In article >,
"Sharon Derben" > wrote:

> Thanks for the ideas - very much appreciated.
>
> I guess what I'd like is a simple Excel spreadsheet which says "enter number
> of items" followed by entering the recommended cooking time for each. The
> output would be "put item A in for 1.5 minutes then put item b in for a
> further 2 minutes followed by item C in for a further 3 minutes". It seems
> logical to me that this would work for any power machine because you are
> deciding the cooking times to enter based on the power of your machine and
> the instructions for a single item for that power in the instructions on the
> box.
>
> I'm surprised I've not seen such a spreadsheet.

Because its not possible. The time for microwaving food depends much
more on the total volume of food and its density and fat content than
the number of items you're cooking at the same time. For example,
microwaving two pieces of chicken would require different time than two
hot dogs, or one hot dog and one piece of chicken. The spreadsheet
you're looking for would be so huge that it would exceed the 57,000 or
so rows that Excel allows.

The best way to learn how to use your microwave is to use it. Put the
items you want in and learn by trial and error. Reading the manual that
comes with the microwave oven might also help.