How to Use a Microwave Oven
Most microwave ovens in Pakistan work the same way, whatever the brand. Learn the basic steps once, then use the brand notes below for Dawlance, Haier, Homage, Orient, PEL and Anex models.
Updated 11 November 2026
Before first use
- Remove all packing, including the card on the inside wall (do not remove the mica sheet; it protects the waveguide).
- Put the glass turntable on the roller ring.
- Plug into a proper earthed wall socket.
- Heat a cup of water for 1 minute to test.
Basic reheating
- Knob models: turn the power knob to High, then turn the timer knob to the minutes you want. The oven starts by itself.
- Digital models: press Micro or Power to choose a level, enter the time, press Start. Most also have a +30 sec or Express button for quick reheating.
Cover the food with a microwave-safe lid and stir halfway for even heat.
How to defrost in a microwave
Press Defrost (or Weight Defrost), enter the weight of the meat, and press Start. On knob models, set the power knob to Defrost and give about 6 to 8 minutes per 500 g. Turn the meat over when it beeps. Cook defrosted meat straight away.
How to use the microwave grill
- Place food on the metal grill rack.
- Press Grill, set the time (10 to 20 minutes for tikka) and press Start.
- Turn food halfway.
- For faster cooking press Combi (microwave + grill).
Never use the metal rack in microwave-only mode.
How to set temperature in a convection microwave
Press Convection, choose the temperature (for example 180 °C for cake), press Start to preheat, wait for the beep, then put the food in and set the cooking time. Haier and PEL convection models work this way.
How to set the clock
Press Clock (on some models hold Stop or press Clock/Kitchen Timer), enter hours, press Clock, enter minutes, press Clock again. If the clock blinks after load-shedding, set it again.
Brand notes
- Dawlance: digital models have Cook King pre-sets; press the menu button repeatedly to choose the dish. Child lock: hold Stop for about 3 seconds on most models.
- Haier: Intelligent Chef auto menu on HMW-20DGS, 23200 DG and 32300. To reset, press Stop twice or unplug for one minute.
- Homage: the grill models use Grill and Combi buttons; solo knob models have 5 power levels.
- Orient: Pie and Puff use two knobs; the Tikka 23D Grill has digital Micro, Grill and Combi.
- Anex: AG-9029 uses knobs; AG-9030 has +30 sec and weight or time defrost.
Always check the manual that comes with your model, as button names differ.
What not to put in a microwave
- Metal pots, foil, steel tiffins and plates with gold or silver lines
- Whole eggs in shell
- Sealed jars and bottles
- Thin plastic shopping bags and takeaway boxes not marked microwave safe
See the safety and cleaning guide.
Microwave power levels explained
Most ovens offer 5 to 10 power levels. High (100 percent) is for water, vegetables and noodles. Medium-high (about 70 percent) suits meat and rice. Medium (50 percent) is for eggs and gentle reheating of curry. Low and Defrost (around 30 percent) thaw frozen meat without cooking the edges. On manual models like the Haier HMW-25MXP9 25 Litre Solo Microwave Oven you turn the power knob; on digital models you press the Power button until the level you want appears.
What is jet defrost, combi 1 and combi 2?
Jet or speed defrost thaws food quickly by time; weight defrost asks you to enter the weight, and the oven sets the time itself. Both pause to let heat spread. Combi modes mix microwave with grill (or convection). On many ovens, Combi 1 uses more microwave and less grill, for food that needs cooking inside, and Combi 2 uses more grill, for browning. The Haier HMW-32300 (B/S) 32 Litre Grill Microwave Oven has two such grill modes, C1 and C2. Check your manual, because each brand sets the split differently.
How to preheat and set the temperature
You only set a temperature in convection or air fry mode. Press Convection, choose the temperature (for example 180 °C), and press Start to preheat with the oven empty. When it beeps, put the food in and set the time. Grill mode has no temperature setting; you choose time only. In plain microwave mode there is no preheating at all.
