Panasonic Survey Highlights Microwave Cooking Challenges
Panasonic conducted a ‘Survey on Microwave Cooking’ involving 600 men and women aged 20 and above who own a microwave. The findings reveal that approximately 57% of respondents engage in ‘microwave cooking’ (defined as preparing a full dish using only the microwave function). Among these, about half reported experiencing difficulties with “uneven heating.”
Reasons for using microwave cooking often include the ability to shorten cooking times, cited by approximately 70% of users, emphasizing the demand for convenience and efficiency.
For those who do not use microwave cooking, primary reasons include “uneven heating or difficulty in cooking well” (27%), “lack of microwave recipes” (22%), and the perception that “flame-cooked dishes taste better” (19%).
Benefits of Microwave Cooking
Despite the challenges, microwave cooking offers several advantages:
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Time and Effort Saving: It can significantly reduce cooking time compared to conventional methods, streamlining meal preparation.
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Safety: Eliminating the use of open flames reduces risks of burns and fires, making it ideal for beginners and those living alone.
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Nutrient Preservation: Shorter heating times and less water usage can help preserve vitamins, especially water-soluble ones, in vegetables.
Addressing the “Uneven Heating” Problem
The survey found that approximately 48% of microwave users are concerned about “uneven heating,” followed by “food becoming dry or hard” (30%), and “difficulty in setting wattage and heating time” (26%). Furthermore, 64% of respondents noted that “some dishes turn out well, while others do not.”
To overcome these common issues, Panasonic Cooking@Lab’s microwave master shares key tips for minimizing cooking failures:
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Uniformity in Ingredients: Cut ingredients to a uniform size and thickness, and arrange them evenly in the dish. Place root vegetables, which take longer to cook, at the bottom.
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Moisture Retention for Meat and Fish: To prevent meat and fish from drying out, ensure they are thoroughly immersed in liquid or sauce during cooking.
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Adjusting Wattage and Time: When manually setting wattage and heating time, start with a shorter duration and adjust as needed while monitoring the food. Panasonic’s
