessive drying of the outer layer of food items by adding salt to the food after its removal from the microwave. Salt of the surface area of food items attracts the 'microwaves', which inadvertently result in a rubbery effect.

* A general rule-of-thumb is that, usually six minutes per pound will adequately cook most meats such as meat, poultry and vegetables - seafood will require less time.

* Recipes which dictate recommended cooking temperatures in degrees can be converted to a microwave's temperature setting. Basically, a microwave on high or 100% power is equivalent to a conventional oven operating at 425 degrees, and an oven at 350 degrees would be about the same as a microwave operating a 50% power. Cooking foods which would normally take an hour in a conventional oven should take approximately 15 minutes using a microwave.

* Foods such as cakes which would consist of leavening agents, such as baking powder, should be allowed to stand for a few minutes prior to cooking in the microwave. This is to allow the rising agents to do their job.

* Finally, heating 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a cup of water for about 2-3 minutes or until boiling does wonders in removing grease and other food stains which may have been splattered on the interior of your microwave.

So, go ahead - amaze your family with various microwave recipes. There are tons of cooking tips available on the internet which will make your venture into the world of 'microwave cooking' a culinary success!

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A Few Microwave Oven Safety Tips

Microwave oven safety tips that are listed below will ensure that even a novice will end up using a bit cautiously, minimizing risk due to ignorance and misuse. It is true that with a microwave oven you end up saving time, energy and money while ensuring that your food is not charred, however, there are a few tips on its usage that users have to be informed about.

Some Safety Tips

o It is strongly recommended that users read and understand the user manual supplied by the manufacturer before attempting to use the device.

o Check that it complies with the FDA emission limits.

o Ensure that there are no leaks and if you do suspect a leak do not use the device but get it checked at the nearest authorized service station.

o Before using it ensure that the device is functional and has no defects such as a door that is bent or a door that does not close.

o It is recommended that you only use dishes made of an appropriate material or you may risk explosions which can cause serious damages. Do not use metal cookware or aluminum foil in the oven.

o Remember it is not safe to operate the device when empty.

o Do not let your children lean against it when it is in operation.

More Microwave oven Safety Tips

o While heating water or other liquid be cautious of over heating or super heating it as it can make the water or liquid to explode causing serious scalds and burns. Add salt, sugar or beverages to water before attempting to heat it.

o Heat foods only at the recommended temperatures.

o Remember that the food is hot despite the fact that it may not appear so.

o While steaming any food in a closed container ensure that its vent is open to prevent you from scalding your hands with hot steam on opening the lid.

o Another microwave oven safety tip that cannot be stressed enough is the proper use of oven pads when removing food from the device.

o Follow the recommended "standing time" to let the food get cooked after the oven has stopped operating.

o Stir the food occasionally as there are certain hot spots where the food gets overheated while there are also cold spots where the food is not even warm. If you stir the food occasionally you will ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked.

These are just a few common microwave oven safety tips that you can learn about to avert any possible mishap due to ignorance. Your best bet is to read and understand the manufacturer's instruction manual.

Microwave oven safety tips ensure to provide a safe and a healthy cooking experience to a beginner. Learn more about microwave oven history.

Saving Time With Your Microwave

The ubiquitous microwave oven is an appliance used daily, both at work and at home. And yet so few people possess the knowledge and skills necessary to reap the maximum productivity from this modern time-saving device.

Here are several tips for optimal microwave oven usage:

1. Reduce unnecessary key punching.

Are you one of those plebeians who still punches in 1-0-0 to heat an item for a minute or 1-3-0 for a minute and a half? Use 6-0 for 60 seconds and 9-0 for 90 seconds, and save yourself that extra digit. Learn to type two digits for anything up to 99 seconds. You'll save time and also reduce wear and tear on your keypad.

2. Duplicate the same digit whenever possible.

Tip #1 was for newbies. The next skill to master is digit reuse so as to minimize finger movement over the keypad. Instead of typing 9-0 for 90 seconds, type 8-8. Instead of 6-0, use 5-5. You won't miss those extra seconds, and you'll save even more time.

3. If your microwave has a turntable, learn its rotational period.

How many times have you re-nuked your tea only to find that when you opened the microwave door, the teacup handle was oriented towards the rear, forcing you to reach awkwardly around the back to extract your beverage without burning yourself? The time lost in handle-hunting can be an order of magnitude greater than what you save on the keypad, so give top priority to learning the period of rotation of your turntable. When shopping for a new microwave, look for one with a rotational period of 5.5 or 11 seconds, since then your 5-5 and 8-8 nukes will always return the cooked item to its original orientation (i.e. handle facing out). But if you're stuck with a less functional period of rotation and the handle always ends up facing the rear after your preferred nuke times, then learn to insert the cold mug with the handle facing the rear, so it will be facing outwards post-nuking. Of course, another solution is to buy two-handled mugs or teacups, which is fine if sophistication lacks appeal to you.

4. Multitask with multiple microwaves.

How many times have you had to wait for the microwave to finish one item before you nuke a second or third item, like reheating leftovers and then making a cup of tea? Surely you have better things to do than stand around soaking up radiation for 10 minutes. New microwave ovens can be bought for less than $50. You should have at least three stacked in your kitchen and at least one in every room of your home. Reheat leftovers for the entire family in minutes. Build your own nuke farm, and multi-nuke your way to faster meals for life. Just be sure not to blow a fuse by running too many other appliances at the same time.

By applying these tips, you could save yourself precious seconds per day, which over the course of a lifetime, should be more than enough to recoop the time spent learning them... unless, of course, you're reading this on your deathbed, in which case you have my sincerest apologies (and my pity).

Next time: Why you should wear a wristwatch on each wrist (what if your non-watch hand happens to be closer to your face???)... PLUS determining optimal coaster placement.

Copyright © Steve Pavlina

Steve Pavlina
Personal Development for Smart People
http://www.stevepavlina.com
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Steve is intensely growth-oriented. He trained in martial arts, ran the L.A. Marathon, and graduated from college in three semesters with two degrees. He can juggle, count cards at blackjack, and make damn good guacamole. Steve is also a polyphasic sleeper, sleeping just 2-3 hours per day and only 20 minutes at a time. So chances are good that he's awake right now.

Basics of Microwave Ovens

Microwave ovens or microwaves are kitchen appliances that using the technique of dielectric heating for cooking or heating food. Most microwaves of today have features like grill and convection system, toaster slots, defrosting facility, steam-cleaning features, child safety lock, power-saving features and the like.

Advantages Of Microwave Ovens

These days, microwaves are becoming an important part of every kitchen. It has started replacing many other appliances due to its versatility. Microwave has its own merits that make them the most preferred choice. These features are:

o They help to retain the flavor and taste of the food cooked.

o They are quite cost efficient and safe to use.

o Microwave ovens do not require being pre-heated unlike the traditional ovens and can be used for cooking without any delay once switched on.

o Cooking in microwaves avoid the heating up of the surroundings as with gas stoves which makes the kitchen area hot.

o Microwave cooking helps to overcome the odors produced while cooking.

o The stains caused by food spills on the kitchen table and walls are prevented when using microwave ovens for cooking.

o Microwaves do not need to be washed regularly as gas stoves. They can be just wiped with a damp cloth to remove dirt and food particles.

o Cooking food is faster and requires less effort especially if using dual ovens which have the features of a conventional and microwave oven.

Disadvantages Of Microwave Ovens

Like with any other kitchen appliance, microwaves too have some demerits. However, the merits definitely outweigh the demerits.

o There are chances of the food getting over cooked or unevenly cooked.

o All types of utensils cannot be used for cooking in microwave ovens. Microwave-safe containers and vessels should be used for cooking.

o Certain kind of food cannot be used for cooking in a microwave oven.

o Since microwaves heat things quickly, it is not safe to heat liquids as they can be superheated leading to explosions.

o There is a high risk of steam blasts in the microwaves which is caused due to tight covering of containers.

Tips For A Safe Microwave Cooking

Following some tips that ensure safe cooking with the microwave ovens:

o Never cover the containers used for microwave cooking tightly as it causes pressure to build up inside the containers leading to steam blasts.

o Never open containers immediately after cooking.

o Never take out heated containers soon after cooking from the microwave. This helps to cook the food properly and also allows the steam to escape. Allow them to cool for sometime before removing.

o Never heat liquids for more than two minutes. When heating liquids, it is advisable to put a wooden stick in the container to prevent super heating of the liquid.

o Never reheat a warm liquid again in the microwave as it can lead to faster super heating.

o It is advisable to read the instructions on the microwave's manual before cooking. They provide the necessary details regarding safe cooking with microwave ovens.

o Never allow children to operate a microwave by themselves. Proper adult supervision is required to prevent any accidents.

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Tips and Pitfalls of Melting Chocolate in the Microwave

The microwave is a fantastically wonderful tool, you can heat up just about anything, and quickly to boot.

However, using a microwave can also become a problem if not used appropriately and with caution.

Using a microwave to melt butter is quick but you have to be careful of over melting it (you should only melt it half way then swirl it to melt the rest for best flavor). The same goes for defrosting, melting and heating of other items as well.

For example, chocolate chips melted in a microwave make for a quicker, easier dessert but can be easily burnt. There are two main reasons for this:

1) Microwaves don't cook evenly. Even the best microwaves with the rotating plate will have spots that get hot faster than others. So without regular stirring, your chocolate might overheat in a small area, causing burning.

2) Most chocolate chips are manufactured in such as way as to hold their shape, even when 'melted'. A chocolate chip can get to the melting temperature but you won't know it by just looking at it, they'll look like they always do. This factor can often lead people to think the chocolate chips haven't started melting yet, when they're already beginning to burn. So, you have to stir them to see if their melted.

So, how do you melt chocolate chips in the microwave without risk of burning them?

It's easy! First, just stir regularly. I make sure to stir any chocolate chips I'm melting at least every 30 seconds.

Second, don't cook them until they're all melted, stop heating them when about 75% of the chips are fully melted, after that, simply stir them until it's completely smooth.

Here are some more important microwaving tips:

1) If you want to simply soften your butter, microwave on medium power until soft. Butter will melt quickly once warm so keep the power a bit lower and check it often.

2) Is your brown sugar a bit hard? Try putting the sugar in a bowl in the microwave along side about a cup of water. Microwave on high for about a minute. Your brown sugar should be nice and soft again.

3) Need to toast some nuts or coconut? Although I recommend using the oven, you can microwave them to get much of the 'toasted' flavor you're looking for.

For nuts, try adding 1 tsp. butter for each half cup of nuts then microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.

For coconut, simply microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.

4) Need to melt large chunks of chocolate? Try breaking them up into small pieces or even grating them with a large-holed grater. The chocolate will melt much faster and be more easily stirred.

5) Juicing lemons? In addition to rolling the lemons on a flat surface, using moderate pressure with your palm, try microwaving each lemon for about 15 seconds on high before squeezing. You'll find you get more juice per lemon this way!

Well, that's it for my microwave tips today! I hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you learned something new.

Eric Schmidt has written many articles on dessert tips, he also has a website that helps users with many aspects of making desserts including how to melt chocolate.

Using the Microwave For More Things Than Just Cooking

"Maybe saving yourself a little money too"

You can use your microwave for many more things other than cooking. You can make liquid soaps, lip-gloss, finger-paints for the children and more. Everyone knows that the price of everything is going up and up nowadays. Getting the most out of what we buy helps us to save a little more money. It can make us feel better about ourselves as well when we are not wasteful. Below are a number of different things that can be made at home by using your microwave:

Liquid Soaps; How many times have your just tossed the small pieces of soap because they became too hard to use? Save them and after you have several pieces you can make some liquid soap. First start by grating or shredding them into a bowl that is microwave safe. Add water to the soap and microwave on high five or six minutes or until the soap has melted, stirring every minute or two. Allow the mixture to cool and then pour into a container or soap dispenser.

Also you can use an oil such as olive, jojoba, avocado, coconut or almond oil to make moisturizing soaps. Wonderful stuff here. Instead of the water use the oil instead. Following the same steps listed above.

Tips: It may be trial and error as to how much water to use. Too little water can make the soap because hard again. And when using oil you will not need as much oil as water when making the liquid soaps.

Lip Gloss; Do you know that your tubes of lipstick still have a lot left in them when you think they are time to throw away? Save them and when you have several of the same color dig out the lipstick from the dispenser with a toothpick and place in a microwave safe container. Add equal amount of petroleum jelly and heat of high for 30-60 seconds, stirring with the toothpick every 15 seconds. Now your favorite lipstick can become your favorite lip gloss. Imagine the money you can save just by doing this one thing. Lipsticks can be very expensive.

Tip: You will want to use the same container to heat the mixture in that you will be saving the lip gloss in, so choose accordingly.

Hot Towel Treatments; Fold a slightly damp large towel and place in microwave. Heat on high for about a minute maybe two. The towel can then be placed on your back, legs, arms or neck as a heating pad. For a hot towel facial treatment place a damp folded wash cloth in the microwave and heat on high for about 30 seconds or more if needed to be hotter.

Tip: Be very careful when heating the towels to use on skin. They can become very hot very quick and you may easily burn the skin if the towels get too hot.

Hot Oil Treatments; Have you ever bought those little tubes of hot oil hair treatments? The oil treatments can really make a difference with unmanageable hair. Put the tube in a cup of water and place in microwave for 30-45 seconds. It will shorten the time it takes to heat the oil and will get it hotter than letting it set in just the hot water.

Have you found that the hot oil treatments that come in the tubes are just not enough and you have to end up using two or more of them to cover your hair when it is long? Try buying a large bottle of oil. Jojoba, almond, avocado and coconut oils are wonderful to use for hot oil hair treatments. Place the amount of oil needed in a microwave safe cup and microwave on high for 30-60 seconds.

Tip: Be very careful when heating the oils in the microwave. They can become extremely hot in a very short amount of time. This can cause severe burns to the skin.

Soiled or spotted clothes; Stains or soil clothing may be cleaned by taking a soapy dish cloth or soapy clean rag and place in microwave then heat on high for 30-60 seconds. Use the cloth to scrub the stain or soil. The extra heat can add to cleaning power and may be all that is needed to lift the stain.

Tips: Test should be done first on a spot where it won't show to make sure that the material is safe and no damage done by cleaning it this way. Also be careful when removing the soapy cloth from microwave. It can be very hot.

Potting Soil; Did you know that you can sterilize the potting soil by placing a one pound bag in the microwave and heating on high for two minutes? This will prevent weeds from popping up that may have gotten into the soil.

Stamp Collectors; Here is a neat little trick. You can place the envelope in the microwave and heat on high for 30 seconds to loosen the stamp.

Citrus fruits; You can squeeze more juice from lemons, limes and oranges if you first place them in microwave and heat on medium heat for 30-60 seconds.

Tomatoes; The skin on the tomato can be much easier to peel if the tomato is first placed in microwave and heated on high for 15-30 seconds. After allowing the tomato to cool the peeling should come right off.

Fun for the kids; Rainy days and the kids inside with nothing to do? Finger painting can be very enjoyable for them and help in building cherish memories that can last a lifetime.

Recipe for making finger paint - In a large microwave safe bowl place 1/2 cup of corn starch, 1 cup of water, mix until blended. Add 2 more cups of water and stir. Place bowl in microwave and heat on high 8-9 minutes or until the mixture thickens, stirring every two minutes. Pour the mixture into small bowls and add different food colors to them. Allow the mixture to cool before giving to the kids to paint with.

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