Microwave Symbols and Settings

Getting to know your microwave

Having opted for one of our modern microwaves you may be wondering what the the different symbols and settings on your microwave mean? We have put together this quick-fire guide to ensure that you are getting the most out of your Bosch microwave. Below you can find out what the symbols on your microwave mean and which programmes should be used for defrosting and cooking particular types of foods. If there's a symbol on your microwave that doesn't appear here, you can find more information by searching for your microwave's instruction manual here

Microwave symbols explained

On/off button

Turn your appliance on and off

Start button

Use this button to start your appliance

Timer

Use this button to set the timer on your microwave

Timer

Use this button to select the timer on your microwave. This symbol may be used on different models.

Stop

This button will stop or pause your microwave

90 watts

Select a micowave power output of 90 watts

180 watts

Select a micowave power output of 180 watts

360 watts

Select a micowave power output of 360 watts

600 watts

Select a micowave power output of 600 watts

900 watts

Select a micowave power output of 900 watts

Programmes

Choose an automatic programme

Weight

Select a weight for the chosen programme

Weight

Select a weight for the chosen programme

Memory

Select the memory

Open door

Open the door on your appliance

Grilling

Select the grill

Child lock

Activating and deactivating (hold down for approx. 4 secs) the childproof lock

Information

Displays information

Microwave programmes explained

P 01- Defrost minced meat

Weight range in KG: 0.20-1.00

P 02- Defrost pieces of meat

Weight range in KG: 0.20-1.00

P 03- Defrost chicken, chicken pieces

Weight range in KG: 0.40-1.80

P 04- Defrost bread

Weight range in KG: 0.20-1.00

P 05- Cooking rice

Weight range in KG: 0.05-0.2

P 06- Cooking potatoes

Weight range in KG: 0.15-1.0

P 07 -Cooking vegetables

Weight range in KG: 0.15-1.0

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my food becomes too dry?

Next time, set a shorter cooking time or select a lower microwave power setting. Cover the food and add more liquid.

Why is my food heated on the edges, but not in the middle?

Stir it during the cooking time and next time, select a lower microwave power setting and a longer cooking time.

Why is my meat or poultry defrosted on the outside, but not in the middle?

Next time, select a lower microwave power setting. If you are defrosting a large quantity, turn it several times.

Why is there condensation on the microwave window?

Condensation may appear on the door window, interior walls and floor. This is normal. This does not affect how the microwave operates. Wipe away the condensation after cooking.

Why is the 'E-3' error message showing?

If an error message is displayed, switch the appliance off and on again; if the message disappears, it was a one-off problem. If the fault occurs again or the error message is still displayed, please contact customer support

How do I defrost food in my microwave?

Firstly, you must select the correct programme. As listed above, programmes 1-4 all defrost different types of food. You must then input the weight of your food by clicking the KG button and using the rotary selector to choose a weight. Once you have inputted the weight, you can click start. Your microwave may require a different method to defrost food. Always check your model-specific instruction manual which can be found here

How do microwaves cook food?

Microwaves are able to penetrate food items to a depth of 1 cm. This causes the water, fat and sugar molecules in the food to vibrate causing friction which in turn causes heat. This heat is then transferred to the internal areas of the food. Therefore, the outside of the food is likely to begin to cook before the inside. In order to generate sufficient heat to kill bacteria throughout the food, microwave power needs repeated application to ensure the inner areas are heated to the required temperature. You can learn more about how our microwaves work here.