Reheating instructions take a few lines of a label, and each has a job. The one that needs thought is the wattage: your microwave may not be the one the times were written for.
- Pierce the film in several places.
- Heat on full power: 800 W for 3 min, or 1000 W for 2 min 30 s.
- Stir, re-cover and heat for 1 more minute.
- Leave to stand for 1 minute.
- Check that the food is steaming hot throughout.
What each line is for
The wattage names the microwave power the times were tested for. Some packs give one level, others several; your own oven's power is usually in its manual or on a label.
"Pierce the film" gives steam a way out. Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety advises venting plastic wrap at a corner, because some wraps tighten and split when heated (CFS).
"Stir" is there because microwaves heat in pockets, and stirring or turning lets the cold parts catch up (FSA).
"Stand" is part of the heating, not a pause: standing time completes the cooking and spreads the heat (Health Canada).
The final check is the FSA's: steam rising from the surface and from the middle when you cut in. Australia's Food Safety Information Council asks you to follow the whole sequence, stir and rest included, so the food is cooked through (Food Safety Information Council).
When your microwave is weaker or stronger
Health Canada says to adjust times to your microwave's power: a lower-powered one takes longer to bring food to a safe temperature. There is no official conversion formula, so work in small steps:
- Start from the time for the power level closest to yours.
- Weaker microwave: add time in short bursts, stirring and checking in between.
- Stronger: start a little under the printed time and check.
- At any wattage, finish with the same test: steaming hot in the middle.
One long extra stretch tends to dry the edges or boil the sauce over while the centre stays cool (why that happens).
The pack is the reference
Our packs carry reheating instructions, and they are the ones to follow for that dish, including when you eat straight away: our machines have a built-in microwave that heats a meal after purchase. At home, adjust for your own microwave, after a quick check of the pack itself.
Sources
- Food safety tips for microwaves · Health Canada · 2026-10-23
- Microwave Cooking and Food Safety · Centre for Food Safety, Hong Kong · 2026-10-23
- Cooking your food · Food Standards Agency (UK) · 2026-10-23
- Microwaves and food safety · Food Safety Information Council · 2026-10-23
