Frequently Asked Questions

1. Wouldn’t be better if you made the bacon broiler larger so that it could cook a dozen strips instead of just six?
   Not really. Such a unit would take twice as long to load and unload, and with twice as many strips of bacon, the cooking time would take nearly twice as long. Moreover, it would take up more shelf space. For many families of one to six people, cooking six strips at a time is actually better. Since it only takes from three to five minutes to have a new batch on the table, the bacon always has that freshly made, mouthwatering taste!
   If you often have need for larger amounts of bacon, the answer is to get two bacon broilers. While one is in the microwave cooking, the other is being unloaded and reloaded. As one comes out, the other goes in. In less than 10 minutes, you can cook a whole pound of Bacon
   
   
2. How accurately can I control the degree of cooking?
   The time it will take to cook bacon depends on:
   (1)The power of your microwave. Always set it at maximum power.
   (2)The number of strips being cooked.
   (3)The cut of the Bacon. It is regular cut if there are 18 to 22 strips per lb. or thick cut if there are 9 to 11 strips per lb.
   (4)How crispy you want the bacon.
   
   As a guide: For 1000 watt oven, try 30 (sec/strip) for regular cut or 45 (sec/strip) for thick cut.
   
   Example: Using 4 strips of thick cut in a 1300 watt microwave, try (4 x 45 sec x 1000/1300) = 138 sec, or 2 min, 18 sec.
   
   Since this is only a guide, you should check the crispiness after about 80% of the estimated time has lapsed, or after about 2 min in this example. Press the oven stop button. Remove the unit, flip the Keys down, and lift up the Lid a couple of inches. If not done, close the unit and return it to the oven and press the start button for a little more cooking. You can follow this procedure as often as you want, but you will soon be able to judge quite accurately the correct preset time.
   
   
3. Sometimes the first strip or last strip, or both, in a package of bacon is thinner than the other strips. Do I have to cook these separately so they will not get overcooked?
   No. It is essentially the water content of the fat in bacon that attracts the microwave energy to it. As the bacon cooks, the water leaves the bacon as steam (effervesces) and liquid fat runs down the sides of the cup. It is true that this process will take place initially faster in a thinner strip. However, as the water leaves the fat, the remaining fat tissue becomes more and more transparent to the microwaves, causing its temperature to fall while the thicker strips are still fully broiling. It is this self correcting action that allows a combination of thick and thin strips to be cooked together. Of course, the preset time is a compromise based on the mix. The full length vanes of the WowBacon™ Rack are here essential to achieving uniformity of cooking.
   
   
4. If the bacon I have is a thin regular cut, can I pick up two strips at a time and cook them without separating them, thereby effectively getting thick cut bacon?
   Yes, but we suggest you might want to put them only on every other Rack Vane to prevent possibly severe sticking of the backsides of adjacent strips if you placed them on all six Vanes. Don’t expect to be able to separate the broiled strips.

1. I see a blue line of varying thickness where the top of the outer cup touches the inner cup. Should I be concerned?
   No. A thin film of viscous food grade grease is applied to one of the cups during production. It acts as an air seal. Sometimes after a period of time some of this grease migrates to the top of the joint. It is harmless, does not stain and may simply be wiped off.
   
   
2. I have noticed some small soft white spots and some larger dark areas on some of the Rack vanes. Does this indicate the Rack is becoming unusable?
   The discolored areas and those white spots are normal occurrences and should be of no concern. Particles of bacon that resist removal by brushing with detergent are easily removed using a scrubber sponge.
   
   
3. Being left-handed, can I switch the keys to the other side so I can actuate them with my left hand?
   You sure can. As the Instructions show, turn Key to be removed so tab (or locking) end extends farthest distance from Lid. Squeeze two split halves at far end of Key Shaft together while pushing it through the Lid Extension as you pull on other end until Key comes free. Now repeat for other Key. Then insert 1st Key into Lid extension 2nd Key came from; repeat for 2nd Key. Check task by noticing how Keys now engage underside of rim of Lid. Extensions pointing inward on bottom of Tabs limit the Keys upward motion.
   
   
4. What other methods of payment are there?
   For those who do not wish to use credit cards, we do accept payment by a Cashier's Check or a valid U.S. Money Order. After you make two copies of your filled in Order Form under our Website BUY NOW tab, do not click the SUBMIT button. Rather, click the cancel button or just exit the Website. Keep one copy and put the other along with the Cashier's Check or Money Order in an envelope addressed as follows:
   
   Valcor Inventions, Inc.
   2453 Cardinal Lane
   Wilmette, IL 60091
   
   

5. Warning: As stated in most microwave manuals: "Do not operate this oven unless food or water is present to absorb the microwave energy. Your oven could be damaged."

   Also, once all water has been cooked out of the bacon, even the heat-resistant Rack could soon be damaged. Always set the cooking time consistent with the type and quantity of bacon being prepared.